How Does the Log Builder Deal with a Crooked
Log? Perhaps your first question might be, "Why does the
log kit manufacturer ship a crooked log?" A fair question indeed! Having been a log home manufacturer for 14 years it is easy for me to relate to the manufacturer's
dilemma in this matter. If the log home manufacturers delivered only logs that
were "straight as a die," either the manufacturers would go broke or the cost of
log homes would be prohibitive. After all, the builders can deal with a "little"
bow or twist in a log. And so, when does a "little" become "too much?" The
answer to that question may well depend on who is looking at the log - the
manufacturer, the builder or the homeowner. This issue is not confined to the
log home industry. The next time you visit your home town lumberyard, ask for
the price of 2x4's that you select one at a time. Then ask for the price when
you purchase an unbroken bundle. Should be no surprise that the per piece cost
will be lower when you purchase the unbroken bundle. Should also be no surprise
that the bundle will contain several pieces that you would rather not use. Rest
assured, if you are willing to pay the log home manufacturer a premium, you will
get fewer logs that you would rather not use.
With that bit of
background, how does the log home/cabin builder deal with a log that he cannot install to his,
or the home buyer's satisfaction? Here are my recommendations:
1 - As the
home buyer, let your log home dealer know that you are paying for a quality product and
that you will be inspecting the kit when it is delivered. (But understand the
manufacturer must make a profit.)
2 - Have extra logs, perhaps 6 or 8,
shipped with the kit. (Who pays? As the home buyer, negotiate to the best of
your ability. If you must pay, so be it.)
3 - Tell your log home/cabin builder you want him
to look at the logs as he places them in the wall and if he anticipates that a
log will not properly seat, follow the instructions below. (Keep in mind, that
this takes time and the builder deserves to be paid for his time.)
4 - If the
kit uses spikes or OlyLog fasteners to attach one log to another, purchase 50 -
100 3/8" lag bolts. Many "stubborn" logs will "cooperate" when confronted with
lag bolts. When using the lags, first counter sink for the bolt head; then
pre-drill so that the threads grab only the log beneath. If this does not pull
the log down to your satisfaction, replace it.
Dealing with crooked logs
is nothing new to an experienced log builder. It is more a matter of what will
satisfy the home owner and is he (the log builder) going to make a fair profit at
the end of the job.
The best way to straighten a crooked log is to cut it
into shorter logs. Don't laugh, there are plenty of places to use short logs -
it is a matter of awareness and planning by the builder and encouragement by the
homeowner. Use your extra logs when necessary but remember that the log which
could not be used where intended, must be saved. It is highly likely that the
crooked log just replaced, can be cut into shorter logs and used some place
else.
