Wood Species

• Least resinous of all pines
  Few instances of “bleeding” logs
• Stable – doesn’t shrink or swell significantly with changes in moisture
  Less settling to contend with in log walls
• Is a major species for reforestation
  Renewable resource
• Affordable
  Lower cost for log package
• One of the most used wood species in the log home industry
  Time tested and proven
• One of the highest R-values of all wood species
  Superior energy efficiency
• Easy to work and mill
  Results in a precisely milled, excellent fitting product
• Moderately light in weight
  Easier to handle without the use of heavy equipment
• Strong
  Especially suited for strong log walls
• Warps and checks less than other species
  Fewer construction concerns and more aesthetically pleasing walls
• Durable
  Dependable over time
• Moderately resistant to rot and insects.
  Properly maintained, will last a lifetime
• Readily accepts decorative stains and protective finishes .
  Ensures simplicity of application and longevity of finish

The first log homes manufactured by Honest Abe were made from Yellow Poplar logs, just as the homes of early settlers to our company’s native Tennessee had been. Poplar, however, proved less than ideal for modern log home manufacturing. A difficult wood to mill, it cracked excessively and was hard to obtain in longer lengths. Several other wood species were tried by Honest Abe.

Yellow Pine, which is still in use today by many log home companies, twisted and warped, and was quickly rejected by Honest Abe. Hemlock was difficult to mill and splintered badly. Finally, Eastern White Pine proved to be the wood with the most favorable characteristics and has been used exclusively by Honest Abe since.

Here’s why we use Douglas Fir for heavy timber rafters, collar ties, wall-tie trusses, ceiling beams, girders and timber frame components.

• Most plentiful of all North American softwood species
  Abundance equals affordability
• Naturally dimensionally stable. Has the ability to season well in position
  Virtually eliminates twisting of timbers
• Superior strength to weight ratio
  Ideally suited for structural beams
• Excellent nail and plate holding capacity
  Necessary in rafter design
• High degree of resistance to deflection
  Important in the design of floor and roof systems
• Documented superior performance against natural forces such as winds, storms and earthquakes
  Peace of mind in potentially dangerous situations
• Has tight knots and is close-grained.
  Knots less likely to loosen or fall out
• Moderate durability
  Rugged, withstands abuse
• Natural beauty
  Reddish tint provides pleasing contrast to pine within the structure
• Readily accepts decorative stains and protective finishes .
  Ensures simplicity of application and longevity of finish

Our wood meets or exceeds industry standards. Our manufacturing staff members are certified graders under nationally recognized Timber Products Inspection (TPI) regulations. In addition to monthly industry evaluations from TPI, we follow our own quality-control process every day to produce the best possible logs for your home.

Honest Abe averages a nine-month inventory of timbers, something many of our competitors can’t say. This reassures our customers that the logs for their home have already been purchased and are being prepared, sometimes many months before a prospective homeowner has even become our client.