Builder's Corner

Glossary of Log Home Terms & Definitions

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2 x
	2 Inch Nominal Lumber
Air-dried Logs  Back To Top
	Method of allowing logs to dry naturally over an extend period of time allowing the "free water" to escape.
Allowance
	An amount built in to the basic package price for items that are necessary, but can change in price based on the customer's choice. Usually for faucets, lighting, stain and wood flooring. The difference between the item selected and the allowance for that item is either added to or credited from the package price.
ALUM
	Aluminum
Back brushing  Back To Top
	The act of vigorously brushing stain into the logs pores, checks, and grain; this is a critical step in the finishing of your log home that should not be overlooked.
Backer Rod
	Usually a foam material used to provide backing for 2 point adhesion to the sealant such as caulk or chinking.
Balloon Framing
	A framed (or studded) wall that is taller than 9' high. Typically used in second story gable end walls where the height of the walls can approach 16' tall; or even 28' tall in a great room glass wall. Interior and exterior surfaces can be covered with split log or T&G.
Bath, Full
	Fixtures consist of a water closet, sink and a tub/shower.
Bath, Half
	Fixtures consist of a water closet, and a sink.
Bath, Three Quarter
	Fixtures consist of a water closet, sink and a shower.
BD
	Board
Beam
	End supported, load carrying member which joist, rafters, and trusses rest upon.
Bearing Point
	Any place in the home where a concentrated vertical load comes in contact with a floor or header. This is most often under a column or post.
Bearing Wall
	Walls that hold up a floor or roof above them, usually marked by a cross hatch design on the floor plan.
BEV
	Beveled
Bleeding
	The seeping of resin, gum, or sap from lumber, logs, or timbers; known in the log home industry as a wet knot. Kiln dried logs typically are less subject to bleeding as the pitch in the log is set during the drying process.
BLK
	Block
BNDL
	Bundle
BOM
	Bill of Materials
Borate
	A preservative applied to logs in a pressure treated bath ensuring core log penetration to protect from decay, rot, and insect infestations.
Bound Water
	Bound water is bound to the wood via hydrogen bonds. The evaporation of bound water causes the log to shrink, kiln drying breaks the cell walls removing bound water and stabilizing the log finished size
BTM
	Bottom
BTR
	Better
Buck
	The framing system around windows and doors in a full log wall that allows for log movement with out cracking glass or making the window or door action stick.
Builders Pack
	The information folder that is sent with the first material shipment contains the information that the builder needs to start construction of the home.
Butt Joint
	The joining point of two pieces of lumber, logs, timbers, or moldings typically the two members are meeting in a co-linear fashion.
C-TOPS  Back To Top
	Counter Tops
Cants
	Cants are produced from green logs stripped of their bark and run through a saw to make them 4 sided timbers; used to make full and half logs.
Caulking
	Sealant used to fill joints and space between logs. Caulk comes in tubes and is applied in a narrow strip or "bead" that dries to a tough elastic finish. Typically applied in a color that best matches the finished log color; stain can be applied to the caulk aiding in its camouflage so not to bring attention to the caulk.
Change Order
	A change that is required after the home enters final engineering. There is a fee for this if initiated by the customer and it needs to be paid for before it is accepted.
Check
	A crack like opening that forms in a log as it shrinks and dries a characteristic that adds rustic charm to log homes. Checks in exterior log walls that are 1/16 inch or greater and facing upward should be sealed with caulk or stain.
Chinking
	Filling used between log courses emulating traditional log construction within a modern log system. Synthetic chinking, manufactured to look like traditional chinking, is similar to caulk but with greater density and durability.
Collar Tie
	Horizontal tie between similar rafters on opposite sides of a roof designed to keep the rafters from spreading apart from one another.
Column
	A vertical structural member holding up a beam or point load from above.
Corner Notch
	A notch cut into the end of a log interlocking logs at a corner. There are numerous corner notches used in modern log home construction playing a major role in shaping your corners appearance.
