Golden Eagle Log Homes Blog

This question doesn’t come up too often, but it is important. On our 8″x8″ and 10″x10″ full logs, we supply a random assortment of 10′ to 16′ long logs. On our 8″ milled split logs, we supply 12′ to 16′ lengths. On our super round split logs, the logs are 8′ to 16′ long.

First of all, imagine that on a Golden Eagle full log home only the first floor exterior walls are full log. Gable ends, dormers, ceiling cavities, sub floors, garage firewalls, garage walls, and all interior partition walls are conventional construction, so there are few actual full log areas. But in those full log areas we have two methods. On the “D” shaped homes you can hide the wires in an 8” tall baseboard and switches can be hidden behind the 6” wide door trim. On double round full logs we recommend drilling up as you build the wall. This can be done on the “D” full log too!

Log Preparation Procedures

Newly milled lumber often has a smooth, glossy surface from the planing process. This glossy surface can prevent the absorption of the finish and result in poor adhesion. Proper preparation as described below will help provide a porous surface that will adequately absorb the desired finish.

1. Wood should be dry-brushed using a brush with stiff bristles to remove loose dirt and fibers before preparation procedure.
2. Spray the surface with clean water to wet the wood.
3. Clean the surface with a solution of 1 quart of liquid bleach in 3 quarts of water. Apply this solution to the wood with a garden pump sprayer. Work from the bottom to top.
4. Let the solution sit on the wood for 15-20 minutes. During this period, scrub the surface with a hard bristle brush to help remove mill glaze. Do not let the solution dry on the wood. Keep it wet.
5. Power wash the cleaning solution from the wood with clean water using a power washer. To prevent damaging the wood, do not exceed 500 psi. The washer nozzle must be a maximum of 1 foot from the surface for full effectiveness. Rinse from the top down.
6. Sand all glossy patches with 80-120 grit sand paper.

Note: The wood must be completely dried out before staining.
On a full log home, the split log on gable ends, dormers and rim must weather for a period of time to blend with full log.

Coverage: 1st coat covers approx. 325 sq. ft., 2nd coat covers approx 425 sq. ft. (averages 375 sq. ft. /gal). Coverage for brushing & spraying is the same; however, you will need to add approx. 10% of mineral spirits when spraying to keep the nozzle from clogging.

SIKKENS APPLICATIONS

1. After proper drying, stain logs with first coat of Cetol log and siding.
2. Let dry 48 hours and caulk.
3. Apply second coat of Cetol log and siding.
4. Clean tools with paint thinner or mineral spirits.
   Like this article? Share it:

   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 

Full log walls offer thermal mass, which is a way of storing energy from the furnace or air conditioner. The log wall stores energy like a battery and releases it slowly. Golden Eagle Log Homes full log homes are very energy efficient. They are as energy efficient as a 2”x6” wall but on paper the 2”x6” wall with split log has an approximate R-factor of 23 which sounds really good and is, but then when we tell you our 8” log wall has an R-factor of 10 that does’t sound so good, but it is. Solid log homes must be evaluated by a different criteria than just R-factor.

Pine and spruce are great woods for log homes. They are strongwood and are very warm and pleasing to the eye. Cedar is a great wood also, but is 20% to 40% more money. We don’t think it is worth the additional cost. Let’s use this as an example. You need to stain and seal the exterior. Once you do that, even using the lightest of stain, it is going to be hard to tell if your home is pine/spruce or cedar. Cedar is a little more rot resistant, but if you maintain your pine/spruce log home it is not an issue.