Shipping | Building | Materials

Materials:

We don’t make kits and this is why.

- You will save lots of money with mill direct logs
- You won’t be pigeonholed into a plan that isn’t exactly what you want or need. In other words, you have a lot more flexibility on size and shape of rooms.
- No missing parts to slow your construction
- Complete flexibility on size and styles of doors and windows.
- Save money by purchasing your own doors and windows at a discount form Lowe’s, Home Depot or your local hardware store.

Why Our D Style Logs are better.

- We use dry logs, Englemann Spruce or Lodgepole Pine. Graded and stamped, for less warping and checking.
- The D shape gives you more bottom and top surface area for a better, tighter seal.
- Double tongue and groove for greater stability strength and seal.
- Our house logs are easy to handle because they are made from standing dead trees that are lightweight because of their lower water content.
- We are a green industry taking the dead trees out so the young trees can grow healthy and strong, and strong trees are resistant to disease.
- Our house logs are flat on the inside making it easier to incorporate divider walls, cabinets, and you won’t have a dust shelf and spider home on every row.
- Because they are dry and D shaped, our logs make it easier to fit the doors and windows.

What is Double Tongue and Groove?

Our double T & G timbers have a pair of tongues (raised sections) running lengthwise on the top surface and a pair of grooves on the bottom surface. When the timbers are stacked, the mated pairs of T & G provide a doubly secure bond.

What is the difference between Engelman Spruce and Lodgepole Pine logs?

The two types of logs are very similar and compatible. They are essentially indistinguishable from one another in color, grain, weathering and staining characteristics. Most groups of timbers contain a mix of the two species.

Do you have any other shapes of logs besides the standard "D" shape?

At this time we mill only the "D" shape. We may be able to help you locate a specialty shape if needed.

What is a chamfer?

This is the inset "V" on the interior side of the wall between each pair of logs. It helps to add visual interest to your interior walls. Without the chamfer, the inside of the timbers would flat-butt one another creating a flat, featureless wall.

What is Ship Lap Siding?

A ship lap joint is like a tongue and groove joint sliced down the middle. The ship lap joint provides a weather proof joint in thin materials like siding that do not require the added torsional stability of the full T & G.

What do you mean by standing dead timber?

Our logs come almost entirely from mature timber that died naturally of old age or from fire-killed trees. The trees are rough-sawn into bark-free cants on the logging site, and then transported to our mill.

Can you provide specialty round logs for support pillars, key beams, or railings?

We suggest that you find a supplier near your building site for these specialty items. Though we may be able to find them for you, we cannot guarantee prices or delivery dates.

Are these "D" logs likely to be available in the future?

We have been milling our popular standard "D" timbers for more than 30 years already and will keep right on doing so. These timbers should always be available from our well-established mill for future additions or outbuildings.

What does Mill Direct mean?

We mill the timbers here and sell them directly to you, the builder. This eliminates the middleman and saves you money.

Building:

Is it possible to build our home by ourselves?

Yes, many of our customers do their own construction without a contractor. You need confidence, basic carpentry skills, and the ability to build square and plum. It is simple to build with our easy-to-handle timbers.

How heavy are the logs?

Any individual timber may be easily lifted by two people. Most timbers can be lifted by a single person.

Are any specialized tools required?

Most builders like to have a 16" skill saw for cutting the 6" timbers. A beam cutter saw is needed for the 8" x 8" timbers. Ask us if you need help locating one of these special saws.

Do we need to use the logs as soon as they arrive?

The timbers may safely be stored in a dry place, protected from the weather for as long as needed.

Is it okay to build during the winter?

If you can tolerate the cold, go right ahead.

Do you have any house plans available?

No, but you will find a nice selection of home plans in Log Home Living magazine. Books and other magazines devoted to floor plans are often available at your public library.

Is a special foundation preparation required?

Our timbers need only the same standard foundation required for any frame construction.

Should we leave window spaces as we build the walls, or cut them in later?

We compute the linear feet of timbers needed for your home plan based on the assumption that you will leave spaces for the windows as you build the walls.

What is the R-Factor of your logs?

The R-Factor or insulation values accepted for logs vary by location. Check with your local building department for details. Typically, 6" timber walls are acceptable when supplemented with extra insulation in the ceiling and floor. Walls 8" thick are usually allowed with normal ceiling and floor insulation.

How do I know how much to order for my home?

If you provide a floor plan and roof elevations to us, we will tell you how many logs or other materials like paneling you will need.

What finish do you recommend?

When construction is complete, most builders will want to apply a finish to the raw timbers. The finish can help protect the wood from the damage caused by insects, fungi, dampness or intense sun. Finishes also can stain the wood to the tone you like best. We recommend a three-part finish by SASHCO that combines a layer of insecticide/fungicide and a layer of stain, with a protective top layer. This system allows you to refresh the top layer as needed without adding multiple layers of stain.

Shipping:

How far will you ship?

We use common carriers to ship all over the United States and Canada.

How do the logs arrive at the building site?

The timbers arrive in bundles on full-size tractor-trailer trucks. Customers who are building near the mill sometimes choose to transport their own timbers a few at a time. Ask us how a common carrier can save you money even over short distances!

Will the driver unload the logs for us?

No. You will need to have a forklift or building crane in place to do this.

The road to our building site is rather narrow, curving, rough and steep.
Is this a problem?

Yes, but not an insurmountable one. We suggest that you develop a working relationship with a local lumber yard near your building site. Not only will they be able to supply all the other building materials you need, but they also may be willing to off-load the timbers in their yard and transport them to you on smaller trucks.

How long does it take the logs to be delivered?

Once you confirm your order with a 50 percent deposit, it takes about six weeks for the logs to reach you. If you can, place your orders well in advance. Many of our suppliers haul logs from sites that are inaccessible in winter, thus their supply may run low by spring. It helps us to know about your order early.

Are deliveries made all year 'round?

Yes, as long as the delivery site is accessible.