Can you build a traditional log cabin out of ash?

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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Can you build a traditional log cabin out of ash?


Author	Message
Sarahax Member	# Posted: 26 Jul 2015 18:00 Reply Hello small cabin forumers, Last year we completed our traditional log cabin here in Sussex in the south of England, and it's caused quite a lot of interest. Today we met a couple who came to have a look who want to build a cabin of similar design out of ash. They have quite a few ash trees of the right size on their land. What do you think? Has anyone got experience of working with ash? I understand you have to get the design right and need to make sure that the logs have good clearance from the ground and there's a good overhang to keep them nice and dry. What do you think about building with ash?

bldginsp Member	# Posted: 26 Jul 2015 18:43 Reply Nice to hear from you Sarahax. You can build log constructions from any logs. The three main issues for choosing species are rot resistance, workability, and stability while drying. I don't know anything about the ash species found in English forests. American ash is not known as a rot resistant species and insects go after it. It is very workable and fairly stable. An unstable wood would twist and distort as it dries, making holes in the walls. I suggest you consult local wood sawyers or woodworkers to get the best info on the particular species you are dealing with.