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Handcrafted Log HomesWhere did the idea of Handcrafted Log Homes come from? Back when log homes were first being built, deciding whether to build a handcrafted or manufactured log home was easy! A handcrafted log home was the only choice.
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OK, let’s dive into the world of log homes. For many, a handcrafted home is a "true" log home. The trees are cut from the forest and peeled by hand using a tool called a drawknife. All the logs are then carefully inspected and sized up for its place on the wall. Each log has its length noted and its butt and top ends marked. Typically...the larger logs will be used on the bottom courses and gradually get smaller as the house is built. When stacking logs on the wall...each corner is alternated using the butt end of the log and then the top end. Each log is hand-scribed to fit the log below in order to keep water and air from penetrating the home. Every bit of labor to complete this home is done by hand. No two handcrafted homes will ever be the same, even if they used the same floor plan because every log is different and unique. Be Sure of Your Builder! One of the biggest concerns with a handcrafted home is making sure you are working with a knowledgeable and skilled log home builder. They must be aware of how wood behaves and how moisture can affect the logs and your home. An experienced builder of handcrafted log homes is going to build your home and allow for movement to occur as moisture is lost and settling occurs. Be Aware of Settling Settling is one of the major concerns in any log home. Settling is caused by moisture leaving the wood cells within the logs. Typically, moisture leaves the logs because it is trying to obtain equilibrium with its environment. Be Aware of Expansion Also! Now expansion can also occur. This is caused when there is a low percentage of moisture within the logs and a high percentage of moisture within its surrounding environment. For example, the log may be at 16% and the surrounding environment may have 20%, then the log is going to absorb moisture until it has reached 20% also. Now, if this happens, then checks or cracks may still occur and gaps may be created. These gaps between logs could allow water and air to penetrate the walls. NOTE: Please make sure your builder is knowledgeable and very aware of how wood behaves and how moisture affects your log homes. Your builder should be using techniques to counter the effects of settling. Lastly, Handcrafted log homes are a specialty. They are not created using machines. These unique and custom log homes are created by knowledgeable and skilled craftsmen, using their hands. Therefore, the cost for a handcrafted log home will likely be more when compared to any other type of log home.
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