Drying pine for a log bed

[Wade60]

I helped a friend cut a couple trees down in his yard and he gave me the wood to make a log bed out of. They are freshly cut so I am trying to not mess them up.  My first thought is to peel the bark off while they are still green but he mentioned insect damage. I am not planing to do anything with them for about a year to year and a half.

My question is do I leave the bark on or take it off.  I am a total newb to this type of construction so any insight on log prep would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Wade

[Ianab]

I'd take the bark off. Reason is that it will dry faster, and that's what protects wood from insects and fungal attack. Bark tends to attract bugs.

You may get some checking as the logs dry, but that's to be expected. The logs will be stable once they are dry.

Ian

[thecfarm]

Get the bark off for sure. Get the logs up off the ground. I would also think if you need them 6 feet long,I think 8 feet would be a good idea. I feel a foot on each end more to be on the safe side. How big across are the logs?

[Wade60]

That was what I was thinking. I cut them into 10 foot lengths. I just wanted to make sure I had enough to work with. The biggest is about 10 - 12 inches on the butt.

I have them elevated on a couple pallets and will tent a tarp over them to ensure good airflow as they dry.

Thanks for your advice. I just wanted to make sure I was heading in the right direction. 

[WDH]

The inner bark has sugars in it that attract the bugs.  I would also say that elevating the logs to keep them from staying wet in contact with the ground and rotting, and then removing the bark are the two best things that you can do. 

[Jeff]

I built our Bed as I brought it out of the woods. it was Northern White cedar however.  That was about 5 years ago, and it looks just as good today. Here is a link to the build

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,39063.0.html

[red oaks lumber]

peel the bark off, place them off the ground and keep out of the sun (wood will golden) if you can keep the rain off them also, you'll get mildew speckles all over. yet you need air flow.

[Wade60]

Thanks guys. I have them elevated on pallets and will make a tarp tent to keep rain off but allow air flow.

Jeff, that is an awesome bed. I am rethinking a couple things I had planned to do on mine. Thanks for the link.

[Den Socling]

I love the butts that Jeff included in those post. That really looks nice.

[Wade60]

I do too. He set a high standard. My wife liked the look of his bed. So now I got the make yours look like that speech. Thanks Jeff.  8)