To accessorize the cabin bathroom, cypress trim paneling was selected for the wall area above the shower stall. Cypress has a rough, natural look and is resistant to water damage. In the dining area, pine wainscoting was used to visually break up the large expanse of drywall.
Cypress Shower Trim - The carpenters begin by nailing strips of wood to the unfinished wall above the top of the shower (figure A). The wood strips will serve as spacers, allowing the cypress panels to overhang the molded lip of the shower. This arrangement will help prevent water from splashing and running down behind the shower stall.
- A "post" effect is created at one end of the shower by installing three cypress boards that have been bevel-cut along their edges, allowing them to fit together to form a faux post. Two sides of the post are nailed to the 2x4 wall (figure B); the third side (with two beveled edges) is then put in place to form the front surface of the post (figure C). The end result gives the appearance of a post extending from the floor to the ceiling of the bathroom.
- The three boards in each row of the cypress paneling were purposely cut from the same 12' length of cypress so that the grain of the wood appears to continue uninterrupted around all three sides of the shower.
- When the carpenters reach the temporary shower pipe installed by the plumbers, they cut a notch for it in the cypress board using a drill and a 1" bit.
- As the cypress boards are installed above the shower (figure D), each row fits snugly over the previous one. Tongue-and-groove lumber is used so that water will be unable to penetrate the joints between the boards.
- The last row fits snugly against the drywall ceiling.
- Once the installation is complete, any small gaps can be filled with caulk.
The finished cypress-covered wall is visually more complementary to the cabin setting -- and far more durable and moisture resistant -- than a standard sheet of drywall.
Dining-Room Wainscoting In the dining area, installing wainscoting and a chair-rail visually breaks up a large expanse of drywall. Pine is selected as the wood for this project. The pine panels are 3/8" thick and precut in a tongue-and-groove design so that they install neatly and fit snugly together. A wood finish is applied to the panels before they're installed. In that way, any wood shrinkage that causes the panels to separate slightly over time won't result in a lighter, unfinished strip of wood showing. - Host Bruce Johnson begins by using a tape measure, a 4' level and a pencil to scribe a line across the drywall indicating the location of the top edge of the wainscoting (figure E).
- Using a level to ensure accurate placement, he sets the first piece of wainscoting in place along the corner of the wall figure F) and secures it with an air-powered nail gun (figure G).
- He then begins working across the wall, installing the adjoining panels (figure H). Periodically, he uses his level to ensure that he is maintaining straight lines.
- When he reaches the point on the wall where there is a hole cut in the drywall for an outlet box, he measures and cuts notches (figure I) in two of the panels so that the outlet won't be covered. Because the wainscoting is only 3/8" thick, he can cut out the notches using just a utility knife and a back saw.
- Once the notched pieces are installed around the outlet box, the remaining panels are installed across the rest of the wall section (figure J).
- With all of the pine panels installed, a decorative chair rail is installed across the top of the wainscoting (figure K).
- In the corner of the room, above the wainscoting, a length of wood trim is used to conceal a small gap between the log wall and the drywall (figure L).
The next phase in the log-cabin interior includes plumbing and electrical installations and preparing for installation of kitchen appliances.
RESOURCES :
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Website: www.loghomerepair.com
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 thanks for DIY's Log Cabin Interiors workshop
Formica Corp.
10155 Reading Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45241
Toll-free: 800-FORMICA (800-367-6422)
Fax: 513-786-3024
Website: www.formica.com
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