What's included with a standard kit?
A full list of what comes with each specific kit will be under the images of each product page. Generally, they all come with the following:
Cabins & Homes with 2 ¾” thick logs are produced at order and include: precut numbered exterior and interior wall logs, exterior premium double glazed windows, doors, hardware with keys, trims, interior doors with hardware and trims, base boards, precut gable ends, purlins (beams) tongue & groove roof boards, fascia trims, threaded rods for junctions.
Garden sheds with 1 1/8” up to 1 5/8” thick logs are mass produced and include: treated floor beams, tongue & groove floorboards, precut numbered wall logs, windows, doors, hardware with keys, trims for windows and doors, base boards, precut gable ends, purlins (beams) tongue & groove roof boards, fascia trims.
Roofing Underlay Premium Series Cabins & Homes 70mm (2-3/4”) and Classic Series Garages 40mm (1-5/8”) will include roofing underlay. This non-slip material can be walked on and will protect moisture from getting into the tongue & groove roofing while the roof is being built up to accommodate insulation.
TIPS: To prevent warping of logs, do not open packages until ready to assemble. Keep the package off the ground and cover it to prevent water damage. If a log twists and is difficult to place, set one end and then use a large C-clamp for leverage to twist the log and drop into position.
What is NOT included with the kit cost?
- Foundation (slab on grade, full basement, wood base, screw piles, other)
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Septic
- Well
- Insulation
- Sheathing
- Roofing (steel/shingles) NOTE: roofing underlay is now included
- Property to build on
- Interior finishes and fixtures
- Cabinets and Counters
- Permits (Cabins, Homes, large sheds)
What type of wood is used?
The most common wood type of wood used is Nordic/Baltic Spruce (Picea-Abais) but Baltic Pine (Pinus Sylvestris) may be used on specific models. Both are soft woods that grow in cold climates in northern Europe. They are a dense growth tree with 6 to 8 times the growth rings than that of standard (SPF) spruce, pine or fir. Spruce has a tighter grain with smaller knots than Pine, but both are easy to mill and lightweight.
Is the wood kiln dried?
Yes, raw materials are kiln dried to 16% moisture content and during handling are air-dried to around 14%. This is the required level of moisture to prevent splintering when making cross cuts for joints.
Is the wood treated?
The wood is natural and has no treatments. Apply a clear wood preservative to the logs as soon as possible then apply an impregnating or penetrating sealer stain/ paint. Oil base is superior and brushing on treatments is better than spaying, it helps the stain/paint penetrate the cavities in the wood. Research the material suitable for the local climate. Note: some penetrating stains can bleed through the logs and show on the interior.
Is there sealer between the logs?
Sealers are not required since the logs have a deep tongue & grove. In larger buildings threaded steel rods or logs screws are used through the walls to keep the logs tight.
What is the R-Value?
The softwood that we use has an R-Value of 1.4 to 1.6 per inch of thickness. A 70mm / 2 ¾” thick log is R 4.4. To achieve the required R-value in the walls for specific regions, the walls are lined with 2×4 or 2×6 studs and insulation is used between the studs. The combination of the insulation R-value and the log is higher than conventional construction and has some added comfort due to the lack of conductivity through the solid wood.
Do they meet building codes?
Yes, most kits meet codes without modifications. Should modifications may be required for high wind, heavier snow load, earthquake and hurricane regions, these are usually done at no charge depending on the complexity of the upgrade.
Assembly
Can anyone assemble them?
Smaller models can be done with minimal construction knowledge, there is virtually no cutting. Larger models have more components and take time to sort to determine the locations. No heavy equipment is required for assembly. Drawings show numbered components, drawings of each part, location, size and quantity. Reviewing plans in advance reduces onsite assembly time.
How do I attach the building to the foundation?
The first two rows are attached to a concrete slab or wood floor using anchors, screws or brackets.
TIP: Place a moisture barrier between the first row of logs and the foundation, for both concrete and wood sub-floors. Building supply retailers offer moisture barriers or asphalt shingles can be used. Flashing can also be used under the first row.
Do I need a building permit?
Urban regions allow decorative sheds/portable buildings up to 100 sq’ without a permit and some regions may allow for larger models. Cabins and homes require permits except in unregulated regions. Contact your local building department for regulations.
How long does it take to assemble?
Every model is different and depends on skill levels of the assemblers. Some models will show estimated assembly time on their feature page. For example the Toledo E cabin 24’ x 40’ can be assembled by 3 people in 10 to 12 days.
Can the buildings be moved?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. Smaller models can be moved if plywood is attached to the walls to prevent racking and separating of logs. Larger models must have special attention and only be moved by qualified movers.
Can I attach to an existing building?
Log construction shrinks and attaching to a permanent building does not allow the logs to shrink or settle.
Can they be dismantled?
Yes, but it’s not recommended as damage can occur and reassembly is difficult.
Design
Can I make design changes?
Yes, most Premium cabins and homes minor modifications can be made . Floor plans can be modified, roof slopes increased or decreased, windows & doors added and walls can be increased in height by adding rows. Decorative garden sheds can not be modified as they are mass produced.
What’s the cost to change designs?
Charges will vary depending on additional materials required.
Can I get custom built models?
Yes, there are very few restrictions with this method of construction. If floor plans or sketches are provided, a quotation can be provided, usually within a few days.
Why are there no closets shown?
When adding closets using the interlocking logs, they are stacked to the ceiling and interlocking with adjoining walls. The use of materials for a closet becomes very high due to the vaulted ceilings. In addition the horns protrude into the connecting room and can be an obstruction. The solution is to frame closets using 2×4’s and covering the walls with tongue & groove boards to match the log walls or use a pre-built closet.
Can I have sliding patio doors?
Yes, rough opens can be cut for locally supplied patio or specialty doors. For cabins and homes, it’s recommended that entry doors are supplied locally. The price for supplied doors is deducted and rough openings are created to accept the locally supplied doors. This allows installation of storm doors, better selection of styles and hardware, improved security and easy access to replacement parts. Details are provided on how to install local doors for this application.
Can I have an attached garage?
Yes, attached garages must start at the same level as the building its connected with to allow consistent shrinkage between the 2 buildings.
Can I install skylights?
Yes, locally purchased skylights can be installed during or after assembly.
Can I add windows or doors later?
Yes, any single wall model is done by cutting a hole and inserting a window. The window is held in place by the trims sandwiching the logs. No header is required in solid wood walls. Adding windows or doors in an insulated model should be done by a professional contractor.
Can I use my own windows?
Yes, pricing for windows and doors supplied are deducted and rough openings are cut to accept the windows and door being used.