CONTEMPORARY LOG HOMES

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[2] A tree is a living organism, and as such is swollen with its own "lifeblood" ... the sap and other fluids that fill the wood's inner fibers. In order to insure that the timbers within a structure won't shrink with the passage of time (and subsequently throw the finished home "off level"), the logs must be stripped of their bark and cambium layers (to expose the sapwood beneath) and allowed to cure—or dry out—for several months prior to the actual construction of the dwelling. Unfortunately, few novice homebuilders have the time, facilities, or patience to carry out this whole "aging" process successfully.

[3] Even if they had plenty of cured logs available, some people lack the physical ability and/or the knowledge Jo prepare the timbers properly. Each log must, for example, be inspected for "checks" or cracks, and then—if one of the more common construction methods is to be used—planed flat on two opposing surfaces to insure a tight seal between the timbers. In addition (and this is especially difficult), the corner joints must be individually cut to provide a perfect fit.

So, in many cases—unless you're an "old pro" at building log houses—it's best to leave the lumber preparation to the experts. After all, some log home firms have been in business for several decades, and during that time numerous technological advances have been made in all aspects of the "timber home" field.

In addition, such companies are equipped to select and prepare construction-grade logs, already have the facilities for curing green timber, and will go to great lengths to accommodate their customers ... especially if there are any technical problems encountered during the actual building process. In fact, some manufacturers even go so far as to assemble the structures at their own location prior to shipping (to be sure all the components fit properly) then dismantle them and send the package on its way! Although such preassembly is the exception rather than the rule, most log home dealers truly do want their customers to be satisfied ... and will provide varying degrees of assistance—from an actual hands-on work crew to an easy-to-follow owner/builder's guide—that make the buyer's life easier.

SOLID AS THE TREE IT'S BUILT FROM

The sheer sturdiness of a log home when compared to the typical flimsy, stud-framed house-is enough to boggle the mind. Whereas a conventional structure needs all four exterior walls plus some load-bearing interior partitions to support it, a log dwelling should be able to stand by itself-if need be-with one entire side removed!

This "Rock of Gibraltar" ruggedness is primarily due to the fact that—in most cases—each log in every exterior wall is a solid, one-piece section of timber, connected to its mates with a sturdy joint at the corners of the house. The method of uniting these logs at the perpendicular varies among manufacturers, of course, but generally the Individual logs are "locked" together in some fashion ... using either notches, "bolts" (these are actually long sections of threaded rod fastened into a concrete slab foundation), or standard dovetail or mortise and-tenon wood joints.

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