Eaton Executive Log Homes- Construction

Choosing the right species of wood is only the start. So now we decided that inland, straight grained, premium Western Red Cedar is the best wood. Where do we go from here.

The Log Home Look

A real log home is made from real logs. Bigger at the butt end and smaller at the tip. These logs are selected by the criteria listed above and then not milled down to a uniform diameter or “profile.” Milled kit log homes, which logs are uniform in diameter are covered below under the title “please don't give me milled logs.”

No Chinking

In the olden days logs were hand hewn (bark removed by hand with a draw knife or hewing axe). The trees were then placed butt to tip, tip to butt, and so forth until the desired height was reached. Corners were notched removing approximately half the log so the logs would touch each other. The gaps between the logs and at the corners were filled with a variety of concoctions called chinking. Maintenance of chinking can be time consuming.

Eaton Executive Log Homes do not require chinking. However, we can use chinking should the customer want the look.

Single and Double Scribe

To eliminate the gap between the logs and at the corners we use a technique called scribing. This technique takes years to master (and mind you we are talking about logs that many weigh well over 1000 pounds.) The top log is laid butt to tip on the lower log. A scribe (which looks like a suped up compass from your high school geometry class) is carefully drawn along the lower log following its contours. While doing so it leaves a scribe mark on the upper log that is moving along with the contours of the lower log. This is called the scribe line.

The upper log is then rolled over so the scribe line is facing up. This log is carefully cut along this line using a backward upside down chain saw. (Do not try this at home!) This is a very slow and tedious process because you want to get as close to the line without crossing it so the log will not have to be discarded. The depth of the cut must also be precise because once the edge is cut the middle 2 grooves (W cut described below) must be completed. The log is rolled over and placed on the bottom log again, this time sitting down almost completely on the bottom (host) log. Now a second fine tuning scribe is completed and cut to make sure the upper (guest) log seals firmly with the host. Although this is a very time consuming and exacting procedure, the scribing and hand chiseling of the 2 corners of the log take even longer.

W vs. V cut

When the guest log is rolled over for the scribe cut, this W cut is more at a horizontal angle than a full V cut. The W cut is shallower and retains the bulk and integrity of the inner log while still allowing the guest log to seat firmly to the host.

Corner Notching

We use diamond fit hand chiseled wall notching. You will see the hand chisel marks as you will see the hand hewning along the length of the log.

Sealing the weather out

We use a patented method of sealing the W cut where the logs come together along with sill gasket. Both are internal and can not be seen. Some companies seal this area with Owens Corning fiberglass insulation. The problem with this method is air passes through . Since our logs are warranteed for life against air and water leaks we won't use a method that leaks air.

Log tines & grappling hooks

As you can visualize, each log is moved many times in construction. As we love the natural characteristics of the cedar logs and the hewing and chisel marks, we don't want to scar them. Even in the harvest we do not allow log tines to be used. These are similar to giant ice tines and leave holes in the logs. We harvest with full grab jaws that surround each log one at a time for loading. The same process is used when the logs are unloaded at our construction site. From here large cranes must move the logs so grappling hooks are installed in each log where they are invisible through final construction on the customers land. You will see no tine holes or tine scrapes on our logs.

Log Length

Our logs extend the entire length of the wall, with no unsightly butt joints.

Log Diameter

Log diameter is a matter of customer preference. Logs can be can have a mid diameter of 10” to 18” and larger. Generally speaking the larger the home - the larger the log. This is also generally true with the vertical logs or posts. For instance, in a 1,000 sq foot home a post 10 feet in diameter might seem out of place and conversely, in a 10,000 sq foot home you wouldn't want an 8 to 10 incher. These and other details are covered point by point during the design phase. The price is the same no matter what size of log is used because if a smaller log is used then more scribing and cuts are required whereas if larger logs are used the cost is in more cedar. We will point out the decisions you will make during the design phase and give you the options and suggestions. It is an exciting experience.

Log Wall Height

Wall height is normally around 10 feet. This can be adjusted according to the customer's preference during the design phase.

Interior Log Walls

All interior log walls on the main floor are logs except where plumbing requires or the customer desires another type wall. This is discussed and finalized during the design phase.

Settling and Reinforcement

Thru bolts that go vertically through the entire wall at least 10 feet with tension springs bolted on the bottom that continually pull the logs together. This is really not required for cedar but we do it anyway. These through bolts are mounted on each side of each window and door opening. Solid log walls have a thru bolt at least every 7 ½ feet.

