Block house - modern finishing lumber for external and interior decoration walls imitating a rounded log. It consists of natural wood panels and is made from logs along with lining. Cutting a log using the square-in-a-circle technology makes it possible to obtain four rounded blanks for panels, and from the remaining part with a rectangular cross-section, boards or beams are produced. This manufacturing method is suitable for industrial production a diverse range of products in large volumes. A small batch of products is obtained from an edged board, rounding its profile using a milling machine. High-quality, convenient joining, like that of the lining, is ensured by tongue-and-groove fastening. When assembled, the panels give the impression of a real log wall. They can be used for finishing external and interior walls residential premises, cafes, country houses, loggias, baths, shopping areas. This type of surface design allows you to save time and money on plastering.

Types of panels

The products are produced in three grades and are also classified according to the type of raw materials and sizes. Products of grade “A” may have a knot on the front side and no more than two shallow cracks per 1.5 m of length. Grade “B” is allowed to have 4 knots and one spot of contrasting color. Grade C wood may have up to 5% of its surface defective. The panels are made from coniferous and deciduous wood. The most common products are made from pine and larch. Their light wood has a beautiful texture. This material is easy to process and can be tinted in any color. For external wall cladding, larch panels are often used, since it is not susceptible to rotting, is not afraid of temperature changes and is not affected by insects. Hardwood products are most often produced from alder, aspen, and linden. Buyers can choose the width of the product, which ranges from 90 to 180 mm. The standard length of the panels is 3 and 6 m. The thickness and radius of the arc are also different. Larger boards are best used for external walls or spacious rooms. For small rooms flatter options are suitable, which will create a spectacular relief surface without significant damage to the space. It is necessary to take into account that the panels are laid on the sheathing, which also reduces the footage.

Advantages of panels

The advantages of panels of this type are obvious. They are made from environmentally friendly natural raw materials. Walls with this finish “breathe.” The material is beautiful and durable. Coniferous wood varieties are quite affordable. Thanks to antiseptic treatment, the material is not affected by fungus and mold. One of the most important points is that these products undergo high-quality drying and their humidity is below 15%. This prevents deformation, cracking, twisting, and reduces the weight of the boards. The material is lightweight and extremely easy to assemble. The tongue-and-groove fastening system in conditions optimal humidity wood provides good fixation. The disadvantages of wood are well known to everyone. First of all, this is low moisture resistance and all the problems associated with it. At big difference temperature of the wall and air under the panels, condensation may form.

Panels of this type allow you to recreate an environmentally friendly design in an already built house or in a standard apartment. They will fill the space with the aromas of wood, especially if they are made of coniferous species, and the owners will not have problems with cracking of the material, settling, joining, and sealing cracks, as happens with real logs.

The modern construction market for home cladding can offer different materials: tiles, stone, siding, plastic. But the simplest and most comfortable to use is the block house. In order to know how to properly cover a house with a block house, you need to have an idea of ​​the material itself and the specifics of working with it.

Brief description of the material

Block house is one of the most popular building materials, which is convenient to use both for sheathing a house outside and inside, and all this can be easily done with your own hands, without the involvement of hired labor.

By material type blockhouse can be of three types: metal, plastic and wood. Their installation is slightly different.

The plastic house block is the lightest, so the lathing for it can be made lighter and simpler

Wood is an environmentally friendly and natural material. Despite the fact that wooden surfaces require additional processing, most people prefer to work with it.

Choosing a block house

The range of wooden blockhouses is so wide that the question involuntarily arises of which material to choose.

In fact, this is influenced by two factors:

  • dimensions;
  • material.

Having familiarized yourself with the specifics in detail, you can make the right choice.

Dimensions

The convenience of panels of this material, first of all, is that they are already prepared for work: they have special longitudinal ends, which greatly facilitate installation.

The following sizes are available on the construction market:

  • wide panels 15 cm;
  • narrow panels less than 15 cm.

