With a cabin located in a scenic setting, it becomes particularly desirable to include porches in the plans for the building. With the side-porch structure already in place -- including floor, roof beams and roof (see Build a Log Cabin, episode 103) -- the next phase will be to finish the porch roof by framing in the gable. Framing and Finishing the Porch Gable The crew begins by building a framework of 2x4s in the small gabled end of the side porch (figure A). Because the gable is on the end of the porch and not part the house proper, there is no need to cover the framework with plywood as was done with the larger gabled ends of the house (see segement 1 of Build a Log Cabin, episode 104). With the 2x4 studs in place, the gabled end is covered with log siding. Installation of the siding starts at the bottom of the gable and proceeds upward (figure B). The log siding is made from strips of real logs, cut so that they are less than 2" thick. This gives the appearance of a real log wall -- but without the unnecessary weight of actual logs. Logs and Siding The logs used to construct the exterior walls are cut with a D-profile, allowing for a flat interior surface and a natural look for the exterior. When the logs are stacked to form the wall, the ridges on the top surface of each log fit snugly in the grooves in the bottom of the adjoining log, forming a tight seal (figure C ). Combined with foam weatherstripping and a bead of caulk, used when the logs are joined together, the tongue-and-groove arrangement forms an effective barrier against wind, moisture and temperature. In situations where there's no room to utilize real logs -- such as the gable ends of the house and porches -- log siding is used as a substitute. The siding is constructed so that the exterior surface is rounded, just like a real log, but the overall structure is much thinner. The pieces of siding are 1-1/8" thick at their thickest point. They are cut with a ridge at the top and a groove at the bottom (figure D) so that, when installed, they form an overlap (figure E) and an effective seal against the weather -- much like that of the actual logs. The siding gives the appearance of actual logs without the unnecessary weight. Front-Porch Beams For the installation of front-porch beam work, the carpenters begin by making an angled cut on each end of the first rafter beam so that it will fit properly against the horizontal porch beam and the ridge beam. Once it has been raised onto the work scaffolding, lifted into place and lined up with the outside of the roof rafter, the rafter beam is braced temporarily in position with a 2x4 while being nailed in place (figure F) with long galvanized finish nails. With the first rafter beam in place, the second one is cut and installed in the same manner. The center post is cut flat at the bottom, with two angled cuts at the top so that it will fit flush at the apex of the rafters. It is carefully positioned and tapped into place. A few nails are used to keep it from moving out of position. Determining the angle of the last two posts requires measurement and making an on-site decision. One of the carpenters holds a 2x4 (substituting for the post) in position, experimenting with different angles to determine which angle will be most visually appealing (figure G). Once the proper angle has been determined, the first of the actual beams is cut and set into place. The length and angles are cut so precisely that the beam must be hammered into place, using blocks of wood to protect them from marring by hammer strikes. It's important that the beam be snug, since the wood may shrink slightly as it ages. Once the post is in position, it's nailed in place using galvanized finish nails (figure H). The process is repeated for installing the second angled beam (figure I). The final step is the installation of wood blocks that have been custom cut to fit between the horizontal porch beam and each of the angled rafter beams (figure J). This stylized post-and-beam detailing used on the front porch helps give the cabin its distinctively strong and rustic look, and it also helps add stability to the porch structure since it helps hold up the rafters (figure K). Tip: With the finishing touches on the front porch in place, the finish nails used in the installation of the beams can be driven down below the wood surface using a hammer and nail-punch. The galvanized nails used in the construction are not likely to rust, but driving each one down below the wood surface will make the nailheads less visible, resulting in a more finished look. Any holes that are left visible after driving down the nails may be filled in with wood putty, as well. The next phase in the construction will be the installation of collar ties between the rafters in the house interior.
RESOURCES :
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Website: www.loghomerepair.com
Special Thanks for DIY Build a Log Cabin workshop
Blossman Gas
Website: www.blossmangas.com/
Propane
Propane
Washington, DC Phone: 202-452-8975
Fax: 202-452-9054
Website: www.propanecouncil.org/
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
Log Homes Made Easy: Contracting and Building Your Own Log Home
Model: 0811728471
Author: Jim Cooper
Stackpole Books
Website: www.stackpolebooks.com
The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway
Model: 0879056711
Author: Dale Mulfinger, Susan E. Davis
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Hands-On Log Homes
ISBN: 0879058056
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
American Log Homes
ISBN: 0879054581
Author: Arthur Thiede, Cindy Teipner
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
The Craft of Modular Post & Beam: Building Log and Timber Homes Affordably
Model: 0881791318
Author: James Mitchell
Heritage House/Hartley & Marks
Website: www.heritagehouse.ca/hartleymarks/hartleymarks.html
Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
ISBN: 1586850431
Author: Robbin Obomsawin
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Log Spirit
ISBN: 0879059257
Author: Linda Arms White
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
The Log Home Book: Design, Past and Present
Model: 0879056711
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, Arthur Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
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