Tip: Log home design

20 Essentials of Great Log Home Designs

Read the full entire article at the link below
http://www.loghome.com/20_essentials_of_great_log_home_designs/articles/523

Everything you need to know to create a warm, comfortable, attractive home.

Over the last 30 years, architects and designers have taken log cabin design to places our founding fathers could scarcely imagine. Yesterday's one-room cabins have become full-fledged homes—even castles—sought out by do-it-yourselfers and boardroom barons alike.

Yet no matter how far-flung the application, log homes remain a direct link to things that are earthy and natural. We see them. We feel them in the very marrow of our bones. Logs choose us as much as we choose them.

Because these homes are what they are—dynamic, vigorous, natural—there is much to learn from them and about them when it comes to planning and decorating. You'll find many quirky challenges, but also exciting opportunities. Together, they form the core of your journey to home sweet log home.

To make that journey a little easier, here are 20 design essentials I have discovered during my years photographing, writing about and living in log homes.

1. Your Decor Should Fit with Your Logs

2. Drywall Isn't a Dirty Word

3. Tall Walls Need Visual Relief

4. Let the Trees Speak

5. The Sun's Kiss Can Be Dangerous [to interior and exterior]

6. Don't 'Oversize' Your Furnishings

7. Every Room Needs a Point of View

8. Muffling Your Walls Will Improve Acoustics

9. Your Rooms Should Be Versatile

10. Log Homes Crave Extra Lighting [better believe it]

11. Brightening the Walls Helps, Too

12. It's OK to Play with Your Decor

13. Color Can Accent and Unify [use same color 3 times]

14. Fabrics and Textiles Should Match the Setting

15. Flooring Should Fit with Its Function

16. Consider Collectibles for Your Cabin

17. Hanging Wall Art Takes a Little Creativity

18. Nature Belongs in Your Log Home

19. Decorating Doesn't Stop at the Back Door [outdoor spaces]

20. There's Always Room for Improvement

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This information is brought to you by LogHomesByJack.com. Serving Virginia and the Southeast from Smith Mountain Lake and North Carolina from the Piedmont Triad. Offering a very good combination of price, quality of materials and service. When in doubt, give Jack a shout. 800 767-4916.

Tip: Starter idea for home and garage

Starter idea for your log or timber frame home

As you might guess, it is common for me to receive telephone inquiries about log homes. During these conversations, I eventually learn that clients would like to have a garage or storage building in addition to their log or timber frame home. It is common for people to not build the log home and the garage at the same time. The timing for construction usually revolves around "cash" issues.

When this occurs, a garage with an apartment over [i.e, FROG] frequently comes into the conversation. At that point, I suggest the following economic answer to their "timing" issues.

A solution: Build the garage or shed with apartment over using our RuStick system.
In this system, we build the garage using log siding outside and inside, where appropriate. Thus, the apartment in particular takes on the character of a log home from the inside. Obviously, we take time to match the garage to what they "believe" to be the style and stain color of the future log home or timber frame home.

Construction of the log home or timber frame home can take place later when it fits the budget. This is a construction strategy that saves money and provides our clients with their rustic getaway at the same time. Eventually, the apartment becomes their "guest" quarters when the manor house has been completed. It makes economic sense in many cases. -jh
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This information is brought to you by LogHomesByJack.com. Serving Virginia and the Southeast from Smith Mountain Lake and North Carolina from the Piedmont Triad. Offering a very good combination of price, quality of materials and service. When in doubt, give Jack a shout. 800 767-4916.

Sansin Timber-Tec

Attention Log Home Builders

Keep your logs clean and protected in the yard.

• protects against surface staining and weathering
• industrial-strength UV protection
• no wash-out

Sansin Timber-Tec – available in 3 formulas.

• Timber-Tec M30 – enhances color of freshly-peeled logs
• Timber-Tec C20 – allows wood to golden mildly
• Timber-Tec T40 – highly water-repellent for long-term protection

LIMITED TIME OFFER!

Buy 5 pails and get 1 free

Expired April 29, 2011

Call 1-800 767-4916 for details or to order.

