log cabin

[ipwnzombiez]

Does anyone know the purpose of peeling logs for a log cabin? I have been watching videos on how to make a log cabins and they all say you should peel the logs before use. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

[Murphnuge]

Just a guess, but the bark will fall off anyway. It's probably better to get rid of it before it falls off in your house. Maybe also to be sure the logs are bug free.

[mboyce]

Yep it's because of bugs, they love to live under the bark where you can't see them eat the logs up.

[Regulator]

Yep, bugs would love the bark left on. And as said above the bark will peel off anyway. You will probably lift the logs with chains and if the bark and chain slips you could break things and maybe yourself. You also need to be able to scribe lines in the logs to cut your notches, tenons etc. Easier without bark.

Your chinking will also fall out when the bark comes off. And every year or two you need to spray the exterior of your building with oil or some kind of preservative to keep the log from weather damage.

Besides peeled logs look better. You can make a peeling spud from an old shovel and I’ve seen people use a portion of leaf spring. A draw knife works well for the finer work but don’t try to use it for the entire log. I imagine that would take a very long time.

Good luck, welcome to ZS and post pics of your cabin when you’re done.

[dukman]

The bark of a tree isn't as tough as the interior. If you didn't debark them, the logs wouldn't fit together as nicely and it would be harder to seal all the drafts. Plus the bugs thing.

[ipwnzombiez]

Yep, bugs would love the bark left on. And as said above the bark will peel off anyway. You will probably lift the logs with chains and if the bark and chain slips you could break things and maybe yourself. You also need to be able to scribe lines in the logs to cut your notches, tenons etc. Easier without bark.

Your chinking will also fall out when the bark comes off. And every year or two you need to spray the exterior of your building with oil or some kind of preservative to keep the log from weather damage.

Besides peeled logs look better. You can make a peeling spud from an old shovel and I’ve seen people use a portion of leaf spring. A draw knife works well for the finer work but don’t try to use it for the entire log. I imagine that would take a very long time.

Good luck, welcome to ZS and post pics of your cabin when you’re done.

thanks for all the info . I will not be making one for a while but when I do I will be well informed I'll post pics when i'm done. Has anyone seen this guy on youtube JMEmantzel? He made a really good series of videos and he gave me the idea to eventually build a log cabin.

[quazi]

Another factor might be peeled logs drying faster/better.

[colelkhunter]

all the reasons posted are basically correct. Also you have to be able to apply some sort of stain and or sealant to most woods used in a log cabin. Peeling the logs also lets you inspect it for damage from bugs. Things you would never know without peeling. Back in the mountain man days they didn't remove the bark. The log cabins fell down after a few years. Most built the cabin and worked on it continuously hoping it would stay together for the winter. Later they realized that peeling the logs and letting them dry before assembling the house would cut out about 50 percent of the work needed to maintain one after it was built. also the ones that last the longest are the chinkless designs and designs with dovetail corners. I have researched every design out there for my own use, and decided to go earth berm passive solar instead,