Narrow boards are used for indoor cladding, and wide ones for outdoor cladding, because... they provide better protection from the wind. Of course, the price for wide boards will be higher.

Length

The most common sizes are 3 – 6 m. It is possible to find siding in non-standard sizes, but most often this material can only be purchased to order. No installation can be done without waste, but careful marking and calculation will help minimize it.

Thickness

In construction stores, a blockhouse is usually measured in cubic, square or linear meters. When purchasing, it is recommended to carefully study the price tag, paying attention to exactly which surface the dimensions are indicated. After all the difference between the working or common surfaces is about 6–7 mm.

Sometimes the price tag indicates the price in terms of the total surface area, which can cause problems when you have to cover the house with a block house. 6-7mm is a small difference, but over a large area the difference can be several boards.

Material

For exterior work, coniferous wood is most often used. Among the most common and cheapest materials are larch, pine and spruce.

It is believed that larch is best material.

Its advantages are obvious:

  • high strength;
  • moisture-repellent effect;
  • resistance to microorganisms;
  • durability.

Ancient Venice stands entirely in the water on stilts made of larch, and for how many centuries without major repairs

The cost of larch panels is somewhat high. Pine and spruce are much cheaper, but the characteristics of these materials look more modest.

Read more about technical specifications pine and spruce, the differences between them can be seen in the table:

Basic properties of wood Pine Spruce
Color Reddish or yellowish White
Color stability Gets more intense over time Maintains original color
Texture Pronounced Pronounced
Permissible moisture content of dry molded products 480 kg per 1m3 430 kg per 1m3
Resin content High content Reduced content
Knots and their location A small amount of A large number of
Rot resistance High Average
Strength High Lower than pine
Reaction to machining Wood soft The wood is harder

Based on the data, we can say that The properties of pine exceed those of spruce. Therefore, of the two economical materials, it is recommended to use pine.

You can buy panels and hardwood trees on the market. But their price is much higher, which is why manufacturers usually sell such goods to order and in small quantities.

For external cladding work with a block house, it is better to purchase panels made of softwood trees of grade AB, because This is the best material based on the price-quality ratio.

Storage conditions

Please pay attention to:

  • indoor humidity level;
  • use of pallets for storage;
  • the presence of packaging that protects the panels from dirt and dust;
  • presence of natural ventilation.

If any storage conditions are violated, it is not recommended to purchase the material.

How to properly sheathe a house with a block house

Having chosen the material and decided on the dimensions of the block house, you can begin preparing the installation.

Required Tools

To perform the work you will need the following set of tools:

  • nails (screws) or clamps;
  • hacksaw or electric saw;
  • level;
  • antiseptic solutions for surface treatment;
  • varnish or paint for finishing.

Fire retardants will protect wood block house from unnecessary inflammation

When working with chemically active solutions, it is recommended to use additional protective equipment in the form of gloves.

Preparation

Like any construction works, installation of panels requires preliminary preparation.

Surface preparation is carried out in the usual way:

  • cleansing from various types of stains;
  • treatment with antiseptic solutions.

For external cladding wooden house The surface does not need to be leveled with siding, because it will still be treated with a layer of insulation and lathing on top.

Wood panels block house must be processed special solutions to increase service life.

It is better to begin sheathing approximately a year after completion of construction. It is recommended to caulk the surfaces of the house. Otherwise, no additional insulation will help, and the room will always be cool.

The preparation of the walls of houses made of brick, foam blocks and other materials is somewhat different.

It consists of several stages:

  • cleaning the surface from efflorescence;
  • leveling the walls with plaster to obtain a smooth and even surface;
  • installation of metal sheathing.

The sheathing is leveled using a plumb line or level. The quality of further installation depends on how well the lathing is done.

If you plan to sheathe the house in full, you should prepare:

  • vapor barrier film;
  • sheathing;
  • thermal insulation;
  • windproof film;
  • counter-lattice.