Corner, Butt & Pass
	A corner is form where one log stops when it meets an adjacent log on the same log course; the adjacent log extends past the corner. In most cases the passing log has a cutout called a mortise into which the butt log fits; this projection is called a tenon. There are dozens of variations, butt and pass corners can be achieved with any log profile.
Corner, Dovetail
	This corner is used primarily with square or rectangle shaped logs or logs with a vertical internal surface. Opposing log walls start with a half course log; each log end is cut in a triangular shape that inter locks with the adjacent lapping log creating one of the strongest corners in wood working.
Corner, Saddle Notch
	The name is derived from the saddle shaped notch cut into the bottom of each log, facilitating each log resting "saddled" upon the other at a corner. The opposing walls of a saddle notch corner system start with a half course log. Ensuring both logs extend past the other in an alternating fashion rather than butting into one another. The saddle notch is one of the most traditional corners with Scandinavian roots dating back hundreds of years.
Corner, Vertical
	Vertical corners offer a great alternative to more conventional log corners providing a clean contemporary appearance. Vertical corners can help maximize glass surface allowing you to take full advantage of majestic views bringing nature into your log home.
CRM
	Client/Customer Relations Manager. Software created by the Golden Eagle Log Homes IT department.
CULT
	Cultured
DBL  Back To Top
	Double
Decay Resistance
	A material's ability to resist the environmental effects of its exposure to air, water and ultraviolet sunlight.
Deflection
	The amount of sag or bowing in a floor or roof system based on the design loads. Terms like L/360 or L/480 are used the higher the number the less deflection there is. This is of particular importance when there is ceramic tile on a floor; you would not want to have the floor deflect too much or the ceramic tile would break loose.
DF
	Douglas Fir
DFL
	Douglas Fir Larch
DIA
	Diameter
DIMENSIONAL LUMBER
	Lumber that is a nominal 2 inches in thickness and at least 2 inches in depth, such as a joist, stud, or rafter.
DORMER
	A vertical projection built out from a sloping roof to create additional habitable space, referring to the entire projecting structure.
DOWELED
	Precut dowel like pieces of wood for joining opposing pieces of wood such as logs, timbers, or railings. Commonly used in log home construction to help secure collinear joints, and corners.
DRAWKNIFE
	A tool consisting of a sharp blade mounted between two handles used in removal of a logs bark or wood shaping the logs final profile. Not typically used with milled logs as they are machine peeled to exacting dimensions.
DW
	Drywall
ENG  Back To Top
	Engineering
Equilibrium Moisture Content
	The percent of moisture the log will seek to acclimate to the relative humidity in the geographic area.
EQUILIBRIUM MOISTURE LEVEL
	This refers to the geographic areas average experienced humidity level.
ESLP
	Engelman Spruce/Lodgepole Pine
EWP
	Engineered Wood Product
EXT
	Exterior
FASCIA  Back To Top
	The vertical board at the very edge of the roof; running around the complete perimeter. This is typically 6" or 8" tall.
FASTENERS
	Hardware used in the securement of conventional framing, log stacks and timbers. Fasteners include but are not limited to spikes, self-tapping screws, lag bolts and through-bolts.
FIBER SATURATION POINT
	The point in the drying process where cell cavities lose all their free water however bound water remains.
FINAL ENGINEERING
	A step in the pre-construction process where the drawings, Bill of Materials, and engineered systems are figured out for the specific codes and design criteria for the exact location of the home. This is initiated by a 10% deposit and all selections being finalized.
FINAL SELECTIONS
	A step in the pre-construction process where all style and color choices are made. A major part of this revolves around the kitchen/bath designs. This is initiated by a $1,000.00 deposit.
FL
	Full Log
FLS
	Flashing
FLT
	Felt
Foam Gaskets
	A foam compression strip used to prevent air and water infiltration between log coursings and other building components within a modern log home construction system.
