Log buildings are embedded deeply into North American history and culture. For more than one thousand years, builders have been weaving logs into homes, shelters, barns, and churches. Today, however, the buildings where we live and work are rarely handmade from natural materials. In this context, handcrafted, scribe-fitted natural log buildings are an attractive and uplifting alternative to conventional buildings and building materials. This book tells you what you need to know to build your own log home and also reveals the deep rhythms and patterns of log construction. Author Robert Chambers shows how to take naturally shaped, tapered, round logs and scribe-fit them one to another so that they look like they actually grew together in the woods. The Log Construction Manual is filled with information available nowhere else, including the Log Selection Rules, Chambers's brilliantly simple method for choosing which log to use next; instructions for building hip and valley log rafters and roof trusses from full-round logs; step-by-step directions for laying out the sill logs for virtually any floor plan, including hexagons, prows, and more; state-of-the-art compression-fit saddle notches and underscribing to keep fits tight over time; details on scribing and cutting long grooves and corner notches just like the pros; and more. Chambers also offers advice on organizing and financing a log home project and has loads of experience to share on cutting costs and avoiding common pitfalls. He presents practical ideas for saving money and controlling costs. Although handcrafted log homes are expensive to buy, they are within reach for many as owner-managed building projects. Writtenconcisely with great care in explaining important details, the Log Construction Manual brings clarity, insight, depth, and even humor to the log builder's craft. This is a comprehensive book for log home owner-builders, beginners as well as professionals.

For generations, children have loved playing with LINCOLN LOGS building sets and discovering just how inventive they can be. The brainchild of John Lloyd Wright (son of the famous architect), these interlocking logs open up endless possibilities for kids: anything a child can dream up, he or she can build. Plus, every time kids place the logs in position, they’re enhancing their manual dexterity. But there is one thing this wonderful plaything has never had: a detailed manual that explains exactly how to create specific projects. Finally, it’s here, complete with an interactive, easy-to-use CD-ROM that lets children (and probably more than a few grownups with fond memories!) go straight to the directions they need. Blueprints lay out every step that goes into constructing a bank, barn, farmhouse, firehouse, frontier tower, multiple cabins, and much more.

A classic of early American architecture, the hewn-log house has a unique rustic charm and character. In this engaging and informative guide, Charles McRaven provides illustrated step-by-step instructions that cover every aspect of building your own log house, from selecting the site and hewing the first log to laying the final chimney stone. Whether you’re building a new house or restoring an old one, McRaven offers proven techniques and time-tested advice that will help you successfully create a warm and inviting hewn-log home.

If you're considering building your own log house, whether from your own logs or from a kit, this comprehensive guide has all the information you need. Roger Hard covers everything from choosing a site to planning the foundation and driveway, shaping logs, making corner joints, erecting walls, fitting joists, adding decks or porches, adding chimneys, and much more. Step-by-step illustrated instructions make the process clear and foolproof, whether you want a basic one-story structure or a more complex multi-level building.

with some 600 photos and 4000 drawings and plans, the Timber Construction Manual is a comprehensive and indispensable reference work in the specialist literature on timber. It looks at all types of timber and timber materials, also presenting detailed information on the current norms and standards. Chapters cover the basic principles of working with timber, providing detailed information on subjects such as heat, noise insulation, fire protection treatment. The significance of timber with particular reference to ecology is also investigated. Timber as a load-bearing material is considered, and topics such as new methods of joining, transport and montage are documented. The second part of the volume presents a large number of built examples which feature some "classic" structures but focus chiefly on more recent buildings. The spectrum presented ranges from heavy-load bridges to multi-storey residential buildings. The second part of the examples looks specifically at topics such as facades, building skins etc.

Secrets of Log Cabin Construction, Design, and Techniques Insider tips, tricks and secrets. Books 1 & 2 show you how to layout and cut mitered notches. These books teach you how to build roof trusses and log post-and-beams with mitered construction. True Joinery Secrets! Mitered Joinery How to build trusses for log homes and cabins, with all the details about: using naturally-shaped logs. Robert's goal: beautiful and strong joinery. Detailed, Step-by-Step Instructions to make it easy for you Robert is known for his ability to clearly describe how-to tasks--and to teach. His best-selling book, the LOG CONSTRUCTION MANUAL has been at the top of the charts for more than 15 years, with more than 60,000 copies sold. His DVD series of video instruction has taught hundreds of people to build their own log home. And his hands-on courses have been offered around the world, and attended by nearly 1000 professional and DIY log builders. Now in this new series, With more than 35 years experience at the top of the handcrafted log home industry, Robert Chambers now tells his log building secrets in this new book series. "Robert Chambers is, bar none, the best teacher of advanced log construction techniques in the industry. Clear text combined with great photos and illustrations make a complex subject very clear." John Boys, Nicola Logworks, Canada Upcoming in Robert's Secrets series: piece-en-piece, log home design, expanded log construction, building in halves, accelerated log building, log staircases, and installing doors and windows in log walls.