FAQS

1. Why do you use an 8" diameter log and limit length to 10 or 12 feet?  Below a diameter of 8", the smaller logs have less aesthetic value, and cost-wise, the smaller logs have less thermal mass and more energy loss. Above a diameter of 8", the logs are more expensive and much harder to erect, because weight increases geometrically with increases in diameter. For example, if a log 8" in diameter weighs 150 pounds, a log 10" in diameter weighs 190 pounds. We decided from the onset that each log we produced should be light enough for two people to handle without mechanical assistance; an 8" diameter, 12" log meets that requirement. 
2. Which species of wood can I use for my log home? We mostly use southern yellow pine, because it is the hardest and strongest of the softwoods and good to control warp twist and shrinkage. We use cypress, cedar, and other woods as optional materials for our homes, but they aren't necessarily any better than pine. The choice is yours. Almost any species of wood is suitable if the log home is designed and built properly.
3. To kiln dry or not? Kiln dried or air dried, it's not very likely that the logs will be dry enough away from the surface to prevent more shrinkage. Because our system for settlement works for any kind of logs (from dead green to kiln dried, the only difference being how much settling space has to be left), we leave the decision to kiln dry up to you.  All of our exported logs are kiln dried, mostly to reduce weight for shipping. 
4. What are checks and do I need to worry about them? Checks are lengthwise spits or cracks that result when the surface wood shrinks, but the inner wood remains the same, separating the wood along the surface along the grain. Checks are common to large timbers and occur because the surface begins to give up moisture to the atmosphere almost immediately after being cut, while the moisture deeper within the log takes time to migrate to the surface. If precautions are taken to keep the checks from holding moisture, there are no worries. Inside the home, watch checks in a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry for trapped splashes. Roof overhangs and porches prevent roof runoff and rain from splashing back against outdoor checks. 
5. What about wood preservative?  We use the finest, safest wood preservative on the market, effective on any of the wood destroying insects, including Formosan termites, as well as wood rotting fungus. It increases fire resistance in the wood, helps retard rust on fasteners, and has no detrimental effect on mammals, including people. Exterior application of an oil-based stain prevents leaching of the wood preservative.   
6. Any design recommendations to protect and maintain my log home? Yes. We designed in a minimum of two feet roof overhang and highly recommend porches to prevent rainwater from soaking the logs. Since our porch posts are full round 8" diameter logs, our plywood shims under the porch posts are also round and eight inches in diameter; the shims are removed, one at a time, to keep the porch roof firmly tied to the house as the house settles. We discourage decks, but if a deck is an absolute necessity, we recommend dropping it down a step, increasing roof overhang to a minimum of three feet, and using gutters to avoid problems over time from water splash back. Prune shrubbery and trees away from logs to keep the logs dry.
7. Where do you ship? We ship custom manufactured log home kits all over the United States. Our log homes are suitable for all climates, and our ownership has combined building experience in all climates.

 We combine our industry knowledge, the highest quality building supplies and equipment, and our dedication to deliver exceptional service to our clients. We will stay in touch, keeping you up to date on both the paperwork and renovation process.