What are the advantages of milled wood versus just using roundwood to build things?

Question

I was thinking the other day about how much easier it would be to build from smaller dimension roundwood instead of taking a big tree and cutting into dimensional lumber. In other words, if you had a forest and were going to build a structure yourself it seems like using younger trees would be easier. So why don't people do this? Are there advantages to using bigger trees that I don't know about?

I'm assuming that the wood would be kiln dried. What I mean is whether there's a different in the structural properties. Would round wood warp more? Would it be more brittle? Would it not be as strong?

Answer 1

First off, most people use wood that is not only milled, but dried and sometimes planed, to build most stuff. Frequently the dried part is one of the more important parts of the equation. Round wood, as you call it, fresh out of the forest is usually still full of sap, the liquid that travels up and down through the seasons, to nourish the tree and make it grow. There is also a considerable amount of moisture in the form of water in the fibers of growing trees, that will dry out by itself in time, leaving a board, or a piece of round wood, that is considerably smaller than when it started out, (it shrinks). The wood we buy from the lumber companies has already been dried, (shrunk), so when we use it to build something, it should be the same size next year as when we finished it this year. Besides it's much easier to measure dimensional lumber than round wood.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I sympathize with your desire to have a child but this is a Bad, bad BAD idea! Legally: Not only can your friend get fired if caught, in most places this is a felony. And you are an accessory. Unless you want to have a baby in jail, forget it. Biologically: There is a reason in vitro fertilization is a low yield proposition: The conditions do not favor impregnation. That is why it usually takes a number of attempts. Let's face it - the "usual" way of fertilization usually takes a several attempts (on average). Ethically: People who donate sperm do so under very strict conditions and under the assurance that their genetic material will be used appropriately. They have a right to have that expectation fulfilled. And what would you tell your child? That they were the product of a crime? Please reconsider.

Answer 4

Using big tree for wall paneling is more economical,you can lay a larger surface area as compare with a small trunk.Wooden panel is also lighter as compare with rough trunk,and also much lighter and easily transport around.
Of course if you have plenty of smaller dimension tree the house built of this material as very unique and environmental friendly

Answer 5

No matter what your girl says bigger is better!

Answer 6

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