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Cordwood

Cordwood construction is a method that uses cords of wood (i.e. short lengths of wood with the bark removed) within a mortar to form walls. The wood ends are exposed to the outside and inside of the building, giving a unique aesthetic style. In the building process, each length of wood straddles a layer of mortar at the edge, a hollow centre where insulation can be placed, and then another layer of mortar at the edge. Mortar can be earth plasters such as cob or adobe, but very often cement or a mix of earth and cement is used.

Cordwood is a very economical way of building because wood can be collected from your land. As well, small pieces of wood can be used to build a home. As in strawbale construction, there are two methods of cordwood construction - 1) Post and beam - where posts hold up a wood framed roof and 2) Load Bearing - where the cordwood wall holds up the roof. Some amazing round homes can be constructed with the centre of the building being a large post that is the central axis that all roof beams meet at. The centre of the round building can also be a beautiful floor to ceiling masonry fireplace or stove that can provide heat for the home.

The wood used in construction must be completely dry before used because the wood will shrink within the walls as it dries. This can be patched, however it is much less labour for the homeowner if the wood is dry from the start. As well, in colder climates, care should be taken in the choice of insulation.

Cordwood construction is a unique alternative to conventional building. Check out the DVD by Rob Roy, a Canadian expert in the field of Cordwood construction.

Videos About Cordwood

Videos courtesy of Youtube and Google Video and Copyright to Their Owners


Stackwall Cordwood Cottage Exterior - Ontario, Canada	Stackwall Cordwood Cottage Interior - Ontario, Canada	Stackwall Cordwood Cottage Exterior 2 - Ontario, Canada