How to Cut Timber for Log Home
- 1). Wear protective gear, including lumber outfit, boots and eye wear to protect face and body from injury.
- 2). Choose an appropriate tree that is readily harvested. Determine whether the tree is at least 18 inches in diameter at the stump. Look for a tree that has a limited amount of branches on its lower part. Make sure that the tree shows no signs of rot or decay.
- 3). Use an ax or a saw to cut the tree in the opposite direction of where you need it to fall (making sure that the tree falls in an area that is flat and away from other large trees). Start cutting the tree near the stump--as low as possible, to maximize the wood's amount.
- 4). Once a tree falls, cut the tree down to desired length for a log home. Standard log home lengths usually run from 8 to 16 feet. Cut the tree (preferably with a saw machine) into logs as straight as possible, so that they are uniform and free of jagged, irregular edges.
- 5). Remove extraneous branches, leaves, defects and badly decayed material in the woods before transporting.
