What section of timber is needed for the house. What timber is better for building a house? The appearance of the building

The question arises: how much timber should be purchased for a log house? How to choose? How to arrange delivery? How and where to store on the site?

How to choose?

If you are building on your own, then it is better to choose pine. It is much easier to process (and by weight) than larch. Modern impregnations will allow pine timber to be almost equal to larch timber in terms of moisture resistance. And for the price, pine is much more profitable than larch, and even more so cedar. But if there are funds to hire a team, then you can think about a more moisture-resistant larch. And it is physically difficult for one to build from larch.

We did not consider glued and profiled timber due to its high cost. We chose the usual pine timber. It is necessary, of course, to choose it yourself, directly on the basis of building materials.

  • The blue and grayness of wood signal the presence of mold processes. Do not take such a bar. Although at the base you will be convinced of the opposite.
  • It is better to buy winter harvesting timber, it “leads” less, and it is drier. Many bases also provide a service for storing timber until spring. Well, if it was not possible to buy a “winter” timber, then try to fold the log house as quickly as possible, since every day it will be “led” more and more, that is, acquire a stable bend along the longitudinal axis.
  • A bar curved in one plane is called a "beam", and a bar curved in two planes at once is called a "propeller". If the “rocker” can still somehow be corrected during laying, then it’s bad with the “propellers”, such beams are very difficult to lay. When selecting a bar, in no case do not take the "propellers"! You can check the beam for bending by standing at its end and, squinting, look at its other end.
  • Of course, it is better to buy timber at bases where there is a roof over the material stored there. It would be ideal if you also use the services of drying the forest in a special drying chamber.
  • You should not buy a timber of the third grade, better than the first or second. Savings in price will then affect the quality of the log house, and the interior decoration will become more expensive.
  • It is better to buy a bar loosened on a band sawmill than on a regular one, since I drank on a band saw. Then it will be easier to process such a bar with a planer.
  • If it is possible to carefully choose the forest at the base (for example, if there is a good relationship with the owner of the base), then you can also be guided by the principle: take the bar with the “rings” located more densely, that is, the northern part of the tree. This side is then placed on the outside. This is how our great-grandfathers built it. And if they allow you to choose also with a minimum of knots and wane (bark remnants), then this is generally wonderful.

How much do you need to buy timber for a log house?

First, you need to understand what kind of beam you will use. Section 15x15 (or more) - for country houses and cottages. We built an ordinary country house, so our choice fell on the most common section 10x15 (15 in height). And, of course, you need to know all three measurements of the house - length, width, height, number and parameters of partitions, windows, doors. You need to know how many ceiling beams and floor logs will be - for this you can use the table for calculating the sections of wooden single-span beams and logs.
There are two ways to calculate the amount of timber. The first method allows you to quickly and easily orient how many cubes you need, but it is inaccurate. In this method, for ease of calculation, we do not take into account windows and doors. For example, for a 6x6 house 2.5m high (from the foundation to the top of the ceiling beams) with one partition along the entire length of the house, you will need: 6m * 2.5m height * 0.1m (beam width) * 5 walls \u003d 7.5 cubic meters. Plus on the ceiling beams and floor logs: according to the section calculation table, for example, 10 beams 10x15 6-meter per floor and the same amount per ceiling = 6m (length) * 0.1m (width) * 0.15m (height) * 10 pieces *2 = 1.8 cu. Only 9.3 cubes. We take with a small margin of 6-7% in terms of waste, a total of 10 cubic meters. Piece by piece, this will be: 10 cubes: (the volume of one bar is 6m * 0.1m * 0.15m) \u003d 10 cubes: 0.09 cubes \u003d approximately 111 bars.
The second method allows you to more accurately calculate, since both windows and doors are taken into account. We start in the same way, but it will be necessary to subtract the window and door openings. For example, in the above house there will be two doors - the entrance and in the partition, this is minus two doors in volume occupying 2m (door height) * 0.9m (door width) * 0.1m (opening thickness) \u003d 0.18 cubic meters each. We also minus the windows: 5 windows * 1.2m (window height) * 1.2m (window width) * 0.1m (opening thickness) \u003d 5 * 0.144 \u003d 0.72 cubic meters for all windows. Together with two doors, this is 0.72 cubic meters + 2 * 0.18 cubic meters \u003d 1.08 cubic meters. But here it must be taken into account that in order to tie the box of the log house, it is necessary to make jumpers on the windows - one piece each, and on the doors - two pieces on each. That is, it will be 5 windows * 1.2m * 0.1m * 0.15m + 2 doors * 2 lintels * 0.9m * 0.1m * 0.15m = 0.144 cubic meters. This amendment must be subtracted from 1.08 cubic meters, you get 0.936 cubic meters. We divide this by the volume of one bar (0.09 cubic meters), and we get that we would buy about 10 unnecessary bars. Thus, according to the second calculation method - more complex, we need to buy 101 bars.

