Less House,ess House,MORE HOMEORE HOMECOMPACT & COMFORTABLE CABINSOMPACT & COMFORTABLE CABINS200 FIRST-RATE FLOOR PLANS!FIRST-RATE FLOOR PLANS!21BigDesign Ideas For Little Log HomesC+Get Your Deck Ready for SpringPEEK INSIDE THIS ADORABLE 500 SQ. FT. CABIN2LMsmall spaces you’ll love
MARCH 2020|Log Home Living|1Log Home LivingMarch 2020CONTENTS486042Home tours & features30Retro RetreatA 500-square-foot vintage log cabin is the center-piece of lakeside living in the Montana mountains.42Fresh & Frugal Ideas for Little Log HomesWhether you’re creating cabin memories or keeping within the confines of a budget, we offer 10 excellent small log home solutions.48Western RomanceThe pioneering spirit of the Old West finds its way to New Hampshire.60Less is More5 smart tips for building a log home you’ll love in 1,000 square feet or less.30
Be sure to visit loghome.comfor more inspirational homes, ideas and tips!17Reader SpotlightLove at First Sight18 Quick Bits•Tongue and Groovy, Baby• Great Read: Housing Finance 2020 branching outOn the Cover Photo by Heidi Long172022242620 Fresh TakesThe right light fixtures can add megawatts of personality to a log home. 22Dirt to DoneMonths of planning and anticipation are over! Soon-to-be log homeowner Zach Parmeter’s log package is here.24Take it OutsideShort on garden space? Square-foot gardening can give you prolific results without eating up a lot of acreage.26From the FieldLooking to take full advantage of outdoor living? A safe, secure and spectacular deck is the way to go.departments66Floor Plan Gallery75Handcrafters’Gallery76Builder/DealerMarketplace77Products & Services79Free Information Guidereader resourcesin every issue4Editor’sNoteDownsizing in a SupersizedWorld6FavoriteSpacesSmall Spaces64Featured Floor PlanDream Home for Rent80LogReflections
ZZZ .DWDKGLQ&HGDU/RJ+RPHV FRP _ 7ROO )UHH _ 2DNÀHOG 0(Northern White Cedar is at the heart of everything at Katahdin Cedar Log Homes. We know cedar: scientifically proven to have superior resistance to aging, insects, rot, cracking, shrinkage, heat and cold when compared to pine. We know where to find it in sustainable forests, how to use every bit of the tree and save the very finest for our beautiful log homes. We make more cedar log homes than anyone in the US, and the most cedar fence anywhere. That makes Katahdin the largest primary processor of Northern White Cedar in the world. So what does that mean to you? Cedar for the price of pine.
4 |Log Home Living|MARCH 2020 LHL WEEKLYOur free weekly newsletter points you to helpful planning, design and maintenance articles that will save you time and money. Plus, you’ll get first dibs on special deals from our partners. Subscribe now atloghome.com/newslettersTAKE IT WITH YOUFind all of our digital editions atloghome.com/digitalloghome.comOnlineresourcesCONNECT WITH USChat with our editors and share ideas, successes and photos with other log home enthusiasts. It’s the best place to get questions answered — and you might even see your story in the magazine!loghome.com/facebookloghome.com/twitterloghome.com/pinterestloghome.com/instagramloghomeu.com(an online communityfor log home enthusiasts)Ever notice that when a com-pany tries to entice you to buy its product, it claims how it of-fers you “so much more” than the competition? From automotive bells and whistles to hamburger-meal deals to “but, wait … there’s more!” infomercials, tacking on ex-tras you don’t really need is standard practice. New-home builders, especially develop-ers, are not exempt from this supersizing mentality. Reports by the U.S. Census and the National Association of Home Builders claim that the average new home built in the United States last year was 2,584 square feet. By com-parison, the average size was 2,266 square feet at the turn of the millennium; 1,740 in 1980; and 1,660 in 1973, when the Census Bureau began tracking the statistic. But we here at Active Interest Media (publisher of Log Home Living magazine) conducted a bit of research of our own and discovered something enlightening. Rather than increasing the square footage of their homes year after year, log home enthusiasts are seeking something a little cozier. Log home producers told us that the average size of new log homes built between January 2018 and July 2019 weighed in at a much slim-mer 2,161 square feet, and according to a reader survey we recently conducted, buyers are most interested in cabins hovering right around the 2,000-square-foot mark.That’s the sweet spot we hit in this is-sue of Log Home Living — homes less than 2,000 square feet. Our two home tours are prime examples of how to achieve greater satisfaction with less space. The Wells family did it in just 1,808 square feet (“Western Romance,” page 48) and the Dixons (“Retro Retreat,” page 30) created log cabin bliss in a one-bedroom/one-bath design that, at a scant 500 square feet, is no larger than a McMansion’s garage. Both homes focus on quality over quantity, which is why we also include several design-based articles that can help you realize the same success. Even our outdoor/landscaping column, Take it Outside, helps you maximize a limited lawn with tips for “square-foot gardening.”So though the conventional-housing mar-ket may be upsizing, when it comes to log homes, going small — and opting only for what you actually need — can be so much sweeter than size. DONNA PEAKEditor-in-ChiefDownsizing in a Supersized [email protected]
Favorite spacessmall spaces6 |Log Home Living|MARCH 2020JSmall Space SavvyScaling down the square footage of a log home doesn’t require skimping on comfort or charisma. Second Chance House.Buried under layers of old barn siding and soot for more than a century, this lovingly restored, little Colorado home was given a fresh start. Details, like symmetrical design centered around a covered front porch, skip-peeled logs and divided-light windows, are classic cabin hallmarks.
