Log: What Is It? Calibrated And Debarked, Chopped And Planed Logs Of Larch And Other Materials, Diameter Of Glued And Hewn Logs

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

Wood has not lost its popularity in the construction industry. Often, solid logs are used for the construction of houses. Such lumber is divided into categories according to the method of processing, drying, dimensions and other parameters. Depending on the specifics of the project, you can choose a suitable type and start construction.

What it is?

A log is a tree trunk cleaned of branches, twigs and bark. In this case, different processing methods can be used, while both smooth and rough surfaces are allowed. Timber is harvested from various tree species, so they can differ significantly in characteristics. But there are also common features for all. Let's list them.

• Environmental friendliness … The wood does not emit harmful substances and complies with safety standards.
• Optimal microclimate . A comfortable temperature and humidity will be maintained inside the premises, and the pleasant aroma of natural material will be preserved.
• Aesthetic look … A log house is beautiful in itself, sometimes it does not need additional decoration inside and out.
• Convenient installation … It is not too difficult to work with such material, so you can put a log house within a reasonable time frame.
• Profitability … The weight of the logs is less than that of bricks, so you don't have to lay an expensive foundation, you can also use a budget option.

It should be borne in mind that a house made of logs will need shrinkage, you will have to wait a while … And also a tree - fire hazardous material , therefore, products must be protected with a special impregnation. In addition, they need to be treated with anti-rot and insect repellents.

Logs are used as raw materials in industry, for cutting into sleepers, various parts and elements … They are usually not of the highest quality and have some kind of defects. One-piece products are subject to more stringent controls as they are used as ship and radio masts, mine racks, power poles, piles and supports.

And also, of course, they are used to build houses and outbuildings.

Views

Lumber differs in performance. Is of great importance type of processing . It can be produced manually , as a result of which a chopped log is obtained, from which only the upper layer of bark is removed. This material has its advantages, but to someone rough products seem too rough.

Some builders prefer to use smooth skinned log , noting its practical and decorative properties. It is more convenient to work with calibrated specimens - no need to waste time on fitting.

There are options that differ in shape , for example, Finnish or Norwegian logs, hewn on both sides, a bit like a bar. At the same time, they combine the characteristics of two types of lumber.

Profiled the log makes it easier to work. Even at the production stage, it provides special cuts (“thorn-groove” system), which provide convenient fastening and laying of logs in the frame.

Hewn the construction log can be dried naturally or in a chamber. Dry material is lighter and easier to transport. In addition, shrinkage during the construction of buildings will be less, and the likelihood of cracking is also reduced.

If necessary, the logs can be subjected to additional processing by making a cross-cut. This is how a bar is obtained - a product of a rectangular or square shape.

The product can be not only whole , but also glued - with horizontal or vertical seams. Similar materials are also used in construction. In general, there are several of the most popular types of logs.

Debarked

During processing, only the bark is removed from the trunk . This can be done using hand tools or a special machine. The top layer of wood remains in place. It is soft and impregnated with resin to protect the log from moisture.

The length can be different, there are specimens of more than 6 m. A structure made of such logs is called a wild felling, it looks quite interesting, resembling an old house and goes well with picturesque natural landscapes.

Rounded

One of the most popular types of processing . Not only the bark is removed from the trunk, but also part of the top layer … The rest is less prone to shrinkage. The work is performed using a milling machine. The length of such products does not exceed 6 m, in shape they resemble a cylinder, hence the name.

Due to the unified parameters, it is convenient to work with these logs, the structures from them are smooth and beautiful.

Processing is carried out using an electric planer, shaving off the bark. It turns out a flat surface of the trunk, but at the same time there is some narrowing of the diameter, the parameters from different sides may differ slightly. Log buildings made of such logs will be cold-resistant and quite durable.

Carriage

It looks like a cross between a bar and a log - rectangular profile, but with rounded corners . The trunk is cut on both sides to give it this shape. There is also a semi-slide - it is processed only on one side, which is turned inside the house during installation. This is done by to slightly increase the volume of the premises.

Hammered

Logs are processed manually using a special tool - a scraper. At the same time, the wood is cut with a thin layer, therefore, all the natural properties of the material are preserved . The peculiarity of the technology allows you to create smooth surface with original texture … However, there are also disadvantages - the process itself is very laborious, requiring a certain skill, and the shrinkage of the log house will take a long time.

Glued

This material is not solid. The log is cut into separate boards - lamellas - and subjected to chamber drying in order to quickly remove excess moisture. Then they are glued together, giving the product the desired shape. In this case, the central part can be either a solid bar or consisting of lamellas. The gluing takes place under a press, the fibers are laid in a certain direction.

The resulting products combine manufacturability and natural aesthetics … In addition, they are highly durable - they can be used as supports and floors. Another plus - no shrinkage, which allows faster completion of construction and finishing.

Manual felling

In this case, no machines are used to process the trunks. Manual technology requires high qualifications. The master removes only bark and bast, and at the same time he can cover the pores of the wood, crushing them with an ax. This increases the resistance of the material to moisture , which ultimately reduces the likelihood of cracking, and the shrinkage becomes more uniform.

It should be noted that only a small surface layer is removed during processing, thereby maintaining the increased diameter of the logs.

Materials (edit)

Conifers are often used for construction. They have good wood density and resin, which serves as a natural antiseptic … The most available are pine logs. Birch lumber is also favorable for the price, but this tree has completely different features, since it does not apply to conifers.

Larch

It has a brownish red shade with a striped wood structure. Contains natural antiseptics, therefore it is well stored, does not rot, but during processing it is imperative to remove the sapwood. The density of wood is 680 kg / m3, it is more difficult to process than pine, and it keeps heat worse.

