What Braaiwoods Not to Use in South Africa

In South Africa, the wood you choose can make or break a braai. While favourites like Rooikrans, Sekelbos, and Kameeldoring give that perfect coal bed and flavour, not all woods are safe or suitable. Some smoke too much, burn poorly, or even release toxins. Here’s a quick guide to which woods to avoid when lighting up.

1. Softwoods (Pine, Cypress, Fir)

Softwoods are common in the timber trade but terrible for braais.

• Pine (denne/den) – burns fast, spits resin, and leaves no coals.

• Cypress (sipres) and fir – smoky and resin-heavy, with a bitter taste.

Often found in pallets or furniture, these can also be chemically treated.

2. Treated or Painted Woods

Never use processed timber.

• CCA gum poles, fencing timber – contain chemicals like arsenic and copper.

• Chipboard, MDF, plywood – bound with glues that release toxic fumes.

• Painted offcuts or old furniture – add more poison to the fire.

These are dangerous and can ruin your meat.

3. Alien Invasives That Burn Poorly

Not all alien trees are equal. While Rooikrans and Black Wattle are superb, others are not.

• Syringa – smoky, inconsistent, no proper coals.

• Lantana – burns unevenly, releases a harsh smoke.

• Jacaranda – burns too quickly with little heat.

4. Wet or Green Wood

Even great woods fail if they’re not dry.

• Blue Gum (fresh) – fine when cured, unbearable when green.

• Wattle (green Acacia) – smoulders with smoke for hours.

• Mouldy coastal-stored wood – unhealthy and taints your food.

Always buy properly dried wood for clean fires and steady heat.

5. Fruit Woods (in bulk)

Peach, apricot, and citrus can add nice flavour in small amounts, but they don’t sustain a proper braai. They burn too quickly and produce sharp smoke when overused. Best kept for smoking meat, not for the main fire.

The Bottom Line

For a true South African braai, avoid softwoods, treated timber, smoky aliens like syringa, and any green or mouldy wood. Stick with trusted, dense hardwoods that give you clean flames, rich aromas, and long-lasting coals.

If you want guaranteed dry, safe, top-quality braaiwood, order online at The Wood Gurus