Spring is here, and your yard is probably full of carefully selected logs and timbers as you get ready for the building season – valuable wood that needs to be protected against the elements. With Sansin Timber-Tec, your wood can get the protection it deserves. Sansin Timber-Tec is an industrial strength wood primer designed to protect your logs against surface staining and weathering – even before they leave your yard.

Now you can protect your logs with Sansin Timber-Tec and save!

For a limited time, buy 5 pails of Sansin Timber-Tec and get 1 pail free.

Sansin Timber-Tec is formulated with modified natural oils and resins, carried deep into the wood by one of nature’s commonplace miracles – water. As the water evaporates, Sansin Timber-Tec bonds directly with the wood substrate for long-lasting protection. Sansin Timber-Tec bonds with your logs and timber to form a protective shield that repels condensed water, while allowing water vapor to escape – dramatically improving dimensional stability and allowing wood to adjust naturally to moisture levels in the environment.

Because Sansin Timber-Tec’s unique formula lets wood ‘breathe,’ it can be applied to green as well as seasoned timber. Apply Sansin Timber-Tec to your freshly peeled logs and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will be protected from building through to shipping and construction. Using Sansin Timber-Tec means your logs will look better when they leave your yard.

Like all Sansin products Timber-Tec is environmentally friendly, non-flammable and user friendly. Now available in two transparent formulas: M-30, a colored concentrate that enhances the natural color of freshly-peeled white wood logs; and C-20 a clear concentrate that allows wood to golden mildly.

Find out how to take advantage of this limited time offer and protect your logs for less.

Call us at 1-800 767-4916 or contact us directly via e-mail at Jack@LogHomesByJack.com.

Visit us at www.LogHomesByJack.com [see the Stain button] or www.sansin.com to find out more about Sansin Timber-Tec.

Sincerely,
The Sansin Corporation
Sjoerd Bos, Vice-President

P.S. In addition to logs and timbers, Sansin Timber-Tec is perfect for wood joinery and millwork projects. In fact, it works well on almost any wood surface that needs protection from weathering.

P.P.S. Offer expires April 29th, 2011. Call now to protect your logs for less!
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This information is brought to you by LogHomesByJack.com. Serving Virginia and the Southeast from Smith Mountain Lake and North Carolina from the Piedmont Triad. Offering a very good combination of price, quality of materials and service. When in doubt, give Jack a shout. 800 767-4916.

Sansin Enviro-Stains

Eco Friendly Stains for Wood Products

Jack Hutslar is the Authorized Dealer for Sansin Enviro Stains.

Based on old European formulas, Sansin stains penetrate to the cellular level, thus permitting the wood to breathe when it dries. That means no moisture is built up under the surface. No rotting occurs from the inside-out.

Sansin Enviro Stains are great for log homes, wood siding, decks, docks, fences, and shakes. Cleaners and Sealers are available as well.

Sansin Enviro Stains are environmentally friendly with very low VOCs. VOCs are those highly volatile solvents like gasoline and certain glues that make your head spin when you accidentally get a strong whiff. They are highly flammable and not kind to the environment. Stain products with high VOC content are slowly being removed from the marketplace by the EPA.

Contact Jack for a FREE brochure and color chart or visit the Stain button at www.LogHomesByJack.com.

Jack Hutslar
800 767-4916
Jack@LogHomesByJack.com.
_ _ _
This Sansin Enviro Stain information is brought to you by LogHomesByJack.com. Serving Virginia and the Southeast from Smith Mountain Lake and North Carolina from the Piedmont Triad. Offering a very good combination of price, quality of materials and service. When in doubt, give Jack a shout. 800 767-4916.

