We believe that wood species is important.
Eastern White Pine
Here’s why Benchmark’s manufacturer, Honest Abe Log Homes, selected Eastern White Pine as the species used for wall logs, log sidings, support posts, blocking, porch posts, porch plates, porch rafters and railings.
- 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.
Douglas Fir
Here’s why Douglas Fir is used 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
