With the exterior log walls completed, work can begin on the interior partition walls. First, however, it will be necessary to bring in our combination tub-and-shower unit. The carpenters bring the molded bathroom unit in, and they'll then actually build the bathroom walls around it. It takes three men to carefully carry the tub-and-shower unit through the house and around our wall bracing to move it into position. It's too large to bring in after the walls are built, so they set it in place in the master bathroom, just before beginning the interior walls. After checking the blueprints, lengths of 2x4 are used to help visualize where the walls will be (figure A). This is the last chance to make any minor changes, so it's important to be sure each interior wall is positioned properly. The crew then measures and marks the precise location of each of the walls for the bedroom, hallway and bathroom (figure B). It's important that they check all measurements carefully because if just one is off by a fraction of an inch, it can cause problems later when hanging drywall and installing doors. Once they're certain the marks are correct, the crew snaps a chalk line across the subfloor to serve as a guide (figure C). It's important that the chalk line be sharp and clear so that it will be visible for use in aligning the wall. The carpenters lay out the 2x4 wall studs that they need for the first wall (figure D). This is the easiest and most accurate way to build the interior walls. The crew frames each doorway with double studs on the sides and a strong header across the top (figure E). The extra lumber provides stability at what would otherwise be a weak point in the wall. As soon as the first wall is complete, it takes three men to lift it up into position (figure F). The bottom plate of the framed wall is lined up on the chalk line we snapped earlier. Once aligned properly, the bottom plate will be nailed into place on the subfloor. A 4' level is used to determine the precise location where the interior wall joins to the exterior log wall. Once the wall is perfectly straight, it can be nailed to the exterior wall using the power nailer (figure G). With the first wall complete, the floor is clear for the crew to start building the next wall (figure H). These steps will be repeated for each of the walls, comprising the bathrooms, hallway and bedroom. Once the positioning is worked out, the walls can be framed and erected fairly quickly. Log Skirting for Base Exterior One nice visual touch for the house exterior is the use of log skirting for the outside surfaces of flooring system. The framework of the floor system is made of pressure-treated 2x8s that make for an unappealing contrast against the natural look of the logs. The company that manufactured the log-cabin kit provided some log skirting made from the rounded surface that has been cut from actual logs (figure I). Sections of the skirting are attached to the exterior of the flooring system to disguise the 2x8s (figure J ) to make the house look like it's made entirely from logs. The skirting is simply nailed on using galvanized finishing nails.
RESOURCES :
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Website: www.loghomerepair.com
Special Thanks for DIY Build a Log Cabin workshop
Blossman Gas
Website: www.blossmangas.com/
Propane
Propane
Washington, DC Phone: 202-452-8975
Fax: 202-452-9054
Website: www.propanecouncil.org/
The Complete Guide to Building Log Homes
ISBN: 0806974869
Author: Monte Burch, Richard J. Meyer, Lloyd P. Birmingham
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Log Homes Made Easy: Contracting and Building Your Own Log Home
Model: 0811728471
Author: Jim Cooper
Stackpole Books
Website: www.stackpolebooks.com
The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway
Model: 0879056711
Author: Dale Mulfinger, Susan E. Davis
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Hands-On Log Homes
ISBN: 0879058056
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
American Log Homes
ISBN: 0879054581
Author: Arthur Thiede, Cindy Teipner
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
The Craft of Modular Post & Beam: Building Log and Timber Homes Affordably
Model: 0881791318
Author: James Mitchell
Heritage House/Hartley & Marks
Website: www.heritagehouse.ca/hartleymarks/hartleymarks.html
Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
ISBN: 1586850431
Author: Robbin Obomsawin
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Log Spirit
ISBN: 0879059257
Author: Linda Arms White
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Inside Log Homes: The Art & Spirit of Home Planning and Decor
Model: 087905963X
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
The Log Home Book: Design, Past and Present
Model: 0879056711
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, Arthur Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
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