Due to its hardness and good resistance to moisture, the material is used for those parts of buildings that are exposed to water. Larch logs can be placed in the lower area of the log house. In addition, houses are built from larch as a whole, if the area has a climate with high humidity.

Birch

Birch wood is light yellow, sometimes pinkish, with red spots and sparse fibers. Density indicators - 650 kg / m3 . It has medium hardness and bending strength. Well processed by hand or on machine tools. Without special protection, it quickly begins to rot.

Birch holds fasteners well, it is difficult to split, therefore, various structural elements are often cut out of it. It is very often used to make parquet flooring. And also with the help of birch they imitate more expensive tree species.

Pine

Has a yellowish color with tints of red. Over time, the wood tends to darken, the traces of knots also stand out against the general background, so the unpainted surface can seem quite variegated. Has a pleasant aroma of pine needles, which will remain in the house for a long time.

Density - 520 kg / m3, wood is soft, easy to process … Pine is not afraid of rotting, but it has high water permeability, so it is imperative to apply a protective coating to prevent swelling and cracking.

Oak

Refers to valuable varieties. With a density of 690 kg / m3, the wood is very hard and durable . Difficult to cut, but bends well. The shade can be yellowish or close to brown (depending on the place of growth).

The highest quality wood is closer to the core. It does not warp, does not crack, withstands prolonged exposure to moisture and various loads.

Furniture, parquet is often made of oak, and is used for industrial purposes.

Aspen

One of the fastest growing trees . The structure is rather loose, the color is red-brown or yellowish. The density depends on the variety, averaging about 500 kg / m3. Refers to to the lightest hardwoods growing in Russia … It pricks well, but is resistant to cracking.

Aspen wood dries slowly, it is afraid of moisture. It is easier to work with fresh wood. Chipboard is often made from aspen, but in its pure form it is also used for construction and carpentry work.

Cedar

Has a pinkish tint. The density is 420 kg / m3 … Walls made of this material retain heat well. Cedar is not subject to decay, is not afraid of insect pests. The surface is well processed. Wood contains essential oils that have a beneficial effect on the indoor climate.

Cedar is suitable for the construction of any buildings, but the price of this tree is quite high , therefore, more often they make interior items from it. Cedar boards can be used for wall cladding. If a blockhouse is made from the logs of this tree, then debarked logs are chosen.

Spruce

The texture is almost uniform, the traces of knots do not stand out, the shade is light, not darkening over time. Density - 450 kg / m3. Spruce retains heat better than pine, but is more difficult to process.

Differs in good resistance to moisture, does not crack, keeps its shape . Gives a slight shrinkage when building a house. In addition, spruce is used for the production of glued logs and beams, and the seams between the joints of such wood are practically invisible.

Drying methods

Consider what methods of drying wood exist, what are they characterized by

Natural … The wood is left to dry in a special place. This process is more gentle, minimizing the number of cracks and defects. However, it takes a long time. The moisture content of the tree after such drying is 18-22%.

Chamber … A fast and profitable way. With chamber drying, you can immediately treat wood with antiseptics and protective compounds, which saves time. The moisture content of the tree after that is in the range of 10-18%.

Infrared … The fastest method using directional radiation. Moisture is removed evenly, but sometimes mold develops on the logs.

This occurs when drying in closed chambers, where there is no air circulation, so you need to monitor the technological processing conditions.

Dimensions and shapes

The size of the logs can be different, depending on the manufacturer and the characteristics of the equipment used. In terms of diameter, several of the most popular categories are distinguished.

• With a diameter of 140-200 mm . Suitable for country houses with thin walls, which are used only in summer.
• From 220 to 280 mm . The best option for construction in the middle lane, they can withstand the load well.
• From 290 mm and more . A thick log weighs more, therefore, such materials are used in certain parts of the structure so as not to weigh down the building.

The working height depends on the width and can vary considerably. Average indicators are 138-242 mm.

The length can also vary. 3 m is considered standard, but there are specimens at 10-12 m . Usually they are made to order, since it is rather difficult to transport such logs due to the size and weight.

Timber is usually round in shape. Square and rectangular products that are obtained from logs are a bar or board.

How to choose?

Wood for building a house must be of high quality, therefore, first of all, you need to find a trusted supplier who adheres to the production technology, offering quality material. And also you need to pay attention to other important factors.

Procurement time . It is better to choose winter wood rather than summer wood. It does not bend, shrinks evenly, and has less moisture in it. Summer logs are often cracked, do not dry well, and often require mandatory treatment with protective compounds.

External condition . It is necessary to inspect the goods - there should be no multiple cracks, holes, dark spots on the tree. Insect marks and mold are not allowed. A bluish color indicates that the logs were stored incorrectly. A quality wood has a smooth texture and a healthy hue.

Sound method . For this you need an assistant. You need to hit with a spoon on one end of the log, and hear the result on the other. If the knock is clearly audible, then the quality is good. If not, the tree is rotten. Pine, spruce or larch - all of them should transmit sounds well.

Iodine check … A small amount of this substance is applied to the cut. If a purple trail appears, everything is in order. Before the buyer - winter wood with optimal moisture content. A yellow-brown color indicates insufficient drying.

Humidity level … The lower this indicator, the better wood for construction will be. Dry wood shrinks less and is easier to process. However, the cost of chamber-dried logs will also be higher.

It is better to buy wood directly from the manufacturer rather than from an intermediary. So you can get all the necessary information first-hand, and also make sure that the product is of high quality.