Building your own cabin can be an exciting venture to adopt. But those of us who are new to the world of construction probably don’t know what the best material is and how costly it can be. With the rising prices of wood, we all want a more economical but feasible option. Green logs sound like a good alternative.
While it is true that green logs may not necessarily be the first choice for construction, it is definitely possible to build a cabin using green wood. Green logs are a more economical and simpler option than using dried wood, but they are not typically used in construction because the wood may be unstable and can warp and twist and damage the structural integrity of the cabin.
If you still want to go ahead and use green logs, be mindful to take the necessary precautions and set up enough joints to allow room for shrinkage and cracking.
To understand the pros and cons of using green logs in construction in more detail, keep reading this article.
What Are Green Logs?
To understand why green logs may or may not be a suitable option for construction, more context is needed as to what precisely green logs are.
Green logs are logs from green wood that has recently been cut and has not been seasoned or dried yet. The internal moisture has not had time to evaporate, so green wood contains more moisture than dried wood. Dried wood is typically seasoned with time or via drying kilns, but green wood is fresh and easy to mould.
To see the process of using green logs for construction, watch this:
Why Are Green Logs Generally Avoided In Construction
Using green logs in construction is not the standard practice, and most constructors prefer to use dried or seasoned wood instead. Several factors make green wood not suitable.
There Is Continued Shrinkage
Since green logs have not dried fully, the moisture within the wood continues to evaporate even after construction. This continues until the moisture is the same as the surroundings. The post-construction evaporation can result in shrinkage.
Shrinking generates gaps between walls and in places where the cabin may have been nailed together. It looks pretty bad and can weaken the construction.
There Is A High Risk Of Molding
Green logs can attract mould even before the construction process. Moulding can occur post-construction as well. The wet moisture of the wood is likely to draw insects and other forms of infestations as well.
It Is Easy To Stain
Sap and moisture may ooze out of the wood, and that can cause it to stain; even if you paint over it, there is a high possibility that the paint may not stay. The paint’s surface can begin to bubble and appear uneven when the water evaporates.
It Has Less Durability
Since green logs are soft and unprocessed, they are softer than dried wood. The softness of greenwood has its perks, but it also has drawbacks. Green wood can break easily and does not have enough strength. This reduces the durability of your cabin.
Why Do People Use Green Logs For Construction?
Despite these drawbacks, some people still prefer to use green logs for construction. There are certain advantages that green wood provides over dried wood.
Green Logs Are More Economical
The construction of a cabin requires wood in large quantities. Timber or processed wood is in high demand, and as a result, the prices are rising. Purchasing processed wood can be heavy on the pocket, and those who want to keep their costs affordable, generally rely on the usage of green wood.
Green Logs Are Easier To Shape
This is especially advantageous to those who are new to construction. Dried wood can be hard to transport and shape. It is tensile and durable but difficult to cut and shape the way you want. Since green wood logs are much softer, they can be moulded into different shapes easily.
How To Construct A Cabin Using Green Logs?
There are ways to ensure the construction of a cabin using green logs; if you use these hacks, then you will likely not have to face the troubles that come with using green logs for construction.
Remember To Seal The Green Log
The green logs can be sealed using a wax-like substance called polyethylene gel. This gel displaces the water being evaporated, preventing shrinkage, swelling, or splitting of the wood.
Use Linseed Oil As Lubricant
This oil essentially does the same things as a green wood seal, but it also prevents the development of infestations and moulds. Covering the greenwood with a thin layer of this oil can give it a more furnished look and prevent it from developing cracks.
Use It As Quick As Possible
The longer you wait to use the green log, the more chances that it can begin to harden and develop mould. If you are set on using green wood for your cabin construction, it is best to use the wood when it is wet because that would also make it easier for you to cut and shape it to your liking.
Get The Painting Technique Right
Greenwood is not painted the same way as regular wood. When painting green logs, you must first sand the wood and then cover it using a primer before the paint is applied. It is also crucial to use oil-based paints because that reduces the risk of the paint bubbling off.
Where Is It Most Ideal To Use Green Logs?
Greenwood is best used for traditional construction methods. It can be used for the construction of doorframes, windows, and partitions. It can also be used for the construction of the main foundation. Furniture building using greenwood may not be ideal.
The Conclusion
Green logs have been used in construction for centuries. They are cheap and easy to use, and widely available. However, it is true that they may not be as efficient as processed and refined wood, but the problems that green logs may cause can easily be resolved if the right technique is used.