FREE WATER
	The bulk of water contained in the cell lumina of wood is only held by capillary forces: it is not bound chemically and is termed free water. No shrinkage occurs while logs are losing free water.
FULL LOG
	Any log that is the main structural component in the wall system. The same log is both the inside and outside surface of the log wall. Will be used to describe both individual logs and log wall systems.
GABLE ROOF  Back To Top
	Any roof having two sides that come to a peak.
GIRDER
	Horizontal wood beam made up from several smaller boards. Most often used as the main beam in a first floor system; carrying the joists at the center of the building.
GR
	Grade
GREEN LOGS
	Logs that are harvested from live standing timber and used within weeks and sometimes days of having had been cut.
Green Wood
	Any wood that's fiber saturation moisture content is 28% or greater regardless of the time elapsed since first being harvested or milled is considered green.
GTRM
	Great Room
HALF LOG  Back To Top
	A full log sawn in half length-wise used in conjunction with conventional framing to create the look of a full log home. Much thinner than a full log; could be 1 1/4, 2 1/8, 3 3/8 or 3 1/2 thick. Will be used to describe both individual logs and log wall systems.
HAND PEELED
	Hand-peeling is usually achieved using a drawknife, however specially adapted chainsaws are becoming more popular to achieve the desired texture and appearance.
HDR
	Header
HL
	Half Log
HNG
	Hanger
HT
	Height
Hybrid
	Architectural facade designed to mimic a timber framed home that can be combined in conjunction with full and half log construction; providing customers endless possibilities in the finishes for both the exterior and interior of their homes.
I-JOIST  Back To Top
	An engineered floor or roof system that is constructed with man made wood products built in the shape of the letter I.
INSULATED LOG WALL
	Consist of a conventionally framed wall typically utilizing foam or fiberglass insulation with half-log siding installed on the exterior surface. Various interior finishes can be used including but not limited to tongue and grooved pine, half log siding, cultured stone, and gypsum.
INSULATION
	The materials and methods used to prevent air infiltration or movement of air through the wall cavity. The most popular types of insulation are fiberglass, loose cellulose, rigid foam, and icynene or sprayed foam.
INT
	Interior
ISC
	Inside Corner
IT
	Information Technology.
JMB  Back To Top
	Jamb
KILN DRIED LOGS  Back To Top
	Kiln drying is a process that accelerates the drying of all types of lumber. This process is complex and exacting. By subjecting logs to a combination of controlled conditions of heat and humidity we can reduce the logs moisture to under 18%. Kiln dried logs typically perform better with reduced effects of shrinking, checking, warping, and the setting of the logs pitch or sap eliminating sap weeping or wet knots.
KNEE WALL
	A short wall, usually between 2ft and 6ft, which is a studded wall used above grade in a foundation or in a loft.
KR
	Kraft Faced
Linear Footage  Back To Top
	A reference to a measurement taken in length only.
LOG GRADING
	Evaluation of logs according to a set of specific standards developed to ensure only the highest quality logs are used in your homes construction. The log home industry's grading is governed by the Log Home Council of the National Association of Home Builders through a third party private timber inspection agency. It is important to note that grading standards refer to the structural characteristics of logs and not their appearance. Graded logs are usually stamped or marked by the grader verifying that they meet or exceed the quality standards set forth.
LOG PACKAGE
	The materials and services provided by a log home manufacturer that comprise the scope of work they are taking responsibility for. These packages range widely from manufacturer to manufacturer and are in direct correlation with the prices charged. When comparing log home package prices it's very important to understand the scope of work bid within your log package.
LOG PROFILE
	The cross-sectional shape or outline of a specific log profile offering. Log manufacturers mill a variety of profiles such as D-shape, round, square, and may include details such as tongue and groove jointing, smooth, and machine peeled finishes. The log profile combined with sealants and fasteners, used to secure the logs, makes up the manufacturers log system.
