Daily Chronicle 2022 - Take 2

Should You Use Cedar?

Many cedars, including red cedar, are especially poor firewood choices. You should not use most cedar species in any stove or fireplace you value. Obviously, the wood will burn, but it should be used only in an open outside area where smoke and explosive heat are of less concern.



Remember that most cedar species are loaded with volatile oils that are extracted for many uses. Cedars are the next best thing to a resin-soaked pine knot for starting wood fires, and cedar makes for a great natural kindling source. Using it for starting your fires is just fine. But burning it exclusively is not recommended.



Pockets of these cedar oils will cause pops and spits of fire sparks and embers, making it quite dangerous for use in an open, inside fireplace. Some people do use cedar for a quick warm-up during the spring and fall seasons, where a short burst of hot fire can take the chill off.



One thing not to blame cedars for: It has not been proven that cedars produce toxic smoke, unlike some glue fumes in composite wood products. Never burn composite wood products like plywood, chipboard, or OSB (oriented strand board).