Turning Everyday Pallets into Cozy Firewood: A Complete Guide
If you’ve ever walked past a stack of wooden pallets and wondered, “Could I burn these?” – you’re not alone. Pallets are abundant, cheap (often free), and can make a surprisingly good source of firewood—provided you treat them right. In this post we’ll walk through everything you need to know: from picking the right pallet to seasoning, safety, and the environmental impact of using pallets in your fireplace or wood‑burning stove.
Table of Contents
- What is a pallet, anyway?
- Is pallet wood safe for burning?
- Choosing the right pallet – the “good” ones
- Preparing pallets for the fire (cutting, splitting, and stacking)
- Seasoning: Why “wet wood” is a no‑go
- Heat output & burn quality: How pallet wood compares to traditional firewood
- Safety & legal considerations
- Environmental pros and cons
- Quick FAQ
- Bottom line – should you use pallet wood?
1. What Is a Pallet, Anyway?
A pallet is a flat platform—usually 48” × 40” in the U.S.—made of wooden slats, a top deck, and often a few nails or staples holding it together. They’re the workhorses of supply chains, used to lift, stack, and transport everything from produce to electronics.
- Common wood types: Softwoods (pine, spruce, fir) dominate because they’re cheap and easy to work with. Hardwoods (oak, maple, birch) appear less often, usually on specialty pallets.
- Construction styles:
- Block pallets (four-way entry) – very sturdy, often used for heavy loads.
- Stringer pallets (two-way entry) – lighter, more common for general freight.
Understanding the construction helps you gauge how long the wood will last in a fire.
2. Is Pallet Wood Safe for Burning?
Short answer: Yes, if you choose the right pallets and treat them properly.
Potential red flags:
| Issue | Why it matters | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical treatments (e.g., brominated fire retardants) | Releases toxic fumes when burned | Look for “HT” (heat‑treated) or “ST” (steam‑treated) stamps – these are safe. |
| Nails & staples | Can damage your stove, ember pan, or chimney | Remove all metal before burning. |
| Glue or paint | Some adhesives/paints contain VOCs and heavy metals | Avoid pallets with visible paint, varnish, or heavy glue. |
| Pallets labeled “M” | “M” means treated with methyl bromide (a pesticide). Do NOT burn. | Choose pallets stamped “HT” or “ST”. |
If you’re uncertain, err on the side of caution and don’t use that pallet for fire.
3. Choosing the Right Pallet – The “Good” Ones
- Inspect the stamp – The bottom of the pallet usually carries a four‑digit code:
HT= Heat Treated (acceptable)ST= Steam Treated (acceptable)KD= Kiln Dried (acceptable)M= Methyl‑bromide Treated (unacceptable)
- Check the wood type – Softwoods ignite faster, burn hotter but for a shorter time. Hardwoods give a slower, longer‑lasting heat. For a balanced fire, a mix of both works nicely.
- Avoid pallets with:
- Any paint, stains, or heavy glue (often evident by a glossy sheen).
- Heavy rusted nails (they’ll be harder to pull out).
- Pallets that have been used to transport chemicals, flammable liquids, or food waste (possible contamination).
- Source tips –
- Free sources: construction sites, warehouses, grocery store loading docks, or local “pallet swap” groups on Facebook.
- Paid sources: some lumber yards sell “clean” pallets for a few dollars each; worth it for peace of mind.
4. Preparing Pallets for the Fire
a. De‑nailing & Metal Removal
- Use a crowbar or pallet jack to pry out nails.
- A magnet (handheld or a tool‑board magnet) can pick up stray screws and staples.
- Some people soak pallets in a bucket of water, then shake off the loosened nails—effective but messy.
b. Breaking Down the Pallet
- Disassemble the deck: Separate the top deck from the stringers or blocks. This gives you longer, denser pieces.
- Cut into fire‑ready lengths: Aim for 16‑18 inches long, 3‑4 inches thick. A circular saw or hand saw works; a reciprocating saw is great for ripping through nails quickly.
c. Splitting & Shaping
- If you have a log splitter (or an axe), split larger slats into splits (~2‑3 inches thick). Splits dry faster and ignite more easily.
- For a stove that prefers smaller kindling, break a portion into chevron‑shaped kindling (about 1‑2 inches thick).
d. Stacking for Seasoning
- Rake the wood into a criss‑cross stack (like a log cabin) to promote airflow.
- Keep the stack off the ground (pallets, bricks, or concrete blocks).
- Cover the top with a tarp but leave the sides open to let moisture escape.
