Laminated logs versus solid logs

1. Minimal shrinkage. Solid logs shrink by 10% as they dry that causes settlement of a house. It is popular to consider that the main settling takes about a year. Actually, further settlement can comprise up to 1%. Moreover, since solid timber is mostly air dried, moisture content is inconsistent, so each log dries at different rate. It affects the quality of construction and heat insulation of the house. Doors and windows cannot be installed until the timber dries, since there is a great risk of their deformation. Laminated logs are “pre-shrunk” while production and they settle while assembling. Further settlement will not exceed 1% provided the erection was made appropriately.
2. Laminated logs do not wrap. Everyone who has experienced building a house of solid logs knows that the timber starts wrapping in course of time.
3. Laminated timber doesn’t wrap for the following reasons:
   1. It consists of several lamellas with their grains running in opposite directions
   2. High quality glue makes the log stronger and more able to withstand natural process of wood twisting
   3. Lamellas used for production of glued laminated logs are kiln dried; that is, laminated log does not change its form.
4. Laminated timber doesn’t require inside and outside finishing. Solid logs are usually decorated with siding, lining or gypsum plasterboard. This requires additional time and money resources. The natural appearance of laminated timber is sufficiently attractive to make it eminently presentable with no finishing - indeed laminated logs add to the aesthetic appeal of a structure.
5. Laminated timber is more energy saving thanks to glue layers that are good heat insulators and to finger joints of logs that make penetration of cold air impossible. At the same time solid logs crack when dry, and these cracks lower heat saving characteristics of the wood.
6. Maintenance. Wooden house in any case shall be maintained properly. Laminated logs will ensure you will bear only part of maintenance costs comparing to solid wood. Solid logs shrink constantly that causes the cracks; therefore, additional insulation between the logs should be applied 3-4 years after the construction. With laminated logs you won’t have to figure out what the insulation is. The only thing they require is to refresh the coating with antiseptic within 6-7 years after the erection.
7. The cost of laminated logs per square meter of a house is somewhat more than solid logs because the quality is higher and the processing of the wood is deeper. However, the time of construction (thanks to lack of shrinkage), lack of necessity of finishing, energy saving characteristic, and easier maintenance will make up most, if not all, of the cost difference.