What do I have to do to use logs from my woods as supports instead of cut lumber

Your going to want to cut it down and shave the bark off. Its going to need to cure out of the weather so if you have an old barn or somewhere to stack it in a dry environment, do that. Make sure to lay 4x4 is between each row to keep them separated.

The best thing to do is get it on the ground as soon as you can so that it will have a chance to cure. If you are serious about this you could invest in a small mill and produce a lot the dimension lumber yourself or find a mill that would do it for you for a share.

Sounds like a dream project, I envy you. Good luck!!!!!!

I would say get with ur contractor & explain to him ur plans as to where u would like these timbers placed throughout ur new home. I live in the country & have timber myself, so I understand ur desire to make ur land a part of ur life. As far as cutting down & selecting ur trees u could either diy or have ur contactor help u with ur choices, because some wood ages better than others when untreated or natural. I grew up in Texas & I remember that cedar was a very popular choice for out door supports such as porch vertical supports. It also was used to line closets in it is rough cut or ''saw mill'' form, because of it is great smell & it keeps the bugs out for life,roaches & moths hate the stuff.Good Luck!

Do not know exactly what you would do to the wood. Just cut it to size and from there I am not sure. Use hard maple if you have it. That is the hardest wood there is. I do know that as I sand cabinet doors for a living. That stuff is HARD!