Tamarack for live edge siding?

[4orrwantmore]

   Hello all
I've recently come into a nice stand of tamarack that my friend needs removed, and I am in the need for some live edge siding for my cabin build. My question here is, are there any concerns or special considerations to using this for this application?

  Thanks for any and all

John

[Magicman]

Hello and Welcome to the Forestry Forum, 4orrwantmore.  Adding your location to your profile always helps with answering questions.  Will you be sawing it yourself?

[47sawdust]

Tamarack,in my opinion,would not be a good choice for live edge siding.It is a very ornery wood.In Vermont it is used by some as an alternative for pressure treated decking.It must be screwed down to keep from twisting and lifting.

[Chuck White]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, 4orrwantmore!

I too think that the Tamarack will want to twist and/or curl!

[KBforester]

I sawn quite a bit of tamarack. I'm under the belief their are regional, genetic, or site variations. I've seen sites where you can actually see twisted grain on a standing tree... in my woodlot though I've had pretty good luck with it. The boards that were bad were bad right off the mill (think potato chip) but if they came off ok, they stayed ok. But I don't see the twisted grain I've seen in other stands. You will have to put it up green though. I put lag bolts through some semi dry posts this weekend and it taught my impact driver a serious lesson. Had to switch to a ratchet which in turn taught my arms a lesson.

[1ruralmailman]

   have to agree.it can be a onery wood that will twist and warp,or a great one that lasts a long time.i once sawed a few 4x4 posts for a shed a guy was building,all but one was fine the last one twisted a quarter turn over 8 feet in length after a few weeks,if i was going to use it like you want to i would definitley cut it,and nail it with ring shank nails,preferably the same day.

[4orrwantmore]

 Thanks for the replies. Im glad I asked!  I will ask then; I have available for live edge siding, white pine, white spruce, and red pine. Which of these is preferred for this application?  My thought for the tamarack was that it had better rot resistance than the others.

  I will have the tamarack logs either way, what is a good use for them?

Thanks, John

[1ruralmailman]

6x6 to store logs,or sawn lumber on comes to mind.

[Doug Wis]

  I agree with KB, lots of variation. haven't sawn much but most has been decent. If it  turns out good, makes some beautiful paneling. I would sure try the siding you are planning

[Bandmill Bandit]

Most tamarack makes it own rules.

Cut and install and fasten VERY WELL. the bigger trees don't move as much and certain types are a bit better.

Tamarack likes wet locations. IT will out las treated stuff by a long shot. its great for in/on the ground.