We had some timber cleared from our land. Towards the end of the operation, there was a fire. About 4, 25 ton loads of pine timbers were scorched but not burned. Needless to say the saw mill will not take them.
I have been told that bugs don't like burnt wood. I am considering using these logs to build a log barn on a stone, (they grow quite freely on our Arkansas soil!) Foundation.
I would like to know if anyone has any experience in this matter or expert advice.
Thank you

I don't have first hand experience with this, but here goes my contribution:

The Japanese have the wood preservation method called "Shou Sugi Ban" (or something like that) but it is just a light scorching of the wood, usually wood siding panels for the outside of the building ONLY, not necessarily structural timbers (not saying it can't be done, just doesn't seem to be common.)

If you do this you will probably need to scrape and seal each log thoroughly to remove the loose carbon - breathing in slowly shedding carbon dust in your home for the next 30 years is a recipe for severe lung damage.


Despite my concerns above, the possibility to re-use this "waste material" for something useful and beautiful is a wonderful endeavor; I hope you find a way to do it!