Why should I build a full scribe, full log handcrafted log home?

The full scribe technique used in full log, handcrafted homes is considered by many to be the best log profile ever created. This method has been around for hundreds of years and is used around the world. The reason why is that it works. Other than traditional chink-style and hand-hewn/dovetail profiles all others are simply an imitation. Starting with the raw materials this and subsequent blog posts will get into the fine points of this type of construction.

The logs:

What wind is to a bird, water to a fish; trees/logs are everything to a log builder and ultimately log home owner. Logs used in full scribe construction are natures finest. Logs need to be straight, have minimal taper (usually 1”/10’ or less), exhibit reasonably straight grain and sized preferably within 1-2” of each other (wall logs). Builders rely on a high quality selection process to achieve this. Furthermore these logs have to be handled gently to keep the surfaces from being marred. This comes at a cost as lesser logs are sorted out to get to the cream of the crop.

Species choice is normally a function of locale and availability. In NW Montana our choices are Lodge Pole Pine, Engleman Spruce and Western Larch. Western Red Cedar is also available All have qualities that make for good building logs.

General Species Characteristics:

Lodge Pole Pine Pros:

• Moderate in decay resistance and medium in weight.
• Thin bark slips off easily in Pine Beetle infested stands allowing it to season standing without the decay exhibited in thicker, moisture trapping bark species (Larch, Fir). This allows for logs to exhibit the “Dead Standing” moniker often used as a panacea for all log home issues in marketing information.
• Thin bark hand peels efficiently, surface can yield interesting visible rustic surface characteristics (cat faces, dramatic color changes in cambium (inner bark), dark knots).
• Dead standing wood can be inventoried without de-barking and consequently peeled only once.
• Lower EMC (moisture content) in dead standing wood provides less settlement (doesn’t eliminate) in walls and less joinery distortion in complex scribe fitting as in log trusses. This can also be beneficial for shipping efficiency.
• Is a great choice for traditional chink-style buildings, in conjunction with non-settlement systems(more on this in future posts)

Lodge Pole Pine Cons:

• Difficult to obtain in large diameters. Most 35-45’ length logs are smaller in diameter, getting enough logs for projects with above a 10” top is difficult.
• Dead standing wood can be subject to insect infestation. Although Pine Beetle infestations are normally confined to cambium (inner bark), logs that are lightly scorched in burns and die slowly are often subject to other parasitic boring beetles and ants.
• In dead standing logs, the sap wood (outer layer of log surface where growth is happening) is thick, porous and subject to blue staining. This can yield a non homogeneous look when finished with clear finishes. For those wanting a lighter interior this can be an issue. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
• In dead standing material the overall soundness/health of the wood is not as good as a seasoned log.(more on this in subsequent posts)
• Dead standing material often times contains checking that conflicts with joinery applications and remains visible for the life of the home (unless filled with caulking)

The take away on Lodge Pole Pine and our Flathead River Home:

I have used this species in at least 50 structures. If it wasn’t so difficult to obtain in larger diameters and could be more comfortable with the health of the wood I would use it more. Most often I used it in a dead standing condition and actually lived in a home built of this for 25 years.

I gathered logs for this project from various suppliers over 2 years. The logs were large 15-16” mid span diameters. The home was designed to use no longer than 35’ log lengths (hence less taper issues). The design featured large roof overhangs and a large covered porch. Dave Elkins an employee of OSLW and I did the log work on weekends an evenings and put the roof on prior to a difficult winter. The notch work was done in the full scribe style using shrink fit saddle notches.

The home featured archways cut though interior log walls. On one of the walls we purposely positioned a large cat face so it was prominently displayed. Over the years the home was shown repeatedly to prospective customers. I can’t ever remember one person not reaching out and touching that cat face and smiling.

My wife and I kept up on the maintenance, cleaning the logs yearly and applying Sikkens where it weathered off (minimal because of the roof protection). Nothing real onerous I would say. I grew to love the first 80 degree days of summer when we would clean the logs (Simple green, soft long bristle brush and a hose). The logs would look stunning. To this day the home looks brand new. The full scribe laterals on the exterior are very tight, the few corners that opened up and were sealed with a textured, flexible caulking.

Building with this wood in a dead standing condition requires an experienced eye to spot beginnings of decay and orientating bumps, dips and checks to not overly interfere with joinery areas. Would I use it again after building 200 plus structures for others and using the other species?
Yes, if I could take my time selecting logs large enough and sound enough and had full license on design. These qualifiers normally are not usually present when Old Style builds for customers.

A memorable project:

One particular project that stands out using Lodge Pole Pine was the Pole Bridge Ranger Station Complex in Glacier National Park. The project featured eight full scribe structures for admission of visitors, maintenance equipment, administrative offices and ranger quarters. This was a beautifully designed project complete with river rock foundations and dark stained exterior log walls.