The Classic Hewn-Log House: A Step-By-Step Guide to Building and Restoring
A Step by Step Guide to Building and Restoring
Author: Charles McRaven
Nothing captures the romance of country life quite like a log cabin does b" trees cut from the thick woods of the wilderness; hewn by hand into squared-off logs; then stacked to create a sturdy shelter, a warm hearth, a welcoming home. Author Charles McRaven knows these traditional structures from the inside out, and from the outside in. He restored his first log house in 1946, at the age of eleven. Since then he has built and restored hewn-log houses all over the country, and is considered the nationbs foremost authority on the topic. McRaven covers everything from hewing the first log to laying the last chimney stone. Readers will first learn about the history and background of these houses. McRaven then dives deep into describing the details of hewn-log construction, beginning with site selection all the way through to the finishing steps such as plumbing and utilities. Clear, how-to line illustrations accompany the text throughout. A fullcolor gallery of finished structures shows that, durable though they are, hewn-log houses are also warm, inviting, and artful homes.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Summary
Nothing captures the romance of country life quite like a log cabin does b" trees cut from the thick woods of the wilderness; hewn by hand into squared-off logs; then stacked to create a sturdy shelter, a warm hearth, a welcoming home. Author Charles McRaven knows these traditional structures from the inside out, and from the outside in. He restored his first log house in 1946, at the age of eleven. Since then he has built and restored hewn-log houses all over the country, and is considered the nationbs foremost authority on the topic. McRaven covers everything from hewing the first log to laying the last chimney stone. Readers will first learn about the history and background of these houses. McRaven then dives deep into describing the details of hewn-log construction, beginning with site selection all the way through to the finishing steps such as plumbing and utilities. Clear, how-to line illustrations accompany the text throughout. A fullcolor gallery of finished structures shows that, durable though they are, hewn-log houses are also warm, inviting, and artful homes.
Description
A classic of early American architecture, the hewn-log house has a unique rustic charm and character. In this engaging and informative guide, Charles McRaven provides illustrated step-by-step instructions that cover every aspect of building your own log house, from selecting the site and hewing the first log to laying the final chimney stone. Whether you're building a new house or restoring an old one, McRaven offers proven techniques and time-tested advice that will help you successfully create a warm and inviting hewn-log home.
Critic Reviews
“this book is the perfect companion for an architect, historian or novice. At Home Arkansas a comprehensive look at the process of building and restoring with this staple of early American architecture Kitchen Bath Design News”
"...this book is the perfect companion for an architect, historian or novice." -At Home Arkansas
"...a comprehensive look at the process of building and restoring with this staple of early American architecture..." - Kitchen & Bath Design News
About the Author
Charles McRaven is a stonemason and blacksmith, nationally known for building and repairing dozens of stone structures and log homes. He has written extensively on stone, including the books "Building with Stone" and "Stonework", and articles for "Country Journal", "Fine Homebuilding", and many regional magazines. He lectures and conducts workshops and private courses in stone construction. Charles lives in Virginia.
Back Cover
Meet the Original Log Cabin The hewn-log house is a classic of early American architecture, evocative of the pioneer experience and westward exploration. Charles McRaven has been building and restoring hewn-log houses for 60 years, and shares his wealth of knowledge in folksy narration accompanied by photography and illustrations that clearly show every step of the process. Whether you're restoring an old house, building anew, or indulging an interest in traditional building, you'll find much to learn from McRaven's experience, gleaned from a lifetime of trial and error. Learn To: Hew a log with a broadaxe Make a dovetail notch Replace rotten logs Mix chinking mortar and install it properly Find and use vintage logs Use pioneer hand tools Build a stone foundation and fireplace Install modern utilities
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