Best Wood For A Log Home

People are sometimes confused on the species of logs to use. It becomes a rather difficult question as to what you mean by "Best Wood". Is it the strongest wood? Is it the R-value of the log? Is it the thermal mass of the log? Does it decay the least? Is it insect resistant? Is it the least expensive? Does it have the least amount of shrinkage? And, of course, the look of the log. For the most part log home shoppers are concerned about more than one characteristic of the wood, they are also concerned about which wood is best. If we choose a log only for its R-value it won't be the strongest wood. So it comes down to, what is important to you: Strength or R-value. No log home company would recommend leaving logs untreated so they are usually protected from decay, water, and anything that would cause log damage. Properly treated logs can be highly resistant. All logs also receive insect treatment to prevent insect infestation. It is important that the house be designed and built to handle any log shrinkage that may take place.