Arbutus: Can you build a house from arbutus trees?

I know it is hard to find a strait piece of arbutus, but they are out there.
Also arbutus gives off toxic fumes when it is burnt, but can you live in a house made of them? If you don't have an answer then leave your opinion, I want to know what everyone thinks.

 

One thing comes to mind after reading your post - birds. Pet birds.

Madrone is on my safe woods for pet birds page:

http://www.mdvaden.com/bird_page.shtml

The page is supported by many parrot websites and folks who raise pet birds. People who really know their bird stuff. And birds are pretty delicate to stuff with toxins. So my guess is that if Madrone is safe for pet birds to perch on and chew on in their cages and playstands, it's probably fine for people.

My computer case and couch do well in a room with me, but they would give off toxins too if they were burned.

IMO

Mario

 

There's also the matter of sustainability - building a house from the wood would need so much that it would likely make the species regionally extinct. And given the reputation the species has for being very difficult to cultivate, re-establishment of replacement plantings wouldn't be feasible.

 

Where I live (Vancouver Island) there is no shortage of arbutus trees.
anyhow, I will rephrase my question. Is it possible to build a house from arbutus trees?

 

It cracks when you dry it.

 

It is very hard and difficult to work with. As Ron said it cracks when you dry it. It would be safe though, the wood is used to make spoons and cooking utensils. It is pretty, but there are actually nicer woods for building houses.

 

The practicality just isn't there. You'd cut trees far beyond what could actually be used, so waste would be extremely high. Cutting cured Madrone requires constant sharpening of saws (very hard wood). Maybe flooring would be a alternative? ... as I heard about one such venture years ago on the Saanich penninsula. Apparently a magnificent sight and quite unique.

Cheers, LPN.

 

West Wind Hardwoods near Sidney (BC) sells it at times, but for $4.50 Cdn per bf. I assume that you have a stand on your own land that you plan to harvest. Sounds like a lifetime project.