Log Wall Shrinkage

Wood starts to contract and shrink as it dries. Many factors play a part in the amount of shrinkage that will occur in the logs. Newly cut or "green" logs retain water. After the tree is cut and the logs start to dry, water begins to evaporate until the moisture level reaches the saturation point, thats around 30 percent level. After it reaches the saturation point it continues to shrink until it reaches the next stage, which is 19 percent. As well, logs that have been kiln dried will shrink a little. Shrinkage will occur in the same direction as the logs growth rings, and it shrinks very little lengthway. Shrinkage across the logs cause the logs to split along the grain, known as checking. Shrinkage of green wood can be as much as 1 to 2 inches in height. If your home is constructed carefully according to the plans, you should not experience any shrinkage problems.