How does a handcrafted log building differ from an industrially built one?
The main difference between a handcrafted and an industrial log building is that in a handcrafted building, the logs are chosen, fitted and carved one by one. The log size vary and the logs retain their natural shapes: the top, the bottom, and the branch knots, which are skillfully fitted together. The logs are not passed through a plane or a lathe and they do not have any glued seams. The last finishing touch in a handcrafted building is made with a drawknife and a carving axe.
Building a log building step by step
- A dream, an idea and seeking of funding.
- Design, applying building permission and laying the foundations.
- Acquiring the wood from own woodland or from a wood retailer, sawing to square logs if applicable and transport to the carving site.
- Peeling, drying and storage (6-12 months)
- Carving the frame at the carving site.
- Transporting the frame to the building site.
- Raising the building.
- Roof, doors, windows, floor etc. structures and finishing touches.
The wood can also be carved at the final building site, which cuts out two steps, moving and raising the building.