How to arrange delivery?

Firstly, you need to understand whether the country road can withstand the car with the entire volume of the forest at a time. Our road can withstand only about 6 tons, we remember this from the mixer-concrete mixer, so we divided the entire volume into two deliveries. The weight of one cube of standard moisture pine is from 460kg to 620kg, larch from 650kg to 800kg. On the first day we brought 5 tons, on the second day 4.5 tons. Of course, the days for delivery must be chosen dry, unless, of course, you have asphalt rolled up to your house.

It is better to order a self-loader, since it is still a pleasure to unload the same 100 beams weighing 72 kg each.

Fig. 1 It is better to ask the truck driver to use tarpaulin tapes when unloading, rather than chains - quite large chips are torn out of the timber with chains

Do not be afraid to order from the base located in the neighboring area of ​​the city. At wholesale bases, the price of timber is always cheaper than in hardware stores located along the way to the dacha. Yes, delivery will cost a little more, but the choice of timber at wholesale depots is wider. Yes, and usually self-loaders are taken for at least three hours of work, so the game is not worth the candle here.

How and where to store on the site?

When the loader brings you timber, he will most likely dump everything just on the ground, in one heap. So you need to immediately lay out the timber, even if you are sure that the construction will be completed in a week.
It is better to store in the shade. The surface must be even. Try to avoid slopes and bumps, carefully check everything with a building level. Lay, for example, knocked-down shields left from the formwork to protect the bottom row of timber from dew. Under the shields - bricks to make it higher. Ideally, if the height from the ground is 30 centimeters. Or you can use not knocked down shields, but every meter and a half on the ground put old sleepers or logs, or other old, but strong and thick material. Also check the level.

Fig. 2 Our forest lay on shields

We put bars of the same thickness on the shields, then the first row of bars, 10 pieces in a row, keep the distance between adjacent bars about 1 cm. Do not make our mistake, do not put the bars from the old painted fence, although it is convenient - the entire bar is of the same thickness, but the paint will remain on the bar. Then stack each row through the bars. The distance between the bars is about 70cm. And one more thing - store it so that the beams lie with the narrower side horizontally, and the high side vertically. That is, a 10x15 beam should be laid vertically with a 15-centimeter edge, and horizontally with a 10-centimeter edge. It is necessary.

Fig. 3 Do not forget that the bar must be of the same thickness for each row, otherwise the bar will lead literally in a day!

At the end of laying, be sure to organize a canopy over the stack or cover it with slate sheets

Fig. 4 Press the slate sheets with bricks, since with a strong wind the slate can easily be blown away

And finally, remember that when buying a forest of natural moisture, you need to put it into action as soon as possible. It is better to start building from the very next day, since even with properly organized storage, when drying under natural conditions, cracks form in the beam, and the rejection of the material after a month or two can be up to 10%.

If you are going to build any house from a bar, the owner will have to resolve the issue with the choice and purchase of building materials. The choice today is quite wide: it is both a simple bar of natural moisture, and a dried, profiled bar of a special shape or glued material. But in all cases, it will be necessary to first determine the size: the heat protection of the walls and the cost of materials depend on this. What size timber for building a house will be optimal?

