Should You Source Your Own Timber For Your Log Cabin?
Log cabins hold appeal for many reasons. While some people simply enjoy their rustic charm, others may be looking for a home they can build themselves from land they own. This approach certainly has advantages, but sourcing your timber from the surrounding land may not always be the best choice. In many cases, working with a reputable timber supplier offers many advantages.
In addition to saving you significant amounts of time and effort, there are other excellent reasons for working with a supplier and transporting your logs on-site. Before you decide to start cutting down trees yourself, consider these three benefits of relying on professionals.
1. Maintain Your Land's Appearance and Environmental Value
One of the best parts about building a log cabin is getting to enjoy nature. Clear-cutting a section of your property might be convenient, but it can also ruin the natural surroundings. By sourcing your logs from a supplier, you'll be able to maintain the wooded area around your new cabin. Not only does this mean more beautiful surroundings, but it can also help to keep your property value up.
Likewise, cutting your own trees may not be the most environmentally friendly option. Many cutting operations utilize sustainable forest management. These techniques help to keep the forest healthy even as they use its natural resources. By working with such green operations, you'll help to reduce your new cabin's impact on its environment.
2. Faster Construction
You can't simply cut down a few trees and immediately start building your own home. That's because you'll need to wait for the right season to begin felling trees. Cutting down trees in the summer can mean more sap and a higher likelihood of pest issues. This timing may be inconvenient if you intend to start construction right away.
Drying is another issue. Wet wood is often unsuitable for construction due to shrinkage and may also lead to additional pest issues. If you purchase from a supplier, you'll be able to begin construction as soon as the logs arrive on-site.
3. Better Material Options
Not all wood is the same. Wood is a highly versatile and variable material, with species varying in color, durability, and water resistance. There's no single species of wood that's best for log cabin construction, but your specific goals may make one more suitable than another. If you construct your home from trees on your property, you may find yourself using wood with significant disadvantages.
At a minimum, it's worthwhile to discuss your options with a supplier. They can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of various species to make an informed decision. In many cases, you may find that the added cost of having timber delivered will provide you with a material that's longer-lasting and more suitable for your project. Contact a log home material supplier to learn more
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