Log cabin restoration - lodge pole pine

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This home near River Falls, WI was constructed of lodge pole pine logs in the 1980's. Lodge pole pine log homes pose some unique challenges. Many of the logs used to build these homes were what we call "standing dead" trees. There was a disease that went through the
Western United States in the late 70's and 80's that killed many of these trees.

They were not desirable for paper or lumber so many of these logs ended up being marketed to the log home industry. There were vast tracks of these forests that were subject to this disease. As time went on, these "standing dead" timbers started to decay before they were even cut and used to construct log homes.

Many times, this rot was present at the time of construction. It is important to be picky about the logs used to construct a log home or cabin. While it is impossible to tell with 100% certainty 30 years later what caused the rot, it is certain that it is not desirable to use logs that have begun to decay when constructing a log home.

The other common problem we see in these homes is that they tend to "hide rot". What happens is that lodge pole logs typically rot in the core of the log first, so once it becomes noticeable that something is wrong on the surface, many times it is too late to save a given log. Often when we go to replace one log, we find additional rot in that same area in other logs.

In the this project, we replaced the rotten logs, treated the logs with a borate preservative, cleaned the building in preparation for stain and finally applied a solid stain to protect the logs.

For more in-depth information on how we restored this log building, check out the links below:

• Selecting the right finish
• Why Logs Rot
• Why we use dry cedar for replacement logs
• About us

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Edmunds & Company can repair all types of log  home problems. Contact us to find out how we do it or call our toll free number 1-877-378-4403.