Wooden or brick house You don’t have to treat it with vapor barrier film; it’s more important to decide on the type of insulation and choose optimal thickness. Mineral slabs are well suited for these purposes.

When choosing insulation, it is important to consider the thickness of the walls that will be sheathed b. For example, if the thickness of the walls of a wooden house is 15 cm, it is recommended to use insulation with a maximum thickness of 10 cm, or 5 cm in order to save money.

The thickness of the sheathing slats depends on what insulation was chosen..

Since mineral insulation boards are located between the lathing slats, their thickness must match each other. Eg, if the thickness of the insulation is 5 cm, then the sheathing should have the same dimensions.

The next stage of preparatory work is covering with windproof film and installing a counter-lattice. This is necessary in order to create a distance between the layers of insulation and sheathing, which will naturally provide ventilation and improve sound insulation properties.

Ventilation of the insulating layer significantly increases its service life

When all preparatory work completed, you can begin installing the panels.

Features of block house installation

When installing, the panels must be positioned so that the grooves are at the bottom and the tenons at the top so that moisture and dust do not accumulate in the boards.

It is imperative to leave gaps between the last panels at the top and bottom for natural ventilation of the surface. It is better to leave 5 mm distances between the panels themselves to ensure comfortable installation.

Nuances of fastening

The process itself does not cause difficulties and is completed quite quickly. The main questions that arise are related to how to fasten and accurately install in corners.

Thick, wide boards require reliable fastening, so It is strongly recommended in such cases to use self-tapping screws with anti-corrosion coatings in the form of zinc or anodizing.

You can use nails as fasteners, which will somewhat reduce the overall cost of the work. If nails and screws are visible on the surface, then Clippers are used for hidden fastening.

Their use has a number of advantages:

  • no risk of damaging the surface being treated;
  • ease of installation, because they are made exactly to the size of the panels;
  • reliability and durability;
  • aesthetic appearance.

The main disadvantage is the high price compared to other fasteners. But if you have no experience in installation, it is better to use clamps, because... When using nails and screws, cracks and chips can easily form.

Finishing work

The final work involves treating the surface with varnish or paint to give it an aesthetic appearance and increase its service life.

A metal and plastic blockhouse does not require final finishing.

How much does it cost to cover a house with a block house?

Anyone who wants to cover a house with a blockhouse, with all its advantages, will notice that price it is quite democratic. The cost depends on the size of the surface, type, type of material and types of fasteners used. The cost of hiring specialists is low. Therefore, if you do not have sufficient experience, it is better to turn to professionals.

How to properly sheathe the outside of a house with a block house with your own hands can be seen in more detail in the video:

A block house is a cheap analogue of rounded logs, which is in no way inferior in quality and visual appeal to the original. The block house perfectly imitates the shape of a log, which gives the house a luxurious appearance and sophistication to the interior.
Block house

