Cribbing

[welderskelter]

What kind of wood is permissible when sawing cribbing? We have burr oak, red oak, black and white ash.

[WV Sawmiller]

   Saw whatever is available. Hard wood is better than soft wood but you can use either. Low grade wood that won't make anything is a candidate for cribbing. I used a lot of my ash and sawed a bunch of 2'X6"X6" and ones that would not make a 6X6 I made into a 3X6 as different sizes are handy. More durable wood like white oak or locust is desirable Some people may prefer longer cribbing but I could not find a standard so I made what works for me. Good luck.

   If you are sawing for a specific customer see what they want. If speculating or for your own use saw what you have and people will buy what is available.

[Larry]

I sawed cribbing for a construction company that set up portable concrete plants for road construction.  They were picky on species and sizes.  They had about 6 different sizes of blocks.  Can't remember what species they wanted as it was about 20 years ago.  They wanted it on short order and delivered.  Pay was great!!!

I've sawed for other places that could care less about species but size was usually specified.

[nopoint]

I prefer cottonwood myself. Not as rot resistant but very durable and much lighter than oak. Learned this from local house mover. Personally I use 4x6 for cribbing and have never had any problems with the cottonwood holding up something like a barn or house for foundation repair.