Log Homes Timber Frame Homes by Logcrafters Log Timber Homes, Inc.

The following questions are some of the more frequently asked by our customers. Of course we expect you may have some more.

1. What size are your logs and what species are they?

We use a sawn log cant of 6" x 12", 8" x 12" dimension and offer a larger, special

10" x 14" size cant. Western White Pine is primarily used for our wall logs. We have found that its straight grain and a minimal amount of checking makes it a highly suitable wood for house logs. We also use Balsam Fir and Spruce. For our timber framed roof and floor systems, Douglas Fir and Western Larch is used, utilizing their higher strength qualities.

2. Are your logs green, seasoned or kiln dried?

We use dead standing trees for our house logs. These trees have done most of their drying, checking and twisting by the time we have them sawn into cants. Some further checking may occur as the log cants lose any ambient moisture still present in the logs. Checks are basically harmless to your logs and are a natural process that occurs as large timbers season.

3. What type of corner system and interface between logs do you use?

Logcrafters hand cuts full compound dovetail corner that is self-locking. This corner was originally conceived by Scandinavian craftsmen as the ultimate in fine handcrafted locking corners. At final assembly we seal the corner with a rubberized sealant and spike it with a 10" helix spike. This spike is added insurance against any possible twisting or movement.

We allow a 3/4" to 1" space between our logs. This space allows for any irregularities in the log cants, log movement or crowning of the log. After final assembly, polyurethane foam "backer rod" is put in between the logs, inside and out, in this space. A layer of textured, rubberized latex chinking material is applied over the "backer rod". This material is highly adhesive and very elastic. This makes a weather tight seal with a dead air space locked between the logs.

4. What makes your log homes unique from other log homes?

LOGCRAFTERS LOG & TIMBER HOMES are unique because the dovetail cornered logs are a distinctive and traditional style of corner. Along with the flat hewn wall surface, a LOGCRAFTERS home offers a traditional statement among log homes. Utilizing timber framing in the upper floor and roof systems, LOGCRAFTERS blends the techniques of wood joinery with the boldness of log walls. Combined these two style give our clients a unique and outstanding selection of craftsmanship.

5. Are your logs truly hand hewn?

Our wall logs and every other member that goes into a LOGCRAFTER LOG & TIMBER HOME are hand hewn with a foot adze. This is the same method originally used by our ancestors to square and flatten logs. Our unique style of hewning gives our homes a "rustic elegance" combining a traditional method with a contemporary appeal.

6. Do you use any kind of treatments or sealants on your logs?

We do not apply any toxic insecticide treatment on our logs at the yard. Exterminating procedures should be used at the building site by professionally trained exterminators. The ground should be treated and termite shields placed between the foundation, treated mud sill and the log walls. We offer a non toxic pesticide wood treatment that can be applied after the logs are up.

We offer several brands of wood sealants that can be applied to the logs upon reassembly. These sealants allow the log to breathe while preventing moisture absorption. In addition these products contain mildicides and fungicides. All of these products can be tinted a color of your choice should you want to have your logs a color other than the natural wood color.

7. Can I design my own home?

Most assuredly yes. We are a custom home builder and being such, we want our clients to design a home that best fits their desires and needs. We are happy to work with you, your architect, builder or designer to compile a home design that is tailored to your individual tastes. We have a design and drafting department to assist in developing your design. We have house plans of homes we have built that can be ideas for you in developing your plan. Our plans can be modified to own home needs.

8. Do you allow for settling of the logs in your homes?

Logcrafters uses seasoned, dead standing logs in our homes. These logs generally have an average moisture content of 19% or less. However, all logs will settle after they are cut and stacked. This is due to the loss of ambient moisture in the logs and the load bearing capacity the log assumes once it becomes a wall log. The logs will dry until they reach the relative humidity of the area where the home is built. In order to account for this settling Logcrafters allows a minimum 2" area over the door and window and under the support post for upper floor levels. The total settling on the home may not reach a full 2" but we like to be "safe than sorry". In a extremely dry area it may be necessary to allow more space.

