Wood has been used as shelter
for ages. It's strength and durability makes it natures ideal building
material. In fact, pound for pound, wood is stronger than steel. It is also
one of natures most effective insulators. The natural fibers in wood contain
millions of tiny air pockets that create a superb barrier between the elements
and the inhabitants of the home. Studies have shown that a log home is one of
the most energy efficient choices you can make, averaging a 20 to 30% savings
in energy costs. In fact, wood insulates six times better than brick!
There are many different
trees used in the log home industry. Which one you choose to build with can
have it's own inherent properties and benefits. For example, one of the
greatest differences between Red Cedar and Pine is the density of the actual
wood fibers and the built in natural preservatives of Cedar. Also the initial
cost of some wood species is normally higher than others, as is the diameter
of the logs you choose to build with. The following information is provided to
help you in your search for that 'just right' log home package that will
become the realization of your dream.
Primary Wood Species
Bald Cypress
Eastern White Pine
Western Red Cedar
The following
description of each of the of the primary wood species will help you get an
idea of which wood type you might like to utilize in the building of your log
home. As you can see in the examples above, each wood has it's own unique
characteristics and beauty. Although not limited to these three types of wood,
the log home industry utilizes these species more than any other. Indeed, Wolf
Creek Ltd. can build your home using other, more exotic or uncommon wood types
such as Oak, Scotch Pine, Redwood, or Douglas Fir. If your willing to import
and have a little patience, well then, your only limited by your imagination.
Ebony?
Western Red Cedar is light,
splint resistant and strong. It's free of pitch and resin and has a high
percentage of heartwood and is known for its durability and "grown
in" preservatives that make it naturally resistant to insects and decay.
The uniform cell structure of this wood makes it easily workable with low
shrinking and swelling characteristics for stability and superior
capacity for holding paint and stain. A high percentage of dead air space
gives Western Red Cedar an insulating value 12 times that of stone or
concrete. Western Red Cedar's workability qualities are recognized by all.
Easy to cut, easy to nail, the wood adapts itself to different areas where
special fitting is needed and to most contemporary design requirements.
WESTERN RED CEDAR
