The Surprising Building Material That Stood the Test of Time!

by: Nina Ross
August 2, 2024

Source: Sandy Fishman Konefsky

Constructing houses with bark beams was quite reasonable and a rather clever idea of the first settlers, which stemmed from the necessity, availability of materials, and the required level of stability. These reasons depict the settlers’ close relationship with the environment and their ability to create out of the resources available. Bark beams were used in various types of houses and structures, primarily during periods and in regions where timber was a readily available and practical building material.

Local Resource Availability

In the begining of settlement people had to use whatever was available in the nearby surroundings in construction. Availability of trees in large quantity from the dense forests made wood the most suitable and easily available construction material. Thus, with the help of bark beams, settlers were able to get the most out of the available materials without wasting anything. This of course meant that rather than cutting down a tree and using only the trunk of the tree for Beam construction, the entire tree was being utilized, as the outer layer of bark was slowly stripped off to be used in other construction projects while the inside of the log was left exposed to become a beam.

Durability and Protection

The following are the reasons why bark beams were a good choice in terms of durability. The bark offered a natural shield against insects and rot; this was very essential in preserving the strength of a house, especially as it aged. This durability was necessary because settlers required their dwellings to be resistant to extreme weather conditions and, of course, time. The fact that bark was slow to decay was that bark homes needed less maintenance and with less time being spent on maintenance, settlers could work on other aspects of their survival.

Practical Craftsmanship

Constructing a house with bark beams was not an easy task and it needed certain amount of experience and understanding. Settlers had to make a proper choice of the beams and their installation in such a way that the structure could support the weight. This craftsmanship produced strong homes that could withstand the challenges of the frontier and the day to day use. The construction of bark beams was also quite straightforward since the beams did not need to undergo much processing or treatment, which proved useful in constructing homes efficiently.

Aesthetic and Insulative Qualities

Apart from their usage in construction, bark beams also enhanced the looks and use of early homes. The bark used for the construction of the structures gave a natural appeal to the structures and they integrated well with the environment. Also, the bark offered a certain degree of insulation, which allowed controlling the indoor climate and making the dwelling more comfortable.

Sustainability and Resourcefulness

The application of bark beams depicts the settlers’ efficiency and the ability to conserve resources. Thus, settlers, using local resources and adjusting to their environment, proved to be quite ecologically conscious. This approach helped in reducing the companies’ impact on the environment and also guaranteed the sustainability of the resources.