Hello to all.
There are several very large, what I believe to be white oak logs, that have been sitting for three years. The logs are at least 24 inches in diameter and about 12-14 feet long. They were cleared by the city to expand a road. Would it be worth it to try to use these logs for any type of timbers or smaller pieces such as for parts to an outside bench? I would be working by myself. I would like to use them for an open air shelter for a new patio that is in my back yard. I hate to see them just sit there. Thanks to all for any pointers.

Matt.

A 24" diamter log with a length of 12' may produce 300 bdft(Doyle Scale). In your case you may be dealing with punky sapwood but after that I'd expect to find good wood with some end checking.

If you have a mill or know of someone that does go for it. The thing to look out for is embedded steel. Other than that make out a lumber list and go to it.
At the least I'd expect to get a good boxed heart timbers out of the logs and some brace stock. Best case I'd look to have some wide quarter sawn boards milled from these logs. Seal the ends after milling,stack & sticker and keep out of the sun.

if the logs are really white oak, they would be a sawyer's dream.... three years seasoning would be great, but yes, end checking will be there if there was no end sealing(may as well call them 10-12 footers).
The embedded steel concern is worth repeating. Get in touch with an experienced sawyer and see if they could look at the logs to help decide the best use.

I appreciate your input. As long as the checks don't go to deep into the log it would be okay. I can live with 10' - 12' timber. I will be doing the milling with my chainsaw mill.

Matt.