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The Oak Leaf – September 2012

By September 1, 2012May 17th, 2024Newsletter

Welcome Family to the September 2012 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.

Please “Like” Gastineau Log Homes on Facebook!

Trivia Question: How many US Presidents were born in a log cabin? (See the answer below.)

Isn’t this a beautiful log home spot in MN? I happen to know there is a lake behind the house also. Imagine the view they are going to have off the back porch… watching the wildlife… enjoying a glass of wine… realizing that all the work was worth it to have their dream log home!

Do you know the difference between French Doors and Swinging Patio doors? Although they may look identical, there is a big difference. Both doors are free to swing open in a French door, with one being the “primary” door. A swinging patio door has one is stationary and one swinging door. The French door is significantly higher in cost. So specify which one you really want when making choices for your log home!

Happy Birthday Mom! I have to give a call out to my Mom for her 79th Birthday! After Betty White, she is the funniest lady I know!

This photo shows both a porch and a deck. The porch is on the left side of the home, covered by the cathedral ceiling porch roof. The deck is on the right side of the home and does not have a roof. The same floor construction is used for both and flows from one into the other.

What is the difference between a porch and a deck?: When you are talking about an exterior non-heated living space, the difference is that a porch has a roof while a deck does not have a roof. The floor system for each is typically the same. It can be confusing though because in construction, the term “deck” can mean any floor system. It can be a proper noun for your outside Deck, but it cannot also be the common noun (deck as in floor) used to describe one part of another proper noun (Porch.) And then the term “decking” is the name for the material you actually walk on for a subfloor, a porch or a deck. See why it is easy to get confused with the terminology? Don’t be afraid to ask questions when someone uses a term in a way you may not understand. And vice versa. Be sure they understand what you are saying!

This is a Log Cabin 2 Go in WI that was just delivered this week. This is actually replacing an older, inferior quality park model that previously sat on this site. This gorgeous cabin features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, fireplace, screened in porch using composite decking, all Oak custom cabinetry as well as many more custom features. A deck will be built on site to connect the end porch with the sliding glass door on the side. Here you can see how the cabin is blocked up under the chassis. Skirting will be added to complete the exterior.

What to do with a powder room?: Planning and decorating a powder room (half bath to all you guys out there) can be fun and challenging. There are some great ideas and photos in this article I found on line called Take a Powder. Since this is the bathroom used by your guests, you can splurge a little here for some “wow” factor without breaking the bank. Or budget.

Three things I love about this bathroom. First, the red fired-clay sink. Second, the rock on the back wall. Looks expensive but really isn’t. Third, the plumbing coming out of the wall. Oh, maybe a fourth thing. The solid wood countertop. You don’t see that often but would work well in a powder room.

  • More powder rooms from our photo archives! This unique bathroom has an amazing pedestal sink with an antler mirror.

  • This GLH customer converted a piece of antique furniture into a powder room sink! Gives lots of space for storage and decorating! Obviously, there is more space in this bath.

How to save $$ during construction just with the placement of your electric meter and panel box: First, locate your meter box as close to the main electrical panel as possible. Why? Usually the power supplier pays for the cable to the meter. You have to pay from the meter into the home. Second, locate your panel box as close to the heavy load centers (kitchen and utility room) as possible. This minimizes the amount of expensive, high-capacity cables from the box to your appliances.

This is a typical domestic digital electricity meter. It can be mounted on a utility pole or on the house. Talk to your electric company to find out their policy for locating the meter and costs.

  • When planning a large tub in the master suite, remember to think about the number of windows you want based on privacy and view. Also, what covering you will use for any steps that might be needed. The carpet shown provides a safer footing than tile.

  • This tub is not as tall and does not require steps. When installing one of these tubs, try to leave a small door somewhere for access to the motor if needed later. Also, check the gallon capacity of the tub to your hot water heater. You need plenty of hot water to fill one of these!

Upcoming Log Raising: We invite you to attend a log raising at a home being built in Lane, KS on September 15. Call 800-654-9253 or email

sa***@oa********.com











for more information.

Construction Seminar Schedule for 2012:

Sept 22 and Oct 13

The one day construction seminars are held at our model home center on I70 on the southwest outer road of Exit 144 in Central Missouri. Call to register!

See GLH at these log home shows:

Dallas, Texas Log & Timber Home Show: September 22 and 23rd, 2012 at the Irving Convention Center. Call for more info.

Oley Fair, Oley, PA on Sept 20 too 22 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Open Houses:
Fleetwood, PA October 20, 2012 from 11;00 AM to 4:00 PM Contact Dennis and Colleen Gabel for more information at 610-790-7479 or email:

th*******@pa***********.com











Answer to the Trivia Question: Six or seven presidents were probably born in a log cabin. Andrew Jackson was the first if he was born in a log cabin, but his place of birth is not known. A log cabin is a likely possibility but there were frame houses and he may been born in a wagon. James A. Garfield, the 20th President, was the last to be born in a log cabin. The others are Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S Grant, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore and James Buchanan.

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Which_US_presidents_were_born_in_a_log_cabin#ixzz25LoqEINu

Quote of the Month: “”If you really want to do something, you will find a way. If you don’t you will find an excuse. ” – Jim Rohn