9. Do you provide on-site assistance when the log package is delivered?

As part of our desire to assist in all phases of your home building, Logcrafters can provide an independent, company trained, craftsmen to serve as a working advisor and supervise the proper reassembly of your home. This independent contractor is available to provide the technical assistance to assure the home is assembled according to our specifications. Per diem expenses for this independent contractor will be borne by the client. The contractor can provide a complete construction crew to do the entire reassembly, should you desire, however we have found that it is sometimes more cost effective for you to provide the additional man power for reassembly.

10. Are your log homes preassembled in your yard?

Yes, since each dovetail corner and all our wood joinery are hand cut and custom fit, we pre-build our homes in our yard. This assures us that each piece fits the one next to it, insuring a furniture-like fit. Each member is numbered so that at reassembly it is put in its proper place.

11. What is the cost per square foot?

Cost per square is not the most accurate way to determine the cost of your log package. Almost as much work goes into a 20' x 30' home as goes into a 30' x 40' log home yet with the latter one you have twice the square footage so a lower sq. ft. cost. We price our homes by the lineal foot of log and other material used. As a basic rough estimate you could figure at $40 - $50/sq. ft.

12. What is the final cost of a log home?

The final cost of a log home depends how you finish the home, in regards to quality of material, quality of cabinetry, type of appliances, masonry work done, types of flooring, etc. In addition, whether you do the work yourselves or hire a contractor has a great effect on the price. We have found that our homes are comparable in cost with a custom conventional home. A good rule of thumb is that our log package will be approximately one-third the total cost of your home.

13. What is the "R-factor" of logs?

The Log Home Council has prepared a fact sheet on the thermal evaluation of log homes. Briefly stated here our log walls have a "R-factor" of 10 on a 6" wall and 12 on a 8" wall. Log walls cannot be rated for thermal efficiency solely by the R-factor system. Instead a U-value system should be used. This rating system rates the overall thermal efficiency of thermal mass of the log wall. Simply put, the log wall absorbs heat from the source and re-radiates this heat back into the house, thus becoming a heat source itself. A test was done by the National Bureau of Standard on log homes which showed the thermal mass which can be used to reduce energy consumption by as much as 60%. The final test of efficiency comes with the utility bill. Our log home owner have power bill equal to or less than conventional home owners.

14. What type of foundation do I need a for log home?

Log homes are placed on the same type of foundations used by conventional homes. In colder climates a full enclosed concrete or block foundation is used, milder climates may utilize slab or post and pier types. We recommend use of a minimum of 8" width on a reinforced concrete wall or equivalent.

15. Square Hewn Logs vs. Round Logs

* CUT FROM THE HEART OF LARGE LOGS - Heartwood is a more durable wood without the sap wood which can attract insects.

* UNIFORM WALL THICKNESS - walls 6", 8" or 10" thickness all the way up and down; with round logs it may be 12" diameter in the middle but only 4" thick where the logs meet.# CONSTRUCTION PHASE - less labor cost, no scribing for windows, simpler door, kitchen cabinet installation, no notching for interior walls

* HOUSEKEEPING - no dust shelf collector as with round logs; no crooked hanging pictures or other wall hangings as with round logs.

* EASY ADDITION ATTACHMENT - by combining timber framing techniques, house expansion is easier. No need to scribe fit new walls to old.

16. What is the cost of the freight?

We can arrange for the hauling of your log home package as a service to you. Freight costs average is approximately $2.50/loaded mile, plus fuel surcharge and $35 for tarp covering.

17. What options do you offer?

We can provide you with T&G decking material in 2" x 6" or 2" x 8" in either Pine or Douglas Fir & Larch at a mill direct discount. We offer several brands of wood sash, thermal windows, custom doors and cedar roofing shakes.