Can You Burn Pallet Wood in a Log Burner?
Everything you need to know before you toss those pallets onto the fire.
Why the Question Matters
You’ve just cleared out a garage, a workshop, or a storage unit and are left with a stack of wooden pallets. They’re sturdy, they’re free (or almost free), and they’re tempting to use as fuel for your log burner. Before you light the first one, though, you need to ask the right questions:
- Is pallet wood safe to burn?
- Will it damage your stove or flue?
- Does it produce a lot of smoke or harmful gases?
- How does it compare to seasoned firewood in terms of heat output?
In this post we’ll walk you through every aspect of burning pallet wood, from the chemistry of the wood itself to the practical steps you can (or cannot) take to use it responsibly. The information is written for you—the homeowner, DIY‑enthusiast, or eco‑conscious burner—who wants a clear, evidence‑based answer.
1. What’s Inside a Typical Pallet?
| Feature | Typical Pallet Wood | Seasoned Firewood |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Mostly softwoods (pine, spruce, fir) and mixed hardwoods (oak, birch). | Usually a single species, often hardwood (oak, beech) or softwood (pine). |
| Moisture Content (MC) | 20 %–40 % (often higher if stored outdoors). | 15 %–20 % after 6–12 months of drying. |
| Treatments | May be heat‑treated (HT), chemically treated (pesticides, fumigants), or painted/stained. | Generally untreated, unless deliberately kiln‑dried with chemicals. |
| Nails / Fasteners | Hundreds of 6‑8 mm steel nails, occasional plastic staples. | Occasionally nailed for transport, but rarely left on in a home furnace. |
| Contaminants | Residues from previous cargo (oil, chemicals, food waste). | Minimal; only natural bark, sap, or occasional bark. |
| Energy Density | ~3.5 MJ/kg (soft‑wood range). | 4.0 – 4.5 MJ/kg for good hardwood, 3.5 – 4.0 MJ/kg for softwood. |
A few take‑aways from the table:
- Moisture is the biggest problem. Wet wood produces less heat and more smoke.
- Treatments can introduce toxic compounds that you certainly don’t want in your home.
- Fasteners become projectiles in the firebox if they melt or break apart.
2. The Safety Checklist – Should You Even Consider It?
| Risk | Why It Matters | Mitigation / Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| High moisture | Low heat output, excess creosote, chimney fouling. | Dry the pallets for at least 6 months in a well‑ventilated, covered area. |
| Chemical treatment | Burning chemicals can release dioxins, furans, and heavy metals. | Never burn pallets that are painted, stained, or marked “HT” (heat‑treated) or “CT” (chemically treated). |
| Nails & staples | They can jam the grate, damage the firebox lining, or become hot projectiles. | Remove all metal fasteners (use a hammer, pry bar, or magnetic sweeper). |
| Contamination from previous loads | Oil, grease, or pesticide residues create toxic smoke. | Only use pallets that have never held hazardous material. Look for clean, plain wood. |
| Pallet construction | Gaps and loose boards can cause “pallet splinters” that fall into the flue. | Break the pallet down into uniform pieces (2‑4 inches thick) before loading. |
Bottom line: If any of the red flags above apply, the safest answer is no, don’t burn it. If the pallets are clean, untreated, and you’ve removed all metal, you can proceed—but only after a proper drying period.
3. How to Prepare Pallet Wood for the Log Burner
- Inspection
Look for paint, stains, logos, or any markings that indicate treatment. Pallets stamped “HT” have been heat‑treated to kill insects; the process can leave chemicals that become airborne when burned. If you see a “MB” (methyl bromide) label, discard the pallet entirely. - De‑nailing
- Magnetic sweeper: Fast for flat decks, but won’t catch all nails.
- Hammer & pry bar: Time‑consuming but thorough.
- Power drill with a nail‑pulling bit: Efficient for large batches.
- Sizing
- Break the pallet into 2–4 inches thick pieces; smaller pieces ignite faster and burn cleaner.
- Remove any splintered or warped sections that could jam the grate.
- Drying
- Stack the split pieces on a raised pallet or lumber rack.
- Separate rows with a 3‑inch air gap.
- Cover the top with a breathable tarp (plastic sheeting traps moisture).
- Ideal drying climate: 15–25 °C, 50–70 % relative humidity, and a gentle breeze.
- Target moisture: ≤ 20 % (use a digital moisture meter to verify).
- Seasoning Test
- The “snap” test: Take a piece, try to bend it. If it snaps cleanly with a crisp sound, it’s dry enough.
- Weight test: Dry wood feels lighter. A 1‑ft³ block of seasoned hardwood weighs ~35 lb, while wet pallet wood can be 45 lb or more.
4. Burning Pallet Wood – What to Expect
| Metric | Pallet Wood (dry) | Seasoned Hardwood | Seasoned Softwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Output (kWh per 1 kg) | 3.5 – 4.0 | 4.5 – 5.0 | 3.8 – 4.2 |
| Burn Time (hrs per 10 kg load) | 2.5 – 3.0 | 3.5 – 4.5 | 2.0 – 3.0 |
| Smoke Production | Moderate (higher if still damp) | Low | Moderate |
| Creosote Build‑up | Higher if moisture > 20 % | Low | Moderate |
| Ash Volume | 0.5 – 0.8 lb per 1 kg | 0.4 – 0.6 lb per 1 kg | 0.6 – 0.9 lb per 1 kg |
Practical Observations
- Heat – When properly dried, pallet wood can give you a respectable amount of warmth, though it never quite matches dense hardwoods like oak or beech.