BFavorite spacessmall spaces8 |Log Home Living|MARCH 2020Spruce Things Up.Close quarters call for a little pizzazz. The owners of this cabin cutie took the opportunity to use their drywall ceiling as a canvas, covering it in a nature-inspired mural that features everything from bears to birds against a scenic mountain backdrop.
Favorite spacessmall spaces10|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020H30See the rest of this 500 sq. ft. home on pageBoldly Go.Make a statement in a tiny log cabin by going big with your accents. Ebony window casings, plantation shutters and trimwork pop against their rich wood backdrop, while the “Chief Cliff” stone hearth dominates the living area’s exterior wall.
Favorite spacessmall spaces12|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020Hillside Cues.A sloping lot is prime real estate for an expansive covered porch and patio. Plus, in a small-scale log home like this 1,600-square-foot gem, adding outdoor space is an ideal, low-cost way to extend your living area. PFor All Intents and Purposes.In a little log home, multifunction is the mantra. Every item needs to adapt to a variety of uses. In this small great room, the sofa table can act as a desk, provide additional seating for dining, add extra kitchen prep space or display treasured heirlooms and books.
LOG HOMESDONE RIGHT.The Right Logs. The Right Advice. The Right Choice.Choose from 45 different floor plans or let our design team help you create your dream home. Continuous Seal Gasket Technology helps keep your home cozy in winter and cool in summer.Loudonville, Ohio 800.368.1015 Hochstetler builds peace of mind into every Log Home. That’s because we control each crucial step of the process. We begin by harvesting only the highest quality logs. Our logs are air-dried for up to one year, kiln-dried to perfection, then precision-milled to tolerances of .01 of an inch. We provide complete construction blueprints, engineering support and can even connect you with a qualified builder. Our many satisfied customers will tell you: Hochstetler is with you every step of the way. It’s simply the right way to build a log home… and to do business. COME VISIT OUR MODEL HOME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF.
14|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020Log Home Living ®(USPS #005-515) (ISSN #1041-830X) is published monthly, except January, April, June and November, by the Home Group of Active Interest Media Inc. The known office of publication is located at 5720 Flatiron Parkway, Boulder, CO 80301. The editorial office is located at 5720 Flatiron Parkway, Boulder, CO 80301; Periodicals Postage paid at Boulder, CO, and additional offices. Vol. 37, No. 2, published January 1, 2020.SUBSCRIPTIONS: For subscription questions or address changes, call 800-234-8496 (U.S. only). US subscription rate $22, Canadian subscription rate $37 USD.CUSTOMER SERVICE: P.O. Box 842, Des Moines, IA 50304-0842 [email protected] PRIVACY STATEMENT: The Home Group is committed to protecting your privacy. For a full copy of our privacy statement, go to www.loghome.com.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Log Home Living®, P.O. Box 37274, Boone, IA 50037-0274. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright © 2020 Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc., Boulder, CO. This publication may not be reproduced, either in whole or part, in any form without written permission from the publisher.LOGO LICENSING, REPRINTS AND PERMISSIONS: Contact Brett Petillo, Wright’s Media, 877-652-5295, [email protected] & CEO Andrew W. ClurmanSENIOR VP, CFO, COO & TREASURER Michael HenryVP OF AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Tom MastersonVP, PRODUCTION & MANUFACTURING Barbara Van SickleVP, PEOPLE & PLACES JoAnn ThomasVP, DIGITAL PRODUCTS & PLATFORMS Katie HerrellVP, IT Nelson SaenzAIM BOARD CHAIR Efrem Zimbalist IIIPRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Peter H. Miller, Hon. AIAVP, DIGITAL MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENTBrian Van HeuverswynDIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING LJ LindhurstOPERATIONS MANAGER Carolyn WalshSTRATEGIC CAMPAIGN MANAGER Taylor JacksonDIGITAL PRODUCER Katherine OwenMARKETING COORDINATOR Josh CohnEXHIBIT SALES LOG AND TIMBER HOME SHOWS Eric Johnson, Samantha WattersFACILITIES MANAGER Tony WilhelmsEDITORIAL DIRECTOR Donna PeakMANAGING EDITOR Suzanna Logan ASSOCIATE EDITOR Griffin SuberCONTRIBUTORS Janice Brewster, Claudia Johnson, Karen Marley, Elizabeth Millard, Dan Mitchell, Edi PettegrewCREATIVE DIRECTOR Edie MannART DIRECTOR Mark SorensonAD COORDINATOR Kim HoffGRAPHIC DESIGNER Julie GreenADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Heather Glynn GniazdowskiNATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER Mari CampbellADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESPam Stine, Rich WilkinsonSINGLE COPY SALES MANAGER NPSDIRECTOR ACCOUNTING SHARED SERVICESKelly Baumgardner5720 Flatiron Parkway • Boulder, CO 80301www.loghome.comAN ACTIVE INTEREST MEDIA PUBLICATIONLog home builders and the home handyman will love this one-ofa-kind chainsaw attachment for debarking and notching.The Amazinghe AmazingLOG WIZARD TGoldec International Equipment Inc.P.O. Box 3299, Alberta, Canada T7X 3A5Phone: 780-960-2727 • Toll Free 877-640-2240Fax: 780-960-2767 • www.Logwizard.comEmail: [email protected] LOG CABINS? Check out cabinlife.com for a variety of cabin and cottage tours, hundreds of floor plans, maintenance tips and tricks and all the best of the cabin lifestyle, from rustic destinations to cabin-ready recipes.
