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General Forestry => General Board => Topic started by: TreeStandHunter on September 06, 2017, 12:29:32 PM

Title: Using Aspen as framing lumber
Post by: TreeStandHunter on September 06, 2017, 12:29:32 PM
I have a few acres of mature aspen that i have felled to make way for deer bedding/cover. I do not currently have a barn and am curious what you guys think about using the aspen for framing lumber? I have seen some tongue and groove wall panelling but i have not read anywhere about its use for framing...i also have quite a few white oaks with a few reds mixed in and i know i could frame with those but i would prefer too use the aspen if i can.

Title: Re: Using Aspen as framing lumber
Post by: 1938farmall on September 06, 2017, 04:34:36 PM
Many old-time farmers used aspen(popple) for all kinds of outbuildings.  if kept out of the rain it will last many decades.
Title: Re: Using Aspen as framing lumber
Post by: chevytaHOE5674 on September 06, 2017, 06:16:43 PM
My neighbors house is built entirely of aspen. Sawed on sight and nailed up green. As long as its kept dry its as good as anything. If it gets wet it will rot in a heartbeat.
Title: Re: Using Aspen as framing lumber
Post by: TreeStandHunter on September 06, 2017, 06:31:25 PM
Quote from: chevytaHOE5674 on September 06, 2017, 06:16:43 PM
My neighbors house is built entirely of aspen. Sawed on sight and nailed up green. As long as its kept dry its as good as anything. If it gets wet it will rot in a heartbeat.

Did they get alot of warping when it dried? I plan on everything being out of the weather i just assumed id have too air dry it before using it
Title: Re: Using Aspen as framing lumber
Post by: Magicman on September 06, 2017, 07:01:32 PM
TreeStandHunter, I for one am glad that you turned your name around.   smiley_dizzy
Title: Re: Using Aspen as framing lumber
Post by: TreeStandHunter on September 06, 2017, 07:11:46 PM
Quote from: Magicman on September 06, 2017, 07:01:32 PM
TreeStandHunter, I for one am glad that you turned your name around.   smiley_dizzy

Haha ya i can see howbit could be confusing. Jeff was kind enough too change it for me
Title: Re: Using Aspen as framing lumber
Post by: Don P on September 06, 2017, 08:08:33 PM
This calc lists aspen and gives allowable spans for joists and rafters;
http://awc.org/codes-standards/calculators-software/spancalc
Title: Re: Using Aspen as framing lumber
Post by: Corley5 on September 07, 2017, 09:25:14 PM
Our house is built with big tooth aspen.  Cut the trees one day, sawed them into lumber the next and nailed them up the third with ring shank and ardox nails.  We waited a few months for it to dry down before hanging drywall.  Aspen will warp and twist in stickered piles when it dries.  It's best used green 8) 8)  Don't skimp on nails ;) 
Title: Re: Using Aspen as framing lumber
Post by: Magicman on September 07, 2017, 09:51:03 PM
Many times folks have to use what they have.  I sawed Tulip Poplar framing lumber today and it will probably all be nailed up next week.
Title: Re: Using Aspen as framing lumber
Post by: TreeStandHunter on September 08, 2017, 02:56:08 PM
Thanks for the info everyone!

I was a little discouraged because I had been told that Aspen will not do well with framing but I now feel up to the challenge for building the barn.
Title: Re: Using Aspen as framing lumber
Post by: Magicman on September 08, 2017, 05:45:25 PM
Google is your friend.  There are many charts, etc. concerning the strengths of various lumber species.  LINK (http://workshopcompanion.com/KnowHow/Design/Nature_of_Wood/3_Wood_Strength/3_Wood_Strength.htm)  Also do not overlook the Red Toolbox on the left.
Title: Re: Using Aspen as framing lumber
Post by: rjwoelk on September 08, 2017, 10:14:21 PM
Quote from: Magicman on September 06, 2017, 07:01:32 PM
TreeStandHunter, I for one am glad that you turned your name around.   smiley_dizzy

x2  :D