Size options and their use

The dimensions of the beam are a very important parameter that must be taken into account when designing. A variety of options are on sale: the minimum section is 100x100 mm, the maximum is 200x200 mm. Which option to choose for a particular construction:

  • The thinnest beam with a section of 100x100 mm or 100x150 cm is used for the construction of outbuildings, in addition, it can be used in the construction of a bath. This is the cheapest material, but it is only suitable for buildings that are not designed for permanent residence.
  • For a summer cottage, as a rule, the golden mean is chosen: a beam can have a section of 120x120 mm or 150x150 mm. In the warm season, such a house will be very comfortable and convenient, in addition, this option is quite convenient for calculations and installation. If you plan to use the building for year-round use, it will be possible to provide it with an additional layer of external insulation.
  • The size of the timber for a winter home should be as large as possible, especially in regions with a cold climate. In construction, options from 150x150 mm to 200x200 mm are used. The thickest timber is expensive, but due to the greater height of each crown of material, less material is required, which partially offsets the increased costs.

Thus, from what size of timber to build a house, each future owner chooses independently. However, it must be remembered that savings when choosing wall material will ultimately lead to increased costs for heating and insulating the building, otherwise it will be constantly cold in it. The size of the timber for the house also determines its soundproofing qualities: through walls that are too thin, all street noises will be heard, which will significantly reduce the comfort of living.

If you choose a dried profiled timber, this will partially save on insulation: since the crowns will fit snugly against each other, the thermal insulation properties of the walls will be much higher.

Many builders believe that it is unprofitable to purchase a 200x200 bar for construction: it is almost always made to order, so it is very expensive, and the difference in wall thickness will be only 5 cm in the end, compared to a conventional bar with a section of 150x150 mm. This difference can be compensated by additional external insulation, which will still cost less in the end.

How to choose a material for building a frame house

A log house has many advantages, but it also has disadvantages: first of all, it is the high cost of materials and the need to wait a very long time for shrinkage to complete. Because of this, more and more people are paying attention to modern frame technologies, which also require the correct selection of building materials. The size of a beam for a frame house depends on its intended use and size, since it is the beam frame that has to withstand the highest loads.

Usually, the following timber dimensions are selected for tying a frame house: 150x150 mm, 150x200 mm, 200x200 mm. The large thickness ensures the strength of the frame, which can withstand any natural disasters.

For sheathing the walls of a frame building, chipboard or OSB boards are used, and a heater is placed between them. The thicker the frame, the greater the layer of insulation material and the higher the energy efficiency of the building, however, its cost increases proportionally.

The frame building is assembled faster, which also reduces its cost. However, when designing, it is necessary to count on the purchase of timber not only for the frame of the walls, but also for the construction of internal partitions, interfloor ceilings, floor logs, truss systems, etc.

In addition, the frame is difficult to assemble on your own, for the correct connection of the corners it is recommended to involve specialists. Any person can assemble a log house from a ready-made house kit thanks to ready-made processed joints.

Construction from a finished lumber house kit

What is more profitable to buy: a bar in a lumber warehouse or a ready-made house kit in a specialized company? Both options have their advantages: a simple beam will cost much less, but the assembly of a house kit will take much less time. This set can be made to special order:

  1. The client turns to a specialized company, and an individual house project is developed for him, which takes into account all the wishes related to the thickness of the walls, the location of windows, doors and partitions, etc.
  2. By order, a set of parts is produced, which are delivered to the construction site in a numbered form.
  3. The kit is assembled as a constructor in the shortest possible time, and very soon the house is ready for decoration and settlement. Such a kit will immediately ensure strong connections of wall elements: they do not have to be adjusted directly on the construction site, all connections will be immediately sawn to exact dimensions using special equipment.

The thickness of the timber used for the manufacture of house kits can also be different. Standard version: 150x150 mm, at the request of the customer, a thicker beam can be used. This will achieve high thermal efficiency of the building.

