Classic Hewn Log House

Description

Nothing Captures the romance of country life quite like a log cabin does - 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 nation's foremost authority on the topic. McRaven covers everything from the foundation to the chimney. 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 full-colour gallery of finished homes shows that, durable though they are, hewn-log houses are also warm, inviting, and artful homes.

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.

"...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