The material is a board, one side of which repeats the round shape of the log, and the other is flat. The imitation log looks so realistic that it is difficult to distinguish a block house wall from a log wall.
At the same time, the block house is an environmentally friendly and safe material that retains heat in the room for a long time, protects from noise and moisture. The block house is easy to install, process and paint.
Advantages of a block house:
Low cost and availability of raw materials;
Environmental friendliness - wood is harmless and does not emit toxic substances;
Aesthetic appeal of the facade and interior;
Ease of installation;
Strength, durability and wear resistance;
Easy to process and paint;
Heat and sound insulation;
The material is suitable for cladding stone, brick, wood, block and other walls.
Advantages of a block house
How to choose a block house for exterior finishing
For exterior finishing choose a block house made of pine. Pine is an affordable raw material that is distinguished by its strength and resistance to dampness. Such wood will not rot or crumble over time. To finish the facade, take wide boards - at least 150 mm.
The surface of the wood should be smooth and even with minimum quantity knots. This will ensure a pleasant and aesthetic appearance of the facade. These include a grade A block house. In addition, this category is easier to install.
Buy a block house from the manufacturer. This guarantees the quality of the product, because specialists carefully control every stage of production. At the same time, you will save a lot of money, because intermediaries increase prices several times.
The Drev-Market company offers to buy a block house made of pine. We produce our own Decoration Materials and use condensation drying in production.
Using a block house
Drying lumber - important stage during manufacturing, on which the service life of the lumber depends. Condensation technologies, unlike others, remove excess moisture from the surface of each type of wood evenly.
This method will preserve the natural properties of the material and extend its service life. In addition, it will significantly reduce the number of defects, which improves the quality and appearance of the block house.
How to secure a block house from the outside
Before installation, it is necessary to prepare the walls and material. After purchase, the block house is left indoors for 1-2 days so that the wood gets used to it. The installation begins with laying a vapor barrier, after which they install the sheathing, insulation, wind protection and the second layer of sheathing (counter-lattice).
There are several ways to secure a block house. Self-tapping screws and nails are used for fastening. The most optimal option is considered to be one in which the self-tapping screw is screwed into the base of the tenon and when installing the next board, it is completely masked with a groove.
Please note that the location of the board is of great importance - the board is placed with the tenon facing up. This will eliminate the accumulation of moisture and dust in the groove, which will preserve the material longer.
How to care for a block house
Wood requires special care. With proper treatment, it will last 6-7 decades. So don't ignore this step. Use protective coatings, which include varnishes, paints, fire retardants and antiseptics.
First, a primer is applied to the surface, then a colorless varnish or paint. When the coating is dry, sand the surface using a sander or sandpaper.
After sanding, apply 2-3 layers of varnish or paint of the desired color. At the same time, do not forget to renew the coating once every 6-7 years. It is better to use the same paints and varnishes so as not to remove old layers of paint.
Such protection will prevent the appearance of mold and rot, insects and scratches. The house will retain its attractive appearance for a long time!

The finishing of buildings involves the use of modern cladding, thanks to which the building not only acquires beautiful view, but is also reliably protected from heat loss. You can buy on the construction market various materials for facing work, but the block house deserves special attention. The material is characterized by high performance characteristics. It is easy to install and ideally emphasizes the style of any architectural building, giving it chic and individuality.

Features and Specifications

The block house is unique decorative material. It is produced in the form of boards with a flat inner and convex outer side. The product also includes joining parts (tenks and grooves), which provide reliable fastening, allowing the formation of gaps and cracks to be avoided during installation. To make a block house, various types of wood are used, but most often they choose raw materials from deciduous and coniferous trees, which are characterized by excellent aesthetic qualities, hardness and strength.

The boards undergo high-quality processing during the production process, so they are suitable for installation in any conditions. Main feature The material is considered to be that it does not crack during use. This is due to the fact that during the manufacture of a house block it is equipped with special grooves that relieve stress from the wood.

The material is produced in various sizes, which makes it possible to use it for both interior and exterior decoration. Indoor cladding is usually done using a wooden block house with a cross-section of 46*180 mm, and metal or vinyl panels are chosen for exterior finishing of buildings.

The main characteristic of boards is their class, which is determined by the quality of the wood and the method of its processing.

Therefore, you can find two versions of products on sale.

  • Block house of the highest category. It is considered the highest quality and is intended mainly for external cladding. Such boards are characterized by the absence of chips and holes.
  • Simple panels. Such products have a lower price, so you can often find a slight “fringe” or “hairiness” on the surface of such boards.

It is also worth noting that the block house has different panel thicknesses, ranging from 20 mm to 50 mm. In this case, the minimum width of the boards is 70 mm, and the maximum is 190 mm. Before installing decorative wooden panels, they must be carefully processed: primed and covered with several layers of varnish or paint. After the painted wood has dried, it is sanded and covered with a protective layer, which must be renewed every 5 years.

Since the block house is available in a wide range of colors and textures, it can be used for covering any type of premises and buildings, regardless of style direction. They look especially beautiful in this design country houses. The decoration is a real decoration landscape design. If you cover the walls inside the building with the material, you will get an unusual effect, thanks to which the interior will be filled with comfort and homely warmth.

