Dumb question

[broozer]

Can oak lumber (like Home Depot stuff) be used for smoking meat?

 

[TNJAKE]

No, untreated lumber is very very dry and will burn way too clean and fast. Treated lumber will kill you

 

[DougE]

As long as it is unfinished, it would be no different than using kiln dried splits, which a lot of folks kiln dry their own. Hardwood flooring scraps (unfinished) have been brought up in the past and is fine. As far as too dry, wood is hygroscopic and will absorb some moisture from the air. Unless you live in a desert, it will have some moisture in it.

 

[chopsaw]

Can oak lumber (like Home Depot stuff) be used for smoking meat?

I have cuts and off fall oak , cherry , maple and others in 30 gallon totes in my shop .
I would never use it for cooking .
Burns up to fast and you get little to no smoke from it . Way to dry .
You can try it and form your own opinion .

 

[broozer]

OK, thanks for the info. I ask because Oak is less common out here in the Pacific NW than Alder, Cherry & Apple. I'm looking for a good wood for smoking some Lockhart-style sausage.

 

[TNJAKE]

Does your Home Depot not carry actual splits of oak for fire places? Or bags of chunks? Will be kiln dried but a better option than lumber.

 

[DougE]

A lot would also depend on if you are using it just as flavor wood or actual fuel. Splits (even what they sell at Lowe's or HD) will be bigger pieces than that milled for lumber.

 

[chopsaw]

OK, thanks for the info. I ask because Oak is less common out here in the Pacific NW than Alder, Cherry & Apple. I'm looking for a good wood for smoking some Lockhart-style sausage.

I was wondering if you had access to cuts or if you wanted to go buy lengths of oak .
That stuff is " F4S " finished 4 sides . High dollar stuff because you're paying for all that labor .
I would think the alder would work for what you want to do , along with some cherry for color .

No BBQ shops around you ?

 

[phil in bc]

I use a lot of wine barrels which are oak, really good flavour from them. Lots of wineries in the PNW, may want to look into getting one.

 

[broozer]

A lot would also depend on if you are using it just as flavor wood or actual fuel. Splits (even what they sell at Lowe's or HD) will be bigger pieces than that milled for lumber.

Just for flavor. I've done some searching, and a nearby ACE Hardware has bagged post oak chunks, so I'll run down there tomorrow. I'm trying to keep this batch close to the Lockhart stuff as far as wood goes.

 

[chopsaw]

ACE Hardware has bagged post oak chunks,

That's what you want . Ace has a great outdoor cooking section . That's probably B&B brand .
I'm stocked up on it . Grab a bag of mesquite if they have it .

 

[HowlingDog]

It can be pricey, but Fruita Wood, https://fruitawoodchunks.com sells/ships many kinds of smoking wood. I have not purchased from them, but have heard good things.

 

[Chasdev]

Just for flavor. I've done some searching, and a nearby ACE Hardware has bagged post oak chunks, so I'll run down there tomorrow. I'm trying to keep this batch close to the Lockhart stuff as far as wood goes.

ACE can order in, at no shipping cost to you, bagged B+B post oak splits.
That's how/where I get mine and it works great in my offset.

 

[indaswamp]

Post oak is a white oak so if you have to substitute, that is what you are looking for. Also, as far as flavor, the soil where the tree grows has a big impact on the smoke created when burned as a flavor wood.

I typically use tree trimmings from the two live oak trees in my yard when smoking a brisket....

 

[SmokinEdge]

It can be pricey, but Fruita Wood, https://fruitawoodchunks.com sells/ships many kinds of smoking wood. I have not purchased from them, but have heard good things.

I’ve been in that store many times. Nice folks there. I actually bought my Yoder 640 from them.

 

[bbqbrett]

It can be pricey, but Fruita Wood, https://fruitawoodchunks.com sells/ships many kinds of smoking wood. I have not purchased from them, but have heard good things.

I have ordered from them before when I wanted to try peach wood. Ended up getting a box of chunks. It was a little spendy at the time but not too bad. I was very satisfied with the product.