Concerned with current Seasoning Oak

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
Status
Not open for further replies.

CtryBoyInMT

Member
Apr 24, 2015
4
Midwest
I currently have some oak that I cut down last fall. It is stacked and open with only tin on top to keep rain off.
I'm relatively new this area of the country (Kansas) and the oaks I've harvested in MN my whole life looks different.
I normally see it turn a dark golden brown, but never this reddish. I am aware this may be a slightly different type of oak, but I'm not up to par on local hardwoods here.
Is there any concern or is this normal?
Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2179.JPG
    IMG_2179.JPG
    621.9 KB · Views: 223
There are over 100 distinct species of oak native to the US. I would not be surprised to see variations after moving half way across the country.
 
We have oak here we call water oak, it will rot before it seasons, smells bad to if you take in the house. I won't cut it for any reason. nasty stuff I tell ya. Some locals call it pizz oak, & that pretty much sums it up. Hope that is not what you have found !
 
How long has it been stacked?

Welcome to the forums !!
 
Last edited:
Admittedly, I've never really worried much about color. (unless it's black mold or mildew - which this clearly isn't) so looks fine to me. ...well on the way to a good seasoning. If we have a decent, hot, dry summer, should be ready to go this fall. I'd probably burn any scrap wood in the Oct/Nov/Early Dec shoulder season and save the oak for when you get into overnight burns. Well...save the oak, unless you have hedge... then the oak is the 'scrap wood' and the hedge would be great for over night. If you do any grilling, either wood will make great coals.
 
Weird. Not sure why it looks like that but I don't think it's anything to worry about.
 
I see it all the time, that burnt sienna color on alot of different species. If you notice its only on the sapwood. I'm not sure but I've always assumed it was sugars in the sapwood accumulating on the surface as the water evaporates off the wood.
 
Thanks for all the replies!
It appears nothing to worry about.
It's was Cut, split and stacked in 3rd week of October.
It's not a water oak, as the leaf was traditional oak. It also smells like oak.
Thanks again!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.