Materials

KILN DRIED LOG HOMES

When it comes time to turn your plans into reality, we believe in using only the finest kiln-dried logs for our luxury log homes.

Our craftsmen have spent years learning how to select the most suitable species of wood for log home construction. From cutting and planning to notching and measuring, each step is vital to producing the perfect construction package, but perhaps none more so than properly kiln dried logs.

We start by selecting only the highest quality Eastern White Pine. To minimize movement, shrinkage, and settling in the timbers over time, we combine natural air drying and kiln drying in the manufacturing of every single Honest Abe timber. The drying process produces a more stable log and tighter joints for the construction of your handcrafted log home.

By kiln-drying our logs, we remove moisture trapped inside, as well as any insects or larvae. We use large, variable temperature kilns to dry hundreds of logs at a time. Once stacked inside the kiln, the logs remain there for approximately three to five weeks. During this time, the temperature inside the kiln is slowly raised to around 170 degrees as computer-controlled fans and moisture meters dry and monitor the logs.

The goal of this thorough drying process is to reach a moisture-content level that is best for the majority of our building sites. The dried logs are also better prepared to receive stains and preservatives you may choose to apply. As always, each of our timbers is stamped to meet national codes.

 
 Why are kiln-dried logs used in your Honest Abe log home, log cabin or timber frame house?

Every other piece of wood in your home provided by Honest Abe is kiln-dried, too!

• Uniformity and stability. Kiln dried logs are “pre-shrunk” before milling to a final profile to create a uniform and stable log wall system with less settling and tighter joints. In fact, throughout much of the United States, Honest Abe’s log wall system will qualify as a “non-settling” system. However, years of experience have taught us how to create a building method to account for minor changes in the wood.
• Fewer checks. Careful drying in a controlled environment minimizes checking (cracking), which occurs in the kilns, before milling and during final construction.
• Grading Accuracy. After kiln-drying the logs, trained inspectors can grade out defective logs out. Logs selected for use in your home package are stamped with a TPI standard of LogWall-40.
• Kills Pests. Heat from kiln-drying will destroy any fungi that cause wood decay, as well as any insects, their eggs or larvae.
• Stops Sap. Most pitch in the wood is crystallized during kiln drying, preventing “sap” from seeping to the surface after the home is constructed.
• Smooth, Durable Finishes. Interior and exterior finishes can be applied immediately following construction for more convenient and immediate protection. Applications may absorb deeper and last longer.
• Lighter Logs. It’s estimated that 10,000 pounds of water are removed from the typical home, significantly reducing the weight of the logs. Two people can handle even the longest logs during the construction process.

These are only a few of the many long-lasting benefits of kiln dried logs.

WOOD SPECIES

Honest Abe custom log homes are constructed using Eastern White Pine and Douglas Fir.  See below for more information about the benefits of using these woods in the manufacture of your log home.

Characteristics of Wood Species (Features / Benefits)

Eastern White Pine
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Douglas Fir
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