Powder River | Frequently Asked Questions about Log Cabin construction

Q: What size of a cabin can you construct?

A: Our small log cabins can be constructed to suit your needs, but generally, they are 200 - 300 square feet in size. The usable length of the lodge pole pine is approximately 28 feet. Larger cabins are possible depending on the design.
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Q: Can a second story/level be built into the design?

A: Yes
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Q: Is the blue-stained wood okay to use?

A: ABSOLUTELY! The structural integrity of the pine beetle, blue-stained logs is sound. The "fungus" that the pine beetle distributes when it bores into the tree creates the blue stain. The fungus dies when the tree dies, since it requires greater than 20% moisture content to survive. What remains in the dead tree is a remarkable blue stain in the wood grain, which is enhanced by construction methods that focus on the display of the blue streaks.
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Q: Where do you get the blue-stained logs?

A: We obtain the beetle-killed logs and lumber from local individuals, as there is an abundance of standing dead trees in Summit County. If you own land where you have standing dead trees, you may have options for using these logs, if they are large enough and in proper condition for building.
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Q: How can I use a small cabin?

A: Our small cabins can be used as special retreats, game room, children play areas, yoga/meditation rooms, reading rooms, guest cabin and Man cabin (doghouse). A little larger cabin would make a great addition to your existing house as a Master Suite.
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Q: What is the difference between a handcrafted log cabin and a milled log cabin?

A: Handcrafters peel trees, with a drawknife, cut notches at the corners and stack these logs to create the cabin. The notches are typically round, saddle, or full scribe. Powder River Log Cabins builds a chink style (reminiscent of 1800's) log cabin. A space is in between the log courses and a foam casket with synthetic chinking is applied. The chink simulates the mortar used historically but is fire resistant as well as a sealer from bug and air infiltration.

A milled log cabin is typically mass produced using machinery to produce a log product that no longer has its natural taper- the 'log' has a consistent shape.

Double tongue and groove, Swedish cope, D-log, or other varieties are the common names of a milled 'log'. The 'logs' typically are no longer than 8 to 12' in length and butt splices are common.
~

Q: What is a butt splice?

A: A butt splice is where two or more logs are laid end to end to achieve a desired wall length. Butt splices can be sources of instability and bug/air-infiltration.
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GENERAL CONSTRUCTION
(new and existing home construction and remodel)

Q: What is involved in constructing or remodeling a home?

A: It is very important to involve a general contractor (G.C.)/builder early in the process. You should involve a general contractor early during the design phase of a framed home, and for log homes, most definitely before you put a deposit on a log shell! A reputable builder/G.C. can offer assistance/ideas that may save you time and money, as well as enable you to make your home as energy efficient as possible.

The alpine environment of Summit County, CO and the Rocky Mountain Region area are special places to build. Over the years, Powder River Construction has incorporated building techniques that work in this environment.

Be very cautious of using a builder/G.C. from any region outside of Summit County, as they will not be familiar with the unique requirements of building at this elevation to meet the building codes.

For most projects, the building and planning departments of Summit County and the surrounding towns require specific permits at several different phases of the construction. A qualified builder/G.C. will have experience with these governing entities and their relationships with these entities and their knowledge of the codes and process will keep your project on schedule.

Communication is the most important aspect of any successful building project. Powder River Construction is dedicated to providing you timely and detailed communications regarding the status of your project.
~

Q: What types of construction does Powder River Construction provide?
A: Powder River Construction will build your Log Cabin, your Log Home, your framed house or addition. We also do remodeling and repairs.
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			FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS OUR CABINS Q: What size of a cabin can you construct? A: Our small log cabins can be constructed to suit your needs, but generally, they are 200 - 300 square feet in size. The usable length of the lodge pole pine is approximately 28 feet. Larger cabins are possible depending on the design. ~ Q: *Can a second story/level be built into the design?* A: Yes ~ Q: Is the blue-stained wood okay to use? A: ABSOLUTELY! The structural integrity of the pine beetle, blue-stained logs is sound. The "fungus" that the pine beetle distributes when it bores into the tree creates the blue stain. The fungus dies when the tree dies, since it requires greater than 20% moisture content to survive. What remains in the dead tree is a remarkable blue stain in the wood grain, which is enhanced by construction methods that focus on the display of the blue streaks. ~ Q: Where do you get the blue-stained logs? A: We obtain the beetle-killed logs and lumber from local individuals, as there is an abundance of standing dead trees in Summit County. If you own land where you have standing dead trees, you may have options for using these logs, if they are large enough and in proper condition for building. ~ Q: *How can I use a small cabin?* A: Our small cabins can be used as special retreats, game room, children play areas, yoga/meditation rooms, reading rooms, guest cabin and Man cabin (doghouse). A little larger cabin would make a great addition to your existing house as a Master Suite. ~ Q: What is the difference between a handcrafted log cabin and a milled log cabin? A: Handcrafters peel trees, with a drawknife, cut notches at the corners and stack these logs to create the cabin. The notches are typically round, saddle, or full scribe. Powder River Log Cabins builds a chink style (reminiscent of 1800's) log cabin. A space is in between the log courses and a foam casket with synthetic chinking is applied. The chink simulates the mortar used historically but is fire resistant as well as a sealer from bug and air infiltration. A milled log cabin is typically mass produced using machinery to produce a log product that no longer has its natural taper- the 'log' has a consistent shape. Double tongue and groove, Swedish cope, D-log, or other varieties are the common names of a milled 'log'. The 'logs' typically are no longer than 8 to 12' in length and butt splices are common. ~ Q: What is a butt splice? A: A butt splice is where two or more logs are laid end to end to achieve a desired wall length. Butt splices can be sources of instability and bug/air-infiltration. ~ GENERAL CONSTRUCTION (new and existing home construction and remodel) Q: What is involved in constructing or remodeling a home? A: It is very important to involve a general contractor (G.C.)/builder early in the process. You should involve a general contractor early during the design phase of a framed home, and for log homes, most definitely before you put a deposit on a log shell! A reputable builder/G.C. can offer assistance/ideas that may save you time and money, as well as enable you to make your home as energy efficient as possible. The alpine environment of Summit County, CO and the Rocky Mountain Region area are special places to build. Over the years, Powder River Construction has incorporated building techniques that work in this environment. Be very cautious of using a builder/G.C. from any region outside of Summit County, as they will not be familiar with the unique requirements of building at this elevation to meet the building codes. For most projects, the building and planning departments of Summit County and the surrounding towns require specific permits at several different phases of the construction. A qualified builder/G.C. will have experience with these governing entities and their relationships with these entities and their knowledge of the codes and process will keep your project on schedule. Communication is the most important aspect of any successful building project. Powder River Construction is dedicated to providing you timely and detailed communications regarding the status of your project. ~ Q: What types of construction does Powder River Construction provide? A: Powder River Construction will build your Log Cabin, your Log Home, your framed house or addition. We also do remodeling and repairs. ~













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