The Shorewood Lodge

2009-07-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

Log Stacking – Part I

Since the floor system is now in place the builders are ready to begin the log stacking. This is truly on of the more fascinating steps in the process.

The homeowners chose 8” x 8” round logs with saddle-notch corners for the log walls. All the milled logs employed in a Strongwood home are fully kiln-dried. This means that there are no necessary construction steps taken to account for settling and/or shrinkage in the log walls. Large, handcrafted logs have also been incorporated into this project…more on that in later posts.

Before any log work can begin the logs must first be delivered to the site. The milled logs will arrive on a flatbed truck, wrapped at lengths of 8 to 16 feet. Depending on log corner style the vast majority of log work will be done on site. This allows for changes to be made on site and gives some flexibility to the builder.

This unloading step can be expedited through the use of a lift. When the logs are unloaded they will be placed in a staging location off of the ground. The builder will then set the sill plate upon which the logs will be stacked. The sill plate also serves as the guide for the electrical plan, which the log stackers will reference for drilling chase holes.

Go Log!

Tim Hunter

Log Home Consultant

Strongwood Log Home Company

thunter@gostrongwood.com

First Floor System

2009-06-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

Now that the concrete walls are poured and have cured it is time to start framing the walkout (lower) level and install the conventional floor system. I refer to this floor system specifically as conventional because this home incorporates a structural, heavy timber second floor system.

As you can see in the photos any portion of the lower level that has access to the outside is going to be constructed using conventional framing. The partition walls in the lower level will also be framed as they provide support for the floor system. Once these structures are in place the builder can begin to set the floor system.

For this project we are using an 11 7/8” engineered floor truss. This will be the base for all the floor coverings on the first level. Prior to any of the finished floor coverings the builder will first install a ¾”, high performace subfloor system. After the subfloor is nailed and glued into place the builders can begin the process of setting the sill plate and framing the first floor walls.

Go Log!

Tim Hunter

Log Home Consultant

Strongwood Log Home Company

thunter@gostrongwood.com

Concrete: Forms, Footings and Foundation

2009-06-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

After the hole for the basement has been dug it is time for the Concrete and Flatwork to begin. There are several different methods used to construct basements: poured concrete, block, ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) or precast concrete. In this project we are employing a poured foundation.

In combination with the excavator the concrete subcontractor will work to ensure that all the levels are correct. This is of dire importance to ensure correct walkout, entry levels and floor levels. At this point the placement of the electrical box(es) and water enrty lines will be made

The first step is to place the footings. These are the base upon which the foundation walls and slab will rest. They are poured per the plan following the exterior walls. A footing can also be used to reinforce large, load-bearing beams throughout the home.

The footings will be poured and given about one week to cure. Then the forms will be put into place in preparation for the foundation walls. After the walls are poured they will be given time to cure at which point the floor system will be installed.

Go Log!

Tim Hunter

thunter@gostrongwood.com

Strongwood Log Home Company

Excavation

2009-06-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

In the two previous entries I have gotten a bit off track discussing pricing. While this is an important part of the process I want to return the construction side of the project. However, if at any point you have a question you can email me directly and I will respond as promptly as possible.

The last time we were at the site the home was being demolished and discarded. Once all the debris had been cleared the time came to begin the excavation for the basement.

Proper excavation is especially important for two reasons:

1. Ensures the home is correctly placed on the property,

and 2. within the designated setbacks.

During this process determinations of floor and wall heights are made along with the placement of retaining walls and other elements effecting landscaping. These decisions are made by referring to the construction documents, assessing the property and using a laser to accurately measure heights.

The home is then staked out and the excavation begins.

The hole for the basement is dug in preparation for the footings,

the concrete on which the poured walls will rest.

See the pictures for some on-site detail and make sure to check

back early and often for updates. Click here if you have any questions.

Go Log!

Tim Hunter

thunter@gostrongwood.com

Log Home Sales Consultant

Strongwood Log Home Company

The Shorewood Lodge Blog Continues!

2009-06-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

Log Home Enthusiasts:

I want to apologize for the more than extended absence. However, due to factors out of our control the blog at the previous web address was deleted.

I will pick up where I left off and continue to show the progress of this beautiful, lakefront home. As always if you have any questions please email me: thunter@gostrongwood.com

Go Log!

Tim Hunter
Log Home Consultant