DIY Network

West Virginia Log-Cabin: Logs, Wood Floor and Interiors From "Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes" episode DBCV-103

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This episode of DIY's Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes, introduces viewers to Richard and Sylvia Thomas of Berkeley Springs, WV. In this segment, the homeowners discuss the measures they took to retain the log cabin's period authenticity -- such as by preserving the original logs and floor as far as was possible.

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The original cabin was built in 1820, and had been in Sylvia's family for a number of years, but had fallen into disrepair (figure A). With the help of log-home restoration expert Doug Reed, they were ultimately able to disassemble, relocate and rebuild the cabin in its scenic new location (figure B) Thus far, the homeowners have described the hard work involved in preparing the new site and some of their decisions with regard to protecting the cabin exterior. In this segment, the do-it-yourself contractors discuss the steps they took in striving to preserve the cabin's authenticity in terms of its original wood floor and the cleaning old whitewash off of the vintage logs.

Figure A

Figure B

Preservation and Authenticity

The logs in the original structure had previously been covered in whitewash (figure C). In order to restore the logs to their original, rustic appearance (figure D), the logs had to be individually scraped by hand using wire brushes.

Figure C

Figure D

The process of cleaning up the logs took place over many weekends, but all the effort paid off in the end (figure E and F). Richard and Sylvia took great satisfaction in the end result of a natural, rustic look and aged patina. Much of the satisfaction came from the fact that the impressive results were the product of their own painstaking work. Restoration specialist Doug Reed was impressed with the effort that the couple put in on the log walls and ceiling joists, and felt that the result was as good as any he had ever seen in a restored cabin.

Figure E

Figure F

Another authentic touch that the Thomases wanted was to keep the original wood flooring (figure G). However, as the flooring was being taken up during the disassembly of the house, much of it broke or chipped badly because of its brittle condition. After the dismantling, the floorboards that were left intact and usable were only sufficient to floor one room. The couple opted to use that original wood to floor their living room. In the other rooms they made a necessary compromise using new hardwood flooring -- which made for a look that was definitely different (figure H) but not too visually incongruous.

Figure G

Figure H

	Figure I
	Figure J

To accommodate the electrical wiring for the house, Richard worked closely with an electrical subcontractor to ensure that the wiring was installed in such a way that was not visually obtrusive to the natural look of the cabin. Prior to installation of the new chinking between the logs, the electrician was able to drill access channels into the wood and place switch boxes and other electrical fixtures precisely where they were needed. He was also careful in his selection of plumbing contractor to ensure that he found someone who could adapt their installation to this non-typical house. When the cabin was first restored, the only source of heat was a wood-burning stove and fireplace (figure I), but West Virginia winters can be harsh and cold. Richard and Sylvia eventually decided to baseboard electrical heating (figure J) and air-conditioning.

In the segment that follows, the homeowners discuss some of their interior design decisions and offer some advice to would-be do-it-yourself contractors.

If you'd like more do-it-yourself information on log cabins, check out DIY's special Build a Log Cabin workshop

RESOURCES :

The Complete Guide to Building Log Homes
ISBN: 0806974869
Author: Monte Burch, Richard J. Meyer, Lloyd P. Birmingham
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
ISBN: 1586850431
Author: Robbin Obomsawin
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com

Inside Log Homes: The Art & Spirit of Home Planning and Decor
Model: 087905963X
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com

Special Resources for Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes, episode 103

Fidalgo Restoration, LLC
Website: www.fidalgorestoration.com

American Log Restoration
Website: www.americanlogrestoration.com

Old Log Cabins
Website: www.oldlogcabins.com