Material Package contents for Honest Abe

Material Package Contents for Honest Abe Log Homes

See the material package diagram found on page 24 of Honest Abe Living. If you do not have a copy, you may request a copy by sending an email to Jack@LogHomesByJack.com with your name and address, or send a note to:

LogHomesByJack.com
P O Box 140
Huddleston, Virginia 24104

Subfloor System

1. Foundation [by owner]
2. Treated Sill with Termite Shield
3. Joist [2” x 10” at 16” on center]
4. Double Header
5. Subfloor Girder
6. Decking [3/4” T&G Advantec OSB]

Log Wall System

7. Log Walls [includes all fasteners, caulk, gaskets, etc]
8. Window and Door Rough Opening Frames

Second Floor System

9. Support Posts
10. Ceiling Beam Girder
11. Ceiling Beams
12. Header
13. Tongue & Groove Decking [2” x 6”]

Roof System

14. Heavy Timber Rafters [4” x 8” Douglas Fir]
15. Heavy Timber Ridgepole [3”x 12”]
16. Collar Ties
17. Tongue and Groove Decking [2”x6”]
18. Insulation [R-30 or better]
19. Sheathing [7/16” OSB]
20. Felt 30#
21. Fascia [cedar]
22. Trim – not shown
23. Conventional Rafter [2” x 10”] at 16”on centers and T&G ceiling
24. Overhang Rafter [2” x 6”] - not shown
25. Conventional Ridgepole [2” x 12”]
26. Soffit Framing
27. Soffit Vents
28. Dormer Framing [2” x 4”]
29. Gable End framing [2” x 4”]
30. Gable End sheathing
31. OSB Nail Base [log siding] – not shown
32. Log Siding for Gables [standard on Milled-D, Genesis, Round, Original]
33. Cedar Lap Siding [standard on Timber Frame] – not shown
34. Roof Truss with Tongue and Groove Ceiling

Porch and Deck System

35. Porch and Deck Piers [by owner]
36. Porch and Deck Framing [treated]
37. Decking [treated or Trex **]
38. Porch Post/Plate/Angle Braces [6” x 6”]
39. Porch Rafter [4” x 6”]
40. Porch Roof decking [2” x 6” Tongue and Groove]

Window and Door Units

41. Insulated, Double Hung, Tilt-Sash Wood Windows
42. Insulated, Wood Grained, Fiberglass Doors Interior Items
43. Interior Wall Framing
44. Stair Stringer [2” x 12”]
45. Stair Tread [2” x 12”]
46. 1” x 6” Tongue and Groove for Interior Walls ** - not shown
47. Baseboard and Ceiling Trim [1” x 5”]
48. Interior Wood Doors

Items Not Shown

- Ventilated Roof Components
- Interior Gable Siding
- Porch Rails and Spindles
- Exterior Finish
- Borate Wood Preservatives
- Premium Wood, Clad and Casement Windows **
- Engineered I-Joint and Beams **
- Heavy Timber Stair Package **
- RuSTICK stick built homes with rustic exterior and interior log siding

** These items are not included in the standard material package price but are available for optional purchase.

This is brought to you by LogHomesByJack.com. Serving Virginia from Smith Mountain Lake and North Carolina from the Piedmont Triad. Offering a very good combination of price, quality of materials and service. When in doubt, give Jack a shout. 800 767-4916.

Sansin FAQs

Sansin FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions.

Where can I purchase Sansin products?
Call LogHomesByJack.com at 800 767-4916. We will ship products directly to your door, regardless of where you live. Visit the Stain buttons at www.LogHomesByJack.com.


Can I use SDF over Classic?
Answer: Yes, but this is not recommended for logs that see excessive wetting or surfaces that demand a coating that breathes freely such as logs and larger timbers. Always wash using Sansin Multi-Wash as preparation for the new or maintenance coating.


SAnsin PTL Discontinued
SANSIN DEC reformulated.
can it be used on non pressure treated lumber?
Answer: Yes! DEC performs outstandingly on many wood species. Keep in mind that the color is somewhat stronger than with other Sansin wood coatings.
Note: PTL discontinued. Important protective properties for flat surfaces incorporated into DEC.


Can I mix Classic and SDF in the same can?
Answer: No, the base formulas are inherently different. Although they may appear to be compatible, we cannot guarantee performance results.


Will adding more water to my Sansin EnviroStain affect its quality?
Answer: Adding water will reduce the quality of the product. If you still wish to add water (e.g.. for ease of spraying) than add NO MORE than 5%. Always add water to stain rather than stain to water.


