Driftwood may seem like a convenient and rustic option for your fireplace, especially if you live near a beach. Its weathered look and availability can be tempting, but burning driftwood comes with risks that far outweigh its convenience. From toxic fumes to potential damage to your fireplace, driftwood is not the best choice for indoor fires.
Toxic Fumes from Salt Content
Driftwood absorbs significant salt from the ocean or other bodies of water. When burned, the salt reacts with the high heat of the fire, releasing chlorine gas. This gas can combine with other compounds in the smoke to form highly toxic dioxins. Breathing in dioxins can irritate your respiratory system and, with prolonged exposure, lead to more serious health issues.
Increased Corrosion
The high salt content in driftwood doesn’t just release harmful fumes—it can also damage your fireplace or wood stove. Salt is highly corrosive and can lead to premature wear and rusting of metal components, including the chimney flue and stove interior. Over time, this damage can compromise the safety and efficiency of your heating system.
Excessive Creosote Buildup
Burning driftwood produces more creosote than most seasoned firewood. Creosote is a sticky, flammable substance that builds up inside your chimney. If not cleaned regularly, this buildup increases the risk of a chimney fire. Driftwood’s uneven burn and high moisture content only make this problem worse.
High Moisture Content
Even when it looks dry, driftwood often retains a high moisture level. Burning wet or damp wood is inefficient, producing more smoke and less heat. It also leads to incomplete combustion, which releases more pollutants into the air and your home.
Environmental Concerns
Collecting driftwood can disrupt ecosystems. Driftwood provides habitats for insects, fish, and other wildlife, and it helps stabilize shorelines by reducing erosion. Removing it from beaches can hurt local ecosystems and wildlife.
Safer Alternatives
If you’re looking for a better firewood option, stick to seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory. These woods burn cleaner, hotter, and safer than driftwood. If you’re near a beach and need firewood, consider locally sourced, seasoned firewood instead.
Final Thoughts
Driftwood might look appealing for your fireplace, but its risks make it unsuitable for indoor use. Toxic fumes, creosote buildup, and damage to your fireplace are just a few of the downsides. For a safer, healthier fire, stick to seasoned, untreated wood and leave driftwood to the beach where it belongs.