Custom Log Homes
of Virginia

Dan McGee
9383 Holly Bluff Dr.
Mechanicsville VA, 23116-6640

(804) 779-3636

customloghomesofva
@juno.com

An independently owned dealership of Summit Handcrafted Log Homes

Quality Log Home Builder

Quality Log Home Builder
Quality Log Home Builder
Quality Log Home Builder
Quality Log Home Builder
Quality Log Home Builder
Quality Log Home Builder
Quality Log Home Builder
Quality Log Home Builder
Quality Log Home Builder
Quality Log Home Builder
Quality Log Home Builder
Quality Log Home Builder

 


Quality Log Home Builder



Log Corner Construction
V Notch
V Notch

One step above the now outdated Round Notch, the V Notch is the most common notch used in the industry. If done properly with over-scribing, the potential for gaps is reduced considerably.


Typically used for high-end homes, the Diamond Notch requires approximately 15% more production time. It's considered the premiere notch in combating shrinkage.

Diamond Notch
Diamond Notch


Log and Timber Frame Trusses
All our log trusses are constructed by using Old World mortise and tenon joinery techniques, rather than relying on steel connectors to hold everything in place.

Log Trusses
Log Trusses
Log Trusses
Log Trusses
Log Trusses
Log Trusses


Truss Types
Fink Truss
King Truss
Hammer Truss
Cross Web Truss
Scissor Truss
Bell Scissor Truss
Web Truss
Bell Truss
Queen Post Truss


Joinery Details
female-dovetails
female-dovetails
cross-brace-tenons
cross-brace-tenons
tenon-and-grooves
tenon-and-grooves
tenon detail
tenon detail
mortise detail
mortise detail



We have been very pleased working with you and the others at Summit Handcrafted and would be glad to recommend Summit Handcrafted to other owners or builders. Please feel free to use our name and advise others to contact us about our good experience. Now that we are nearing completion and move in we look forward to enjoying the beauty and workmanship of our log home.

Roger P. Balog



Details for Window and Door Openings
Window drip slope detail
Window drip slope detail
 
Bevel cut detail
Bevel cut detail



Floor and Ceiling Slots
Floor and ceiling slots
Floor and ceiling slots

An essential, the ceiling material is slipped into the slot (as shown). As the log dries and shrinks, the material remains tucked away.




Cut Outs for Electrical Boxes and Switches
Not only are the boxes cut to fit the receptacles, but each log is drilled for rope to be fished through upon home setup. The electrician simply attaches the wire to the line and pulls the wire through.
Electrical chase ways
Electrical chase ways
drilled and boxes cut



Sealant Tape
Sealant tape
Sealant tape

Air infiltration is the biggest concern for log homes. The most effective and cost efficient method to prevent this is to use "closed cell" sealant tape. It is applied at the same time as the fiberglass insulation, by squeezing the tape between the logs during set up.


Cedar Flares
Floor beams with flared cedar ends
Floor beams with
flared cedar ends

Summit Handcrafted Log Homes is renowned for its use of flares (the root base of the cedar tree). In most cases we incorporate them into the second floor and roof system. Root base character posts are also present throughout our log crafting.


Stair landing beams with flared ends
Stair landing beams
with flared ends
Log ridge beams
Log ridge beams
and purlins
with flared ends
Cedar log posts and floor beams
Cedar log posts
and floor beams
with flared ends
Cedar character post
Cedar character
post with
flared bottom
       
Cedar Flare Logs with flared ends
Cedar Flare Logs with flared ends
Cedar Flare Logs with flared ends
Cedar Flare logs used in the construction of a log home



Wood Species

Our log yards are located in the heart of the temperate rain forests of British Columbia. We are surrounded by the finest groves of Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, the two wood species we most commonly use. In the Traditional Full-Scribe, a Dry-Standing Denim Pine is also available. All logs used can be TPI Grade Stamped if required by your building jurisdiction. For dry climates, Western Red Cedar and Pine are generally the most desirable.

Denim Pine
Denim Pine
Finished Home
Draw-Knife Douglas Fir
Draw-Knife Douglas Fir
Finished Home
Draw-Knife Cedar
Draw-Knife Cedar
Finished Home

The wood species we offer have many different characteristics, however, each is well suited for log home construction. When deciding which species to use, one important characteristic to consider is appearance-the color of the heartwood and sapwood, for example, or the grain pattern and knots. Also, consider the degree of natural decay or insect resistance, thermal qualities, workability, finish, building location, as well as cost.

Wood Species Information

Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar
grows along the mist-drenched North Pacific Coast. The wood is straight and even-grained, light in weight with minimal shrinkage. Containing a natural resin that repels insects such as moths, termites, carpenter ants, bees and ambrosia beetles, it's one of the most decay resistant species in the world, and is recognized by the log home industry as the best wood species for wall log construction.

For centuries, from coastal native American dwellings to early pioneer cabins, and later to stately mansions and commercial buildings, Western Red Cedar has been a popular choice in building. Cedar logs, paneling and shakes helped build North America, and have graced the exteriors and interiors of thousands of homes.

The continuing popularity of Western Red Cedar is due to its long lasting and striking beauty, as well as its durability. Because of its extremely low maintenance characteristics, it's the ideal choice for a vacation home or primary residence.


Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir from the West Coast of British Columbia is one of the strongest woods, pound for pound, that has ever been tested. It has a rich reddish heartwood with a creamy yellow to white sapwood. It exhibits good resistance to mildew and fungus, and comparative freedom from warping or twisting. Douglas Fir is also moderately decay resistant.

Many times Douglas Fir is specified by designers and engineers for second floor and roof members because of its strength.


Lodge Pole Pine
Lodge Pole Pine
The dry-standing Lodge Pole Pine we harvest comes from the interior region of British Columbia where climatic conditions are ideal. Pine is white to pale yellow in color and darkens with age and air exposure, eventually turning to a light honey tone. Pine may also exhibit a randomly occurring beautiful light denim blue shading. In comparison to other softwood species, it has a uniform cell structure and shrinks only a moderate amount. Pine seasons well with minimal cracking or warping. The wood is light, soft, straight-grained with a very uniform texture. It’s easily shaped with hand and power tools and takes most finishes.




Kerfe Cuts

Kerfe cuts are used to minimize surface checking and cracking.

Kerfe cuts
Kerfe cuts



Planed Surfaces
Planed Surfaces
Planed Surfaces

All visible flats are planed to prevent dust from adhering to a rough surface. Planed flats require less prep work in staining and also gives the home the finished look it deserves.




Knots

Depending on your personal taste knots can be left proud of the log surface or made flush. Raised knots give the home a more rustic look and feel.

Sanded knots
Sanded knots
Proud or raised knots
Proud or raised knots
Flush cut knots
Flush cut knots

 
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