Building with Rough-Sawn Lumber in Maine: What Am I Missing? – GreenBuildingAdvisor

I’m planning to build a simple, 24’x40′ high-performance house in coastal Maine using locally milled rough-sawn 2×6 lumber. My goal is to build primarily with local materials sourced from local tradespeople, supporting the local economy while using durable, natural building materials with as little foam, engineered products, and adhesives as practical. The house will be platform framed with double-stud walls and energy trusses.

I’m using a local builder that has his own bandsaw mill, but most of his previous builds are either timber frame barns or platform framing with store bought lumber. I’m hoping to learn from those who have built with rough sawn 2x lumber successfully.

Maine allows locally milled, non-graded lumber in residential construction as long as it is approved by someone qualified to make that determination. The previous version of our building code was even more permissive regarding the use of non-graded lumber. For the purposes of this discussion, let’s assume the lumber approval/code compliance side is not the challenge in my area. I’m mainly interested in the practical aspects of working with rough-sawn lumber:

• How dry should rough-sawn lumber be before it’s used for framing? Is there a target moisture content?
• How long did you let your framing lumber air-dry before building?
• Is it worth jointing one face or edge, or do most people frame with the lumber as it comes from the mill?
• What are the best ways to deal with varying dimensions, twist, bow, and crown during framing?
• What specialty hardware do you recommend for rough-sawn framing lumber? I’m particularly interested in joist hangers, hurricane ties, post bases, structural connectors, and any other hardware that’s designed to accommodate full-dimension lumber.
• Any tips on fasteners, nail guns, layout, or sequencing that make framing with rough-sawn lumber easier?
• Looking back, what would you do differently if you were starting over?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.