ᐅ Log Cabin Construction: Solid Timber vs. Frame Building – Experiences?
Created on: 4 Feb 2019 21:58
L
Lucrezia
A year ago, it was clear: log house, nothing else (we had an experienced company, but unfortunately no general contractor). Since we got in touch with a general contractor specializing in timber frame construction who convinced us, I have been going around in circles. Since I have already received many helpful ideas and tips in this forum, I would like to invite you to share your thoughts on this. I’ll start with the advantages and disadvantages we have noticed:
Log house:
+ Only untreated wood, so "minimalist" and with very low chemical exposure
+ Short waiting and construction time
- Trades must be contracted separately (we would not take on any work ourselves, except possibly flooring)
- Prices can fluctuate more significantly
- Warranty is "only" 15 years on structural components (5 years on the rest)
Timber frame construction:
+ General contractor, so "worry-free"
+ Accurate price quote (fixed price)
+ 30-year warranty on structural components – waiting and construction time somewhat longer
-/+ Wood only in the “frame”; (eco-friendly) materials can be freely chosen
Log house:
+ Only untreated wood, so "minimalist" and with very low chemical exposure
+ Short waiting and construction time
- Trades must be contracted separately (we would not take on any work ourselves, except possibly flooring)
- Prices can fluctuate more significantly
- Warranty is "only" 15 years on structural components (5 years on the rest)
Timber frame construction:
+ General contractor, so "worry-free"
+ Accurate price quote (fixed price)
+ 30-year warranty on structural components – waiting and construction time somewhat longer
-/+ Wood only in the “frame”; (eco-friendly) materials can be freely chosen
T
Träumer502 Nov 2019 08:57dertill schrieb:
The most economically optimal U-value is always a matter of assumptions, the crystal ball you use, and the specific construction method.
For those without expert knowledge, it doesn’t really matter here because, with the assumed construction method—a log house made purely of solid wood in the walls—the most expensive method coincides with the highest U-value, meaning the poorest thermal insulation. From a purely economic perspective, this doesn’t make sense. For irrational builders, the requirement according to the energy saving regulations is about 30cm (12 inches) solid (glued) wood walls.
For log house enthusiasts, the most affordable construction method would be a double log wall structure with two layers of approximately 8cm (3 inches) thick log beams and insulation between them. The insulation can be something like jute or similar natural materials, without chemicals, wood preservatives, or membranes. Of course, it can be done cheaper with only one layer of log beams and interior boards, but then you might as well just choose timber frame construction.
For timber frame construction, I would not add another layer of log beams as cladding, but rather use a ventilated facade mounted with a gap. This could also be done simply with jute and without plastic membranes. The cost difference compared to a double log wall would probably be minor—so it’s more a matter of personal preference. "When building, you have to be careful not to mess up, or you'll end up in misery’s claws." Proverb
Have you ever seen a real log house yourself or planned or built one?
Can consumers be sure that where it says “wood house,” there is really “wood” inside? For example, the exterior walls of a timber prefabricated house have a lot of affordable insulation, drywall, and OSB boards, but only the load-bearing structure is made of wood. The same applies to houses with a “log house look.”
A house made of thin planks or boards with a lot of insulation is not a genuine, healthy, and durable log house. Very good information can be found by searching for “Blockhauslexikon.”
Träumer50 schrieb:
Can consumers be sure that when it says “wood house,” there is actually “wood” inside? For example, the exterior walls of a prefabricated wooden house often contain mostly inexpensive insulation, drywall, and OSB boards, with only the supporting structure made of wood. Handcrafted and hand-batiked by free-range woodcarvers
The most common type of “prefabricated house” does have a wooden frame in its wall panels but does not claim to be a “wood house.” Building with “solid-sawn beams,” on the other hand, would definitely not be considered organic, sustainable, or any of the other buzzwords often used in the vegan and eco-conscious communities.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Träumer50 schrieb:
Have you ever actually seen, planned, or built a real log house yourself?Since I’m not very active in new construction, I haven’t planned a new house yet. However, I have inspected and supported the renovation of several older houses, ranging from the Okal prefabricated houses from the 1970s to log homes made entirely of wood.By the way, your comment about gypsum, OSB boards, and heavy insulation meaning it’s not a wooden house does not contradict my statement.
I only mentioned three typical wall constructions for wooden houses: all-wood and wood combined with insulation. As for healthy living, I’m not sure what the objection to jute would be.
Similar topics