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We determine the moisture content of wood, the choice of timber for building a house

Wooden buildings have become fashionable again due to the fact that they are made from natural materials and are even good for health. From a bar build houses, summer residences, baths and arbors. Every builder who has had experience working with wood knows how important it is to use timber of a certain moisture content. Thanks to such types of wood as pine or spruce, cheap houses made of profiled timber with natural moisture became available. Profiled timber allows you to build houses with even walls. It has grooves or a profile that simplifies construction work and makes the structure stronger. The amount of moisture in the timber will affect many indicators, consider the main ones.

  • In too wet wood, harmful bacteria and mold start, rotting processes begin.
  • A structure made of wood with high humidity shrinks over time, therefore its main structural elements can be deformed.
  • Rapid drying of wood in the heat and sun leads to cracks, which can further increase in size.

It cannot be said that completely dry wood is needed to build a house, because it will still absorb moisture from the environment. The optimal and most inexpensive option can be considered a timber with a natural moisture content of about 25 percent. In order to achieve suitable humidity levels, winter timber is folded in a special way until May. So, it undergoes natural drying, but the edges must be lubricated with drying oil so that the process is gradual. Complementing the material, we want to note that you can order a log house on the website http://srubstroy53.ru/, see what the experts offer and how much their solutions cost.

Types of wood depending on the moisture content:

  • wet and freshly cut wood can contain up to 80% moisture;
  • wood of natural humidity - 18-25%;
  • dry - 10-12%.

Wood felled in winter has a moisture content of about 20-30 percent, and harvested in summer about 70-80. To make the wood dry, a special chamber drying is used. According to the requirements of GOST, wood with a moisture content of not more than 20-22 percent can be traded. During operation, cheap houses made of timber can gradually gain up to 30 percent of the good when it rains, or lose it in the summer during a drought. In particularly humid areas, it is advised to use additional means of protecting wood from moisture and mold.

moisture meter

A moisture meter is used to measure the moisture content of wood. It determines the amount of moisture per mass of dry wood. A moisture meter will not only help with the purchase of wood of the required humidity, it will also come in handy in the process of building from wood. It can be contact or non-contact. The contact moisture meter has needles that are stuck into the wood for analysis. The device should be able to set the type of wood and other parameters for analysis.

What kind of timber is better to build a house

The choice depends on the amount of finance, the professionalism of the builders and the amount of time available. If the house is being built from a bar of natural moisture, then experts advise waiting up to a year until the bar has passed the drying period. In addition, there is glued or profiled timber, which can also have different moisture levels.

A house made of profiled timber does not need to be caulked, it absorbs less moisture, but the drying time of wood is the same as for ordinary timber. Many build country houses from glued timber, such wood is much stronger, thanks to several layers glued together. Glued laminated timber is more expensive than usual, most often it is profiled at the same time. It is best to buy wood that is cut in the northern regions and harvested in winter.

Before construction, read which timber is best for building a house - we choose the type of timber, size and thickness, depending on the purpose of the future construction. Consider and compare the types of wooden building materials.

And we will also determine what thickness of the timber is suitable for the construction of a bathhouse, a summer residence and a house for permanent residence.

Types of wooden building materials on the modern market

Currently, there are several types of materials used in wooden construction:

  • glued timber,
  • profiled beam,
  • unprofiled beam,
  • calibrated log,
  • rounded log,
  • hewn log.

Advantages of timber buildings

Why timber for building a house is better than logs:

  • smooth and even surface of the walls,
  • "easy" construction due to the lower weight of the timber,
  • geometric accuracy of the entire structure,
  • strong fastening of the bars to each other, which, as a result, prevents the penetration of cold and the formation of cracks,
  • pleasant atmosphere and aesthetically pleasing view, both outside and inside the house.

The most popular competing wooden building materials are glued timber and profiled timber. Both have their supporters and opponents.

Before starting construction, the customer must clearly understand which timber is better for building a house, and which timber is better to use for a summer residence or a bath.

