How to build a log House-Part 2
This article on How to build a log House-Part 2 is part of a 2 other articles on this subject of how to build a Log House from the foundation to roof in totality. On hard ground where bedrock is close to the surface, buildings usually require only a minimum foundation.
The Types of foundation generally used in a log house:
1– Pier foundation:
Its the simplest and least expensive, where concrete or flat stones are mortared or laid dry.
2– Slab Foundation:
The Slab Foundation for a home plan is, of the simple kinds of foundation where a concrete slab is used as the foundation.
3- Perimeter Foundation for a house floor :
Its made from concrete, concrete blocks, or sometimes stones. Follow the architectural Floor Plan very closely with respects to the dimensions as this will cause the finishes to look tardy, if it is not correctly followed. The ceiling lines, the tiles finishes and the wall straightness will appear tardy if the dimensions of the Log House floor plans are not strictly followed.
4- Full Basement Foundation:
This is the most complicated type of foundation, Its made of poured reinforced concrete or concrete blocks
Note: Regardless what type of foundation is chosen a proper footing is needed to be placed slightly below the frost.
How to make the foundation for a log house?
Step One: Establish the Boundaries.
1-Establish the exact outside boundaries of your home using a 2”x2” stakes, nails & a rope.
2- Make one end of each stick sharp to be able to drive it into the ground easily.
3-After placing the sticks hammer a nail into the upper center of each stake
4-Once the stakes are placed in position use a rope and connect it to the nails on top of each stake
5-Once three stakes are connected you will able to outline an approximate 90 degree between two walls.
6-Make sure that the angle between the two walls is a perfect 90 degree angle using a triangle with proportions of 3:4:5
Step Two: Erect Batter Boards:
1- The batter board is made by driving 2″x4″ stakes into the ground in an L shape around the corners
2- Nail, a 1”x4’ or 1”x6” batter board, to the stakes to create a right angle and it have to be set back at least 4 feet from the outline stakes and the height is minimum 18″
3- Make sure all batter boards have been installed on all corners at the correct height.
4- Tie weight to builder’s string and drop them over the tops of the batter boards and drop a plumb bob where the two strings cross.
5-Make sure the plumb bob falls exactly on the nail head in the corner stakes this locates the outside boundary of your foundation.
6- Use the same method to locate the inside boundary but by deducting the width of the proposed foundation.
Check out for some great and handsome architectural floor plan for Log house at:http://www.sda-architect.com
Prepared by Architect Perumal Nagapushnam