How do I dilute color?
Answer: Use the Clear UV formula with the respective product to dilute color or increase clarity. Naturals should not be diluted more than 20% using the appropriate Clear UV formula. For example, use Classic Clear UV to dilute Classic Light Natural


Can I apply more than one coat of SDF on my deck or siding?
Answer: Apply up to two coats on decks and siding. DO NOT apply more coats at one time as this could form a film.


My stain is not the color I expected, what can I do?
Answer: Adding the respective Clear UV formula will lighten or increase clarity; or, order a different color to mix in with your existing product to create the color you desire; or, return the product to a SANSIN COLOR CENTRE DEALER for adjustment.


Paint & Stain Remover: How do I use it inside?
Answer: It should not be used inside, the residue is to difficult to remove without rinsing, we recommend only using it outside


Aqua-Gard: can I use it over painted concrete?
Answer: Aqua-Gard needs to penetrate into the surface to be effective - this is what allows it to remain breathable. Aqua-Gard is not designed to perform on top of paint or coatings.


Drips: how do I control them?
Answer: When applying exterior Sansin coatings we recommend completely saturating the surface with product to the point where it will absorb no more. This will naturally cause the product to slightly run. Then, as per Directions For Use, back brush the surface to eliminate any streaking by spreading the runs and drips evenly.


How long will my Sansin product last?
Answer: Base performance is indicated on product Directions For Use. Individual product performance depends on a variety of factors such as exposure, wear and tear, quality of application, quality of wood and location. Your local representative may be able to provide a more specific product estimate.


Why do some Sansin products need to be coated with Clear UV where as others do not?
Answer: Clear UV in its respective product has considerably stronger UV resistance and is normally used as the last coat to avoid strengthening color. Sansin Classic and DEC formulas require three coats to achieve complete saturation of the wood cell to create a water repellant surface; Classic Clear UV is normally used for the third coat to maintain a clear light color while building up the necessary protection.


When do I maintain my surface for optimum performance and color retention?
Answer: A maintenance coat is required when surface erosion becomes visible, or when the surface color lightens noticeably. Erosion may first become apparent on the grain whereas color loss typically shows first on southern exposures.


What kind of coverage can I expect from my Sansin product?
Answer: There is no standard answer because coverage varies depending on the wood species in question. With exterior coatings, it's best to get as much product into the wood as possible. A cedar deck could use an average of 1 gallon per 200-300 sq ft. per coat of Sansin DEC whereas a one-coat formula like Sansin SDF could use up to 1 gallon per 100-200 sq ft. Pricing is dependant upon the selected formula - see the appropriate product Directions For Use for more details.


Why is Sansin more expensive than some competitive products?
Answer: Sansin uses the finest pure resins and ingredients, with no cheap fillers or paraffin - incorporating the best UV-protection technology available. Sansin is a premium, environmentally-friendly wood coating that protects wood while allowing it to breathe. Plus, Sansin's exceptional ease of maintenance means trouble-free beauty for your home for years to come.


What are the benefits of a non-film forming product vs. a film-forming product?
Answer: Breathability, ease of maintenance and sustainability.


What is the difference between Classic & DEC?
Answer: Dec is designed for horizontal surfaces and Classic for vertical surfaces. The formulas are compatible but Sansin DEC has a lower solids content plus performance characteristics that allow for easier penetration on a horizontal surface.


Can I just have one product for all my surfaces?
Answer: No. Different surfaces can demand distinctly different characteristics from a coating. For example, a large mass of wood such as a log naturally retains more moisture than a 2x4 - which in turn means it will decay unless the wood can breathe. A deck needs more water repellency and UV protection than a wall. Sansin has a family of products designed for optimum performance depending on the characteristics of the wood surface in question.

Sansin produces several stains for log home and other woods. What can be applied over what?
Answer: ENS will go on over all Sansin products plus stone, metal and glass.
SDF will cover Classic and DEC.
Classic will cover DEC
DEC
Performance may suffer if, for instance, DEC is applied over SDF.

