We thought we would start off our blog with a post about prepping and staining a new log home under construction!
When the logs are delivered to the build site of your new custom log home, the first thing to remember is that it is very important to keep the logs covered and protected from the weather as much as possible until the construction on your new custom log home begins.
Unprotected logs can develop a number of issues including mildew or greying from the sun.
So, whether you are building it yourself or with the help of a contractor, keeping the logs protected until you start stacking them, will help keep you from having additional, unnecessary work down the road. Then when you are ready to clean and stain your home, the logs will look nice and new.
Prepping a New Custom Log Home for Staining
When you get ready to clean your logs, the most important thing to remember is to always follow the stain manufacturer’s recommended cleaning procedures. In addition to following proper cleaning procedures, there are two specific issues to watch for when cleaning: mildew and mill glaze.
Mildew
With mildew, even if you can’t see it, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. You want to make sure that you kill any possible mildew before you proceed with the staining.
Mill Glaze & Staining
The next culprit we run into frequently is mill glaze. Mill glaze is created when the logs are being run through the mill to be shaped, which causes the pores of the wood to be closed. Then, when the stain is applied to the logs, it will not be able to penetrate or bond with the wood. Instead, the stain lays on top of the wood, which can cause premature failure. Both of these issues, mildew and mill glaze, should be addressed before staining.
Once you have cleaned your home properly, then your logs will need to dry for several days to get the moisture content down before staining. Most stain manufacturers recommend a moisture content of 18 percent or less before applying the stain. You can monitor the moisture with a moisture meter which you can buy at most home box stores. Once your moisture content is at the right level, then you can proceed with the staining. This will insure a successful stain for your new custom log home. Once again, before you begin to stain, make sure you read the manufacturer’s recommendations and follow their instructions. Stains can be very different from one another. Different stains require different cure times, and also different temperatures that the stain can be applied at. When you begin to apply the stain, start from the bottom logs, and work your way up. This will help ensure an even stain being applied to your new custom log home. Once you have cleaned your home properly, then your logs will need to dry for several days to get the moisture content down before staining. Most stain manufacturers recommend a moisture content of 18 percent or less before applying the stain. You can monitor the moisture with a moisture meter which you can buy at most home box stores. Once your moisture content is at the right level, then you can proceed with the staining. This will insure a successful stain for your new custom log home. Once again, before you begin to stain, make sure you read the manufacturer’s recommendations and follow their instructions. Stains can be very different from one another. Different stains require different cure times, and also different temperatures that the stain can be applied at. When you begin to apply the stain, start from the bottom logs, and work your way up. This will help ensure an even stain being applied to your new custom log home.
Staining a New Log Home
You want to make sure you keep a wet edge and stain the log from one end to the other end, before starting the next log, to prevent lap marks. If you have a two or three coat stain system, make sure you know ahead of time, the cure time that is needed before you apply the next coats of stain.
2 This is an example of lap marks, caused by improper stain application.
We hope this will help to get you started on the right track with prepping and staining your log home! Sign Up today for our mailing list and stay in touch.We will have many more articles with additional information coming in the future!
More and more people are creating areas in their backyard with unique elements for personal relaxation and for entertaining family and friends for cookouts or simple get togethers. Often these outdoor spaces have aspects which have been custom-designed and constructed, such as firepits and custom log pavilions, which we do here at Peakswood and TPC. When planning the construction of a firepit, keep in mind the space that is required. When you have a lot of guests, you will want to ensure plenty of seating is available around your firepit, along with space for people to maneuver. Most firepits are usually constructed with enough room for 6 to 8 people to sit around comfortably.
Wood Burning or Gas Burning Firepits
When designing your firepit, you will need to decide whether you prefer wood burning or gas burning.
Depending on the location, sometimes gas firepits are better, due to the chance of ashes and embers reaching areas that can catch fire easily, such as any nearby fields or wooded areas. Also, wood burning firepits will require someone to cut and split the wood when you want to use it.
Designing Your Custom Log Pavilion
When you construct a custom log pavilion, your imagination will be your greatest tool to design the unique aspects that you want! Consider the amenities that you may use in the future, such as a picnic table with plenty of seating, a bar, a grill or smoker, and places to set and prepare your food. There are many design options, so that your pavilion can be designed to suit your family and friend’s specific desires.
After your backyard area has been completed, possibly with a beautiful, custom log pavilion and firepit, it’s time to enjoy the outdoors with friends! One way to enjoy your outdoor space more, is to decorate and make your space beautiful for the holidays and special get-togethers, like birthdays or anniversaries.
Making Memories Year Round
In a nutshell, you will find the investment into your outdoor space worth it, as you make countless memories with family and friends gathered in the pavilion and around the fire for years to come!
Welcome to our first blog post for TPC Restoration Blog for Log Home Restoration and Peakswood Custom Furniture!
The goal with our blog is to help and inspire future and current log home owners. We desire to equip log home enthusiasts with the knowledge necessary to make wise and informed decisions.
The TPC Restoration blog will include information about many topics including planning, designing, prepping your log home and building your dream log home, tips for log home maintenance and upkeep, pest control, and the best supplies and materials to use on your home.
A Passion for Custom Log Homes
We started TPC in 1998 with a passion for log homes, and we are proud of the accomplishments and growth of our team. Over the past 23 years, we have helped hundreds of log home owners restore and preserve their dream log homes.
We have noticed, from the hundreds of interactions with customers, the need for more information and education about caring for log homes. We desire to help meet this need with our blog.
A Passion for Custom Rustic Furniture
We have also recently expanded our business and started Peakswood Custom Furniture to help log home owners and all those who enjoy the rustic lifestyle to make the interior of their home as unique as the exterior.
We seek out the most unique types and pieces of wood to craft one- of-a-kind, handmade furniture pieces to accent the beauty and uniqueness of your home or business.
Our new office for TPC and Peakswood is a beautiful and inspiring, rustic space where we meet with customers to collaborate and design custom wood pieces for their homes. We want to help your dream home be exactly as you envision it, inside and out.
We hope you will follow our TPC Restoration blog for inspiration and information about owning a log home!
When designing your firepit, you will need to decide whether you prefer wood burning or 
When you construct a 
In a nutshell, you will find the investment into your outdoor space worth it, as you make countless memories with family and friends gathered in the pavilion and around the fire for years to come!
