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Log post vs. Steel Post

Building a 32 x 36 stick built, log sided chalet style home in Maine. Builder says the one post I need to support the laminated ridge has to be a steel post-to be surrounded in wood vs. a log post [purlin]. Any thoughts? Seems like I've seen more substantial structures using only logs. Thanks Al, a newbie

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Permalink Reply by Chris Wood on October 8, 2012 at 7:29pm

This is a simple engineering issue. Assuming one central ridge post, tributary area is 16x18 x 55 lbs/square foot (40 Psf live + 15 Psf dead) = 15840 lbs. will the diameter of your "tree" and the species handle this weight? Depending on the height, my guess is a 14" minimum diameter at skinny end, maybe 20" at bottom would work. Cost difference steel and trim justifies having local engineer to do calcs to verify.

Your log supplier would do this no problem.

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Permalink Reply by al cayot on October 9, 2012 at 8:23am

Thanks Chris,
All help appreciated. My builders are great carpenters but in the design dept. not so strong, though initially they thought they could handle this.Local lumber supplier has revamped their drawings to the tune of $30,000.00. Our budget is $220,000.00 minus site, well, and septic. They have suggested getting other bids, feeling their price and craftmanship will steer us to them so we are going to do that knowing our new parameters for this building.If anyone knows any builders in Milo- Bangor area of Maine, I'm all ears. We will also revisit log home suppliers.
Great site, thanks Al

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Permalink Reply by Eric Waterman on October 11, 2012 at 10:44am

Hi Al,

We have several builders that we can refer you towards that are in the Bangor-Hampden area. Feel free to send me an email and I will share that information with you. If you are passing through the Portland area, stop by for a visit.

Thanks,

Eric