Hello from Washinton

[pjgggray]

First time user here. After much searching I'm hoping someone out there can lead me in the right direction. I live on five acers with most of the land covered with Douglas firs about 25-30yrs. old. Diameter at breast height on average about 18-22inches. I want to build an out building using the logs from the land. I know how to peel the bark but I'm trying to get information on treating the logs and how to secure the beams and post. The building is going to be approx. 15' x 30'. If anyone knows of a web site or other informative site please write. Thank You very much! ::)

[Deberosa]

Welcome!

I am also in Washington State - near Shelton. What part are you in? That might have an influence on how you build with doug fir.

I have an 80 - 90 year old barn that was built from lumber logged from my 4.5 acre homestead. It's interesting to see how they put it together. The original barn is 25 by 25 with another add on just as big and then a chicken coop added on the back and lean to along one long side in front.

If you are in western Washington you probably don't want to have the doug fir touching the ground. Mine has only large cedar logs in contact with the ground. Then they put in a concrete wall on which they built the walls of the barn. The sides they used cedar planks, but I imagine doug fir would work too. If you are going to do your own lumber yours could be far more complex than mine because most of the beams on mine are round logs, the only milled lumber is the sides.

Anyhow if you want to take a tour and you are near Shelton let me know, it might give you some ideas.

You can see my barn on the front of my blog at deberosahomestead.wordpress.com