Red oak in timber framing?

[Daburner87]

Most the red oak I've sawn seems to attract mold faster than any other species.   Is anyone using it in timber framing with good success, and if so how do you prevent mold growth?  I feel like making a timber frame (even a small one) would be silly if the woods just gonna rot away on you.  It's the most readily available logs to me, and it is free which is great, but I don't want to go build something that won't last long.

[Dave Shepard]

It's more difficult to get good timbers out of oak, and hardwoods in general. For me, boxed heart is preferred. If it's what you have, then that's what you use. 

[Brad_bb]

Nothing wrong with using red Oak. Is it actual red oak or another species of the RO family.  There are property differences between the species of RO.  Visually grade the logs/timbers and don't try to use material that it too low quality.  Like has been said, you want to box the heart (center pith in both directions) to minimize/equalize stresses while drying.  You do want to prevent mold, so have your drying spot set up where it's going to be shaded, but plenty of air flow.  If possible cut your timbers below 50F.  When they can air dry for 3 weeks , and don't get re-wetted, you shouldn't get mold.  It's about getting the surface moisture low enough and having enough airflow to prevent mold.