In the walls themselves the drying action of the concrete should help counteract the sappiness, and cutting the wood at an appropriate time of year will minimise the amount of sap in the wood to start with... that being said, though, I've seen fresh pine 2x4s drip sap for literally years, and I wouldn't want to use it for joists or beams unless it was thoroughly kiln-dried first.
Incidentally, species is not necessarily the primary indicator of lumber quality. I once snapped a couple of 2.5" thick ash spear shafts over my knee (to the great chagrin of their owners, who were bragging about them) - I think the wood grew too quickly in poor soil. Pine harvested from mature forests (where it grows slowly) is usually far stronger than oak grown in a suburban yard.
That cordwood construction technique is very interesting; thanks for the link! Around here (Delaware, USA - heaven to termites and carpenter ants) straw bale houses would be a better option though... cheaper and more durable. |