LSL
	Laminated Strand Lumber
LVL
	A man made structural wood beam, short for Laminated Veneer Lumber.
MAT  Back To Top
	Material
MATERIALS PACKAGE
	The materials and services provided by a log home manufacturer that comprise the scope of work they are taking responsibility for. These packages range widely from manufacturer to manufacturer and are in direct correlation with the prices charged. When comparing log home package prices it's very important to understand the scope of work bid within your log package.
MAX
	Maximum
MILL GLAZE
	A thin coating of sap, sugars, or water that seeps to the surface of a log during the milling process and hardens which can adversely affect stain adhesion. Mill Glaze is removed by the cleaning/prep stage before staining the logs.
MILLED LOGS
	Milled is a term used to describe logs that profiles are machined to exacting dimensions creating logs that are uniform in size and finish from one log to another. Milled logs are the most common method of log home building today they provide for very uniform and tight fitting logs.
MIN
	Minimum
MOISTURE CONTENT
	The amount of water contained within wood, usually expressed as the percentage weight of water relative to the over all dry weight of wood. Water contained within the wood may be "free water" found between wood cells of "bound water" found within the cell walls. Drying of wood does not result in significant shrinkage until all free water has been removed. The point at which no free water remains and shrinkage begins is known as the fiber saturation point, which occurs at about 28% moisture content. Kiln drying breaks the wood cells allowing for further reduced moisture content levels by removing the "bound water" moisture content levels of 18% or lower can be obtained.
O.C.  Back To Top
	On Center
O.H.
	Overhead
OH
	Overhang
OSB
	An acronym for Oriented Strand Board. We commonly call this wall sheathing or roof sheathing. It is made up of small wafers of wood pressed together in 4x8 sheets.
OSC
	Outside Corner
PATIO DOOR, SLIDING   Back To Top
	Patio door with a panel that slides back and forth.
PATIO DOOR, SWING, CENTER HINGE
	Patio door with a panel that swings in and has its hinges towards the center of the unit.
PATIO DOOR, SWING, FRENCH
	Patio door that has a larger amount of wood surrounding the glass; can swing in, out or have one of both panels swing. Usually selected for aesthetic purposes or accessibility purposes. Will cost considerably more than other patio doors.
PAYMENT TERMS
	See Shipment, first and Shipment, rough-in.
PC
	Parallel Chord
PLAN SERVICE
	A step in the pre-construction process where the customer pays to have drawings started. These drawings will reflect the customer's exact vision for their home and allow us to accurately price custom homes. The current cost is $1.00 per square foot of finished area.
PN
	Pine
PNL
	Panel
POND
	Ponderosa
PORCH, 3-SEASON
	This porch now approaches a semi finished room. The walls would be studded, but not insulated. Single glazed metal storm & Screen type windows would be supplied for the openings. The door would be a metal storm door. The ceiling would be insulated and the floor would be treated plywood. We are assuming that this room would not be heated by the furnace. The door between this room and the main home would be an exterior patio door or an exterior swing door, fully insulated.
PORCH, 4-SEASON
	This porch is truly an extension of the house; it simply has a lot of glass in it for the size. It is assumed to be heated and all windows and doors are the same quality as the main home. The door between the house and this room would be an interior door; or no door at all.
PORCH, COVERED
	Basically a covered deck. Treated board floor, flat or vaulted T&G ceiling, log railing.
PORCH, SCREENED
	A porch that is screened in to protect from insects. Same items as a covered porch but now includes all wall screens and a wood screen door. The railing spindles would be log but the top and bottom rail are now square to accommodate the screen. The floor could be treated boards and screened under the boards or supplied with a treated plywood floor at the customer's option.
POST
	A vertical structural member, much like a column but typically made out of log.
POST, FLARED
	Sometimes called root base or turkey foot. A tie beam post that is cut off at or below grade as the tree grows and flares out quickly in the bottom foot or so of the post.
