Welcome to the October 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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Gastineau Log Homes celebrates our 37th Birthday today! We started business on October 1, 1977. We thank all of our customers throughout the years for choosing us. We appreciate your business and your support for all of these years!
Did you know GLH offers maintenance services in the southern warmer states during the winter? Give us a call and we can provide you with an estimate from pictures of your home.
This bunk room is in the home above. Custom Oak cabinets were made by the general contractor. See the bathroom photo below too!
Trivia Question: How long does it take to grow enough wood to build a 50,000 square foot building from US forests? (See the AMAZING answer below.)
The positive environmental impact of wood for construction is finally being realized! Studies are consistently show that wood is better for the environment than using either steel or concrete for construction. Particularly in reducing greenhouse gases. When a tree is growing, it does two things: it creates oxygen and it stores carbon. After the tree reaches maturity, the production of oxygen slows down. But the carbon is trapped in the wood. If that tree dies and falls to the forest floor and begins to rot, the carbon is released into the atmosphere. If the tree burns in a forest fire, the carbon is released into the atmosphere. If the tree is cut and the wood is used as a product, that carbon is encapsulated forever. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Want more information? This is an awesome website with links to all the studies and more! reThink Wood.
Quaker also offers the screen option of a Retractable Screen. It there when you need it and hidden when you don’t. These are particularly helpful with true French doors when both doors can open.
Why are screens important? One of the things I really appreciate about Quaker windows is their screens. I love to be able to open my windows and broken or torn screens make it impossible. You can feel the difference when you pick up a Quaker screen. They are made from extruded aluminum which makes them 20 times thicker and stronger than roll form screens you get from most window companies. Also, there is a lift railing running the width of the screen that will not bend or break. Very important when removing the screen. Which you should not have to do to enjoy your view during the winter because Quakers screens are made of BetterVue mesh. It is almost translucent to allow the maximum view through the screen. BetterVue also gives greater airflow and superior insect protection while keeping its shape. It does not stretch or wave easily. If you would like to learn more, click on Quaker Screens.
Worried about kids coming through the house with wet feet? Easier to make a waterproof path than change their habits! Great idea!
What do we mean when we talk about the log profile? This is one of the “buzz words” that you might hear when talking with someone about a log home. There are two profiles: what you see on the outside and what you see on the inside. They can be the same or they can be different. For example, if the logs are round on the outside that is a “round exterior profile.” If they are flat on the interior with bevels at the top and bottom, that is a “flat beveled interior profile.” A “D” log profile means that log is round on the outside and flat on the interior. (Like the letter D.) The price is the same for any profile; it is your choice
Have a bunk room or location where lots of people will be sharing a bathroom? How about this solution?
Designing a Kitchen Island: Many people want an island designed into their kitchen, especially with the open spaces found in log homes. The shape, orientation and features are determined by its intended use as well as the design of the kitchen. There are three basic heights. The standard height for an island work surface is 36” tall. To accommodate regular chairs, the surface should drop to 30”. For stool seating, a raised bar should bump up to 42”. One advantage to bi-level countertops is that it creates an opportunity for joints and breaks in granite or other natural slab surfaces. On the other hand, a level surface provides uninterrupted counter space and is preferable if you need space for multiple chefs. If you are going to have a sink in the island, be sure to allow enough length to center the basin and have sufficient space on both sides for prep work and stacking. And don’t forget walking space around the island. A minimum 42” aisle clearance is recommended but 48” is preferred.
Rear view of the home photo at the top. Dormers added a lot of space on the second floor.
Would you like to build a fire pit like the one above? Backyard fire pits are one of the most popular landscaping features. They are attractive, functional and provide an outdoor gathering place. It is also something that can be a nice DIY project for a weekend! Great directions can be found on the DIY Network website complete with videos for each step. Check it out here at DIY.
No room for a swinging door and a pocket door won’t work either? How about a door set on tracks like a barn door? Not only is it extremely functional but it is very cool!
Because we cannot pull something this wide down the highway, this Log Cabin 2 Go had a porch added to the front after it was set at the site. We sent the metal roof material so that it would match the roof on the cabin.
This Elmira Northstar French Door Fridge is a 1958 design but with Energy Star construction! It has 24.8 cubic ft capacity, auto deferent, interior filtered water dispenser and an ice maker. A great improvement from the fridge of 1958!
I know a local builder that I want to build my new home. I want a log home but he has never built a log home and is trying to get me to build a conventionally framed home. I really want a log home. What should I do? Some builders like the challenge of building something different; others feel more comfortable doing things “as they always have.” The builder may have all kinds of reasons for wanting you to build a frame house. (Most of these reasons are for his benefit.) What you have to remember is that this is your home. It is your dream, you are going to live in it and, most importantly, you are going to pay for it! You should talk to him and explain that this is really what you want. Discuss his concerns. If he is worried about being able to build the home properly, inquire about a company sponsored building seminar from the log home manufacturer you have chosen. Or get a copy of the construction manual to review. Another option may be to have a “log erector” put up the log walls or the shell and let your builder be the general contractor. But if he still cannot look at the project from your prospective, and respect your wishes, then perhaps you have the wrong builder.
Congratulations to Dennis and Colleen Gabel for winning first place for the second year in a row at the Oley Fair!
Construction Seminar Schedule for 2014:
Click here for information on our one day construction seminars.
We only have one seminar remaining in 2014. Sign up soon!
Oct 25th
Open Houses:
Open House in Fleetwood, PA: Saturday Nov 1. 10AM to 4PM
131 Oley Furnace Road
Fleetwood, PA 19522
Call 610-790-7447 for directions
Remember that the GLH October 11, 2014 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 having a log raising on Saturday, October 18th near Rolla, MO. Call 800-654-9253 or email sales@oakloghome.com for more information.
We are planning a log raising near Ada, OK in November. More details as we get closer!
Log Home Show:
We plan to be at the Dallas Log Home Show on Nov 14 – 15, 2014. Call for more information.
Answer to the Trivia Question: Only 60 seconds! For more information see this short YouTube video: reThink Wood – A Renewable and Responsible Choice.
Quote of the Month: ” Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift, that’s why we call it the present.” – Joan Rivers
