Sourcing Timbers: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Low-Grade Lumber

When planning your post and beam project, knowing the sourcing options for your timbers is crucial, as each choice impacts the final design. Fresh-sawn timbers are the most cost-effective and follow historic methods, but come with the risk of shrinkage, checking, and sap leakage. ATF can help mitigate these issues with careful design and tips. Surface-dry timbers offer reduced sap but minimal change to shrinkage and come with longer wait times and higher costs. For a truly stable beam, radio-frequency kiln-dried, reclaimed, or Glu-Lam options are best. They eliminate sap and movement but come with the highest price tag and potential lead times.