We often get questions about using mixed materials on our homes. This has been a staple of the log and timber home industry for many years, and while some companies have this technique down to a science, others struggle.
It seems like a simple enough question. Can I use log and timber together with stone and concrete materials? While the answer is almost always “Yes!” there are a few things to consider, and a few more to avoid. Below are some typical examples of what to do, what not to do, and a few methods we have employed over the years.
Concrete or stone must not touch untreated wood products. This can’t be stressed enough. If a log or timber support is to rest on, or be supported by, concrete material, and especially if used on the exterior of the home, you must keep the two materials from touching. There are several products on the market today specifically designed for this purpose. Products like Post Pal, and Timberlinx’s A475 Connector are designed for this purpose. The Timberlinx connector requires an additional standoff, and acts more as an uplift protection, while the Post Pal is more of a traditional connector made of steel plate. You can also make the connectors (Figure 1.).
(1.) Wood Post to Concrete Connections: Note the slot for proper hold down against wind updrafts
This is fairly straightforward, and unless the product is located where uplift or side force is a problem, this is usually the cheapest alternative. First, make sure the codes enforcement in your area is aware of the post connectors. If they require engineering to show the amount of weight it will handle, it is typically cheaper to purchase a pre-designed and manufactured engineered product like those listed above. If not, a homemade device can sometimes work just as well. (Figure 2.)
(2.) With wood, keeping direct contact from occurring with wood is essential.
If raw lumber is placed on concrete, or worse yet, in concrete, this problem will be quick to cause serious issues. An example of this problem is below (listed at bottom of page in Figure 3).
The after effect of a few years of rain and moisture are not a welcomed outcome, and will almost always end on a sour note. This log post (Figure 4) had been rotting in the concrete, and a storm finally came through and finished off the sign.
Since this is a sign as opposed to a home, it probably receives about the same amount of rain as a typical porch post on most log homes.
So, if you intend to incorporate mixed materials into your log home, make sure your wood has been properly treated first. If not, keep issues at bay by preventing untreated wood from touching other materials. Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Left: Fig. 3 – Right: Fig. 4
Hi Chris
Great post, really useful thanks!
I wanted to do a timber post to a concrete post, can I do this without a flitch plate if the wood is treated, or how do you recommend I can have the concrete in direct contact with the timber without it causing water to accumulate and rot the joint.
I look forward to hearing from, thanks again for the really interesting post!
Hi Sara,
Thanks for the kind words. For a timber post to concrete post, and I assume you mean something like a Sonotube with a wood post on top, you are going to need a bracket. (Something similar to Simpson EPB44T Simpson Strong Tie Elevated Post Base)
The bracket is needed not only due to the concrete to wood connection, but also to secure the two items together. Brackets will keep the post from moving, both side to side as well as up and away from the post due to wind loads. If these posts are holding a roof, for example, a gust of wind shooting under the roof area will cause a great deal of pressure up and away from the concrete to wood post connection. These brackets keep those situations from becoming a nightmare, and as a bonus, they also keep the concrete/post connection from being a concern.
You will need to check loading in your area, so, as always, our suggestion is if in doubt, get an expert to spec the project to make sure you are 100% correct. You only get once chance to get it right the first time.
Hope that helps!
Thanks again,
Chris
The Japanese have exterior posts on buildings using untreated round lumber that have been there for 500 years. They put them directly on a stone plinth. How do you justify your positions given this kind of empirical evidence? Seems like you are saying one thing but in reality, it’s not so cut and dry (pun intended).
Hi John,
Thanks for the comment. I am not an expert, but according to International Association of Certified Home Inspectors “NACHI” website, the main culprit is the constant contact the wood has with the moisture that the concrete holds and draws in is the issue for creating rot.
Thanks again for the comment.
Chris