Fact? Fiction? Uninformed? Truth? Twisted truth? Or just wishful thinking?
Every person or company who has anything to do with LOGS has their own story to tell of why theirs is the best!
Thank you for visiting our internet site! The emphasis of our site is for your dreams of a log home to become a reality. We trust that you will appreciate the information and services that we provide. We know that you have read many log home web sites, talked with Reps., seen displays at shows and toured homes. You are most likely having a difficult time sorting out the good information from the hype and half-truths!
We have found that most log home manufacturers and representatives know the truth, know that you want honesty but don’t tell the entire truth about their product! With over 34 years experience in construction it is still amazing to hear the volumes of garbage come out of the mouths of business owners, dealers, Reps and sales people. But they are all really nice folks! Ironic!
That is not a popular thing to say! We have researched the log home industry for years, have talked with and listened to most of the manufacturers and their Reps.
What an experience that has been!
There are a few good ones out there! We have found the easiest way to separate the hype and half-truths is to listen to what is being said,
then take the time to really think about it.
"Think practicality!"
For instance, if someone claims they have kiln-dried logs simply ask them:
“What systems do you have to allow for shrinkage?”
If they answer with great enthusiasm and start explaining their system of thru-bolts, spring tensioners, screw jacks, specialty hardware, their special slide systems for hanging doors, windows, cabinets, plumbing and HVAC then they do not have fully kiln-dried logs!
Fully kiln-dried logs, like framing lumber that you buy at any lumber company or home improvement store, do not need special systems to allow for shrinkage!
They are fully kiln-dried to less than 19% moisture content and shrink less than 1/16 to 1/8 inch in an 8 ft. high wall!
If they say:
"“You cannot look at a kiln schedule and figure out what they really did because anybody can write down anything they want”
or
“they just use a probe to figure the moisture content”,
they may be partially right.
There are manufacturers who kiln-dry their logs for just a few hours in order to say they have kiln-dried logs. There are others who kiln-dry for a few days, because that will dry the outside ½ to ¾ inch, which allows the logs to run thru their cutting heads faster and produces a slicker finish than with a green log (the cutting blades last as much as 3 times longer, too).
There are manufacturers who use a probe to show the % of moisture but that is only effective for the outside approximate ½ inch of log - it does not show the entire log moisture content. They then call their logs "kiln-dried"!
The only way to correctly analyze the % moisture in a log is to precisely follow the methods determined by the US Forest Service.
Only real problem with the above is even members of the NAHB Log Homes Council disagree on the definition of “Kiln-dried”. The majority on the Council do not provide fully Kiln-dried logs! Some provide green and air dried logs.
You could also go to their facility and look at their operation. Any manufacturer who fully kiln-dries their logs should be eager to show off their operation!
If they say:
“we air dry our logs”
just ask:
“how long?”
You will probably get an answer of “30 days or longer”, “6 months”, and even up to “1 year”. Think about that one!
the US Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory, “Wood Handbook” (see web address above) states that it takes 30 days “in favorable conditions at favorable times of the year”
to air dry a 1 inch board to 20-25% moisture content.
If you have a 15 to 18 inch diameter green log that you need to cut and shape to an 8 inch log, it would take in excess of 1 ½ years to air dry just to 20-25%. And
“Think practicality”!
Can you imagine the size of the drying facility that would be needed? And remember the standards from the “Wood Handbook”, “favorable” means stacked, stickered for air movement, and covered. Most air-dry facilities just pile the logs - no stickers, no cover, no air movement!
The single most important web site for you to visit and read (it takes quite awhile to read the “Wood Handbook” but you do not have to read all of it!) is:
Click on: “Publications” then “Wood Handbook” and concentrate on Chapter 12!
The most important message that can be relayed to you is
“Think practicality”!
And practice due diligence! Do your homework!
With the knowledge and advantage of over 34 years experience in construction and after more than 2 years of extensive research we have found one log home company that stands above the rest. Considering every aspect imaginable from honesty, communication, availability, product, designs, knowledge, certifications, people, experience, history, price, and stability we are confidentStrongwood Log Home Company is that leader!
Instead of repeating all of the extensive information on
If you are not familiar with our company and your first contact with us is online we would be pleased to hear from you! We are the factory approved dealer for McDowell and Rutherford Counties, NC for Strongwood Log Home Company.
We are always eager to explain why fully kiln-dried logs are the best way to build a log home! And in the long run - the least expensive!
Please let us know what your needs and questions are, we will be more than happy to help.
