sawing for a timberframe

[47sawdust]

When selecting trees to saw for a timber frame building is there a size that will produce a more stable post or beam.Say 6x6 or 8x8.
Can my log for say a 6x6 be a 10'' log or should I be cutting my 6x6 out of something larger.Maybe I'm overthinking this,just trying to produce a good product.
Thanks for your help.

[VictorH]

Most would say the best timbers have the heart centered in them.  So with that you will get one per log.  Smaller trees get you to that timber faster.  A nice not free smaller tree will give you a better timber than a knotty larger tree and vice versa.  Two questions I would ask is do you need or have a market for the side lumber from the larger trees?  and do you need to get these timbers cut quickly? - smaller trees will get that done faster.

[47sawdust]

Side lumber is not a priority.We have been asked to frame a small building (20x24) next spring.My plan is to cut the logs and mill them this winter.

[VictorH]

if you have good quality smaller logs then I would use them.

[carykong]

I sawed the post and beams for my home a few years ago , all 7x 10 without regard to centering the pith. Good results. Look fine to this day. Most of post/beam were produced from SYP and a few white oak.