Cherry: While cherry wood gives off a pleasant fragrance when burned, it doesn't burn as hot as other wood.
Worst Types of Wood for Your Fireplace
Pine: The upside of pine is that it can burn hot and can be used for kindling. The downside is that it produces a lot of creosote, a highly flammable substance that can accumulate in your chimney's flue, raising the risk of a chimney fire.
Spruce: Spruce is similar to pine; it's pitchy and can lead to creosote build-up.
Poplar: This wood produces an awful smell when burned.
Green or Wet Wood: Any wood that has yet to be appropriately cured will produce excessive smoke and inadequate heat and can lead to creosote accumulation. Always burn dry wood in your fireplace.
Driftwood: It might seem tempting because of its abundance on our lake shores, but burning driftwood releases toxic chemicals due to its salt content and can harm your family and pets.
Treated or Painted Wood: Any wood that's been chemically treated or painted releases toxic fumes when burned, some of which will not only make your family and pets sick, but can be deadly as well. Never burn treated wood in your fireplace