LogTimberShowTheLogandTimberHomeShowSchedule subject to change without notice. Check website for most accurate and up-to-date information. Exhibitor list varies by location, visit our website at LogHome.com/shows for full details.For details and discounted tickets, visit loghome.com/showsCOLUMBUS, OHJanuary 24-26, 2020KANSAS CITY, MOFebruary 21-23, 2020BURLINGTON, VTFeb 28-March 1, 2020ATLANTA, GAMarch 7-8, 2020MINNEAPOLIS, MNMarch 13-14, 2020ROANOKE, VAApril 3-5, 2020LAKE GEORGE, NYMay 1-3, 2020YOUR LOG HOME & TIMBER FRAME DESIGN HEADQUARTERSWorkshopsLearn how to save time & money!Floor PlansReview popular fl oor plans or bring your own for expert review.In Person Q&AGet insider industry advice on all the latest design trends.Rustic Furniture & Décor Meet with rustic artisans!Military discounts available online!Build anywhere with confidence...YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE!presented by LOG HOME LIVING & TIMBER HOME LIVINGmagazines25YEARSCome celebrate with us!$10ONLINE SPECIAL*Attend any 2020 show for just$10Tickets must be purchased online at loghome.com/shows. Not valid with any other offer.
LOOKING TO BUILD? NOT SURE WHERE TO START?COME MEET OUR EXPERTS WHO SHOW YOU HOWThe course is $129 per couple or $95 per person, which includes the Course Guide, a comprehensive textbook to guide you through the entire homebuilding process; magazine samples and continental breakfast or snacks. *Discount code for online University will be supplied onsite. Schedule subject to change without notice. Check website for most accurate and up-to-date information.twitter.com/LogTimberShowfacebook.com/TheLogandTimberHomeShowTOGETHER, LET’S HAMMER OUT THE DETAILS!For more details, visit loghome.com/universitySEATING IS LIMITED. REGISTER NOW!Learn the difference between a log home & a timber frame homeChoosing a Builder vs Self-BuiltSite Preparation Tips & More!PLUS: Lifetime FREE PASS to all future Log & Timber Home ShowsCOLUMBUS, OHJanuary 24 or 25, 2020KANSAS CITY, MOFebruary 22, 2020BURLINGTON, VTFebruary 29, 2020 ATLANTA, GAMarch 7, 2020MINNEAPOLIS, MNMarch 14, 2020ROANOKE, VAApril 4, 2020LAKE GEORGE, NYMay 2, 2020Military discounts available onlineEnroll & receive a discount *for our LOG & TIMBER UNIVERSITY ONLINE(SEE P . 19)
MARCH 2020|Log Home Living|17Dreader spotlightDale Bacchetti: One day, I was out snowmobiling with my brother, and on the way home I spied this log house for sale. It looked like it needed a ton of work; but I called my wife, Kathleen, and we looked at it that night. As we pulled into the driveway, before we even went inside, Kathleen turned to me and said, “I want this place.”The previous owner let the bank take it over, so it needed a lot of TLC. I did much of the work myself, the rest of it I farmed out to the pros. We remodeled the kitchen, including installing new cherry cabinets. We also got a brand-new boiler system, and we just installed a new wood-burning stove about a month ago.The house sits on nearly three acres of property. There’s an apple orchard, as well as some ornamental trees scattered across the grounds. To take advantage of our site, Kathleen and I cut several hiking trails across the acreage – I can even get my snowmobile through there if I wanted to. It’s been a fair amount of work, but it’s also been a labor of love. Twenty-five miles from downtown Buffalo, where the air is crisp and clear and the crowded city is nothing more than distant pinpoints of light, the Bacchettis found the country log home they longed for. Here’s their story:Love at First Sightcompiled byGriffin Suber
18|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020Tongue & Groovy, Baby!Everyone who’s building a log home is eager for one thing — move-in day! The faster you can get there, the better. Eagle Panel Systems has a roofing solution that can help shave time (and some labor costs) off of your log home build: Integroove tongue-and-TMgroove laminated structural insulated panels. You’ve likely heard of T&G, as well as SIPs, so what’s so special about these? Eagle Panel brings the two together into one highly efficient system. White pine tongue-and-groove is pre-finished (a clear coat is standard, but tinted stain is an option), which is then pre-applied to the SIPs; so as your roof goes in, it’s already looks amazing. Each panel is 4 feet wide and up to 24 feet long, which gives you 96 square feet of framed, sheathed, insulated (up to R-49) and finished roof/ceiling that can be set in 15 to 20 minutes — all in one step — getting you fully under roof in days as opposed to weeks. It also handles snow loads in some of the toughest conditions in North America.For more details, visit Eagle Panel Systems at eaglepanelsystems.comquick bitsGREAT READ!Housing Finance 2020By Anna DeSimoneMystified by mortgages? Baffled by lend-ing rules and regs? Concerned about covering closing costs and saving cash? Anna DeSimone has answers. In her highly informative, easy-to-understand book, Housing Finance 2020, DeSimone, founder of Bankers Advisory, a mortgage compliance au-dit and consulting firm, starts from the top — securing a down payment — and works her way through everything from what constitutes qualifying income to submitting the loan application. Along the way, she offers a wealth of insider insight about how the lending rules have changed, tips to strengthen your financial position and, perhaps most importantly, real resources to help you navigate the financing process, including a state-by-state directory of assistance programs. Together, these timely tips can help take the guesswork out of applying for a mortgage as we enter a new decade and lending climate.“The year 2020 will be a demographic turning point in real estate finance,” ex-plains DeSimone. “People are spending half of their income to cover housing costs, and they need to find out about all possible money-saving solutions.”Chapters on rural lending, pro-grams for the DIY/sweat-equity builder and reverse mortgages for retirees are particularly helpful to prospective log home buyers. “The affordable housing initiatives in the book are centered on the demographics, financial capacity, culture and lifestyle of today’s genera-tion of home buyers,” says DeSimone.Published by Housing 2020 Publishing, LLC[$19.95, softcover, 300 pages]More Info on Financing is in Our FutureNavigating the lending landscape can be one of the most confusing parts of buying a new home, so starting in our next issue, we are introducing a new column — On the Money — to help make sense of it all. Stay tuned!
