The timber needed to build a log house must be purchased. UK log cabins are made from sustainable FSC-certified wood. We need to replant trees and replace those we cut down today in order to create the log cabins that will be built in the future.
How does a company who builds timber structures find the trees they need? The process begins with many phone calls to try and find the tree-growing agency who has the correct species of wood for the project. It can be anywhere within the UK but areas with a lot of timber include Wales, Scotland, and Devon. For more information about Timber Merchants Surrey, visit Timbco
Log cabins are made primarily from Douglas Fir. Douglas Fir has an incredible strength, which is why it’s the choice of many construction workers. It is used in designs that feature long walls and unsupported spans. Douglas Fir is also less tapered, which allows you to use longer sections. Western Red Cedar, a softwood, is popular because of its natural resistance to decay.
A standing timber will be inspected to ensure it meets the requirements of the project.
It is important to check for these attributes when inspecting the wood:
- The timber diameter is important. Does it fit the cabin you have in mind?
- The trees’ straightness
- Ideally, there should be only a few lower branches
- What is the amount of taper on the tree?
- How much timber is required to meet the specification?
Marking the trees that meet the specified specifications is then done. It is essential to hand fell the trees for the production of log cabins. When a tree is de-limbed, a harvester leaves obvious tracks along the side. This does not make for a seamless, stunning design.
Felling is the process of cutting individual trees. In the past, the person who was responsible for this task in logging was known as a ‘feller.’ A saw, axe or chainsaw is used to fell a tree by hand. The limbing process is next. This is also known as chasing, and involves removing the branches from the tree trunk after it has fallen.
After the timber is felled and limbed it can be transported to where the log cabins will be constructed. Next time you are relaxing in your beautifully constructed cabin, look around and imagine the unique journey that timber has taken from tree to building.