For more information or to purchase Sansin products, contact Jack Hutslar:
800 767-4916
Jack@LogHomesByJack.com
www.LogHomesByJack.com

_ _ _
This information is brought to you by LogHomesByJack.com. Serving Virginia and the Southeast from Smith Mountain Lake and North Carolina from the Piedmont Triad. Offering a very good combination of price, quality of materials and service. When in doubt, give Jack a shout. 800 767-4916.

Bug Juice by WW Environmental

Bug Juice
Bug Juice is an insecticide paint additive designed to eliminate crawling and flying insects on interior & exterior surfaces. The active ingredient in Bug Juice is Deltamethrin.

Bug Juice:

• can be applied on most exterior and interior surfaces, including kitchens and pantries.

• does not repel insects.

• is a contact pesticide which poisons the insects through their pads and begins to work after an insect makes contact with the treated surface.

• kills crawling and flying insects ranging from ants to mosquitoes and crawling insects ranging from cockroaches to silverfish.

• will not affect the color, surface appearance or drying time of the coating it is mixed with.

• has no odor.

• will typically last for two years when mixed with stains or paint.

• helps breaks the homing cycle of insects.

• must be mixed with stain or paint.

• can be added to any oil or latex based paint, stain, or sealant.

To apply, wash down exterior surface to remove dust, dirt and organic matter.

Once applied, wash down exterior treated surfaces with water once or twice a year to remove any buildup of pollen and dirt.

Bug Juice is the result of a six year research and development program conducted by the manufacturer, Walla Walla Environmental. The product is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency for both interior and exterior use. The product is safe for consumer use when used according to directions. It is approved for use in hotels, restaurants, hospitals, kitchens and pantries.

One 8.3 oz bottle per five gallon container of paint or stain.

Cannot be mixed with water to apply.

Mix in no more Bug Juice than can be used in 3 hours.

Bug Juice is extremely cost effective when compared to the cost of regularly scheduled temporary pest control measures. During the past year the EPA has been in the process of eliminating all of the "cost effective" pesticides for consumer use - therefore you are left with safer, but more expensive pesticides. At the present time Bug Juice is the only insecticide paint additive available. .

Bug Juice

Summary:

• Wash log walls before using to remove dust and organic matter.
• Bug Juice must be mixed with stain or paint.
• Add to last coat of stain or paint.
• Mix in no more Bug Juice than can be used in 3 hours.
• Wash down walls twice a year in gulf states to improve effectiveness
• Effective for 2 or 3 years.

$49.75 per 8 1/3 oz bottle.
Treats 5 gallons
Add shipping and applicable sales tax.

In stock in our Showroom at Smith Mountain Lake.
Halesford Center on Rt 122 near the Halesford Bridge
16483-G Moneta Road
Moneta, Virginia 24121
800 767-4916 or Jack@LogHomesByJack.com

Showroom Hours:

1:00 to 6:00 pm T-W-Th-F-S and by appointment

Payment: Check or money order in advance

Order from:

LogHomesByJack.com
P O Box 140
Huddleston, Virginia 24104
800 767-4916 or Jack@LogHomesByJack.com
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Do not mean to bug you but this information is brought to you by LogHomesByJack.com. Serving Virginia and the Southeast from Smith Mountain Lake and North Carolina from the Piedmont Triad. Offering a very good combination of price, quality of materials and service. When in doubt, give Jack a shout. 800 767-4916.

Expired: FREE shipping on your material package

Act Now: 

FREE SHIPPING on your material package. Take delivery by 12/1/12. Contact Jack for floor plan designing and other details. 800 767-4916.


Details announced:

• Log Home or Timber Frame Home Material Packages only

• No minimum dollar value specified 

• 48 continental states only or too the border

• Delivery must be taken by December 1, 2012

• Plans, Paperwork, Payment needed by Mid October **

• Delivery date at discretion of Honest Abe Log Homes

• This special offer MAY be discontinued at any time, so Act Now!