5. Seasoning: The 6‑Month Rule (or Better)
Just because a pallet is “new” doesn’t mean it’s ready to burn. Fresh‑cut wood can contain up to 60% moisture—far too high for efficient combustion.
| Moisture Content | Fire Performance |
|---|---|
| 20–25% (well‑seasoned) | Hot, clean burn, minimal smoke |
| 30–40% (green) | Lots of smoke, low heat, creosote build‑up |
| >50% (wet) | Hardly any heat, lots of steam and smoke |
How to test:
- Hand test: Split a piece; if the inner wood feels dry and cracks easily, it’s close.
- Moisture meter: Inexpensive handheld meters ($15‑$30) give instant readings.
Seasoning timeline:
- Softwoods (pine, fir): 4–6 months under good airflow.
- Hardwoods (oak, maple): 6–12 months for optimal dryness.
Pro tip: Rotate the stack every month—move the bottom pieces to the top—to expose all wood to air.
6. Heat Output & Burn Quality: Pallet Wood vs. Traditional Firewood
| Property | Pallet Wood (softwood) | Pallet Wood (hardwood) | Standard Firewood (oak, maple) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTU/lb (approx.) | 7,500 | 9,000 | 9,500–10,500 |
| Ignition speed | Fast (thin slats) | Moderate | Slow (large logs) |
| Burn time | 15–30 min per split | 30–45 min per split | 1–2 h per log |
| Flame characteristics | Bright, lively, may crackle | Steady, moderate | Long, even flame; less crackle |
| Creosote risk | Low if dry, moderate if wet | Low if dry | Low if dry |
Takeaway: Pallet wood isn’t a replacement for seasoned hardwood firelogs, but it’s an excellent supplemental fuel—especially for kindling or when you need a quick burst of heat.
7. Safety & Legal Considerations
- Fireplace/ stove compatibility – Small wood‑burning stoves (e.g., pellet stoves) are designed for dry, uniform pieces. Over‑large pallet slats can block air flow.
- Chimney cleaning – Burned pallet wood produces more ash and occasional metal fragments if any nail remains. Schedule a chimney sweep at least twice a year.
- Local ordinances – Some municipalities prohibit burning treated wood, even if it’s “HT”. Check with your city’s fire department or waste management office.
- Carbon monoxide detectors – Always have working CO detectors near any indoor fuel‑burning appliance.
8. Environmental Pros & Cons
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Upcycling waste – Diverts pallets from landfills, reducing the carbon footprint of disposal. | Potential contaminants – Improperly treated pallets can release toxins. |
| Reduced demand for harvested firewood – Less pressure on forests if pallets supplement fuel. | Higher ash volume – More frequent ash removal, may require more disposal effort. |
| Local sourcing – No transportation emissions if you pick pallets from nearby sites. | Variable moisture – If not seasoned, burning wet wood reduces efficiency and raises emissions. |
Overall, when you source clean, untreated pallets and season them properly, the environmental balance tilts strongly toward a net positive.
9. Quick FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I burn pallet wood in a fireplace? | Yes, if the pallets are heat‑treated (HT) or steam‑treated (ST), free of paint/glue, and fully seasoned. |
| Do I need to remove all nails? | Absolutely. Even a few stray nails can damage stove interiors and pose a fire‑hazard. |
| How long does a pallet split burn? | Roughly 30–45 minutes for a dry hardwood split; softwood splits burn 15–30 minutes. |
| Is pallet wood good for a wood‑burning stove’s “high‑heat” setting? | It works well for quick heat bursts or as kindling, but for prolonged high‑heat cooking, seasoned hardwood logs are preferable. |
| What’s the best way to store seasoned pallet wood? | Keep it off the ground, covered on top, with good airflow on the sides; a simple woodshed works perfectly. |
| Can I use pallet wood for a campfire? | Yes, but make sure the pallets aren’t treated or painted. Split them into small pieces for quick ignition. |
10. Bottom Line – Should You Use Pallet Wood?
Yes—if you do it right.
- Start with clean, untreated pallets (HT, ST, KD).
- Remove every nail and piece of metal before cutting.
- Season the wood for at least 4–6 months (more for hardwood).
- Use it as a supplemental fuel—perfect for kindling, quick heat boosts, or when you’re low on traditional firewood.
When handled responsibly, pallet wood becomes a budget‑friendly, eco‑conscious addition to your fire‑seasoning arsenal. So next time you spot a stack of pallets at the loading dock, don’t just walk past—consider giving those wooden platforms a second life, warming your home one crackling log at a time.