How To Turn Scrap Wood Into Kindling With a DIY Kindling Splitter

Getting a fire going without kindling is hard, so most folks stock up on storebought kindling during the colder months.

We have a more cost-effective suggestion: instead of purchasing kindling, repurpose scrap wood into fuel for your fires. This simple project lets you recycle leftover lumber so you can keep cozying up by your wood stove or fireplace. 

In the video above, This Old House contractor Roger Cook, landscape designer Jenn Nawada, and host Kevin O’Connor show a quick and easy method for creating kindling from scrap wood.

*Cost information in this article represents an average of prices sourced from Home Depot, Lowes, and Amazon.

Benefits of Making Your Own Kindling

Creating your own kindling from scrap wood with a DIY kindling splitter offers several advantages over buying kindling from a store. Here are some of the most practical perks

• Convenience: Having a stockpile of homemade kindling ensures you’re always prepared to start a fire.
• Cost savings: Repurposing scrap wood is free, unlike purchasing pre-made kindling.
• Customization: Instead of relying on storebought kindling, you can create kindling in the exact size and quantity you need for your wood stove.
• Environmental benefits: Recycling wood reduces waste and prevents usable materials from ending up in landfills.
• Organization: By making your kindling from scrap wood, you can clear out unused wood from your shed or workshop and put it to practical use.

For best results, use dry scrap wood for your kindling. This Old House Magazine recommends that any wood destined for the fireplace should be “seasoned under shelter for at least six months or have been kiln-dried to a 15 percent moisture content.” Dry kindling catches faster and produces less smoke, so avoid splitting green or damp scrap lumber.

Choosing the Right Wood for Kindling

Not all scrap wood is suitable for kindling. Here are some guidelines for choosing the best wood.

Recommended Woods

• Dry wood: No matter what type of wood you use, make sure it’s dry to avoid excessive smoke. Green or damp wood can be difficult to light and fill your home with smoke, so it’s best to dry the wood beforehand.
• Hardwoods: Oak, maple, and birch are also suitable options for kindling, though they may take slightly longer to catch fire. Despite this, they tend to burn longer and produce a steady heat.
• Softwoods: Pine, cedar, and fir are excellent choices for kindling due to their high resin content, which helps them ignite quickly. These woods are typically easy to split and produce a hot, fast-burning flame.

Woods To Avoid

We strongly caution against using any of the following woods as kindling:

• Moldy or rotten wood: This type of wood burns poorly and can produce unpleasant odors. More importantly, mold particles can be toxic in smoke, so take precautions to ensure there’s no mold on your firewood or fireplace.
• Painted or stained wood: When burned, these woods can release toxic substances. Always avoid burning wood with paint or stain residues, especially indoors.
• Treated lumber: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), chemically treated wood releases toxic fumes when burned. “Chemically treated” wood includes pressure-treated or creosote-treated wood often used in outdoor projects.

Why Softwoods Make the Best Kindling: As noted in This Old House Magazine, pine splits easily for use as kindling, though it throws off a lot of sparks. Douglas fir starts easily and burns fast but its high resin content also causes sparks, making it a favorite in the West where hardwood is scarce. Meanwhile, tamarack is considered a “leadoff batter” — it starts fast, prepping the fire for hardwood. Keep these spark-prone softwoods in mind and always use a fireplace screen when lighting up.

Seasoning Matters Most: According to the Wood Heat Organization, as cited in This Old House Magazine, all wood species contain about the same amount of energy per pound, so the question of which type to burn is largely moot. Species do, however, vary in density. More important than the type of wood is its seasoning — there’s nothing less efficient than trying to burn wet wood. Split firewood in early spring and stack it uncovered in a windswept area so it’s ready by the time cold weather arrives.

Tools and Materials Needed To Turn Scrap Wood Into Kindling

To turn scrap wood into kindling, you’ll need the following:

• Kindling splitter (such as the Kindling Cracker)
• Safety goggles
• Scrap wood pieces
• Sledgehammer
• Work gloves

If you don’t have a kindling splitter, you can use a hatchet, table saw, or hand saw to cut the wood. However, using a kindling splitter and hammer is a quick and easy way to get great kindling cuts time after time.

Steps To Create Kindling From Scrap Wood

Follow these simple steps to transform your scrap wood into usable kindling:

1. Set up your work area: Choose a flat, stable surface outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. To avoid accidents, ensure there’s no clutter around.
2. Put on safety gear: Wear safety goggles and work gloves to protect yourself from splinters and flying wood chips.
3. Position the kindling splitter: Place your DIY kindling splitter on a sturdy surface. Confirm that it’s secure to avoid wobbling.
4. Select a piece of scrap wood: Choose a piece that fits within the kindling splitter’s opening. Smaller pieces are easier and safer to handle.
5. Line up the wood: Center the scrap wood on the blade of the kindling splitter. Proper alignment ensures an even split.
6. Strike the wood: Use the sledgehammer to hit the top of the wood piece firmly. Use a steady, controlled strike for an even cut.
7. Collect the split kindling: Gather the split pieces and set them aside. Organize them by size for easy later use.
8. Store the kindling: Keep the split kindling in a dry place until ready for use. Proper storage ensures your kindling remains dry and ready for action.

Safety Tips for Creating Kindling

When creating kindling from scrap wood, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Always wear protective gear, including safety goggles and work gloves.
• Before splitting, check for any embedded nails or metal pieces to avoid damaging your tools and causing injury from flying shrapnel or kickback.
• Ensure your work area is clear of obstacles and bystanders.

Protect Your Feet: As This Old House Magazine advises, always wear steel-toed work boots and heavy gloves when splitting wood of any size. Bent knees at the end of every swing ensure that a glancing blow ends up in the dirt, not in your foot.

Storing Your Homemade Kindling

You have to store your kindling properly so it lights up when needed. When storing your kindling, use the following tips:

• Allow for air circulation: Use a rack or open container to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. Proper ventilation keeps your kindling dry and ready for use.
• Keep it dry: Store kindling outdoors under a roof or canopy to protect it from rain and snow. Damp kindling can become difficult to ignite.
• Separate from larger firewood: Store kindling separately to make it easily accessible when needed. Instead of sorting through all your firewood, you can keep smaller pieces readily available on a separate rack or container.

Bring Kindling Inside Wisely: As noted in This Old House Magazine, wood stored outside can harbor insects that may become active in the warmth of the house. Bring in only as much kindling as you need for your next fire, and keep your main supply covered on top and open on the sides outdoors to maintain airflow and keep it dry.