**

PS: For those who are able to take advantage of this great offer, we must have the floor plans, paperwork done and 50% deposit settled by Mid October. It takes 30 to 45 days to go from finalized floor plans to delivery to your job site or storage area. Final payment of 50% due before we offload the truck[s]. We work quite well with/thru/by emails. Give Jack a shout . . . jack@LogHomesByJack.com

For ideas,
see Catalog of Floor Plans and Photo Gallery buttons at

www.LogHomesByJack.com

For answers to your questions,
contact Jack at

Jack@LogHomesByJack.com

800 767-4916

Note: We offer a very good combination of price, quality of materials and service. Serving Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia and the Southeast including Florida. We work with many clients by email so we are not limited to our immediate home area. Need a builder. We can suggest builders who will travel The Great 48. A few will travel the Earth, anywhere.

Customer Alert: 60 gallons = free shipping

Customer Alert

Sansin Enviro Stain. 60 gallons = free shipping. 

We have a 30 gallon local order waiting for new orders for 30 gallons more. Can be smaller orders that total 30 gallons or more. Must be shipped to one location like Smith Mountain Lake.

Are you considering stain specifically for your log home, decks, docks, fences, interior walls? 

See the Stain button at LogHomesByJack.com for colors, data sheets, stains for specific purposes, etc. 

See Sansin FAQ here at "News from Jack"
• 200 sf per gallon is a general rule of thumb.
• SDF is a 2 coat product for log homes and fences.
• DEC is for decks. 2 coats for initial application.
• Purity is for interior walls = about 350sf per gallon.
• Time for Maintenance coats depends on which product you select.
• We know good people in VA and NC who can do the work for you.
• Yes. It is more expensive and holds up much better than what the big box stores sell.

Then call Jack if you have questions. We can go over your specific needs. 800 767-4916

LogHomesByJack.com 
Showroom in the Halesford Center 
at Smith Mountain Lake near The Bridge
16483-G Moneta Road on Rt 122
Moneta, Virginia 24104
800 767-4916
Jack@LogHomesByJack.com
www.LogHomesByJack.com
_ _ _
This information is brought to you by LogHomesByJack.com. Serving Virginia and the Southeast from Smith Mountain Lake and North Carolina from the Piedmont Triad. Offering a very good combination of price, quality of materials and service. When in doubt, give Jack a shout. 800 767-4916.

Sansin Enviro Stains for your porch dock deck fence siding

Sansin DEC for dock, deck, fence
... is designed as a rugged two-coat formula that penetrates deeply, protecting your deck from within. Where film-building coatings can easily peel and scratch, exposing wood the the elements, DEC provides lasting protection from rain and UV exposure. Perfect for cedar, eastern white pine, Southern yellow pine, pressure treated lumber - regardless of the wood your deck features. Outdoor furniture too.

Sansin SDF for siding, logs, porch plus deck, dock or fence
... With just one coat, SDF provides tough, effective protection for your siding, logs, deck, dock or fence. SDF's specially formulated oils and resins penetrate deep into the wood, providing outstanding weather and UV protection that will not crack, peel or blister. Thanss to SDF's unique water-borne technology, it can be applied even to wood with a high moisture content.

DEC and SDF
• Penetrates
• Allows wood to breathe
• 80 colors
• Coverage is ±200sf per gallon
• Water clean up
• Color matching option

Sansin Classic and Classic+
• 2 coats of stain. 1 coat of Clear UV
• Longer time between maintenance coats.
• Classic+ for older wood
• Penetrates

• Allows wood to breathe
• 80 colors
• Coverage is ±200sf per gallon
• Water clean up

• Color matching option

Please visit the Stain button at LogHomesByjack.com for more information about all of the Sansin Enviro Stain products. You may also visit www.Sansin.com.

Contact Jack any time at LogHomesByJack.com
800 767-4916
Jack@LogHomesByJack.com

Jack Hutslar, authorized dealer for Sansin Enviro Stains. We ship anywhere. All orders must be paid in advance.
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This Sansin Enviro Stain information is brought to you by LogHomesByJack.com. Serving Virginia and the Southeast from Smith Mountain Lake and North Carolina from the Piedmont Triad. Offering a very good combination of price, quality of materials and service. When in doubt, give Jack a shout. 800 767-4916.