Detailed comparison: log or timber – which is better for the home?

Selecting the appropriate building material for a home is an important choice that affects its comfort, durability, and beauty. Two common materials used in wood construction are timber and logs. Every one of them offers a distinct set of benefits and features that meet various demands and tastes.

Since ancient times, logs have been used in construction because of their inherent insulating qualities and rustic charm. Log homes are frequently linked to warm, traditional design and a close bond with the natural world. However, wood—especially when it comes to beams or frames—offers a more contemporary and adaptable solution. Timber opens up a wide range of design options, from elegant, classic structures to sleek, modern styles.

This article will compare and contrast log and timber construction, looking at things like price, environmental impact, energy efficiency, and maintenance. You can choose the material that is ideal for your dream home by being aware of these important factors.

Types of wooden materials for walls

In construction, a variety of treated wood varieties are employed. They are further separated into smaller species.

Depending on the type of processing, logs are separated into different types:

• Chopped. Processed manually, using a regular axe, only knots and the upper part of the bark are removed. The product does not look very presentable.
• Planed. The processing is carried out with an electric planer at the factory; not only the branches are removed, but also part of the bast. Products are difficult to install.
• Rounded. Processed on machines, go through grinding. The lumber has a clear geometric shape and one size. Such products are easy to install.
• timber. The product is a log processed into a square shape. During installation, they are assembled directly on the foundation, since they do not require adjustment.

• Simple. The most budget option. The product is a rectangle with smooth edges. Length reaches 6 meters. The surface of the lumber is uneven, there are protruding fibers.
• Profiled. Smooth, smooth product with tongues and grooves. During construction, the tenon and groove are connected, which allows the lumber to be better bonded. Even during shrinkage, the structure remains airtight.
• Glued. Relatively new lumber on the construction market. The product is a timber consisting of several dried boards glued together. Glued laminated timber can be profiled (with tongues and grooves) and smooth. The first option is used to build houses.

Crucial! It is vital to determine the moisture content of the wood when selecting lumber for construction, regardless of whether it is made of beams or logs. Purchasing products with a humidity level of more than 20% is not advised.

When choosing between timber and logs for your house, it’s important to take into account their distinct features, visual appeal, and useful advantages. While timber offers a contemporary, adaptable option with less maintenance and construction difficulty, logs offer a rustic charm, natural insulation, and a sense of tradition. By comparing these materials, this post will assist you in making an informed choice that takes into account your preferences, budget, durability, and environmental effect.

Comparative characteristics

When selecting a wall material, it is advisable to become acquainted with the fundamental properties and attributes of wood.

While all lumber has similar qualities and can be used to build a house, each type also has unique qualities and drawbacks that should be considered before selecting a lumber supplier.

timber

Among the primary benefits of traditional wood, the following should be mentioned:

• low cost compared to other types of timber;
• ease of installation of lumber;
• availability.

There are certain drawbacks to the product that you should be aware of:

• the need for external finishing after the structure shrinks (cracks form in the lumber);
• distortion of the walls of the building due to deformation of the timber;
• the appearance of blue spots on lumber in the absence of special antiseptic treatment.

The benefits of profiled timber are even greater:

• pleasant appearance;
• good thermal insulation and wear resistance characteristics;
• exclusion of rotting, since the elements of the structure are tightly connected, which prevents moisture penetration;
• after shrinkage, additional finishing is not required;
• no construction waste.

Additionally, profile timber has disadvantages:

• the shrinkage process is accompanied by the formation of cracks in the lumber;
• it is impossible to carry out interior finishing until the building shrinks.

Glued laminated wood is a creative, nearly perfect material. Here are some of its key benefits:

• there is practically no shrinkage;
• houses made of glued laminated timber do not deform;
• ease of construction;
• excellent thermal insulation performance;
• various architectural construction options are possible.

Despite the lumber’s apparent quality, it has certain drawbacks.

• high cost;
• not entirely environmentally friendly, since glue is used in its production.

Read this section for more information on building walls out of wood.

Log

Despite its unappealing appearance, chopped material has some advantages over other lumber:

• reliability of design;
• minimal cracking process compared to other types of logs;
• the top layer is rich in resins, making the structure less susceptible to rotting and fungi formation.

The primary drawbacks consist of:

• long (up to 2 years) and severe shrinkage (up to 12%);
• high price;
• long construction period.

Round construction material has advantages.

• quick assembly of the log house;
• no external finishing required;
• good thermal insulation performance.

The drawbacks consist of:

• long period of shrinkage;
• low resistance to temperature changes without additional impregnation;
• formation of a large number of cracks during drying.

Visit the link for more details on building walls out of this material.

Video on the topic

A thorough comparison of logs and timber can be seen in the video below:

In choosing between log and timber for a home, it is important to take into account the distinct qualities and advantages that each material has to offer. A classic, rustic charm that ties homeowners to the natural world is offered by log homes. Their innate insulating qualities enhance comfort and energy efficiency. However, the design flexibility of timber homes enables a more contemporary or personalized look. The structural strength of timber also makes it possible to incorporate creative architectural elements and larger open areas.

The decision between timber and logs is mostly based on your project’s particular requirements as well as your personal preferences. A log home might be the ideal choice if you value a traditional, homey atmosphere and natural aesthetics. However, a timber home might be more appropriate if you’re looking for modern elements and design flexibility. Both solutions are sustainable and long-lasting, which makes them great options for builders who care about the environment.

In the end, the choice should fit your lifestyle, financial situation, and long-term goals for your house. You can design a living space that fulfills your practical needs and expresses your personality by carefully weighing the benefits of each material. Your home will surely be a distinctive and long-lasting testament to your taste and values, whether you go with timber or logs.

Video on the topic

Beam or log

Log or timber, which is better?? Comparison of wall materials for a wooden house.

Rounded log or profiled timber. What is better to build from. Five years of operation.

Glued laminated timber or rounded log

What to choose: timber of natural moisture or kiln-dried timber? Full comparison