The Sierra FAQ is under construction for the month of september...so keep checking back, we are fully re-writing the content!
Experience is a funny thing. When you do a big project for yourself (as we did), and are a novice (as we were), you make allot of costly mistakes (as we did)...you hope you come out alive, with a thing of beauty. You also hope that you learned a lifetime of very important lessons.
When you keep doing it over and over again over the years, through and with your clients (as we now do), you build wisdom...I define this as the ability to do it better, more efficiently with less mistakes!
"Information is free...
but knowledge is priceless!"
but knowledge is priceless!"
Experience is a funny thing. When you do a big project for yourself (as we did), and are a novice (as we were), you make allot of costly mistakes (as we did)...you hope you come out alive, with a thing of beauty. You also hope that you learned a lifetime of very important lessons.
When you keep doing it over and over again over the years, through and with your clients (as we now do), you build wisdom...I define this as the ability to do it better, more efficiently with less mistakes!
That's our goal, to help you do whatever you are planning to do with less mistakes. When we achieve this level of efficiency, it is much easier to keep your project in budget, get it done in a timely manor and actually have a good time doing it.
The best thing to do is call 800-899-0680 or email larry@sierraloghomes.com ... that conversation may make the difference!
In the mean time our "FAQ's" may be helpful.
There is allot of information. So we have broken this detailed information into categories to make it easier for you to have your questions answered.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
question - Are Sierra products made in the United States?
answer - yes, we are proud to be a "MADE IN THE USA" company... they are times we will out-source to Canada for handcrafted structures that are larger than our yard can handle (we inform our clients when we need to out-source)
question - How long has Sierra been in business (see our "About" page)?
answer - almost 20 years now... since 1992
question - Where is Sierra located, do you make the logs there and can we come visit if we want?
answer - Chico, California... and yes we make the logs here (we also have production yards on the east coast), and yes come and visit... we would love to meet you!
question - What are Sierra's hours of operation?
answer - we are open Monday - Friday from 7 am to 4 pm and by appointment on Saturdays
question - Is Sierra competitive in the market place (nation wide)?
answer - yes, we are very aggressive with our pricing and can do some amazing things that no other log home company can do (in pricing, warranty, product, and in log species)... we are hard to beat!
question - Does Sierra have a warranty and/or guarantee to offer me?
answer - yes, we have the strongest and most useful in the industry: our logs carry a "limited lifetime" & "free from defect" standard warranty, we have a "grade" & "satisfaction" guarantee... we also purchase an insurance policy of a "10 year structural" and a "3 year extended mechanical" warranty for you when you purchase a "Full log Home Package" from us... no other log home company does this!
question - How big is Sierra in terms of houses per year produced?
answer - we like to consider ourselves a "Boutique size" design & manufacturing facility (small but mighty) with very personal service... our target is no more than 50 log homes (fully developed) per year with allot of parts and siding production along side
question - Where do the raw logs come from?
answer - our standing dead spruce/lodge pole pine blanks come from both Canada and the United States (50%/50%), our Cedar is fully from the United States... all other material used is all from the Unites States
question - Does Sierra ship nation wide?
answer - yes
question - Does Sierra have representatives to help us?
answer - yes, check our "Links" page for our current list
question - Can someone from Sierra come visit our job site?
answer - yes, if we have a Sierra representative close to your project, we would love to meet you on your land
question - Does Sierra have builders we can use that can build our home?
answer - yes, we have builders around the country that we can refer you to that can provide "dry-in shells" or full "turn key" homes
question - Does Sierra design & manufacture any size home?
answer - yes, from cabins to mansions
question - Does Sierra also make conventionally framed homes with log siding and log parts?
answer - yes, if you don't want a traditional log home and you want either a conventionally framed or SIP panel home fully clad with log siding, log parts, etc... no problem, we will design and package whatever your need is
question - Does Sierra work with "owner builders"?
answer - yes, we are very sensitive to "owner builder" needs and I believe is our strongest level of service
question - Does Sierra only sell log home packages or can I buy just parts?
answer - you can buy anything you want from (1) log to a truck load of logs
question - Does Sierra make log and/or timber sidings?
answer - yes, we have probably the largest lineup of sidings available in the market in both Pine & Cedar
DESIGN & ENGINEERING QUESTIONS (see the Sierra "Design & Engineering" pages for details)
question - Does Sierra have stock floor plans?
answer - yes, we have a huge gallery of plans (see our "floor plans" page)... no matter what, we custom tailor the plans to meet all of your needs...call to receive our floor plan book of 100 designs
question - What does Sierra charge for Design & Engineering when I am going to purchase a log package?
answer - typically a 5-10% of the log package quote starts the process if we have a very defined design & log package price... if the log package price & design is rather loose and really needs to be custom developed, then we typically start with a "Design Retainer" (described next)
question - How much does it cost to start the "Design Retainer" service?