What type of timber to use for building a house

Profiled timber

The most popular material for low-rise wooden construction. The bar is made of wood, more often coniferous. It is a solid mass of wood, processed to obtain a groove on a planer and milling machine. In its manufacture, it is important to observe the exact dimensions and the correct geometric shape, otherwise the bars will not fit together and a gap will form. Therefore, the main requirement for obtaining high-quality profiled timber is high-precision equipment.

Glued laminated timber

Glued laminated timber is also often used for low-rise construction of private houses, summer cottages and baths. The bar is made of wood, more often coniferous species - spruce, cedar, larch, pine. Logs are sawn into boards (lamellas) and planed until they achieve perfect smoothness.

Which timber is better for building a house - glued or profiled

Let's compare the main characteristics of these types of timber.

Environmental friendliness

Here, profiled timber has no equal. This is a natural material, absolutely harmless to people living in a house built from it. The environmental friendliness of glued beams depends on the glue that was used for its production. The more harmless the glue (and over time it will gradually evaporate anyway), the more expensive the glued laminated timber. When using low-quality glue, the boards can even stick out over time.

Dimensions

The length of the profiled beam depends on the length of the source material (most often the length of the beam is 6 m.) The length of the glued beam can reach 18 m.

Quality

The question is difficult. At first, glued laminated timber is stronger than profiled timber due to gluing and pressing, and besides, it is drier (glulamic timber contains 11-14% moisture), profiled timber - up to 20%. Due to dryness, glued beams shrink very little (about 1%). But over time, glued laminated timber is saturated with moisture from the environment, which brings it closer in properties to dry profiled timber.

Well-dried and shrunk, profiled timber does not rot, crack, and can serve for more than a hundred years.

Price

The cost of glued laminated timber is much more expensive than profiled timber - 2-3 times, which is due to the peculiarities of the manufacture of materials. It happens that the price of glued laminated timber on the market is significantly underestimated, by 1.5-2 times, but then you need to pay attention to the quality of the material (what glue was used, what kind of wood, how dry the material was, etc.).

Summary

Which beam is better for building a house - glued or profiled - everyone decides for himself, there is no universal answer. Briefly summarizing the features of each type:

  • profiled timber- favorable price, environmental friendliness, less cracking or damage;
  • glued laminated timber- high durability, reduction of time for shrinkage, it is possible to do without external finishing.

The main thing to remember: do not save on materials, because in the future this will affect the quality of the house.

What size and thickness of timber is best for building a house

The answer to the question of what size of timber is best suited for construction depends on the purpose of the building being erected. The thickness of the profiled beam can be different: in the final size, taking into account the profile of 90 mm, 190 mm.

The thinner the beam, the more it is in cubes, for example,

  • timber 100 x 150 mm - 11 pieces in a cube;
  • timber 150 x 150 mm - 7.5 pcs. cubed;
  • timber 200 x 150 - 5.5 pieces per cube, so the final price of the house is less for a thinner timber).

But the thicker the timber, the better the heat will be kept in the room.

For a bath, a bar with a section of 100 mm is enough.

Country seasonal house

A beam with a cross section of 100 mm is quite a suitable option for an economical country house, in which the owners do not plan to live in the winter.

Winter house for permanent residence

  • A 150 mm beam is ideal for a seasonal home, where they live in spring / summer / autumn. Such a house can also be suitable for the winter version, it all depends on the quantity and quality of the insulation and on how and with what the house will be heated.
  • A beam with a cross section of 200 mm is made only for a specific order for premium class houses. It keeps heat better, but many will consider its cost unreasonably high. This thickness allows you to easily withstand temperatures up to -25 ºС.

So for building a house for permanent residence, choose a timber with a thickness of 150-200 mm. 150 mm is a more economical winter house and is suitable for the middle lane, 200 mm is more expensive and suitable for northern regions.


The DomBanya company builds houses from profiled timber up to 200 mm thick. Contact the company's specialists, and they will advise what thickness of timber is best for building a house or a bath.

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