2nd growth redwood for log home ?

[pearlyyates]

I have many second growth redwoods on my place, they are straight and true with very little taper. They look like they would make great home building logs but ive never heard of anyone using them

[rreidnauer]

Sounds like you have a perfect situation to me. I wouldn't hesitate to use them in the least, especially if built using proper construction techniques.

[Klapton]

Redwood is great. VERY rot-resistant. I can't say exactly what their strength is when used for horizontal girders, however. For example, Cedar (more rot resistant) is not as strong as douglas fir. But even if you ended up getting a few doug firs for your girders, rafters, or ridge pole, your redwoods will be GREAT as wall logs and RPSL/GPSLs. (Vertical columns).

[RockEngineer]

Redwood has strength similar to Hem-Fir at 975 psi allowable bending strength for No. 1 sawn lumber. Most people don't use redwood just because it is so expensive to buy. If you have your own trees they should make a beautiful log home.

[Klapton]

Just looking for a layman's translation / simplification...

So he could use appropriately sized redwood logs for his horizontal girders too then? (I'm guessing this based on your "bending" stats relative to hem/fir).

NOTE: One of the many benefits of LHBA membership includes access to the member forums, where Mr. Rock generously answers LOTS of questions like this for our members. Thanks again!

/cheer @ Richard Rock!!!

[RockEngineer]

Just looking for a layman's translation / simplification...

So he could use appropriately sized redwood logs for his horizontal girders too then? (I'm guessing this based on your "bending" stats relative to hem/fir).

Yes. The redwood should work fine for the Ridge Pole and floor girders.