answer - we make it very inexpensive to start, the actual retainer amount is dictated by the size and intensity of the home: the average retainer for a 1800 to 2800 sq ft home is approximately $1750... retainers range from as low as $750 (typical small cabin starts) to $3500 (very large mansion style starts) (NOTE: all retainers are applied to the final engineered set of plans cost and/or final log package contracts)
question - Can I hire Sierra to just Design and Engineer my home without having to buy a log package?
answer - yes, the range of cost for the full "Design & Engineering" service is from $1.25 to $3.00 per sq ft of home, garage & carport (under roof) depending upon what state and county the project is being built in (we will give you a formal quote)... we do not charge for decks and/or porches... these contracts usually start with a "Design Retainer"
question - If I hire Sierra to custom design & engineer my log home, can I use another log home company to buy my log package from if I choose to do so?
answer - yes, when we custom design and engineer your home, we will release our copyright of the design to you... we act just like an independent designer at that time and service the plans to our full extent
question - If i have chosen a another log home company to use will Sierra design & engineer a set of plans for me to use with their package?
answer - yes (and we do this very well), when we custom design and engineer your home, we will release our copyright of the design to you... we act just like an independent designer at that time and service the plans to our full extent with a tremendous knowledge base to assist both you and the other log home company in creating a great project
question - Who designs our home?
answer - we do, all design & drafting is done at our facility
question - Can we modify the Sierra stock plans?
answer - yes, we plan on it... we see them more as a template for your home, so again we will custom tailor the plans to meet all of your needs
question - How does Sierra illustrate to us our log home design?
answer - we use 3D Photo Realistic Modeling cad software to develop your home... it is unreal! (see our "Design" page for full details and sample images)
question - How do we get these images?
answer - through the internet... we set up an online folder to organize & hold all of your images and we use email
question - Who engineers our home?
answer - an engineer we hire and manage
question - Does Sierra have an engineer to engineer our plans in my state?
answer - yes, we have engineering for all 50 states
question - Does Sierra only design log homes?
answer - no, we design all mediums of residential homes: log, timber, frame, SIP, & ICF
question - What if we hire Sierra and start with a log home but change our mind and want another type of structure?
answer - we are very easy about this, as long as it is before we engineer the home, we will convert the plans to whatever you need and engineer that for no additional fees
question - Who handles all the problems with the county when we submit the plans for a building permit?
answer - we do... we have such a complete service that takes the hassle out of county "plan check"
question - What is a county "plan check"?
answer - when a county has to review your plans for completeness, it is called a "plan check"... in certain states like California, it can be very intense
question - What is included in a Sierra set of engineered plans?
answer - allot, these are a well done set (see our "design & engineering" pages for complete descriptions)
question - How long does design take?
answer - average time is 1-4 weeks... this is a variable time length depending open a number of factors: size, shape, roof complexity and location
question - How long does it take to draft and engineer the final set of plans?
answer - approximately 2 to 6 weeks from when the design is complete
question - What if the county requires energy calculations, how is that handled?
answer - allot of the time we are taking car of that service for our clients and the cost is built into the overall plans cost
question - What if the county requires a site plan or parcel map and I don't have one?
answer - we will take care of that for you if need be (see our "site service" page under design... it is very informative of what we do and what these plans look like)
GENERAL LOG QUESTIONS
question - Does Sierra grade all of their logs... if so what is the grade?
answer - yes, we are a "Timber Products" subscriber of grading standards... all of our wall logs are graded"TP wall log 40 & better" (which is like a #2) and our beams are graded "TP premium" (which is like a #1)
question - What log species does Sierra make the logs from?
answer (west coast) - our primary log is the traditional (very dry)"standing dead" Spruce/Lodge Pole Pine log mix and we also now offer an "air dried" Inland Red Cedar log
answer (east coast) - our primary log is a kiln dried Eastern White Pine log
question - What does "standing dead" mean?
answer - the tree has died in the forest from natural occurance... then they are logged a few years later and are very dry... natural ocurrances such as: beetle infestation (primary cause) that feed on the cambien layer (soft conductive tissue) of the tree and forest fires (secondary cause)
question - What is the difference between "kiln dried" & "standing dead"?
answer - "kiln dry" is a mechanical process of pulling the moisture out of the wood usually by cooking the wood... "standing dead" is a natural process
question - Is there a quality difference between "kiln dried" & "standing dead"?
answer - structurally, no... aesthetically, possibly yes, depends upon who you ask... using a kiln to dry wood can produce less checks, but the bigger the wood the greener it will be... standing dead has more checks but is also more uniformly dry to the core do to the natural aging process
question - How does Sierra form their " Milled" log shapes especially the "Swedish Cope" logs?
answer - we use a huge machine to shape all of our milled log shapes including our "Swedish Cope" logs... the machine is very precise and creates absolute tolerances as they are produced
question - Why doesn't Sierra use a lathe to turn "Swedish Cope logs?
answer - tolerances, a lathe is not accurate and can produce logs of different sizes of which is not acceptable to our production standards... shaping a log is the only way to make all the logs the same size
LOG WALL QUESTIONS (milled Swedish Cope log)
question - Does Sierra make a "Swedish Cope" log?
