Log store

[jamesfwpurdy]

Not technically firewood but related. Dad and I were planning to build a firewood shelter (times 3 if this one works) out of hornbeam and would like to know how long it would last?

 

The walls will be off the ground and covered in winter to dry the firewood so would be protected from the worst of the weather.

 

The plan is to leave it in the round.

 

How long roughly would it take to rot?

 

Thanks, James

[treedom]

Hornbeam should be pretty long lasting pretty tough stuff. Are you setting the posts with cement?

[jamesfwpurdy]

Thankyou for the reply.

 

No the plan was to use a treated fence post in each corner and then use sizal (sorry about the spelling ) rope to thread them together and secure to the post.

 

It will only be 2m x 2m and 1m high so wont need to be too substantial. And we're aiming for the eco-friendly approach so concrete is out.

[mybeautifulecho]

I would use Chestnut rather that treated fence posts. Half the price and last twice as long! + sustainable

[treedom]

Hear hear! The weak point is the bit in the ground. So if its c.ementrd in it would last longer. Thick chestnut posts should be pretty goid though.

 

 

Smart phone spelling! Apologies

Edited February 19, 2012 by treedom
poor spelling

[Daniël Bos]

Hear hear! The weak point is the bit in the ground. So if its cemented in it would last longer.

 

Nonsense.

Cementing in posts of just about any material other than concrete shortens it's lifespan.

[treedom]

It'll stop the water getting into the wood though. As long as it's above soil level surely it lasts longer?

[Daniël Bos]

It'll stop the water getting into the wood though. As long as it's above soil level surely it lasts longer?

 

It'll do the exact opposite. Concreting in posts tends to form a pocket of moisture, that never dries up. The interaction of the alkaline concrete with the tannins in wood also lead to accelerated decay as the concrete's alkaline's neutralise the acid that protects the wood from decay.

There's a whole load of science behind that what I don't understand, like. But that's the bottom line. Concreting in is not usually a good idea.

[treedom]

Interesting. Will look into that. Cheers

[jamesfwpurdy]

Didn't think of chestnut, I'll look into it thanks.