STOP DREAMING START LIVINGView 5+ hours of quality video, read articles and worksheets from our industry experts and more ... all from the comfort of your home!The Log & Timber University Online Class is divided into four easy-to-follow courses that will guide you through each of the major phases of the dream home process: planning, design, construction and living in your new home!Start learning at your own pace when it’s convenient for you. Enroll today.www.creativehomeclasses.comFOR MAX SAVINGS, check out our a la carte option!Mix and match courses for all your design, building and maintenance needs!Course #1 Planning Your Dream HomeCourse #2 Dream & DesignCourse #3 Building Your Dream HomeCourse #4 Maintaining Your Dream HomeInstructor: Log Engineer Alex CharvatAlex Charvat is a licensed professional engineer with a bach-elor’s in forestry and master’s in structural engineering. He has engineered and designed hundreds of log homes and cabins; is the engineer of record for the Log & Timber Home Council’s log grading program; and is the engineer of record on more than 30 screw-type fasteners used in residential construction. Alex hosted DIY Network’s series, Cabin Rescue, a log cabin renovation show, and served as a consultant on Building Off the Grid: Vail, CO, also featured on the DIY Network. In addition to teaching the Log & Timber Home University, he has owned Alexander Structures, Inc., a national engineering and design fi rm, since 2002.
See the ee the Light ight The right light fixtures can add megawatts of personality to a log home. From table lamps to chandeliers to outdoor lighting, let these bright ideas illuminate your space. 20|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020Golden Globe (right)The gleam of metallic finishes plays well against wood tones. This golden lamp comes in both floor and table heights. The floor lamp stands almost 6 feet high and creates a perfect reading spot when paired with your favorite chair. antiquefarmhouse.com.SL
Dripping with Drama ripping with Drama (right)right)Handcrafted in Italy, the Aubrey andcrafted in Italy, the Aubrey chandelier from Arhaus features handelier from Arhaus features glass crystals hanging from an iron frame. lass crystals hanging from an iron frame. Available in two finishes and several sizes, the vailable in two finishes and several sizes, the chandelier mixes elegance with a rustic edge. handelier mixes elegance with a rustic edge. arhaus.com, 866-427-4287rhaus.com, 866-427-4287Over and Above ver and Above (above)above)Ditch plain-Jane recessed lighting itch plain-Jane recessed lighting trim in favor of something that’s rim in favor of something that’s more in keeping with a log home. ore in keeping with a log home. The Illuminati ceiling trim kit he Illuminati ceiling trim kit from Minka Lavery features a rom Minka Lavery features a bronze finish and silver glass. ronze finish and silver glass. minkagroup.com, 800-221-7977inkagroup.com, 800-221-7977Oh Deer (above)Get a hit of Black Forest style with this statement wall sconce. A hanging crystal fixture is set off by a majestic stag, made with hand-cast resin. Made in the U.S., the sconce measures 22 inches high. cabin9design.com, 612-968-2725Spirit of the pirit of the Southwest outhwest (above)above)This Sonoma Inverted his Sonoma Inverted Pendant features a six-endant features a six-sided shade with stained ided shade with stained art glass in a diamond rt glass in a diamond pattern. Choose it for a attern. Choose it for a statement piece in your tatement piece in your entryway or over your ntryway or over your dining table. The piece ining table. The piece hangs from dark-finished angs from dark-finished metallic hardware. etallic hardware. lonestarwesterndecor.onestarwesterndecor.com, 877-493-3779om, 877-493-3779Dream Weavers ream Weavers (below)below)Serena and Lily weaves weather-friendly resin into pendants that look as erena and Lily weaves weather-friendly resin into pendants that look as great outdoors as they do inside. Choose from several shapes and sizes, reat outdoors as they do inside. Choose from several shapes and sizes, or group them for added visual interest in your outdoor living space. r group them for added visual interest in your outdoor living space. serenaandlily.com, 866-597-2742erenaandlily.com, 866-597-2742D(HcgAcaO(DtmTfbmSS(TPsapsedhm lcD(Sgos
22|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020Under what will eventually be half-log siding, the home’s shell includes 2-by-8-construction, which creates strength, rigidity and space for additional insulation.by Suzanna LoganAfter nine months of long days and late nights nailing out ev-ery detail of his future home’s site prep and design, soon-to-be log homeowner Zach Parmeter is ready for some actual nailing to start happening. But before construction can begin, he needs something to build with. It’s time for the materials to arrive onsite, and Zach and his builder have done their homework to make sure delivery day goes as smoothly as possible.For starters, the site has been prepped, the foundation poured and cured and the septic and well are both complete. Zach’s builder ensured the delivery would be hiccup-free by verifying the tractor-trailer carrying the materials would have easy access down the driveway with plenty of room for off-loading and staging. While some companies ship an entire log home package at once, Golden Eagle Log & Timber Homes, the company Zach’s grandfather founded more than 50 years ago, sends between eight and 10 separate shipments. “The floor system, roof system, windows and cabinetry all arrive separately,” Zach explains. “The reason being, you don’t want those things sitting around your job site being exposed to the elements for months before they’re used.” Though Golden Eagle’s shipments come in stages, there is still an abundance of ma-terials and individual pieces that must be unloaded and sorted. “It can be very telling to see how organized the builder is when they are at the site,” Zach says. “Essentially, for the builder, the job site is his desk. If he knows where everything is, he can easily access it. Knowing exactly where everything is located PMonths of planning and anticipation are over! Soon-to-be hybrid log homeowner Zach Parmeter’s package is here.Special Delivery
