Synopses & Reviews
Nothing captures the romance of country life quite like a log cabin does -- trees cut from the thick woods of the wilderness; hewn by hand into squared-off logs; then stacked to create a sturdy shelter, a warm hearth, a welcoming home. Author Charles McRaven knows these traditional structures from the inside out, and from the outside in. He restored his first log house in 1946, at the age of eleven. Since then he has built and restored hewn-log houses all over the country, and is considered the nation's foremost authority on the topic.
McRaven covers everything from hewing the first log to laying the last chimney stone. Readers will first learn about the history and background of these houses. McRaven then dives deep into describing the details of hewn-log construction, beginning with site selection all the way through to the finishing steps such as plumbing and utilities. Clear, how-to line illustrations accompany the text throughout. A fullcolor gallery of finished structures shows that, durable though they are, hewn-log houses are also warm, inviting, and artful homes.
Review
"...this book is the perfect companion for an architect, historian or novice."
-At Home Arkansas
"...a comprehensive look at the process of building and restoring with this staple of early American architecture..." - Kitchen & Bath Design News
Synopsis
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.
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Synopsis
Author Charles McRaven knows log houses from the inside out, and from the outside in. He restored his first log house in 1946, at the age of eleven. Since then he has built and restored hewn-log houses all over the United States, and he is considered the nation's foremost authority on the topic. In The Classic Log-Hewn House, McRaven covers everything you need to know to build your own log house, from selecting a site and hewing the first log to laying the last chimney stone and putting in electricity. Clear illustrations accompany the text throughout, and
Synopsis
Meet the Original Log Cabin
Synopsis
Meet the Original Log Cabin
Synopsis
Meet the Original Log Cabin
Synopsis
Meet the Original Log Cabin
Synopsis
Meet the Original Log Cabin
About the Author
Charles McRaven is a stonemason and blacksmith, nationally known for building and repairing dozens of stone structures and log homes. He has written extensively on stone, including the books Building with Stone and Stonework, and articles for Country Journal, Fine Homebuilding, and many regional magazines. He lectures and conducts workshops and private courses in stone construction. Charles lives in Virginia.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Introduction: Hewn Logs and Houses
1 The American House
2 Pioneer Building
3 Restoration
4 Land and Site
5 Design
6 Acquiring Materials
7 Foundations and Basements
8 Hewing, Notching, Log Raising
9 Roofing
A Gallery of Hewn-Log Houses
10 Windows and Doors
11 Chinking
12 Floors and Stairs
13 Stone Fireplaces
14 Porches and Additions
15 Lofts, Utilities, Finishing Interiors
Epilogue
Bibliography
Additional Reading
Glossary
Index