Brick columns have long been a mainstay in construction, offering both structural integrity and a visual appeal that blends well with a variety of architectural motifs. Brick columns can produce an eye-catching blend of engineered and natural materials when combined with logs to create a strong and attractive structure.
For log structures, using brick columns offers a special combination of charm and durability. Brick’s strong structure offers sturdy support for large log beams, guaranteeing their longevity and stability. Simultaneously, the blend of logs and bricks gives any building a sophisticated yet rustic appearance, fusing old world craftsmanship with contemporary style.
Brick columns have several advantages over log structures, chief among them being their resilience to weathering and pests. Over time, the brick serves as a barrier to protect the integrity of the logs. Brick columns can also be made to order in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, giving designers more creative freedom to complement the overall style of the house.
This article will discuss the advantages of using brick columns in log construction, as well as useful advice for creating a visually appealing and harmonious structure and practical considerations during the building process. Knowing the function of brick columns in log construction can help you plan a new building or improve an existing structure. It can also inspire and provide useful insights for your project.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Strong and durable | Can be expensive |
| Resistant to weather | Requires skilled labor |
| Low maintenance | Heavy and difficult to transport |
| Attractive appearance | Longer construction time |
What it is?
A masonry structure with a single brick in its cross section is called a pillar for brick logs. They are built on a concrete pad that has been prepared and reinforced with rods that have a diameter of 5-8 mm. They guarantee that floors don’t sink under heavy weight loads or after extended use. To facilitate the installation of the logs, a bracket with an upper thread should be positioned in the center of the structure. A metal plate measuring 15 by 15 cm and with a thickness of 3 to 5 cm should be welded to the base of the bracket. The horizontal leveling and centering of the brackets is crucial. They can be supported by brick on four sides, which will cover the joists.
Requirements
When building the foundation, an underground space is left for the first floor of the house. Its depth is determined by the height of the built foundation; if extra soil is removed, it can be made even deeper. Tamping is important because loose soil holds moisture better. Moisture-resistant clay bricks are used in column construction. Since silicate species are quickly destroyed by the moisture of the subsurface soil, it is strictly discouraged to use them for these purposes despite their high water absorption capacity.
When concreting, a concrete pad is used to lay out the pedestals beneath the logs. M500 grade cement is utilized for this purpose. Collapsed columns need to be sealed. A level is used to control constructed structures both longitudinally and transversely. The thickness of the logs that will form the floor’s foundation is taken into consideration when determining the height.
An essential flooring technological step is the installation of posts for joists. By preventing deflections and subsidence and shielding the floorboard from moisture, mold, and mildew, this design will increase the floorboard’s longevity.
Brick columns combine the strength and stability of brick with the timeless beauty of natural wood to create a foundation for log structures that is both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting. This combination not only strengthens a building’s structural integrity but also gives any design a hint of traditional elegance. Brick columns ensure the longevity and resilience of log homes by providing practical benefits like increased resistance to moisture and pests. The harmonious combination of brick and logs, whether in residential or commercial construction, creates a pleasing blend of tradition and modernity, making it a popular choice among builders and homeowners.
Materials calculation and preparation
The preparation of the subsurface is the first step in building the supports for laying logs.
- Using a tape measure, determine the location of future brick pedestals and drive in control pegs.
- If the length of the floorboards exceeds 4 meters, a reinforced concrete base is made.
- Cut reinforcement with a diameter of 5-8 mm into sections along the length of the concrete base. The underground soil is thoroughly compacted. Mounting brackets are prepared in advance
- Floor joists 10×15 or 15×15 cm are impregnated with antiseptic and dried.
- Level and at an angle of 90 degrees, make a mesh of twine with a cell of 1.5 * 1.5 meters for visual control of the height of the supports being erected, and fix it on the upper edge of the foundation.
- Materials are calculated depending on the number and height of racks. As a rule, 1 row of support consists of 4 bricks, and the pitch of supports under the logs is 1.5-2 meters. The bricks are counted individually, and then the volume of cement and sand required for masonry is determined based on a 1:2 ratio.
- To improve the waterproofing of logs and floors, use expanded clay of a fraction of 1.5-2 cm. Its quantity is determined based on the layer height of 10-12 cm per underground area
How they do it?
- Dig small pits for concrete pads with an area of 40×40 cm and a depth of 30 cm in place of the control pegs driven into the underground.
- Lay sand as a substrate in a layer of 10-12 cm, compact thoroughly.
- Install prepared formwork from boards.
- Tie the cut reinforcement using steel wire and make a lattice with a cell of 10 cm. Place it in a pit with a clearance from the bottom of 10-15 cm.
- Prepare a concrete solution from cement, sand and small crushed stone in proportions 1:2:3 and pour the foundations for the columns. After complete hardening, remove the formwork and add soil, compact it tightly around the bases.
- Install the brackets and cover them with bricks, while observing the dressing standards, starting from the second row. The fastening rod must be securely fixed. To do this, when laying each row, the openings are completely filled with mortar.
- The outer supports adjacent to the foundation must be laid out taking into account the openings where the logs will go. Brackets are not included in these structures.
- Check the quality of work using a level longitudinally and transversely. It is important that the brackets are positioned in line for each joist.
- Having brought the masonry to the required level, leave it for 4-5 days to completely harden.
A dependable and attractive way to support log structures is with brick columns. They give the design a hint of traditional elegance while offering the required strength and stability. Natural wood and robust brick combine to create a harmonious, classic look that works well with both traditional and modern styles.
The longevity of brick columns is one of their primary benefits. Brick, as opposed to wood, is impervious to rot, pests, and weather damage, guaranteeing a sturdy foundation for your log building. Because of this, brick columns are a sensible option for anyone wishing to spend their money on a long-lasting structure that requires little upkeep.
A further advantage is the simplicity of customization. Brick columns can be constructed to precisely fit the layout and size requirements of your project. Brick columns can be customized to match your aesthetic tastes, whether you like a more intricate, decorative style or a more straightforward, rustic appearance. They are a well-liked option for both builders and homeowners because of their adaptability.
Adding brick columns to your log structure raises its overall value in addition to improving its aesthetic appeal. If you ever decide to sell, the combination of brick and logs creates a distinctive architectural feature that can increase curb appeal and draw in potential buyers. It’s an investment in style as well as utility.
In the end, your log structure’s brick columns selection should balance strength, longevity, and design. They give your building a strong foundation that accentuates the logs’ inherent beauty, making it both beautiful and robust. Brick columns are a wise and appealing option for any log construction project because of their many benefits.