MARCH 2020|Log Home Living|23ABOVE: The construction crew installs a maze of radiant in-floor heating tubes into Zach’s basement before laying the subfloor.RIGHT: All of the home’s components have been clearly labeled and strategically placed onsite so that they can be easily accessed during construction.Having a clear pathway for the trucks to unload allows shipments to stay on schedule even in inclement weather. Join us on Zach’s JourneyOver the next few months, our “Dirt to Done” series will continue to follow Zach’s road to hybrid log home ownership, from the dry-in stage (next issue!) to adding the final finishing touches to his log-and-timber forever home.prevents delays and keeps the build steadily moving forward.” Zach also says a gentle approach through-out the process is essential: “It’s important the builder takes that extra time and care during the unloading process. This is their first chance at handling the materials, and they shouldn’t be rough or cause any dam-age.” Fortunately, Zach’s builder was on top of his game both in terms of organization and handling the materials with kid gloves.And, while Zach admits that his work as a homeowner was mostly done before deliv-ery day, he wasn’t about to miss out on the excitement of receiving the shipment. “The anticipation of the delivery is the fun part of it all,” he says. “It’s like Christmas. You look forward to it, and then all of a sudden everything gets delivered, and it’s like “Whoa, Christmas is really here!”For Zach, delivery day signals a signifi-cant turning point in the building process — the transition from planning into doing. “Everything really starts coming together at this point,” he says. “It’s pretty thrilling.”
24|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020A SQUARE MEALNo tiller or backbreaking digging required here — square-foot gardening allows you to pack a bountiful harvest in tight, manageable quarters. by Elizabeth MillardPhoto by Patrick from https:/ /www.flickr.com/photos/pdbreen/3684905312. TShort on garden space? Square-foot gardening can give you prolific results without eating up a lot of acreage.M any log homes are, understandably, built in densely wooded areas, on the edge of steep, sloping hillsides or along lakeshores, and that “tucked away” feeling is a huge part of the charm. But if you fancy yourself a backyard farmer, the tough terrain and heavy shade that comes with these locations don’t offer much in the way of extensive garden space. Should you give up your dreams of a bountiful vegetable harvest or a profusion of flowerbeds? Not at all! You just need to change your strategy.Developed in 1981 by gardener and retired engineer Mel Bartholomew, “square foot gardening” has become highly prized by folks with limited growing area — even city dwellers — because it allows for high productivity in very small spaces. The basic premise is that you build raised beds; a common choice is a 4-by-4 foot square, but many people also opt for long, narrow rectangles. Regardless of shape, you build the bed to a depth of about 6 inches — and fill it with a rich soil mix that drains and aerates well, rather than taking dirt from a surrounding area. Each section of the bed is divided into one-foot squares, so you end up with a grid. Then, you grow something different in each. Using this method allows you to plant compactly instead of sewing your seedlings in long rows, and you can configure your beds in any available space that has adequate light, rather than just in areas with flat terrain or the right soil conditions. Planting in packs also minimizes weeds, and using a variety of vegetation within such a tight space improves the biodiversity of the beds — a strategy called companion planting — and that can reduce pests, which tend to thrive on large amounts of the same plant.When creating square foot gardening beds, here’s what to keep in mind:• Choose the logs or lumber for your bor-der carefully, since it will be exposed to the elements and watered frequently. Also, if you’re growing edibles, make sure the wood is not treated with chemicals that can leach into the soil, be absorbed by the plants and poison your crops. Untreated cedar is a popular choice, but you also can use non-wood options like bricks or stones.• Although the soil mix (Bartholomew suggests sandy loam, peat moss, ma-tured compost and vermiculite) is excel-lent for drainage, it dries out faster than
MARCH 2020|Log Home Living|25Photo by Korye Logan from https:/ /www.flickr.com/photos/mrloggy/4092253344. Tan in-ground garden, so you’ll need to water more frequently. • Choose a spot that suits what you want to grow. For example, full, all-day sun-light isn’t ideal for lettuces or delicate flowers like columbine, but tomatoes and peppers love it. • Install your plants next to neighbors they’ll get along with. Certain varieties will yield better fruit if planted near a compatible species. (Tomatoes and ba-sil; potatoes and squash; or carrots and onions are prime examples.)Whether you decide to have one raised bed or several, this method can be a boon for space-challenged log cabin owners yearning for a big garden harvest. Companion planting improves the biodiversity of your garden, which not only helps to repel unwanted pests and prevent disease, it encourages your crops to thrive.
