We go far beyond the average handcrafted log home. Quality materials, experienced craftsmen, and attention to detail in the design process are our principles for building a log home that is a notch above the rest.

Included in a Typical Handcrafted Log Package

• Large diameter, natural shaped, hand peeled logs with an average diameter size of 14" mid-span.
• We use a saddle notch in combination with a shrink-to-fit lateral known in the industry as the over-scribing method
• All lateral graves and notches are lined with a "grey wall" gasket, unseen once the log is in place. We also use a lamb's wool or insulation in all laterals and notches.
• The log wall are "kerf" cut to localized checking of the logs insuring lasting tightness of corners, notches and laterals
• Second floor joists are notched into wall and pre-flatted on top to accept second floor framing
• Mortised "key ways" are cut into all window and door openings ready to accept wood splines. We will not use metal keyways due to condensation
• Drilling in all log work for wirings and electrical boxes that are "scarfed" to create a flat surface for all electrical boxes to appear to grow out of the logs
• Log work is always reinstalled on the owner's site by our own experienced crew
• Trusses, stairs and railings are available upon request
• Large diameter log posts and columns for all porches and breezeways
• Still drivft pins on all upper courses of log shell
• Steel settling jacks for vertical support of log columns

Due to the design of each project, not all of the above log items are in every home design. Please refer to your blueprint for your home's specifications.

Delivery of log shell to the owner's building site, crane rental to re-erect the log shell, on-site lodging and food allowances are not included in the log package quote

Pricing of a log shell is bid individually. The prices of a log home package are based upon the complexity of the log joinery and species of log. Call our office for a more updated price.

Corner Notch Systems

Our standard corner notch style is the saddle notch. This is a hand-scribed, hand-cut compression fit notch that has scarfs (also called saddles) removed at the notch. We feel that this provides great appearance and assures tight fits over time. We never use machine-cuts on any notches or lateral grooves.

Log-End Styles

Our signature log-end style is the staggered, butt-tip style, with an old American lodge feel.
Log Building Standards

Our log shells meet or exceed the comprehensive standards found in the International Log Builder Association’s (ILBA) Log Building Standards.

The standards are known as the "building code for handcrafters, scribed-fit log homes," and cover log grading, notching, settling , structural issues like distance between corners, log extensions ("flyways"), splices, plate and header logs, log joists and beams, as well as window and door openings, log roof systems, and more.

Roof Systems

The typical style of roof that is the most cost-effective is the "post-and-purlin." Douglas fir is recommended for strength and stiffness for extra long spans, while Pine is well-suited to average spans.

Floor Joists & Lofts

All log floor joists are shipped pre-flattened and have been fully notched into walls and beams, so they appear to grow out of the walls.

The first floor decking is always conventionally framed by the owner or their general contractor. Second floors and loft floor systems can be conventional or natural logs.

Log Walls

All wall logs are scribed, notched, and gasketed. Log walls are 8'8" tall (+ 3") with a rise of more than 1 foot per round (or "course") of log wall. Taller and shorter walls are also available to suit your needs—please be sure to state your preference when ordering.

Electrical

We drill vertical electrical holes inside the log walls, and provide flat spots for electrical boxes and cover plates, so they appear to grow out of the log wall. You must provide us with an electrical plan that is sufficient to show the location and size of components.

Window & Door Openings

We cut and sand all door and window opening, unless you specify otherwise. Cut into all window and door openings are 2 x 4 splines. Splines are to be installed by the owner or general contractor.

Gasket Systems

All long grooves (laterals) and corner notches have the latest materials used in the industry.

Not Included

Log home shells do not include materials other than log shell and gasketing system. For example, framing lumber, design and engineering is not included. Doors, window, kitchen cabinets, trucking and on site equipment etc., is not included in any log shell price quote.

Design and Engineering

We feel strongly that we have developed the best most detailed, designer stock plans for handcrafted log buildings available on the market. We have put years of work and thought into each individual construction drawing.

All our designer stock plans from the books: Small Log Homes and Best Log Home Plans are available to all log builders, general contractors, designers, architects and other trade professional. We also offer custom design services that specialize in handcrafted log homes. Please refer to the NEW BOOKS page by clicking the link on the navigation bar to see more information on the plan books.

Prices

We would be glad to give you a quote on a log shell. Please feel free to contact us.

We are limited in the number of log homes we can build within a year, so please call for availability.