Here at Primitive Log and Timberworks, we strive for authenticity and work very hard to recreate the original pioneer style log house. We specialize in flat hewn Appalachian style log building with varying chink joints and full length logs in most cases. All of our logs are hand selected from a large inventory for size, character and compatibility for the structure in which they are to be used. Our house logs are brought down to 6 inches in thickness and receive a rustic hewn finish on the two flat sides, and the two bark edges are draw knifed clean. Natural contour of the log can be seen at the top and bottom edges of every log. As we lay each coarse we try to preserve the natural contour variations, selecting the best possible log for each coarse and adjusting as necessary just as they would have 150 years ago. With natural contour logs, the inconsistent variations in the chink joints and the log is the real beauty that so many of the log kits today do away with. We savor the knots, waves and any other natural variations in our logs. These logs are trees and we want them to look that way! Our chink spaces vary from almost tight up to four to five inches with much of that depending of the logs themselves , most chink spaces are two to four inches.The installation of backing and chinking is the same system we use for our reclaimed structures. We do not use spline boards or pre-fit backing allowing us to use logs in their most natural form.

Corner Notching

Our corner notches are half dovetail with approximately two inch overhangs. Notches are precisely fit together and provide a very strong interlocking wall system. The half dovetail was the notch of choice for the old timers for obvious reasons but only the most skilled craftsman could cut and fit them properly. The design draws the corners together when the weight of the upper logs is applied, forming an inseparable connection. This notch also drains water off of the joint at a downward angle preventing rot and decay. I have disassembled many dovetailed cabins that have stood for 150 years plus and have not one fastener in the corners and still remain in perfect form to this day. This system has proven the test of time and we are going to continue the tradition.

Sills and Plates

When it comes to sill logs and top plates, we are somewhat flexible because of the varying options for floor and roof systems. Most folks these days are building sub-floor systems and the log walls merely sit on top of that requiring a flat cut starter log on the bottom coarse. Traditional methods suspend the entire floor from very large sill beams set on a foundation of stones. The roof system traditionally would have been pole rafters and planks covered with hand split shake shingles. We still offer these traditional methods for the purist, however it is by special request only. We will generally provide rough sawn materials for rafters and planks to enclose the roof, but there are so many differently systems for finishing a roof that it is best to discuss that on a per case basis. We will provide a large top plate log coarse heavy enough to support most roof systems in a basic package. Please contact us, we would be glad to discuss the system that would best suit your application.

Window and Door Openings

On all of our replica cabins, we prefer to cut window and door openings after the log walls are erected on their permanent foundation. It makes the re-erection process much faster and involves less pieces. Most all of our structures are built with full length logs and the openings are cut afterwards which is the way it was done long ago. The beauty of the continuous log and grain patterns within a single coarse is very important in the authentic look, instead of filling in random length pieces between doors and windows. This creates a very natural flow and aesthetically pleasing appearance within the wall. After re-erection the openings will be layed out, vertical load blocking will be installed prior to cutting, openings will be sawn out and a large rough sawn buck fastened in place. At this point you are ready for final window and door jambs to be installed.

Dimensions and Plans

We are capable of creating any log or timber structure you desire, from small outbuildings and barns to full sized log houses. Our log shells most often are one or one and a half stories in height following the style of original examples we have documented. Most original pioneer structures were humble in size and simple in design and we are trying to continue this tradition and begin with basic square or rectangular floor plans and expand on those as necessary. We use rough planed 4 X 8 inch joists for second floor supports that are notched completely through the log walls and extend slightly to the outside. This is an authentic touch that enhances the old timey look. Stairs are usually built on site, however, we can assist in providing materials or by pre-building a set for you. Most original structures were fitted with enclosed corner stair cases which require on-site design and construction.

Floors and Finishing Lumber

Floor choices can vary anywhere from rustic rough sawn planks to kiln dried tongue and groove wide plank flooring. We can supply any floor you desire, however, it is usually not included in our log shell prices. Our supply varies but we can usually offer pine, red and white oak, hickory or walnut as choices. We also offer S4S or rough sawn in the same species for finishing work. Prices will vary due to market fluctuation, so check with us for an updated quote.

Optional Timber Framed Porches

Most of our cabins will have a mortise and tenon porch support frame fastened together with oak pegs. These timbers are rough planed and add a very authentic touch with the wood pegs being exposed when finished. Posts and plates are 6” X 6” and diagonal braces are 3” X 5” which is very stout and aesthetically pleasing. We can alter the beam sizes upon request.

On A Final Note

We are very proud to offer our 19th century replica cabins built in the original primitive fashion. We are not builders of glamorous log homes drenched with overkill and wasted space. Most of our structures are very simple and can be afforded by most anyone who has ever thought of living the pioneer cabin dream. When properly finished our log homes can be as close to authentically correct as you will find. They are the perfect choice for those who love history, antiques and the Early American lifestyle. The beauty of our structures is that a full sized family can enjoy life comfortably by adding additional log or timber structures to the original plan. Dog-trot log houses, which is basically created by adding another log structure with a space or breezeway between the two creating three times the floor space, were very common in the 19th century and works very well to accommodate family living. There are floor plans that work for almost anyone. Or, start with one building and add on later, expanding as can be afforded, a very common practice in early times. Keep in mind that these log structures also make wonderful old time workshops,outbuildings, studios and retail shops, etc., there are an unlimited number of uses for our primitive structures in re-creating that old fashioned atmosphere. Let our log structures bring you back to a place in time that so many of us dream about.

For more information about the history of Log Structures please CLICK HERE.

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