26|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020by Dan MitchellNo matter what kind of mate-rial a house is made of, decks are undoubtedly the most popular way to boost its liv-able square footage at a lower cost. However, there are several key factors to keep in mind when incorporating a deck into your log home’s design and construction plan. Let’s explore five components that will not only help you save time and money; they’ll create an outdoor environment you’ll truly enjoy.1Appraise the ViewWhen constructing a deck, the very first thing to factor in actually hap-pens during the design phase — consider your deck in relation to your view. If your deck is going have posts embedded in the ground or as supports for a roof system, it’s important to look at where those posts will rest in relation to your windows and evaluate whether they will obstruct your line of sight. Looking to take full advantage of outdoor living? A safe, secure and spectacular deck is the way to go.Stack the DeckIt surprises me how often designers will specify posts 6 or 8 feet off center across the back the house or outside a master bedroom window that will jut out in the middle of an otherwise clear view of a gorgeous mountain or lake. When possible, I like to remove posts from porch or deck construction. Instead I’ll use a pressure-treated glulam, paralam or even a steel beam to carry the load and create wide spans to where I can eliminate posts that would obstruct a view.P48Tour this rustic log home on pageOn a covered deck, keep your line of sight as free and clear as possible. A timber-framed truss system reduces the number of posts you'll need, and galvanized goat fencing provides safety without obstructing views.
MARCH 2020|Log Home Living|272Consider Cantilevering If you’d like to expand your out-door living space — especially if your log home will be at the edge of a steep slope — cantilevering a portion of it beyond your vertical supports may be a solution. A cantilever is simply a rigid, angled brace that adjoins a vertical component to one that’s horizontal, creating the opportu-nity for larger spans without extra support posts in the ground. So, if you want a deck that’s 12 feet deep, traditional framing requires support posts at the 6- and 12-foot marks across the width of the deck to carry the load. If you cantilever, you can get away with one set of posts at the 8-foot mark, suspend the last 4 feet with the cantilever and achieve the same distance without having to have the extra set of posts at the edge. Not only will this provide a more pleasing appearance, it offers more open space at the ground level, which can create patio space, or allows your deck to hover dramatically above a cliff.3Be Safe and Sound Deck installation is often an afterthought. In fact, many log homeowners opt to save a little money dur-ing construction by prepping for a deck that they will install down the line. If the deck isn’t integrated to a home while its being built (or even if it is), it’s vital to make sure that it’s properly fastened to the structure. Code requirements vary between states and/or local jurisdictions, but, as a builder, I want to make sure my clients are safe, so I always use a fasten-ing system that’s stringent, not just code compliant.For example, it’s common to attach a ledger board with lag bolts to the house to support the deck joists. Over time, use and weather exposure, these lag bolts or screws may become loose and work their way out. I don’t use this method anymore. Now, I elect to use joist hangers throughout the deck system to attach the joists themselves directly into the truss system of the house. This way, the deck won’t detach or pull away from the structure, and I’ve given my client a sturdier, safer outdoor space.4Material DifferencesTo fully enjoy your deck, it’s got to look good. In terms of natural materials, cedar planking is one of the most popular, thanks to its ability to hold up well to the weather. Redwood is a sound option, too, but is harder to come by; and then there are species, like ironwood, which are extremely durable but super expensive. TERMS TO KNOWWhat’s the difference between glulam and paralam wood beams? A glulam beam is a grouping of dimensional lumber (like a 2-by-6) that is glued together under high pressure. Glulams are often used underneath the roof system that’s covering a porch or deck. It’s exposed to the elements, but it’s not in direct contact with a steady barrage of excessive moisture. A paralam is more akin to plywood or OSB that’s been laminated into a cohesive unit. It’s a good choice for a lower-level deck where water will run down over the top of the material, but the underside won’t be readily seen.Both have the ability to create larger, post-free spans to support your deck; however a glulam beam is more attractive (and more expensive) than a paralam, so the choice should be based on function, visibility and budget. ´WHY LOG HOME OUTLET?Quality log homes at the lowest prices!Dry logs, from standing dead timbers!TPI grade stamped logs!Log Home design & engineering available!Machined & Handcrafted beams available from 6\" to 48\" in diameters, & up to 42 ft. in length!FREE ESTIMATES!Yes, we ship everywhere!Call, or visit us online for a free brochure!Log Home Outlet Inc.Phone: (208) 542-2772 Fax: (208) [email protected] & promotions subject to change without notice.*Free shipping with minimum purchase.(Accessories alone do not qualify for the free shipping promotion.)(Swedish Cope Prices include saddle notched corners.)DIAM.STANDARDCABIN6\"N/A$3.16L.F.7\" $4.84 L.F. $4.47 L.F.8\" $6.06 L.F. $5.54 L.F.9\" $8.23 L.F. $7.58 L.F.10\" $10.58 L.F. $9.60 L.F.12\" $15.44 L.F. $13.68 L.F.14\" $19.73 L.F. $17.99 L.F.16\"N/A$25.45L.F.“ACCESSORIES”Milled log railing $14/ lin. ft.Hand peeled log railing $17/ lin. ft.Log stair sets From $1,4541\" X 6\" T&G decking $.58/ lin. ft.2\" X 6\" T&G decking $1.30/ lin. ft.Lumber Maker (log tool) $103Log Wizard (log tool) $225(Swedish Cope half log siding available for 40% less than above shown prices.)Photo depicts a 10” cabin appearance kit.
