Best logs for log wall

Amanda Orton

About 8 years ago, we had our garden redesigned, with curved log walls as an integral part as our garden is on a slope. 

Unfortunately, a couple of years ago, we needed some of the logs replaced as they had gone completely rotten. We think that beech logs were used initially, but some of these seemed very "pithy" and softer, so rotted more quickly.  It is our belief that these were replaced with chestnut logs, which seem okay. 

Now more of the original logs have rotted to the point of needing to be replaced, so the questions are:-

1. Which is the best type of logs to use, and

2. Where can we buy them from? 

And the moral is, don't buy a house with a garden on a slope and expect it to be easy or inexpensive to maintain!

Amanda Orton

Thanks Tetley - that's a good idea. We'll try a tree surgeon. 

Obelixx

You need hard wood for this.   Chestnut and oak are good.   I think beech and ash are not quite as dense as they are faster growing.  Have you tried googling for log suppliers?  Might be an idea if your local tree surgeon can't help.

Amanda Orton

Thank you - will stick to the denser timbers in future. 

BobFlannigon

Birch is very hard too and should be alot cheaper than oak. Best bet is to buy an outdoor varnish and coat the end that's underground (several times), that way it'll last for years and years and you can replace like for like.