I know about the difference in the btu's of the different woods, but do not know what type 'live oak' falls into. South central Texas is almost all live oak- excapt some mesquite. How will the live oak burn? Read the thread about which woods to stay away from- here in Wyoming, all we have is cottenwood! Smokey yes, but with my Blaze King Queen ( I think- don't think it was a Princess...). Anyway, I would have hot large coals in the morning- stove still keeping house fairly warm-2000 ft2. I am moving to Texas full time, and planning house, etc. Thanks!