28|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020I’m a huge advocate of using composite material for decking you’ll walk on every day — even for an all-natural log home. Composite has made huge advances over the past several years. Many of the issues it had, like color fading, feathering and warping, have been remedied. So, at the end of the day, it comes down to longevity and maintenance, as well as weighing the higher upfront cost of composite against the long-term investment of time and upkeep for natural-wood options. Plus, in terms of construction labor, composite comes pre-stained, eliminating the extra time, manpower and expense it takes to stain and seal a wood deck.No matter what you choose to cap off your deck, keep this in mind: When it comes to the structural support and joists beneath the pretty surface, there’s no added benefit to choosing composite, there’s only added expense. Pressure-treated lumber is much more economical and will last just as long as a composite.5Railing RegaliaFinally, once the decking is de-cided you need a railing to enclose the space. If you’re looking to eliminate posts, as discussed earlier, you don’t want to block your view with thick, heavy spindles supporting the handrail, so you’ll want to keep those to a minimum. However, for the posts you do have, be sure to protect them from rot by sealing every surface — especially those that are cut. Oftentimes, a builder will cut all the components, install them and then stain or seal the structure as a whole. Water can get in between the joints and penetrate unsealed surfaces, even if they are not directly exposed. It takes a bit more time, but by pre-sealing every part of the material before it’s installed, you can stop rot (not to mention future repairs/replacement) in its tracks. With your railing supports in place, you can minimize the visual impact of your deck’s pickets by choosing thin metal cables, wire or galvanized goat fencing to secure the space instead. Keep in mind that the more square your deck is, the easier and less expensive it will be to incorporate some of these alternative materials, but be sure to design and outfit a deck that will meet your expectations and enhance your log home. Dan Mitchell is a builder and a Log & Timber Home University professor. He owns Eagle CDI near Knoxville,Tennessee.PIf your deck is built low to the ground, fall hazards are no longer a big concern, so you don't have to worry about installing obstructive railings at all.
#KeepCraftAliveJoin the movement and help close the skills gap at KeepCraftAlive.orgA SKILLED LABOR SHORTAGE IS THREATENING THE AMERICAN ECONOMY. Though construction is among the fastest-growing industries, professionals face challenges in hiring capable employees across all building disciplines. Fine Homebuilding, with our partners, is building toward a solution. We’re helping to close the skills gap by bringing awareness and funding to trade education and training opportunities. And as we’ve done for more than 35 years, we’re celebrating craftsmanship in all its forms as a valuable and honorable lifelong pursuit.OFFICIAL PARTNERS
Retro etro RetreatetreatA 500-square-foot vintage log cabin is the centerpiece 500-square-foot vintage log cabin is the centerpiece of lakeside living in the Montana mountains.f lakeside living in the Montana mountains.story bytory byClaudia Johnson laudia Johnson | | photography by hotography by Heidi Longeidi LongRR AosCpH30|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020
The entry’s newly added timber gable over a bright yellow door plus a trio of vertical windows create the perception of height. The custom half-log siding was crafted from local trees. “Chief Cliff” stone, quar-ried in the region, is featured extensively throughout the landscape. MARCH 2020|Log Home Living|31
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MARCH 2020|Log Home Living|33 For years, Caroline and David Dixon left the frantic pace of San Francisco behind by escaping to the fam-ily’s quiet mountain getaway in northwest Montana. The crisp air and pristine, natural sur-roundings were everything they needed to take a breather from life in the city — well, almost ev-erything. “We’d had a home in the nearby moun-tains for some time, but we wished for a little place on the lake to enjoy the water,” shares Caroline Dixon, who, along with husband David, discovered a lot and vintage log cabin on the shores of Whitefish Lake that showed real potential as a waterfront getaway.Though the Dixons were enamored with the property, they recognized there were nu-merous challenges to overcome to make it habitable.“It was somewhat of a project,” Caroline recalls. “We asked our real estate agent, ‘Who can fix this?’ and she responded, ‘Mindful Designs.’ She was right!”In 2016, the Dixons began working with Jason Pohlman, an architectural designer and general contractor with Mindful Designs. “The cabin had charm and fit on the lot well,” Jason said, explaining that Caroline and David wanted to keep the 500-square-foot cabin as authentic as possible while making the space usable.To accomplish that, the original 1948 stick-frame structure was stripped to the studs, and since the cabin sat directly on dirt, building a foundation was mandatory. Creating comfortable living spaces in such a small place posed its own challenges, which A dock from the city of Whitefish broke loose during a long-ago storm and drifted to the property the Dixons would one day own. Whitefish built a new dock and allowed the original one to rest where it landed, some 50 feet from the log cabin.
34|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020Jason says were overcome by “getting a little creative.”“For instance, the kitchen is smaller than anything we’ve done, but it actually works,” he says. “A cabinet skin hides the fridge and textured glass in the uppers makes the room feel bigger.”According to Jason, the Dixons were heavily involved with the property’s trans-formation, drawing inspiration for colors and materials from the historic cabins in nearby Glacier National Park, the area’s natural re-sources and the lake itself.Locally harvested fir and pine were milled by RBM Lumber for the cabin’s exterior log siding and interior plank paneling. “Chief Cliff” stone, a mixture of hard argillites and quartzites quarried in northwestern Montana, was used for the fireplace and foundation, as well as the outdoor living spaces.A comprehensive landscaping plan en-visioned by the Dixons was created by land-scape architect Bruce Boody. Dry-set stone terraces, gravel paths, mulched trails, rock walls and planters, large boulders and indig-enous ornamental shrubbery and native trees encompass the cabin and affirm its relation-Living room windows by Sierra Pacific frame the outdoor dining room, with Whitefish lake as a backdrop.
Creating a striking contrast to the black stone counters and window casings in this tiny kitchen, Caroline Dixon chose a vibrant shade of red for the cabinetry by Padgham Woodworking. A thick, copper-wrapped board affixed with brackets below the window creates a bar for serving quick meals.
