What is the perfect bale to use in a straw bale house? I am asked this question a lot. Most times, the question refers to what type of straw is the best. Some people say rice, others say wheat. I always tell people to buy what is most local as long as it is dense, dry, and clean. The other side of this question is in relation to the size of the bales to be used. Many people want to know if a 2 string bale is better than a 3 string bale for home construction.
Once again, I believe the best bales are those most local to your construction site. In general, most farmers are moving towards bigger bales and so that will have an impact on what you can find in your area. Three string bales stack more easily in the field and are more stable when moved by a squeeze (farm machine that moves large blocks of bales). For that reason, more 3 string bales are available today than 2 string, in most markets. So, first concept: buy local.
Here’s the advantage for two string bales: they are easier to work with. They are lighter, smaller, and generally easier to work with than 3 string bales. I prefer two string because I can handle the bales by myself whereas three string bales take two people to move and stack, especially after a long day of baling. The R-value on a 2 string bale is less than a 3 string bale; however, it is already so high, that the difference is not that noticeable. Unless you live in a VERY harsh climate (either hot or cold) the difference between 2 and 3 string bales will be hard to notice.
The advantage of 3 string bales is that they are more solid when stacked. As mentioned above in the field stacking ability of 3 string bales, they are very sturdy because of their larger base surface area. This translates into strong walls as well. I prefer 3 String bales when building load bearing for just this reason. In addition, because they are wider, you can cut deeper niche into them which is also a nice feature.
The reality is that both 2 string and 3 string bales have their advantages. See what is available to you locally and then decide which advantages best lines up with your plans to build. You may find that it really doesn’t matter to you which size you use. In which case, stick with the local kind.
8 Responses
Good information on the 2 v 3 qestion. In our part of Texas we have never even seen a three string. Our choices her are 2 string or round bale!! I will certainly be paying more attention as we get closer to our workshop!
When I built my load bearing building in the Methow Valley, I used 3 string bales. They were incredibly solid, but big and heavy. I only weigh 120 lbs so moving them required some creativity. Also, a lot of times I was alone. But I just whipped them onto the dolly to move them around or I used my big garden cart and although I couldn’t pick them up and move them, I could roll them and when I was stacking them on the walls I just used the bales to make steps and then I would just roll them up end over end to the top of the walls (5 high).
Hello, I live in Argentina and mostly we have alfalfa straw bales here, are they recomendable?
Thanks
Hola Guillermo. Alfalfa is not recommended because it is a food source. You are better off finding a straw material, rather than food material. Buen suerte.
I’ve always wanted to build a straw bale house I’m finally in a position to do it but can’t find the two or three string bales I live in Spokane wa maybe you can help me .
Hi Vern – To find straw bales in your area, you may have to put in some due diligence. Try contacting straw bale-related businesses (feed stores, The Grange ) or classified-type websites (The Spokane Exchange, Craigslist, Facebook Market Place). Contact dealers of hay to see if they can refer you to a straw producer.
A quick google search resulted in the hayandstraw4u.net website. There may be a lead through their site.
Unfortunately, I do not know of a specific straw bale producer in your area; otherwise, we could shortcut your efforts.
Hey Vern, have you built your strawbale house yet. We are breaking ground on one in spokane in the spring. I’d be interested to get together and chat.
Also, I have sources for bales and an engineer i like if you’re still looking for those..