Log Home Store

Tools of The Trade & the many ways to peel a log

In this issue we will focus on de-barking tools, log scribers and peaveys. We'll also lead you through the many methods used to peel logs from drawknives to adzes to pressure washing.

Restoring a 1903 Log House, Part 1

We found and purchased a 1903 log house with the intent of restoring it. Part 1 in a series of articles:
Evaluation of the site and structure.

Restoring a 1903 Log House, Part 2

We found and purchased a 1903 log house with the intent of restoring it. Part 2 in a series of articles:
Rough assessment, log stripping, final assessment.

Restoring a 1903 Log House, Part 3

We found and purchased a 1903 log house with the intent of restoring it. Part 3 in a series of articles:
Removing logs from a wall, replacing logs, and repairing logs using borates and epoxies.

Restoring Structural Integrity to Rotted Logs

If you have rotted logs to repair, fear not. The first thing to do is to figure out why the rot is present and fix that problem. We list the problem areas to check and what to do if you find trouble.

Taking Care of Your Log Home and Deck

Your home is a major investment so it is important to clean, treat, finish and maintain it properly. We'll lead you through the steps necessary to clean and refinish your log or wood sided home and your wood decks and railings.

Cleaning & Refinishing your wood deck.

A great pictorial article written by the good folks at Saver Systems on how to clean, refinish and maintain your wood decks and railings.

Preparation of Cedar logs and decks

Advice specific to cleaning and refinishing Cedar Logs, decks and cedar sides homes.

Chinking Your Log Home

What's involved in chinking your log home, let's look at some common techniques and materials to use. And we'll explain a variety of ways to apply chinking.

What you should know about exterior finishes for Log Homes

Without protection from sun and moisture, wood "weathers" and deteriorates. Finishes are used to enhance appearance and dimensional stability, and to prevent deterioration.

If Building A Log Home Is In Your Future...

What's the best style of log work for us?
Where do we go for financing?
How long will it take?

Creating Your Own Log Railings & Furniture

We get a lot of calls asking what tools can be used to make log railings and furniture. There are several possibilities depending upon how quickly you want to build and how much effort you want to invest. This article focuses on log railings although much of what is discussed can be applied to log beds, tables, etc.

Fall Checklist

Fall is a good time to do a final check of the exterior of your home before you settle in to enjoy a warm, dry and comfortable winter ...

Our French Connection

This summer we have had the pleasure of visiting fellow log building enthusiasts Thierry and Marie-France Houdart in France.

Chainsaw Tips

How do you know when the chain needs sharpened? The following guidelines can help:

• You have to apply pressure on the bar to cut
• Your saw kicks out more sawdust than wood chips
• You can see light reflections off the leading edges of the cutters

Enjoying Log Accents

If you like the look of logs, you can use log accents to add beauty to any home or add appeal to a log home.

Milled vs. Handcrafted Logs -- What's The Difference?

Handcrafted log homes are generally more expensive than milled log homes because there is so much more labor involved and often larger material is used.

How Milled Stacks Up

There are several ways milled logs can be stacked:

• Double Tongue & Groove Round Notch
• Butt & Pass Method
• Interlocking Corner Method
• Post & Beam Method

Avoid Norimaki Logs

When I went to Japan several years ago to re-erect our first log home to Japan I kept hearing people ask why the house logs weren't 'Norimaki Logs'." or ... How to avoid mold and mildew on your beautiful logs.