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
H
haydee
27 Aug 2019 16:32
Solid wood or engineered wood?

If you feel uneasy about 1% glue, how do you plan to check the interior finish and furniture?
Take a look into the topic of healthy living environments.
However, this does not guarantee that something harmful like asbestos won't be used.
All current hazardous substances were once considered safe for health.
L
Lumpi_LE
27 Aug 2019 16:46
I would never build a solid wood wall because of its poor insulation values (U-values). You would have to do countless acrobatics to somehow meet the energy saving regulations.
N
Nordlys
27 Aug 2019 22:05
When I read something like this, I almost get angry. What is this fear about? Cancer? Death? Death will come, rest assured, and if you have a genetic predisposition to cancer, it will come with cancer. Otherwise, it will be through a stroke. Or Parkinson’s, or something else. Oh yes, very few are lucky enough to die of old age. Very few! Whether with glued laminated timber or solid timber log construction or clay blocks...
J
Johann_s
28 Aug 2019 15:23
Thanks for the quick responses.

@Lumpi_LE:
The reference to the energy-saving regulations is helpful.
Otherwise, I no longer trust the U-value since I watched a YouTube video by H.G. Unterrainer and Konrad Fischer discussing the "effective U-value."
The latter can no longer be consulted – he passed away from cancer.
Still – and this is just my opinion – I want to minimize avoidable risks.
Besides the mentioned causes of death, ladders and stairs cause a lot of "micromorts."
Nevertheless, I use both. But I avoid ladders with rotten steps, even though I will eventually "move on."

Looking forward to hearing about experiences with the above-mentioned suppliers.
J
Johann_s
28 Aug 2019 15:26
@Lumpi_LE:
The aforementioned YouTube video is by "lightaspect" and is titled "Modern Timber Construction – U-Value? Nature with High-Tech."
Unfortunately, I can’t share the link, but it’s easy to find.

The content really convinced me. I need to check what the energy saving regulations say about it – bureaucracy in Germany.
L
Lumpi_LE
28 Aug 2019 16:02
Johann_s schrieb:

Konrad Fischer
One should not speak ill of the dead, but if you take to heart the nonsense they spread during their lifetime, you were on the wrong track anyway.