Weatherboards are delivered in the log form. At this job the log has been rolled off the truck onto the gravel driveway. Logs can be stored in the log for long periods of time with minimal degradation of the boards. Logs stored for any length of time should be kept well clear of the ground by placing spacers underneath.

Boards are separated from the log by cutting the ends with a chain saw. Cutting the ends releases the growth stresses of the log into each board so a strap is place around the log to prevent splitting during cutting. Once the ends are cut off the strap is cut to release the boards. Stress in the log may tend to jam the chainsaw bar. When cutting near the center of the log it is advisable to carefully cut with the tip of the blade.

Boards curve from the growth stresses. In this shed refurbishment (approx. 70 years old) rotted cedar boards are being replaced. A wide board has been cut with a straight bottom edge to give clearance from the ground and grass and vegetation that may grow over the board. This will protect the sapwood of the boards which should not be in contact with the ground.

The red line shows curve of the board across the 4.3 meter length of the board. These boards are from a small log with an average cover of around 80mm and will exhibit greater curvature than larger logs .

This board has been marked with a chalk line for cutting with a hand circular saw along the top edge to meet the old render line. The bottom edge of the board can be straightened in the same way for installation of the first board.

For the first or bottom board a straighter board is generally chosen Due to the radial cutting technology the curvature of the inner edge will remain relatively constant in each board from a log while the outer or sapwood edge will vary and follow the form of the tree caused by knots and bends etc.