Find Answers To Your Straw Bale Construction Questions

Essential articles, how to guides, and stories from builds across the country

Dive into step by step how to articles, code and permitting tips, materials sourcing, design strategies, and workshop updates. Whether you are dreaming, planning, or building, you will find practical answers and inspiration from the field.

A straw bale truth window on a yellow wall with a sunburst-like design around it, partially showing a green plant in the foreground.

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Timbo Scursso 9/19/25 Timbo Scursso 9/19/25

Why Plastic-Wrapped Bales Don’t Belong in a Strawbale Home

What about using plastic-wrapped bales in the construction of a strawbale home? Let’s have a deeper look at the pro/cons of this idea…

Timbo Scursso 7/11/25 Timbo Scursso 7/11/25

Foundations for Straw Bale houses - Tip to Save Your Concrete Stakes

Concrete stakes are essential to just about any foundation project. In fact, they are used on almost all concrete projects that a home owner is likely to encounter. Learn how to save your costly stakes…

Dainella Nartker 5/30/25 Dainella Nartker 5/30/25

What To Do With Leftover Straw? - Straw Bale Gardening Ideas and More

Wondering what to do with old, wet bales and the loose straw created during your home’s construction? Here’s how to put it to good use.

Timbo Scursso 4/18/25 Timbo Scursso 4/18/25

Hay Houses Are NOT Straw Bale Houses

The difference between the two is HUGE for home construction. Hay houses would provide a food source for all sorts of pests. Learn more about why it matters...

Timbo Scursso 4/15/25 Timbo Scursso 4/15/25

5 Essential Straw Bale Construction Tools

Some tools make a job WAY more efficient, effective, and enjoyable than others. Learn 5 essential straw bale construction tools crucial for success in building better with bales.

Timbo Scursso 3/14/25 Timbo Scursso 3/14/25

How to Calculate Bale Density

Learn how to calculate bale density for straw bale construction to ensure structural integrity and code compliance. Follow our simple formula and expert tips.

Dainella Nartker 12/30/24 Dainella Nartker 12/30/24

What Can I Use Instead of Wire Mesh on My Straw Bale Building?

Most home building codes that apply to straw bale building require you to use the 14 gauge 2″x 2″ welded wire mesh. Here’s why and options to consider.

Dainella Nartker 11/27/24 Dainella Nartker 11/27/24

Calculating the Number of Bales in Your Straw Bale House

Learn how to calculate the number of bales needed in your straw bale house build. Understand how to do it without creating excess waste.

Dainella Nartker 9/16/22 Dainella Nartker 9/16/22

Choosing Straw Bales for Home Construction

Bale type, which size is best, how to handle moisture content, and what are the ideal straw bales for home construction; are all common questions we hear at every workshop.

Andrew Morrison 10/30/08 Andrew Morrison 10/30/08

Could Rice Straw be the Answer to Building with Bales in Humid Climates?

Are you willing to do the unbiased research to see how rice straw holds up under humid conditions?