- Flame characteristics – Expect a slightly more “crackly” burn due to the mix of soft‑ and hardwood fibers.
- Ash – Expect a bit more ash than pure hardwood; clean the ash pan regularly to avoid blockage.
- Smell – Clean, untreated pallets burn with a neutral wood smell. If you detect a chemical or oily odor, extinguish the fire immediately.
5. Environmental Considerations
Using pallets that would otherwise end up in a landfill is a good waste‑reduction move—provided they are safe to burn. The carbon footprint of burning dry, untreated pallet wood is comparable to that of seasoned firewood: the carbon released is roughly the same amount the tree stored during growth. However, burning treated pallets can release toxic pollutants that are far worse for indoor air quality and the atmosphere.
If you have a large supply of clean pallets, consider alternative uses before deciding to burn them:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Composting (chipped) | Returns nutrients to soil, reduces landfill waste. | Takes time to decompose; may need shredding. |
| Mulch for garden beds | Good moisture retention, weed suppression. | Requires shredding; may attract pests if not fully dried. |
| Woodworking projects (e.g., rustic furniture) | Adds value, creative reuse. | Labor‑intensive; may require sanding and finishing. |
| Animal bedding (for horses, rabbits) | Cheap, absorbent. | Must be free of chemicals and nails. |
If none of the above fit your situation, and the pallets pass the safety checklist, burning them in a well‑maintained log burner can be a practical short‑term solution.
6. Step‑by‑Step: Burning Pallet Wood the Right Way
- Load the firebox with a mix – Combine 70 % seasoned firewood and 30 % pallet wood. This reduces the chance of a smoky, low‑heat burn.
- Start with a hot base – Light a handful of dry kindling and a few soft‑wood logs first; let the fire reach a strong, steady flame before adding pallet pieces.
- Maintain good airflow – Keep the air‑control lever open enough to promote complete combustion.
- Watch the smoke – If the chimney draws excessive white or black smoke, pull back on the pallet load and let the fire settle.
- Check the flue – After each burn, inspect the flue for creosote deposits; clean if buildup exceeds 0.5 mm.
7. Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Burning wet pallets | Low heat, heavy smoke, creosote buildup. | Dry pallets for at least six months; use a moisture meter. |
| Ignoring HT/CT markings | Release of toxic fumes. | Discard any pallet with treatment labels. |
| Not removing nails | Grate damage, fire‑box holes, danger of hot projectiles. | Use a magnetic sweeper and hand‑pull remaining nails. |
| Loading only pallets | Fluctuating temperature, high ash generation. | Mix with seasoned firewood for stable burn. |
| Over‑loading the stove | Poor air circulation, smoldering. | Follow the stove’s manufacturer’s load guidelines (usually 10‑12 kg max). |
8. FAQ – Quick Answers to Your Burning‑Pallets Questions
Q1: Can I burn pallets that were used for shipping chemicals?
A: No. Any pallet that has handled chemicals, oil, paint, or pesticides should be considered hazardous. Burning it will release toxins into your home and the atmosphere.
Q2: How can I tell if a pallet is heat‑treated?
A: Look for the stamp “HT” or a heat‑treatment symbol (a circle with a dot in the middle). Heat‑treated pallets are safe for use as shipping material but not for burning.
Q3: Do I need a special chimney liner for pallet wood?
A: Not specifically, but you must keep the flue clean. Pallet wood can produce a bit more creosote if it’s still moist, so regular chimney sweeping (at least once a year) is essential.
Q4: Will burning pallets void my stove’s warranty?
A: Many manufacturers stipulate that only seasoned, untreated wood may be used. Burning pallets—especially if they are not fully dried—could indeed void the warranty. Check the warranty terms before you start.
Q5: Is there a legal restriction on burning pallets?
A: Regulations vary by region. In many jurisdictions, it is legal to burn untreated, dry wood in a domestic stove. However, some areas ban burning treated wood outright. Verify local fire‑code rules before proceeding.
Q6: How long does it take to dry pallets?
A: In a temperate climate, 6–9 months on a well‑ventilated rack usually brings MC below 20 %. In hot, dry climates, the time can be as short as 3–4 months.
Q7: Can I use a wood moisture meter on pallets?
A: Absolutely. Insert the probes into the heart of a split piece; a reading of ≤ 20 % means the wood is dry enough for safe burning.
Q8: What’s the best way to store pallets while they dry?
A: Keep them off the ground, cover the top with a breathable tarp, and leave the sides open for airflow. Avoid stacking them directly against a damp wall.
9. Bottom Line – Should You Burn Pallet Wood?
Yes—but only if the pallets meet three non‑negotiable criteria:
- Completely free of chemicals, paint, or heat‑treatment stamps.
- All nails and fasteners removed.
- Dry to a moisture content of 20 % or lower (ideally 15 % for optimal performance).
If any of those boxes are unchecked, the safest route is to recycle or repurpose the pallets rather than risk health hazards, stove damage, or a clogged chimney.
When you do meet the criteria, treat pallet wood as a supplemental fuel. Mix it with your usual seasoned firewood, monitor the burn, and keep the flue clean. That way you enjoy the cost‑saving benefits of a free fuel source without compromising safety or comfort.
Take Action Today
- Gather your pallets and examine each for stains, labels, or damage.
- Strip out every nail using a magnetic sweeper and a hammer.
- Split, stack, and cover for a minimum of six months of drying.
- Test moisture, and if it’s low enough, blend the pallet pieces with your regular firewood.
- Enjoy a warm, sustainable fire—knowing you’ve turned what could be waste into useful heat the right way.
Happy burning, and stay safe!