Honest Abe’s first packages were manufactured with Yellow Poplar logs. Poplar was readily available and was traditionally utilized by the early settlers in eastern Appalachia. Needing a market for poplar logs, log homes seemed a perfect fit. However, the poplar was difficult to work, checked excessively, and was hard to get in longer lengths. Other wood species were tried. Yellow pine, still in use today by many companies, twisted and warped. Hemlock, another species, was difficult to mill and was bad to splinter. Eastern White Pine proved to be the wood with the most favorable characteristics and has been used exclusively since.
Douglas Fir
- 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.
- Natural beauty.
- Reddish tint provides pleasing contrast to pine within the structure
- Uses include heavy timber rafters, collar ties, wall-tie trusses, ceiling beams, girders and timber frame components.
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