Types: advantages and disadvantages

Since the block house is made from various raw materials, it is divided into several types. The most popular material is made from natural wood. The main advantage of such boards is their environmental friendliness. The basis of a wooden block house can be spruce, pine or larch, so by choosing it for the external cladding of the house, you can get unusual decor with imitation of a log house.

Depending on the quality of the solid wood, wooden panels are divided into three groups.

  • Class "C". The boards have a well-planed surface, without knots or other large defects. However, for this product, minor discoloration, chips and scratches are acceptable.
  • Class "B". The canvases are characterized by a low price, so their surface may contain traces of mechanical damage, light and dark knots.
  • Class "Extra". The boards are perfectly processed and free of any flaws. They are expensive because they are characterized by high quality, which is achieved by manual selection.

Regardless of the class of production, the following advantages of a wooden block house can be highlighted:

  • good heat and sound insulation;
  • presentable appearance;
  • naturalness.

As for the negative properties, such boards are expensive, easily ignite and require treatment with antiseptics.

If planned a budget option finishing then the right choice will become vinyl panels. They are sold at affordable price, imitate natural wood. The main advantage of the products is that they do not need to be additionally impregnated with antiseptics or varnished before installation. In addition, compared to wood, they have a longer service life and do not require special care. Since the vinyl block house is lightweight, it does not put pressure on the structure of the building.

The advantages of vinyl panels include:

  • a huge selection of textures and colors;
  • ease of installation;
  • durability;
  • resistance to moisture and ultraviolet radiation.

This material has few disadvantages: it is sensitive to temperature changes, requires special installation technology, and the surface of such boards looks duller than solid wood.

A steel block house is considered an equally popular type. It is a bent profile, painted to resemble natural wood. Thanks to this material, you can not only decorate facades, but also provide high-quality thermal insulation. The main advantage of the product is its ultra-strength, but similar to vinyl panels, the material is only suitable for exterior decoration, since it looks unpresentable indoors.

The advantages of steel panels include:

  • long service life;
  • affordable price;
  • simplicity installation work;
  • moisture resistance and fire safety.

However, despite the positive characteristics, steel elements also have disadvantages. They heat up quickly in the sun, and their installation requires the use of additional components.

Criterias of choice

Construction market amazes with the huge assortment of block houses, but in order to perform high-quality finishing, you need to choose the right material.

The product must not only look beautiful, but also have performance characteristics that allow it to last for a long time.

  • Their width plays a huge role in the choice of panels. For cladding facades, it is better to choose a board with a width of at least 159 mm, and for interior decoration - 80 mm. The use of wide panels for indoor wall cladding is not recommended, as they visually reduce the area of ​​the room.
  • Particular attention must be paid to the type of wood from which the material is made. Larch is suitable for outdoor work; it is resistant to moisture, has an original texture and color. When finishing the inside of buildings, it is best to give preference to linden or oak. They provide excellent waterproofing and insulation of the room.

  • When choosing a block house, you also need to clarify the class of its wood. Ideal cladding can only be obtained from high-quality panels of the highest category. Therefore, all boards must be packed in solid film and have the same width and length. It is not allowed to purchase material on the surface of which there are cracks, knots and resin stains.
  • It is recommended to buy boards with a length of at least 6 m, this will reduce the number of joints during installation.
  • If the products do not have certificates, and the moisture content of the boards exceeds 20%, then they cannot be used for finishing.

Preparation and components

Before installation work begins, the block house should be prepared. For this purpose, a short period of time is allocated for acclimatization of the material. This usually takes several days. At this time, insulation and waterproofing are laid on the outside of the walls and a calculation of the material in the cube is made.

Also, the installation of panels involves the assembly of vertical sheathing from slats or bars. The distance between the frame elements should be 70 cm. To ensure the necessary waterproofing, a thin frame is additionally attached to the insulated sheathing with self-tapping screws.

