We are planning on building a new home next spring. My fiance plans on using white pine from his land. His plan is to cut down the trees this fall, mill them into 2X6'and, let them dry for the winter and use them in the spring for framing of the house. Do you feel this is sound plan for the house construction or is using kiln dried lumber a better choice. Using trees from his land is a way to save money.
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Here are a few things to consider:
1) Are the boards straight after being cured?
If the lumber is not straight, obviously you do not want to use it in areas where you desire a straight wall, floor, ceiling, etc.
2) Is the lumber at the proper moisture content to begin construction?
If the moisture content is too high it will shrink and warp as it dries causing various problems.
The optimum moisture content for the lumber will vary somewhat depending on your geographical location but in the neighborhood of 15% should be close.
3) Another thing to consider is that the lumber will not have been graded showing its structural capacity. The grading process takes many things into consideration including; the moisture content, number and size of knots, species of wood, etc.
Sounds dangerous.
Just a few questions/observations from an uninterested 3rd party:
Is he skilled in felling and bucking trees, dragging them around and milling them?
What is the cost of the milling equipment?
Will the stumps, etc, detract from the property's appeal--and the view out your living room window?
What about a log home instead? Very cool--plus the structural issues raised by Glenn would probably not be a concern.
What about the additional time required to do all that? Even if you have a 'free' place to live for the duration, there is additional stress, etc. (We are doing a relatively minor kitchen remodel and even THAT has dragged on for months. My wife is practically at my throat by now 
)
Good luck,
k
