There’s a power line project going through my area. I’m in need of an small out building. I was thinking about seeing if I could get some of the poles that get taken out and use them to build a small log cabin of sorts. Nothing big, maybe 12 x 16 or so. At my old house that is now a rental I have a small 9 x 9 (I think) building that was my reloading shed. Now I need a building over here for that stuff, plus I’ve become infected with CAD, so I need a place for chainsaws and related accouterments, and repairs. Any thoughts? Pro or con. Anyone here ever build a “log” cabin
I’m considering it. And I’ve thought about that. It’s not like these are freshly treated, they have been out in the weather for years. Plus I don’t plan on chewing on them. Not trying to be sarcastic, and I know some people worry more about such things than I do. But once the cutting is done, how hazardous can it really be? I’m sure there will always be an odor from them. Also not like it would be permanent living quarters. If the finished structure just has an odd smell I’m okay with that. If it is continually off gassing hazardous fumes that would be different. power company guys work with them all the time as (relatively) freshly treated That’s why I’m asking questions. Thanks
Glad you already thought of that. I see power poles around here that have been standing for decades and they are grey and cracked, especially those above ground. I don't know what the inground parts of them are like. Maybe the parts that have been exposed to air the longest would have the least chemical residue.
I don’t see the issue. Decks use treated lumber. Pole barns, garages, even some basements are made from treated lumber
If using older poles, they may have been treated with creosote. They may use more friendly chemicals today then they did 50+ years ago.
There was an ad on FB MP a few months back for a company that contracts to replace poles looking for people to take semi loads of used poles...no guarantee of quantity, size or condition, but as long as you had a place put them that a semi could access, they would (potentially) deliver and unload for free...talked to the neighbor about sharing a load with him if we could unload/store them on his property (I don't have a good place for it) but by the time I went to message them back the ad said "sold"
I don’t know if the above ground part is treated with anything else, but most (if not all) the new poles that I have seen around here, have creosote on just the in ground portion of the poles Doug
Be careful cutting them. Usually they are loaded with staples and nails from posters, etc. We constructed several log cabins, but they came in kits. I've also made pole barns out of both 6x6, and special order 8x8's. The only time we were involved with a telephone pole building was finishing one a guy had started. He set the poles and did the lower sections of walls, then let it sit for several years. We finished the walls, including the gables and put the roof on. It was an interesting project as his building was out of square by about a foot. He also insisted on as many trees next to it as possible. Some he literally had to use a come along to get them far enough away so we could do the trusses. A real tight squeeze to say the least.
