Essential Cordwood Building

Cordwood building – log-ends set in insulated mortar – is an economical, low-impact building method. Essential Cordwood Building is the first fully illustrated, step-by-step guide for design, material specification, construction, detailing, maintenance, and code compliance of cordwood. For both the DIYer and professional builder.

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Cordwood construction - log-ends set in insulated mortar - is a versatile, economical, low-impact, and beautiful building method. Its durability and performance has been proven in beautiful, centuries-old buildings in North America and Europe.

Yet until now, there has been no trusted, practical guide to cordwood construction using the material in a wide variety of construction projects.

Distilling decades of experience and best practices, Essential Cordwood Building is the first fully illustrated, step-by-step guide to cordwood building. Ideal for the DIYer and professional designer and builder alike, it covers:



Wood species selection, log-end length, and seasoning
Cement, lime putty, and cob mortar options
Wall cavity insulation options
Budgeting and estimating
Highly illustrated, step-by-step building techniques
Window and door frame installation
Pointing and chinking, finishing, and plastering
Special designs and decorative features
Code references, compliance, building science, and best practices
Troubleshooting and maintenance