Welcome to the December 2014 issue of The Oak Leaf! For new readers, this is a monthly newsletter that is sent by e-mail to those that have expressed an interest in Gastineau Log Homes. We use this as a way of communicating technical, design and industry information. For more information, check out our web site at www.oakloghome.com.
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This custom Lakeview has a front porch that is inset into the footprint of the house vs extending beyond the footprint. The exposed beam truss is a beautiful accent to set off the porch and welcome visitors to your home. The added benefit of a porch like this is that the side walls block the wind, making it more comfortable in the cooler spring and fall weather.
Trivia Question: What is the difference between a porch and a deck? (See the answer below.)
FOCUS ON PORCHES! One time a woman told me it should be against the law to have a log home without a porch. Although I wouldn’t go that far, I certainly understand her thought process. Most of the homes we sell have at least one porch. Some have as much square footage of porch as house! In this issue of the Oak Leaf, we are going to focus on porches. The most popular amenity of log home owners!
This modified Caroline has three different porches and a deck. There is a front and rear porch which are connected by the side deck plus a porch on the second floor off of the dormer.
Do you want square porch posts or round porch posts? We now offer both at GLH. The new round posts from Oak are quite spectacular. The grain patterns from a round cut are simply beautiful.
A porch opens up all kinds of possibilities for lighting. This adds security as well as functionality. And a porch can be one story or two story, as shown here!
How much does a porch cost? The design of the porch has a big impact on the cost. The materials for a shed porch are going to cost about $9 per square foot. That is the roof, ceiling, floor system, post, etc. The other costs will be labor and your support posts or concrete that go from the ground up to the porch floor for support. The value of your porch will be included into your appraisal though so a porch can be a good investment.
A porch can usually be screened in at a reasonable price. Screened porch = no bugs! Really important if you live in places like Minnesota where the mosquitos are the state bird! This porch is big enough for large family gatherings, cook outs, or maybe even a hot tub!
Porches reduce the maintenance of your home and increase longevity! A porch protects your exterior walls from sun, rain and snow. All three of which can cause the most damage. The best way to decrease maintenance for your home is to have a porch to protect the walls, with the south and west walls being the most important.
Even if you only have a small front porch, it can protect you when you are coming in during the rain or snow and adds character to the exterior of your home.
And some “porches” are so large that you can drive your car under them!
Have you seen the outdoor kitchens? Most of them are built under some sort of porch roof to keep the chef out of the elements and increase the amount of time that you can use the kitchen. The porch roof will also increase the longevity of your kitchen as well as any furniture that you may need. If you are just putting an outdoor grill on your porch, and you have propane or gas available, run a gas line for your grill. It will save you lots of trips of filling up those little bottles!
How do you want to use your porch? Cooking? Dining? Enjoying the view? Designed properly, a porch can do it all!
A porch is not a place but a state of mind. Did you know there is a Porch Sitters Union Local 1339? You can even start your own chapter. Simply declare yourself a local chapter, pick and number and then sit back with friends and neighbors to celebrate. Here are the Rules and Regulations: 1) There are no rules. 2) There are no regulations. Philip Gulley from Porch Talk says “I believe all that is wrong with the world can be attributed to the shortage of front porches and the talks we had on them. Somewhere around 1950, builders left off the front porch to save money, and we’ve had nothing but problems ever since.” PPS only has one rule which is more like a suggestion: “Sit down a spell. That can wait.”
They even like porches and decks in Japan!
Porch ceilings can be flat or vaulted with beams like this porch. Which do you prefer?
Construction Seminar Schedule for 2015:
Click here for information on our one day construction seminars.
Jan 17th
March 7th
April 18th
June 13th
Sept 12th
Oct 24th
Open Houses:
Remember that the GLH Model Home Center on I 70 in central MO is open 7 days a week! We have three houses there that you can tour!
Log Raisings:
We are planning a log raising near Ada, OK in early January. More details as we get closer!
Log Home Shows for Spring 2015:
Jan 23 – 25 in Columbus, Ohio
Feb 6 – 8 in Kansas City, MO
March 20 – 22 in Indianapolis, IN
Answer to the Trivia Question: A porch has a roof; a deck does not have a roof. A porch can be built with either a wood floor or a concrete floor. A deck has a wood floor. (If it has a concrete floor it is usually called a patio vs a deck.)
Quote of the Month: ” I’m an old-fashioned guy… I want to be an old man with a beer belly sitting on a porch, looking at a lake or something.” – Johnny Depp