To install the boards, you need to purchase certain components.

  • Universal strips.
  • Hanging profiles. Their fastening is carried out, as a rule, above window openings to protect the finish from moisture. If the facade consists of several levels, then profiles are used between transitions.
  • Starting bar. It is necessary for installing the bottom row of boards.
  • Finish profile. It is placed along the edges of the wall to secure the last panels.
  • Connecting strips and corners.
  • Special fastening elements (clamps and self-tapping screws).

Tools for installation should consist of a standard set, including a tape measure, level, screwdriver, hammer and drill.

Installation technology and rules

When the sheathing is made, it will be possible to begin installing the panels of the block house. Laying the material is a simple process, so the work can be done independently, without the help of specialists.

To perform installation correctly, it is enough to follow the installation rules. It is also important to ensure that the finish is firmly attached. The boards must be secured to the frame using metal brackets or clamps. If the cladding is carried out with thick panels, it is recommended to use self-tapping screws coated with an anti-corrosion compound.

The installation of the panels begins with the fact that they are laid out in the room so that the tenon of each part is on top and the groove is on the bottom. This simplifies the further work process and reduces the risk of dust forming in the grooves. It is important to provide a small gap between the ceiling, floor surface and sheathing to ensure natural ventilation. You also need to leave gaps between the panels themselves when joining them. This is done so that the sheathing does not undergo deformation during temperature changes and moisture entering its surface.

It is worth considering that the external decoration of the facade requires additional materials such as insulation, antiseptic, primer and vapor barrier film. Before covering a house with a block house, you need to install a vapor barrier. The work is carried out using staples and a stapler, with which the film is fixed to the frame, forming an overlap of 10-15 cm.

If the block house is mounted horizontally, then the lower corner should be sheathed first. The panel is installed on the profile and fixed along its entire length with a clamp, which, in turn, is attached to the sheathing with self-tapping screws. Then a second panel is inserted into the cutter, its groove should “look” down.

Following the above technology, you should sheathe the entire wall. In some cases, installation of the material is carried out not with clamps, but with self-tapping screws. In this case, it is important to precisely join the panels by screwing in the screws at an angle of 45 degrees.

As for the design of the corners inside, they are decorated with 5x5 cm timber or special plinths. In this case, experts advise installing the beams before the sheathing. This makes the finish more attractive.

We must not forget about the cladding of windows and doorways. The most important thing is to protect them from the penetration of dust, precipitation and cold air. It is better to choose platbands with carved patterns or unusual ornaments. They can be curly, round or flat.

The block house also looks interesting in the interior of residential premises.

This cladding is practically no different from the external cladding, but is characterized by its own nuances:

  • Usually narrow panels are used for work;
  • internal and external corners are formed upon completion of the entire installation.

It is not recommended to use a block house to decorate walls in rooms with high humidity. If the style requires the presence of panels in the bathroom or kitchen, then they must be coated with a protective layer of varnish. To extend the life of such cladding, it should also be treated with mastic and stain.

It is advisable to periodically update the interior decoration. To do this, every 5-7 years a protective layer is applied to it, after removing the old coating. The walls of the premises can be sheathed with boards both vertically and horizontally.

Is it possible to make it yourself?

Despite the fact that the modern market is represented by a chic assortment of block houses, many owners of country houses prefer to make them with their own hands rather than purchase them ready-made. At first glance, this may seem difficult, but if you have a small workshop and a woodworking machine at hand, the process is quite doable.

Cladding a block house is an excellent opportunity to update the façade of a house, give it a unique flavor and provide additional insulation for the walls. Our article will help you understand the types and sizes of block houses and choose quality material and decorate the house with your own hands.

