staves for beer ageing?

[Arbe0]

I have American oak staves that are medium toast and no char. I want to add these to stout and wondering if toasting makes a difference. They have not been in bourbon or whisky but are fresh.
Should I try to char them? I was told for beer the char doesn't matter only if used for whisky or bourbon. It was said that I might get a little taste but not much from the char.
Also what would be the way I should char them if I wanted to?

 

[glick]

I can’t speak as to the flavor, but I would use a propane torch to char them.