LODGEPOLE PINES USED IN KOOTENAI LOG HOME CONSTRUCTION
First we will start with the wood that we use. Since the wood is what a log home consist of we put extreme emphasis on the species and quality of wood that we use. The species that we use is most commonly referred to as Lodgepole Pine. Lodgepole Pine is a slow growing species of pine. This means that its growth rings are very tight and the wood is a hard wood. Lodgepole is known characteristically to have long straight uniform logs ideal for log homes.
We use dead standing trees that are a result of beetle kill. Beetle kill simply means that a species of beetle bores under the bark and lives there. It does not bore into the tree. This kills the tree and eventually the beetle leaves. Then the tree will typically stand 4 to 6 years before being harvested. In this time the tree dries naturally which is the best way. During this time any cracking, twisting, or checking occurs. Till it is harvested it is done and will not continue to crack or twist to a noticeable scale. Also during this time any other bug larvae that may have been in the tree has hatched and left and any other bugs have left given the fact that this tree is dead and will not attract any thing.
So, now Dead Standing Lodgepole Pine means that physically speaking it is a great choice for your log home and it is also an environmentally friendly wood.