Choosing a block house

Block house is a special type of dry molded product that imitates the surface of a rounded log. On an industrial scale, it is manufactured in parallel with the floor board or imitation timber according to special technology"square in a circle" In this case, from the core of the log, products with a rectangular or square cross-section are obtained, and from the edges - a rounded one. The sawn block house blank undergoes thermal and sanitary treatment in drying units, after which it is milling machines fastening tenons and grooves are planed.

The original appearance and the possibility of use for both internal and external work have led to the well-deserved popularity of the block house. Using wood paneling, you can in a short time give even the most unsightly façade the look of a freshly built house made of rounded logs, or add a unique flavor to gazebos and bathhouses made of any materials.

Wooden block house: understanding the varieties

When choosing a block house, first of all it is worth remembering that wood is a living, breathing and rather capricious material. You should not expect a perfectly smooth surface without a single flaw - this is only possible in artificial materials. Wood is characterized by a unique texture and an original pattern on each plank. However, depending on the grade, the appearance of the block house can vary greatly.

According to the pan-European quality standard (DIN 68/126/86), molded products are divided into three grades:

  1. Grade A (first grade).
  2. Grade B (second grade).
  3. Grade C (third grade).

Most manufacturers work according to their own technical specifications(TU), which in any case should not differ greatly from generally accepted quality standards.

We will consider in detail the defects allowed in the products of each grade in the summary table:

Possible wood defects Grade A (first grade) Grade B (second grade) Grade C (third grade)
Live (light) knots, fully or partially fused Allowed Allowed Allowed
Light knots falling out Allowed with a diameter of up to 5 mm, no more than 1 piece per linear meter Allowed with a diameter of up to 20 mm on a block house plate with an exit to the edge, no more than 1 piece per linear meter Allowed without restrictions
Light knots not fused Allowed with a diameter of up to 15 mm Allowed with a diameter of up to 50 mm Allowed without restrictions
Dead (dark) bitches Only captives with a diameter of up to 7 mm are allowed, no more than 1 piece per linear meter Only captives with a diameter of up to 15 mm are allowed, no more than 1 piece per linear meter Both captive and drop-down are accepted
Chips in the area of ​​knots, torn out and fallen out knots, rotten and rotten knots Only allowed:
on the lower edge of the grooves - without restrictions;
on the upper edge of the grooves - with a diameter of no more than 5 mm, no more than 1 piece per linear meter;
on the ridge - invisible after assembly		 allowed in sizes up to 20 mm, no more than 1 piece per linear meter Allowed
Longitudinal cracks on the face plate Through cracks up to 95 mm long are allowed at the ends Through - up to 300 mm long on the front part Allowed
Core Allowed up to half the length of the board Allowed Allowed
Kren (nodular thickening of annual rings) Allowed if it does not affect the assembly Allowed if it does not affect the assembly
Worm-hole Not allowed No more than three pieces per board length Allowed
Rot Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed
Color change No more than 10% of the total surface Allowed Allowed
Sineva Not allowed Pink and light blue stripes are allowed on no more than 10% of the surface Allowed
Wane (remnants of bark) Not allowed Allowed on the bottom edge of the groove and tongue, invisible after assembly Allowed
Processing defects Minor gouging defects are allowed (roughness and small tears on the edge and in the knot area) Non-growing on the ridge and other defects that do not affect the assembly are allowed Gouging defects are allowed no more than 50% of the total area

Some manufacturers provide an additional “Extra” variety, but it is unlikely that you will find it on sale. Still, this pleasure is not cheap.

When choosing a block house, you need to take into account that grade requirements may vary. Some manufacturers use the marking - grade AB. Products of this grade may have defects acceptable for grade B, but not more than 50% of the selected boards.

A third-class block house is mistakenly considered by some buyers to be rejected. However, it should be noted that most grade C defects are purely external. The quality of the wood suffers slightly, which is what craftsmen take advantage of. When buying a grade C block house, they eliminate visible defects using putties and wood sealants, sand the surface and treat it with impregnations of rich colors.

Changes in color - blue and pink stripes - in most cases can be removed with a special wood bleach (for example, Neomid 500 or Prosept Eco 50).

