Shawnee Log Cabins - Technical Information

Precision Milled

A state-of-the-art Yates Planer enables us to mill logs and beams to tolerances of .001 of an inch. This results in tighter fitting, more energy-efficiient logs, and easier, time-saving installation.

And since we mill the logs only from the "heart" or core of the tree, you are assured of the strongest, most stable logs possible!

You can pay more . . .
you won't buy better!

Kiln Dried

Logs are gradually kiln-dried up to 20 days to reduce the m.c. (moisture content) to an average of 18%. This effectively kills all insects, mold, and mildew. And since logs are slowly kiln-dried, never force-dried, there is less "checking". The controlled increase in kiln temperature to 142° "sets the pitch," making it hightly unlikely that the logs will ever seep pitch.

Our Weathertight System

The tongue-and-groove system has been around for years. What makes this system superior to most is the quality of the logs and the precise fit. This is the reason Hochstetler log homes are so energy-efficient.

And...builders really appreciate the tapered, self-aligning tongue-and-groove which makes stacking logs much eaiser. Even inexperienced builders have little trouble!

Energy Efficiency

. Logs are natural insulators
. Forget R-value, think thermal mass
. Unlike man-made insulation, logs insulate by thermal mass, which simply means they "store" heat and release it later

The National Institute of Standards reports that log homes use less energy:

. Spring/Fall ..............................46% less
. Summer ..................................24% less
. Winter ....................................Same

Profiles and Corners

Standard log profiles include "D" log, "Double Round" and "Square" in your choice of Eastern White Pine, Northern White Cedar, Western Red Cedar and Cypress. We can also custom design variations of these such as the lapsiding profile.

How do you decide which logs are the best? The 6" think logs are least expensive, and are generally $3,000 to $4,000 less than 8" for the average size (2,000 sq. ft.) home. However, the 8" thick logs offer better insulation and are usually a wiser choice in northern climates.

The choice of corner joints is more a matter of individual taste, but is somewhat determined by the log profile. The "Saddlenotch" joint, for instance, is available on the Double Round log and the "Dovetail" on the Square log. The "Butt-and-Pass" is the simplest, most economical joint - and is suitable for any profile.

No matter what your choice is, you can rest assured that each joint, combined with the tongue-and-groove log system will provide you an incredibly strong, stable wall - and a beautiful home.

Visit "Log Packages" and "Compare Before You Buy" for more information to help you make the best log cabin decisions!

Choice of Species

Species	Insulation R-value/inch	Decay Resistance	Shrinkage	Weight (lbs./bd. ft.)	Relative Cost	Ease of Installation
N. White Cedar	1.41	High	Very low	1.83*	Moderate	Easy
White Pine	1.32	Moderate	Very low	2.08*	Low	Easiest
W. Red Cedar	1.09	High	Very low	1.91*	High	Easy
Cypress	1.04	High	Low	2.66*	Moderate	Fairly easy
				*Weight based on moisture content at 12%.
The selection of log species is based on several factors such as personal preference, site location, and cost. For instance, Eastern White Pine is an excellent choice for most areas because it offers a high R-value at a low cost. Its ease of installation and low shrinkage also contribute to its popularity. Our Eastern White Pine is harvested north of the Ohio River, assuring you a top-quality northern species, an outstanding value for the money. White Cedar is a versatile all-around choice and is among the hightest in R-value of any species commonly used for log homes. It is also decay and insect resistant. Our White Cedar comes from Maine. Red Cedar and Cypress are both particularly well-suited for extremely humid areas, such as Florida and Louisiana because of their natural resistance to decay and insects. Both have a lower R-value than White Pine or White Cedar. Our Cypress comes from the deep southern coastal regions of the United States, and Red Cedar from the West Coast. In addition to these species, we can also supply Yellow Pine and Aromatic Cedar, among others. Whatever your choice, there are several steps you can take to preserve the beauty of your log home. Designing your home with large overhangs (at least two feet) and covered porches to shield it from the sun's rays is always recommended. It is better to use White Pine with large overhangs than spend money on more expensive logs like Cypress or Cedar with small overhangs. Always use a quality finish that allows the logs to "breathe". This permits moisture to escape and minimizes "checking". A good finish also contains a UV guard and is long-lasting (3-4 years for southern, full-sun exposures and 6-8 years for northern). Beware of cheap finishes which may last only a year or two.

Grade Certified

All logs and beams are carefully inspected and graded, assuring you only the safest, strongest materials are used for your home.

We are certified by the Log Home Council, and must pass rigid periodic inspections to maintain our status.

Let Shawnee Log Cabins show you how to save substantially on the cost of your logs!