Best Type of Wood for a Log Cabin

by Garry Ames
(Oakwood, Georgia)

If I were to build a cabin in North Georgia where there is an abundance of pine, would that be the best type of wood for a log cabin? Is there an aging requirement and what kind of decay life could I expect? I see some cabins that date back to the early 1800s and the wood still looks solid today.


Answer from Banjoe:
Dear Garry,
Pine is a good wood to build with. The bigger, older pines are best, especially white pine, but I think almost any variety will make a fine cabin...IF you keep the wood dry and well off the ground. I recommend designing your cabin so that the first log is at least 20 inches off the ground. Also give yourself nice wide overhangs on the roof to keep the rain away.

As for aging - if I were you, I would just cut the trees down and build! You could always peel the logs and then let 'em set a year, but it is just as easy to me to get the cabin up and plan on shrinkage.

Thanks for your question.