Log Home Construction

The Non-Traditional structure that I chose to design is a log home. When doing research on styles of construction I was a little overwhelmed with the options that are available for construction methods. The first thing I needed to find out is what type of footing and foundation is needed to support the immense weight of the logs. An 8"x16" footing and 8" foundation is sufficient enough to support the weight of a log home. There are three different options available for supporting the floor joist in a log home. The first is setting the joist directly on top of the mud sill plate. Rim joist or ribbon joist is required at the ends of the joist to cover the ends of the joist. The second option is making a 4" deep notch every 16" or 19.2" (depending on joist span and loading) in the 8" foundation to place the joist into. The depth of the notch depends on joist depth but the notch should be deep enough for the top of the joist to match the top of the mudsill. This style doesn't require rim board because the ends of the joist are already covered up. The third option is to hang the joist from the mudsill using top flange joist hangers. This option also doesn't require rim board because the ends of the joists are already covered up. Typical ¾" tongue and groove sub flooring is fastened on top of the joist.

There are two different styles of log home construction. The first is manufactured log homes also known as kit homes. The logs are mechanically shaped into uniform dimensions. Manufactured logs may also be milled round or rectangular in profile with endless variations. The second type of construction is handcrafted. The natural characteristics of the logs are preserved to show off their individuality and the joinery of the logs is done with hand held tools. There are three different styles of logs. The first is a D shape log for the exterior log look and flat indoor appearance. The second is fully rounded logs to give the full log look on both the interior and exterior. The third is a square log that gives the appearance of timber construction, being flat on all four sides, with the advantages of log building. Depending on the manufacturer and your corner type, milled logs also come with tongue and grooves on the top and bottom of the logs for a more secure fit.