I am about to begin helping build a post and beam house with strawbale infill and earth plaster exterior. the homeowers want to cut down and mill timbers (pine and fir) on their property for immediate use in framing. -4x4s, 6x6s ect. Is this advisable? there is also a strong chance that once framed the place will be left until spring to be dryed in. What are the issues with using such high moisture content lumber. Here in oregon we frame conventional houses with green lumber all the time but this application seems different to me. thanks for the help.
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Replies
That is an unconventional house. I'd be more concerned about insects in the lumber than it being green. What is the plan for the inside finish? Straw and stucco can be made to fit anything. If the inside is a similar type surface, then there is not too much to worry about with the green lumber.
the inside of the house will also be earth stucco. I wonder about tying all these green posts and beams together and then having everything shrink and joints loosen as it drys over the winter and spring.
The old post and beam buildings were put up green frequently. If everything is green then shrinkage should be uniform and the joints should not loosen.
Thinking ahead will always help. The best place to dry timber other than a kiln is on the stump. I would select the trees that they want milled and girdle them...then wait for a year and carry on. The wood will be in great shape for milling with minimal moisture content thus less shrinkage and twist. But inevitably people want it done now and your only choice is to build green. Get a good sawyer that can identify and avoid twisted grain or wind shook wood. Good luck.
Byron