Exterior Style | Basic Wood Types |
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Exterior StyleWood species affects the look but not the performance. |
Although the particular species of wood you choose for your logs is irrelevant to the success of your home, the color and grain of the wood contribute substantially to a certain look. More important than species is the log's ability to perform its role in your house. Logs that span window and door openings, for example, must be able to support greater weight than logs that are simply stacked one on top of the other.
One way to ensure that the logs destined for your home are up to the job is to buy logs that are graded for structural use. Members of the Log Homes Council (LHC) are required to have their logs graded either by the council's grading program or by Timber Products Inspection (TPI), an independent company. TPI also grades logs for some non-LHC members and can even be hired to grade the logs in your kit if they are produced by a company that doesn't grade. Ask about log grading when choosing a company.
Species Selection
| Pine Pine has good tensile strength and remains true and straight. Some types of pine have loads of character in the grain, too. Subspecies include lodgepole, ponderosa, red and white pine. |
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| Douglas Fir Douglas fir is a western species whose tones vary from red to yellow, depending on age. Because it grows to majestic heights, it is marvelous for use in lengthy spans. It can be pricey, but high-density Douglas fir is strong and a good choice for structural uses. |
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| Spruce Spruce is classified as red, white or black, although there's little difference in color, which trends toward creamy white or pale yellowish brown. Western subspecies Engelmann spruce is softer and lighter, both in weight and color. |
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| Cedar Cedar offers variety in texture and tones, with minimal shrinkage. Its color—ranging from light brown to deep-reddish brown, depending on subspecies—radiates from the center, which can be showcased through exposed ends. |
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| Oak Oak is popular for its strength, grain and color, which can range from light to dark brown, often with a grayish tint. One of the heavier species, it's also very resistant to heartwood decay. |
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| Cypress Cypress is a light- to mid-weight species originating predominantly in the South and South Atlantic regions. Ranging from medium yellow brown to dark amber brown, based on age, it features straight grain with fine texture. |
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More: Exotic Woods for Log Homes.
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By Doug on Dec 03, 2009
This is all good information, but it dosen't tell you which logs are best suited for differant parts of the country. Didn't really learn anything here.
Thanks
By D.Zukowski, Ward Rep. Illinois on Dec 04, 2009
Jay Uhlenbrauck: All "cedar" is not reddish brown. There is White Cedar which has a very mild aromatic quality, and is not to be confused with aromatic red cedar. White Cedar too generally has less shrinkage and checking than Pine and other wood species.
By D. Zukowski, Ward Rep. Illinois on Dec 04, 2009
Jay Uhlenbrauck: (As a follow-up to my previous e-nmail) Thanks for pointing out the fact that all wood species are different. As "Cedar People" we many times have regretted the fact that some of the media tend to lead their readers to believe that all woods are pretty much the same, when in reality, they are not. For a real education, ask any reputable person who does log home maintenance and restoration.
By Steve on Feb 11, 2010
Forgot about Cypress!!!??