Even the appearance of green mold on the boards of a block house is not a death sentence. You can get rid of it by drying the boards in a sunny, open place - after drying, the mold is easily swept away with a brush or brush, leaving virtually no traces. True, the affected material will need to be additionally treated with a strong antiseptic (preferably in two steps) and sanded.

What is a block house made from or how to distinguish pine from spruce

The main share of all commercial timber harvesting in Russia is made up of coniferous species, namely pine and spruce. Accordingly, most of the molded dry products are made from such wood. At the same time, production workers often do not bother with sorting, labeling the material coming out of the machines as “coniferous”.

At the same time, there are certain differences between pine wood and if:

Basic properties of wood Pine Spruce
Color Reddish or yellowish White, milky
Color stability Over time it becomes more intense, nobler For a long time retains original color
Texture Pronounced fibers Fibers are thin, evenly distributed
Density at a humidity of 12% (permissible moisture content of dry molded products) 480 kg per cubic meter 430 kg per cubic meter
Resin content High content Reduced content
Knots and their location A small number of large oval knots arranged in groups A large number of small round knots
Rot resistance High Average
Blue stain resistance (fresh wood) Low High
Strength High Slightly lower than pine
Reaction to machining The wood is soft, does not crack, and is easy to process. The wood is harder, the presence of knots can interfere with processing

The table shows that a block house made of pine has a number of advantages compared to spruce. Therefore, if possible, you should give preference to pine products.

In addition to the classic coniferous block house, you can also find more expensive options on the market made from larch, oak, birch, alder and other valuable wood species. Their cost can exceed the price of coniferous products several times, so such a block house is manufactured mainly in small batches and to order, and is used as additional element decor.

For the internal and external cladding of large areas, a coniferous block house of the AB grade is most often used, which has the optimal price-quality ratio.

Working and general surfaces - what are the differences?

Wooden block house, like any other profiled product, differs in geometric parameters.

Length

The most common sizes are 3 and 6 m, and six-meter products are less common due to production features and usually cost a little more than three-meter ones. It is much more difficult to find a block house shorter or longer than the standard three and six meters.

Width

Here a distinction is made between the general (with tongue) and the working (without tongue) surface. At the same time, narrow types of block houses are most often used for interior decoration and cladding of terraces, verandas and gazebos. A wide block house is used for external decoration of the facades of large buildings.

Thickness

Measured at the highest part of the rounded part. The thickness directly depends on the width of the block house board.

At different retail outlets, a block house can be measured in cubic, square or linear meters. When purchasing, be sure to pay attention to whether the working or general surface is indicated on the price tag. The difference between them is on average 6-7 mm.

Some sellers and manufacturers are cunning by indicating the price in terms of the total surface of the block house, which can become an unpleasant surprise during installation. It seems that 6 mm is an insignificant tolerance, but when sheathing a large building, several boards may be missing due to such a defect.

What else should you pay attention to when buying a block house?

Having chosen a block house and calculated the required quantity, it would be useful to pay attention to the conditions under which the molded products are stored in a warehouse or store. Proper storage guarantees the preservation of the presentation and operational characteristics of the block house.

Dry molded products require protection from precipitation and dampness, but are insensitive to temperature fluctuations, so ideally they should be stored in closed, unheated rooms.

As a last resort, it is allowed to store the block house under closed sheds, but subject to certain conditions:

  1. Storage in original packaging that protects from dirt, dust and moisture
  2. Use of pallets and trays
  3. Natural ventilation— there must be a distance of at least 15-20 cm between the floor of the warehouse or shed and the bottom stack.

Of course, in no case should you purchase goods in dirty packaging or stored in bulk - such storage often leads to a violation of the geometry of the block house board.

In the next article we will talk in detail about the installation of a block house: how and from what materials to make the sheathing, what insulation to choose, how to make high-quality sheathing. In addition, you will learn which antiseptics are best for treating the façade of a block house.