How to Cut and Prepare Logs for a Handcrafted Log Home

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By westerngirl
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logs home

Have you ever notice the appearance of a handcrafted log home? Their beauty is remarkable. If you have ever wanted to build your own log home here is how you would cut, move, dry, peel, and stack you logs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Chainsaw
Tractor or truck
Draw knife
Stacking area
Flatbed trailer

Step 1

The first and most important step is check your local forest department for rules, regulations, and permits for harvesting logs. Most often, the cost of the logging permit will be less expensive compared to milled cabin logs.
Step 2

log home

To make sure you are cutting the same size logs, measure each tree around the base before cutting it down. This will ensure the logs are the same circumference/size. Pick trees that are straight and are in open areas that have a clear and unobstructed line of fall. Never cut trees that are leaning or on a slope.
Step 3

One good way to remove the cut trees from the woods is a small tractor.
If you don't have access to a tractor, then a heavy duty four wheel drive pickup/truck will work. As long as the fallen trees are in a clear area that is accessible to the truck.
When hauling the logs from the forest to the building site, it is best to use a flatbed trailer. The size of the trailer will depend on the length of the cut logs.
You can rent a flatbed trailer at any large equipment rental company. The rental fee will vary depending on the availability of the flatbed trailers in your area.
Step 4

log home

Peeling logs for you log home can be hard work, but a good sharp draw knife can lessen the labor.
Green logs in the spring are easiest to peel but avoid building with them until completely dry, because as logs dry they shrink. The shrinkage will significantly change all the log measurement you have painstakingly made.
Dead-standing logs are easiest of all with no bark to peel or with bark falling off easily. The dead logs don't have much shrinkage. So once they're peeled and stacked, your ready to build.
Step 5

When you decide to build your log home and want to cut your own logs Purchase a logging permit, measure the base of the tree, cut down the trees in an open area, use a tractor and flatbed trailer to remove the logs, draw knife and stack the logs. Gathering your own logs may be time consuming but the satisfaction of doing it yourself will be rewarding.