LOG SELECTION:

Douglas Fir is usually considered a harder and premier log for log homes, but pine, cedar and larch are also popular. Doug fir has a whitish outer layer with beautiful reddish heart wood. Pine has a lighter appearance, but is much softer, settles more and is more susceptible to pitch pockets. Larch and Cedar tend to turn much darker with age. Cedar is very soft. Larch is also more prone to pitch pockets. (Note: Some people develop allergic reactions to cedar. Be sure to check this out before making your final decision.) Once you choose your log preference, your log homes will begin with careful log selection. We carefully select logs for size, taper, straightness and limited spiral grain. We also strive to buy logs that are select harvested during the fall and winter, when the pitch is not running, and logs that are harvested in a method that ensures a healthy sustainable forest and minimal soil and environmental impact.

HAND PEELING:

Our hand peeled logs will never have that “run of the mill” or “log home kit” look.  Each log is uniquely shaped and tapered. Our hand peeling process accents that difference, giving each log that old world established look of quality hand craftsmanship.

PRECISION SCRIBE LOG FITS:

After peeling, each log is hand scribed and notched to fit the unique contours of the log it rests upon. Using the tried and proven over-scribe log building method, our logs literally “shrink to fit,” for a beautiful chinkless appeal.

What this means is that we overscribe the lateral groves so that the notches in the corners bear the majority of the logs weight.

We aim for about 70% of the weight to be born in the corner notches, with the remaining 30% bearing over the length of the lateral grooves. Initially, this results in a small gap between the logs lateral grooves. As the logs dry and shrink, the weight compresses the notches together and the gaps close for a beautiful long lived custom fit look. The failure of other contractors to apply this method has led to many home owners being initially happy with the look of their log homes, only to later become dissatisfied with the gaps between the log joinery that develops as the logs inevitably dry, shrink, twist and compress together.

Our process of log selection and the use of our overscribe method, the bulk of the weight is placed over the corner notches to reduce log twist during drying. The logs notches, and all along the lateral fits, simply shrink to fit together like a glove.

You’ll admire the quality of our log joinery for generations to come.

The Swedish style saddle notch is a tried and proven old world method of log building used on homes that have endured for hundreds of years. Since all logs shrink and compress, a method of keeping the notch joinery tight has been developed by master log craftsman from eras gone by. By cutting each log into a saddle shape at the points of any intersecting notches, a method for keeping the joinery tight has been employed.  An opposite inverted "V" shape is then precision scribed and cut into the next log at the intersecting points of each saddle notch. As the logs shrink and compress, the V-shaped notches simply slide down the angled saddle shape of the log it rests upon, helping to keep the log joinery closed and tight. This not only reduces openings to weather and insect exposure, but it keeps your notch joinery cosmetically tight and beautiful. A well done set of log notches will cry out, "quality craftsmanship," for many generations.

INSULATION:

Log homes are not measured in "R" value like traditional frame construction. They go by a measurement called "thermal mass." However, each of our logs are insulated and sealed with a "P-gasket" along the lateral grooves for extra protection and insulation. The floors and ceilings are insulated in traditional methods.

ARCS, ARCHES, FLAIRS AND CARVINGS:

Before we're finished, we cut and sand flairs into the log notch extensions and cut in the doors and windows. We cut beautiful custom arches in over doorways and beautiful arc cuts over selected windows. We can cut "Whale-Tale" arches,

"Ship-Prow" arches, and classic arches in for you. We always do custom carvings and always give the greatest attention to fits and joinery. Tell us your flavor. We're here to accommodate.

ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING:

We cut electrical and switch boxes into the logs at prescribed points. Each log has to be pre-drilled for the electrical wire to run through as we build the log walls.  Since log walls are not hallow like frame construction, it is best to keep as much plumbing on interior walls as is possible. Interior frame walls can be built inside to conceal plumbing and electrical on an as-needed-basis. Since all log homes "shrink" a bit in their early years after construction (½" to ¾" per 12" of wall height), allowances need to made for movement in the log walls for electrical and plumbing connections. If you decide not to have us do the finish work inside, we can work with you or your contractor to provide guidance for this stage of construction.

WINDOWS AND DOORS:

Windows and doors can be cut into log walls at most points. If, however, more than one door and window is to be cut into any one log wall between any two notches, interior wall pegs will need to be employed. This insures the most structural integrity for your log home. Allowance for shrinkage needs to be provided above all doors and windows in any log walls. We are experts at this, but can also provide guidance for you or your contractor if you decide to have us build the log shell only.

THE FINISHING DETAILS:

Our difference is in the details. The larger size and quality of the logs we use, the artistic craftsmanship in the arches, notches and carvings, the massive Timber Frame/Log Truss designs and joinery, and the unique combination of Old World Log Home Design integrated with Timber Frame and Post & Beam styles and our unique stair case designs, make our Log Homes a substantial and unique blend of artistry with that "old world craftsmanship." As Purveyors of Hand Crafted Log Homes, we're proud of whatever we do. When you live in one, you will be too. Living in a quality real log home produces a "different feel" from anything else you'll ever live in. From design to turn key, give us a call and watch your dream log home come alive.