To ensure cozy lodging year round, an air-to-air heat exchanger with a gas fireplace for backup was installed in the cabin, which, before the Dixons, had been used only in summer. The stone for the fireplace was selected to complement the scale of the living room.36|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020
Cozy touches, like classic tartan accent pillows and fuzzy throws galore, infuse the living room with a warm, cheery vibe. {{
38|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020Twin bunk beds were erected over a built-in double bed so the family of four can sleep comfortably. Wide, vertical wood pan-eling painted white gives the small bedroom a sense of space, while the dark floor, ceil-ing and trim keep it from feeling sterile.
MARCH 2020|Log Home Living|39ship to the lake, which is only 50 feet from the front door. “We wanted to maximize our outdoor space knowing we would be mainly on the patios or on the dock when we were using the cabin,” Caroline explains. “We are outside the whole time.”“Our proximity to the Whitefish City Beach, which is always active, is the most appealing thing for our 11-year-old twins, Henry and Layla Grace,” Caroline continues. “They often kayak or paddleboard over to the city’s swim dock and beach to play with other kids there.”Jason says that when the year-long project was launched, the goal was clear: “Caroline and David wanted to create a cabin that looked like it had always been there,” Jason The bathroom vanity is shallow but functional with apartment-sized fixtures. Ample lighting, a large oval mirror and horizontal white wall boards make the compact room feel more spacious.
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MARCH 2020|Log Home Living|41MAIN LEVELshares. “Something their young kids could enjoy now and would be passed on to them in the future.”Certainly, the Dixons have created an enduring sanctuary that connects their family to the lake, the mountains, the land and – most importantly – to one another. Now that the cabin is complete, the fam-ily spends a couple of nights each week at the lake in the summer and, to their surprise, often visits the tiny retreat in winter. “I had a feeling that I would want to go there and never leave,” Caroline says. “We enjoy it even more than we thought we would.” Square Footage: 500Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1Architect/Contractor:Mindful DesignsABOVE: An elaborate landscaping plan includes paths, patios, terraces and outdoor entertain-ing spaces hugged by indigenous shrubbery and trees. The gas fire pit is surrounded by local “Chief Cliff” stone.LEFT: The Dixons drew inspiration for their colors and materials from the historic cabins in nearby Glacier National Park.KITCHENLIVING ROOMBEDROOM
42|Log Home Living|MARCH 2020Cozy and inviting; economical and low maintenance — there’s undeniable appeal to owning a log home on the smaller side. But scaled-down houses can pose chal-lenges of their own. For example, how to you keep that cabin charm without feeling cramped, or how do you create an open floor plan that also provides enough space to store your stuff?The answer? Start with smart planning, espe-cially when it comes to design and space allocation. Enlarge areas where you’ll spend the bulk of your time (think: kitchens) and downsize spaces where you won’t (foyers). From there, use these savvy tips to maximize a mini log home.Fresh & Frugal Ideas for Little Log HomesWhether you’re creating cabin memories or keeping within the confines of a budget, we offer 10 excellent small log home solutions.The kitchen is both a home’s workhorse and its showpiece. If you’re looking to build a small-scale home, be sure to devote enough thought — and space — to this important place.J
MARCH 2020|Log Home Living|43Starting with a pre-existing plan and then sizing it to suit your needs can shave off a lot of time and turmoil during the design process.1START WITH A STOCK PLANAnd it can be any stock plan — your starting point doesn’t have to be exactly the same square footage as the home you intend to build. So as you peruse plans, don’t overlook the bigger ones, because log home producers are willing and able to customize their catalog of designs, and that includes downsizing. The most important thing is that the shape and amenities get you close to your target, so look for features that speak to you; then ask your designer for ways to scale them to the size you want. 2MAKE IT FLEXIBLERooms that serve more than one purpose are a surefi re way to get the most from your square footage. Though this isn’t exactly a ground-breaking concept, the ways in which homeowners are putting it into practice are getting very creative. Take the quintessential home of-fi ce/guest room — a pretty traditional idea, right? But what if you don’t need a home offi ce? What rooms can pull double duty then? Dining rooms are prime real estate for multitasking. How about a dining/guest room with a space-saving drop-leaf table and a Murphy bed that disappears into the wall? Or, merge dinner and drinks by incor-porating a wet bar into the space. In fact, convertible furniture, like a dining table that hides a billiards table underneath, ensures the space is fun and functional — even when the time for holiday dinners has passed. Upper LevelOPENTO BELOWBEDROOMLOFTMain LevelPPPORCHPORCHLIVINGROOMBEDROOMKITCHENDININGMASTERBEDROOMMW.I.C.P
44|Log Home Living|MARCH 20203REDUCE HALLWAYSSeeking a simple way to down-size without sacrifice? Look no further than the nearest hallway. Like receiving rooms and parlors, halls are going the way of the dodo. By drastically reducing or eliminating them from your floor plan, you can pack a lot more func-tion into a smaller footprint. Just don’t go overboard. Sometimes the separation and privacy a hallway can provide is necessary for a happy home. 4BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR FOCAL POINTLet’s face it: For most families, the living area revolves around the televi-sion — especially in smaller homes where you don’t have the luxury of a separate great room (in which a grand fireplace can take center stage) and a family room or home theater. So, design your home with the TV’s placement in mind. In fact, since open-concept houses have little superfluous wall space, it’s vital to take your furniture size and placement into account as you craft your floor plan.5FORGO EXCESSIVE CABINETRY Want to boost the perception of space and save money in the process? Nix pricey cabinetry uppers in favor of install-ing more windows. The lack of bulky cabi-netry can make a petite kitchen feel open and airy, and the long-distance views and extra natural light will belie your home’s actual interior square footage. Another idea: open shelving. Integrating some open storage will keep the kitchen from looking boxed in and let you display prized hero appliances or decorative dishware.5874
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