Construction Oak for Smoking

[mrp116]

While finishing my basement, I built an oak banister using the unfinished red oak that you can buy at HD. I have some pieces of that left, and I'm assuming that I can use that it my smoker since it is unfinished and raw. Is there any reason why I shouldn't? FWIW, I prefer an apple/hickory combo, so no big deal if I can't, but I'm throwing a butt on tonight, and I figured I might mix it up a bit.

[dadsr4]

Might be too dry to produce smoke, otherwise it should be OK.

[IXL]

Oak is oak, if it has not undergone any kind of treatment. Some of the lump charcoal manufacturers have been known to use scraps of this type as a material source.

[mikemci]

That will do you just fine. I have a cabinet shop and use kiln dried scraps all the time. I get plenty of smoke flavor for me.