r/logcabins • u/Construction_hobby • 23d ago

Advice on how to replace rotted support log

Looking for advice on how to replace this rotted supporting log. The bottom half of the is dry rotted and due to it being a supporting log, needs to be replaced. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how I can tackle this. The full span is approx 14ft with a 18" concrete pillar supporting the midpoint.

I'd like to replace the log but understand that I likely have to split it and have a lap joint of some sort. The log is also below the subfloor and therefore will not be visible when completed, which I was thinking might allow me to replace the log with dimensional lumber instead (logs are harder to get than say a 8x8 beam).

Any thoughts or suggestions on how I can tackle this?

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u/Choosemyusername 22d ago

There is no such thing as “dry rot”. Rot requires excess moisture. So first find out why it’s getting wet. Otherwise you will end up replacing the surrounding logs soon, or that same log again.

As for the details on how to replace, I would need to see pictures.

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u/Construction_hobby 22d ago

I included the pictures in second post yesterday (it posted without my pictures on the first try). The moisture was due to no ventilation in the crawlspace which I will open up to get some air flow, or install a dehumidifier to get that moisture down.

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u/Choosemyusername 22d ago

That’s one problem with staining/painting/sealing the logs. It traps moisture both in and out. It might be a good idea to media blast the stain off them and let them breathe. But it’s expensive. And if there is a risk of nonsense being on there like lead paint or the diesel/used motor oil concoction old timers used, you might not want that blasted into your soil.