PRESERVATIVES
	Chemicals applied to lumber, logs, and timbers to help in the prevention of decay caused by but not limited to mold, mildew, and ultraviolet light. Some preservatives such as Borate are applied in a pressure treated bath to ensure core penetration in logs.
PRICE, BALL PARK
	A price that is based on a customer's rough plans and specifications. This is not a firm price as many assumptions are made in order to give the customer a quick first price to qualify the size and amenities in the home before we start a plan service.
PRICE, FINAL
	A price that is firm; the last price given for submission of the 10% deposit, and before entering final engineering. The customer has signed off of these drawings confirming that this is exactly the way they want the home built.
PRICE, PRELIMINARY
	A price that is firm, but allows the customer to make additional changes based on cost before entering into final engineering. Several preliminary prices can be given before the customer makes them final.
PRO
	Profile
PSL
	Parallel Strand Lumber
PT
	Pressure Treated
QL  Back To Top
	Quarter Log
Quarter Log
	A full log sawn in quarter length-wise used in conjunction with conventional framing to create the look of a full log home. Much thinner than a full log; could be 1-1/4 or 2 1/8 thick. Will be used to describe both individual logs and log wall systems.
R-VALUE  Back To Top
	A measure of the capacity of a material, such as insulation, to impede heat flow, expressed as R-11, R-20, and so on; the higher the number, the greater the resistance to heat flow; with increasing values indicating a greater capacity. R-value does not take into account the effect of thermo mass on energy efficiency as is the case in measuring full log walls energy efficiency.
RAD
	Radiata
RD
	Round
REV
	Revision
RS
	Rough Sawn
SETTLING  Back To Top
	The loss of log wall height over time. During the first two years when the majority of log wall settling takes place, a kiln dried log wall would only lose up to ½ inch in height within an 8 foot tall log wall.
SHED ROOF
	Any roof that has only one side and ends in a wall or another roof.
SHELL PACKAGE
	Shell packages vary a lot in the log home industry. Basically this type of package would not include any interior finish material and only enough exterior material to make the building weather tight and lockable. In most shells the home owner takes over as the general contractor to complete the home once the shell contractor is done.
SHIPMENT, FIRST
	The very first shipment to the home, it contains the floor system, walls and possibly the roof; depending on the size of the home. The 50% payment is always due 2 days before this shipment is loaded.
SHIPMENT, LTL
	Stands for Less Than Truckload. Small shipments that do not fill up a semi load; they are combined on a multi load shipment, stopping a many locations.
SHIPMENT, ROUGH-IN
	The shipment that would contain any one of the following items: split log, exterior doors, interior doors, overhead garage doors, T&G, Fireplace, cultured stone or windows. This could be the 2nd or 3rd loads, depending on size of the home. The 40% payment is always due 2 days before this shipment is loaded.
SM
	Smooth
SODIUM PERCARBONATE BLEACH
	Also know as Oxygen Bleach, kills mold and mildew but does not harm the wood fibers and is more environmentally friendly than household bleach.
SOFFIT
	The horizontal surface that is at the top of the wall running between the exterior wall and the edge of the roof; usually about 2' wide running completely around the home. You must look up to see it, and it contains the venting for the attic or rafters.
SPF
	Spruce/Pine/Fir
SPLINE
	A strip of material inserted into the edges of two boards, logs, timbers, etc., to make a butt joint between them. A spline is typically utilized to help stabilize the following joints such as full log corners, co-linear full log butt joints, and buck assemblies.
SQ
	Square
SQUARE FOOT
	A reference to a measurement of area 1'x1'= 1 SF, 2'x4'= 8 SF.
SS
	Structural Select
STAIN
	A discoloration in wood that may be caused by micro-organisms, water, metals, chemicals. The term also applies to materials used to impart color to wood.
