Timber Framers Guild

use of Norway Spruce for One story Barn

Posted By: Anonymous

use of Norway Spruce for One story Barn - 03/27/01 02:08 AM

I have two large Norway Spruce's standing, looks like one of them is dying from the top. may I use this species of tree and more importantly this "dying" tree in particular to use in a one story barn with post 12' high
and girts 16ft. I know I will need more timber to finish the barn, what type of species would compliment the Norway if possible, Thank you very much.
Posted By: Ken Hume

Re: use of Norway Spruce for One story Barn - 03/30/01 07:33 PM

Dear Peter,

Check out Joiners Quarterly no 35 where Craig Hanson and his dad built a great double rafter hammer beam roof barn incorporating two large Norwegian spruce trees from their tree plantation as end storey posts. He also mentioned that these trees were affected by a fungus - cytospora kunzei which maybe is what is affecting your trees ?

Look up Craigs email in the directory and ask him how these posts are performing after 4 years or so. The wood from all spruces is not a durable wood but has got a very good strength to weight ratio. Smells nice too !

Ken Hume
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