Ridge poles, perlins, and rafters

One of the prides of an Eaton Executive Log Home is the log work above. We not only want the best in your walls but in your ceiling too. Every Log Home has what is called a Great Room. This would be called your living room in other types of construction but in our log homes it truly is a “Great Room.” When you look up you see the massive log work. The massive Ridge Pole log is at the very top and spans the length of the home. Depending on the size of the home it may be 15 to 40 feet in the air and supported by equally impressive claw foot or regular posts. Part way down the ceiling and parallel with the ridge pole are the Perlins, logs nearly as massive as the ridge pole. How many depends on the size of the house. Running perpendicular to the Ridge Pole are the log rafters running from the Ridge Pole down across the perlin supports to the wall.

Trusses

Whether it be window, queen, ceiling, or hanging trusses, these options will be offered to you. The trusses can be round or squared in what is called a timber. These trusses, small and large, truly add the “oh my gosh” to your home.

Posts

Big accent posts can be added. These cedar posts are cut close to the ground to retain that distinctive cedar claw foot look. These posts range in price from $1,000 to over $100,000. The largest we have used was over 10 feet in diameter at the base and 60 feet high. It was used in a house in Colorado that was 118,000 square feet, a monster house erected with 2 hammer head cranes. The price of a log like that will be near $150,000.

Outriggers, Lentils, Porches, Entryways, Substructure, Decks, Ceiling Decking

We will work with you not only on the inside but the outside structures that add character.

Roof

Because our roof is supported by massive logs in the ridge pole, perlins, and rafters, plus internal ribbing, they will pass the heaviest snow load requirements. Not to mention the incredible insulating value of R51!

Engineering

All our structures are engineered and will pass even the toughest ordinances. Our structures go well beyond the requirements of the national and international building codes. Some cedar structures in Scandinavia are over 1,000 years old.

Architect

If you wish to hire an architect we are happy to work with them. If you don't have one we can make some recommendations.

Finish

We use the best windows and doors ever made, Anderson. www.andersonwindows.com

The ceiling will be finished with cedar. Stained with your choice of stains.

The stains inside and out are the also the best ever made, Sikkens. www.sikkens.comThe flooring is your choice and we allow up to $17 per square foot to install and finish. For the finish on the floor we recommend Glitsa. www.glitsa.com

Trim inside and out will be cedar stained according to your taste with Sikkens.

Carvings on any of your posts and beams are available.

Please don't give me milled logs

These logs are sometimes called Lincoln Logs, dowel logs, or pencil logs, reflecting their uniform diameter. A milled kit company can turn out the logs for one of these homes in 2 to 6 hours. By contrast our homes take 2 to 6 months. Our logs are a craftsman's dream and a work of art. Contrarily, a milled log is as close to art as a fence post. These types of log home companies are numerous and some even offer cedar but it is the inferior type of cedar that we reject.

Most milled logs also are only 6 to 10 feet long which will not span the entire length of the wall. So to compensate what is done is the next log is butted up against it and caulking or chinking is applied to cover the gap. Not only is the milled log not natural, the caulking is unsightly and may crack after it sets up and the log moves. Now, not only do you have an unnatural log, unnatural butting, but also a hole in the wall as well. Some milled companies do things to reduce the complications but even if you eliminate them you still have a milled kit home, not the real thing, like ours.

In addition, the milling wastes approximately 40% of the log. . These companies vary in quality from excellent to poor and worse. Milled kit log homes however do offer a decided advantage, they are relatively cheap. Our prices are too high for customers willing to settle for less. However, we can refer a customer to quality companies in the milled kit log home business. Eaton Executive Log Homes will not built a milled log home.

Chinking

Our logs are air tight and do not require chinking. Chinking is expensive in the first place and it must be maintained. Some people like the look of it and we can do it however understand that it must be maintained and periodically removed and replaced. Also consider that every once in a while, depending on exposure, your logs will have to be restained and if you don't want the chinking stained the same color as the logs you are going to have to very carefully mask it off. We are not saying don't do it we are just advising you of what you will be in for.

In the milled log business there is something you should be wary of, the “cant.” The milled log should have the center of the log in the center of the milled log, in other words the center should not off center of canted. Here is one process used. A perfectly round log is squared off and then cut into four square timbers which puts the original center of the log at the corners. The log is then rounded again in a giant lathe, milled. Because the resulting “log” is now off center it will want to pull and twist, not a good thing.

In addition, the milling wastes approximately 40% of the log. . These companies vary in quality from excellent to poor and worse. Milled kit log homes however do offer a decided advantage, they are relatively cheap. Though we will not build a milled kit home we can refer a customer to quality companies in the milled kit log home business.

What kind of log structures can we build

Homes, lodges, businesses.

Full Log, Timber Frame, Post & Beam.

We also do log accents.