The Forestry Forum

Hello all,
I purchased some machined logs last year to build a cabin and got a good start towards the end of last summer, but was not able to get it in the dry before winter.  I did put tarps over the logs and did my best to keep them out of the elements but now I am a little worried about bugs, termites, etc.  Is a treatment I should do before I start building with them again?  A spray or something?  They were kiln dried but obviously they have equalized over the winter.  Any suggestions or recommendations before I start back building?

The logs I did get stacked last year have discolored some.  I was planning on finishing out the stack and then pressure washing all the walls before putting the roof on. 

Any help or input would be great!

Thanks

Penetreat and borax.   A little bleach and water will clean up the logs nicely.   You probably don't need to pressure wash.  Just spray on the bleach and water, let it soak a bit and than wash it off with water.

Thanks Jon.  Been reading your blog.  Keep up the good work. 

As jander3 says, pressure washing is not good, leaves a fur on the wood, then you have to sand or blast. use a commercial product like penetreat, or borax and lots bleach before you put the logs together, helps cut down on the mold in the joints.