STN
	Stone
SVC
	Service
SYP
	Southern Yellow Pine
T&G   Back To Top
	Stands for Tongue and Groove. Many times referring to our pine/spruce paneling, which is available unfinished or pre-finished.
T&G, WP-116
	Tongue & Groove with a bevel on both edges and a V-Groove on the center of the board. When applied the bevels are approximately 4" on center.
T&G, WP-4
	Tongue & Groove with a bevel on both edges. When applied the bevels are approximately 8" on center.
THERMAL MASS
	In the most general sense, is any material that has the capacity to store heat. When used correctly, it can significantly reduce the requirement for active heating and cooling systems and the consumption of active solar, renewable energy, and especially fossil fuel technologies. Ideal materials for thermal mass are those materials that have high specific heat, high density, and low thermal conductivity. Such materials are able to slowly store or release, relatively large quantities of heat per unit volume compared to other materials. Thermal mass should not be confused with insulation. Materials used for insulation typically have much lower thermal conductivity than materials used for thermal mass and generally do not have a high capacity to store heat. They can reduce unwanted heat transfer but are not significant sources of heat in themselves. When correctly incorporated in building construction, it can be a useful method of controlling the flow or storage of heat to maintain thermal comfort as is the case with full log homes.
TIE BEAM
	Any horizontal or vertical log member that is not run through our milling machine. This is a tree which has had the bark removed and is more rustic in shape and knot pattern than a milled beam or column. They will taper from one end to the other.
TIMELINE
	For GELH this is the expected time it will take to plan and draw the home, to price it and to get it through final engineering. A tool (and a form) you can use to move your customer towards their preferred delivery date. It shows the exact steps the customer will need to take and the expected time for each step.
TR
	Trim
TRD
	Tread
TRUCK, CURTAIN SIDE
	A truck that has a hard top and walls made of canvas. Sometimes called a soft side trailer. This is sometimes used for the first load and always for the rough-in and finish loads.
TRUCK, FLAT BED
	A truck that does not have sides or a top on it. This load will need to be covered by a tarp. Sometimes used for the first delivery, for the framing material.
TRUSS, PARALLEL CHORD
	A rigid framework of wood or steel used to support a structure. In homes they are used in the roof and/or floor systems. In this case the top and bottom cords of the truss run parallel to each other. They would be shorter than a standard or scissors truss and would not have a triangular shape.
TRUSS, SCISSORS
	Same description as standard truss, except the ceiling would be pitched to create more height, volume and visual effect. The inside ceiling would be at a lower pitch than the outside of the roof.
TRUSS, STANDARD
	A rigid framework of wood or steel used to support a structure. In homes they are used primarily in the roof or floor systems. A standard roof truss would be made of wood held together with metal plates and have a flat ceiling.
TURNKEY COST
	The total projected cost to build a home; including the package and all site and labor costs. Items not in this number are: well, septic, driveway, landscaping, appliances and the land itself. It is close to giving the customer the key; they turn it and move in.
U-FACTOR  Back To Top
	The measure of total heat flow through a window or door barrier from inside room air to outside ambient air, a lower number indicates greater insulating capacities.
UF
	Unfaced
UNO
	Unless Noted Otherwise
VERT  Back To Top
	Vertical
WINDOW, AWNING  Back To Top
	A window that has the hinges on the bottom and the top tilts inward when open can have one or multiple panels of glass.
WINDOW, CASEMENT
	A window that has the hinges on the sides and cranks out to open can have one or multiple panels of glass.
WINDOW, DIRECT SET (FIXED)
	A window that will not open, sometimes called fixed glass or a picture window. Most decorative glass units and walls are made this way.
WINDOW, DOUBLE HUNG
	A window in which both sashes slide up and/or down to open them, has a minimum of 2 panels of glass, but can come in multiples of 2 or more.
WINDOW, SLIDE BY
	A window in which one sash slides back and forth horizontally it, has a minimum of 2 panels of glass, is not typically available in multiples units.

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