Different Kinds Of Logs Used For Constructing Log Cabins

As the words imply, all log cabins for sale are made out of wooden logs. However, there are different kinds of logs being used, depending on the preferred quality and results. All logs have a certain level of moisture which will naturally evaporate from the timber as the wood dries and stabilizes.

1. Green logs
Green logs come from trees that are chopped from the forest, brought to a mill, have their barked removed, and are cut to size or immediately delivered to the manufacturer or client. Since they are freshly cut, they still have a high degree of moisture content. After a couple of years, depending on local weather conditions, the moisture will have dried and the wood will reach equilibrium. The moisture content of green wood varies from species to species.

2. Air-dried logs
After the trees are chopped and transported, the mill then places the logs outside in open air to dry naturally. They are typically kept under a shed to protect them from rain. Stacks of timbers can be dried this way by putting spacers between them. The process normally takes at least 1 year per inch of thickness, and during that time, the spaces between the logs are increased to allow more air circulation. Therefore, it may take a few years before the logs can be dried to equilibrium with the local climate.

3. Kiln-dried logs
Mills can also opt to artificially quicken the drying process through the use of kilns. Green logs are put inside an oven and carefully heated. The heat then removes the water from the wood. Needless to say, the advantage is that this method lessens drying time from years to just several weeks.

Kiln operators have to be careful; if heated too fast or too slow, the logs can suffer severe cracking.

4. Glue-laminated logs
Logs are brought into a mill. The barks are removed, and the wood is chopped into thin boards that are no more than 2 inches thick. The boards are taken to the kiln where they are dried. Once dried, the boards are then glued together.

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