answer (west coast) - yes, we make a full range of sizes: 8", 9", 10", 12" & our jumbo 13"
question - What does a "Swedish Cope" log look like?
answer - it is a round log that has a concave groove running down the length of the log so it can formally sit on the log below it
question - What are the lengths of the "Swedish Cope" logs?
answer - our standard lengths are up to 20'... they can be up to 48' if you want to have full length logs with no exposed butt joints (an expensive option)
question - Does Sierra pre-cut my "Swedish Cope" logs or are they random?
answer - we can provide either format, random lengths or the pre-cut we provide is called the "Sierra Smart Cut"... it is a very fast and friendly format (go to our log products page for a full description of our proprietary method)
question - Does Sierra make a log that is round on both sides that has a tongue & groove?
answer (west coast) - yes, we make a "Round t&g" log in a full range of sizes: 8", 9", 10", 12" & our jumbo 13"
question - What kind of corners can I get with a "Swedish Cope" and/or "Round t&g" log?
answer - we pre-cut a saddle notch corner
question - Can I have my "Swedish Cope" log hand peeled?
answer - yes, the log is naturally smooth when it comes out of our machine and we can then put a hand peeled surface on the log (this is done by hand and not by a machine)
question - How are the "Swedish Cope" logs fastened together?
answer - we engineer with (2) type of lags: the standard 1/2" lag and the self tapping fastener... in addition we also put through bolts in the log walls when engineering calls for it
question - How does Sierra deal with (2) logs coming together in a wall?
answer - this is called a "butt joint", and we provide a wooden dowel that is drilled into the splice and then caulked into place (we provide both the dowels and the caulking)
question - Does Sierra put anything in-between the logs to make them weather tight?
answer - yes, we provide the widest gasket material used in the industry... it is 2" wide x 3/8"thick gasket (closed cell foam) with an adhesive on (1) side and slick on the other... this is also used in the corners
question - Does Sierra provide any caulking material for my log home?
answer - yes, we provide the Permachink "Energy Seal" to caulk the corner notching and the butt joint splines... we can also provide it to caulk the complete home (as an option we recommend)
LOG WALL QUESTIONS (milled "D" log & "Flat/Flat" logs)
question - Does Sierra make a "D" log with a tongue & groove?
answer (west & east coast) - yes, we make a full range of sizes: 4x8, 6x8, 8x8, 6x10, 7x10, 8x10, 10x10
question - What kind of log corners do I have available to me with a "D" log?
answer - we make available 3 types: saddle notch, dove tail and butt & pass corners
question - Does Sierra make a "flat/flat" log with a tongue & groove?
answer (west & east coast) - yes, we call this our "Tuscan Timber" log and we make a full range of sizes: 4x8, 6x8, 8x8, 6x10, 7x10, 8x10, 10x10
question - What are the lengths of the "D" logs and/or the "Flat/Flat" logs?
answer - our standard lengths are up to 16'
question - What kind of log corners do I have available to me with a "Flat/Flat" log?
answer - we make available (2) types: dove tail and butt & pass corners
question - Can I have my "D" log and/or "Flat/Flat" log hand peeled and/or hand hewn?
answer - yes, the log is naturally smooth when it comes out of our machine and we can then put a hand peeled and/or hand hewn surface on the log (this is done by hand and not by a machine)
question - Does Sierra pre-cut my "D" logs and/or the "Flat/Flat" logs or are they random?
answer - we can provide either format, random lengths or the pre-cut we provide is called the "Sierra Smart Cut"... it is a very fast and friendly format (go to our log products page for a full description of our proprietary method)
question - How are the "D" logs and/or the "Flat/Flat" logs fastened together?
answer - we engineer with (2) type of lags: the standard 1/2" lag and the self tapping fastener... in addition we also put through bolts in the log walls when engineering calls for it
question - How does Sierra deal with (2) logs coming together in a wall?
answer - this is called a "butt joint", and we provide a wooden dowel that is drilled into the splice and then caulked into place (we provide both the dowels and the caulking)
question - Does Sierra put anything in-between the logs to make them weather tight?
answer - yes, we provide a gasket to be placed on the tongues... it is 5/8" wide x 1/4" thick gasket (closed cell foam) with an adhesive on (1) side and slick on the other... this is also used in the corners
question - Does Sierra provide any caulking material for my log home?
answer - yes, we provide the Permachink "Energy Seal" to caulk the corner notching and the butt joint splines... we can also provide it to caulk the complete home (an option)
LOG WALL QUESTIONS (Handcrafted Log Home style)
question - Does Sierra make a natural "Handcrafted" log home?
answer - yes, we make both style of handcrafted log homes: "chinker" style & "full scribe" style
question - What is the difference between a "chinker" style & a "full scribe" handcrafted log home?
answer - a "chinker" style log is not formally joined together and needs a chinking material to seal it up (least expensive style)... a "full scribe" style log is formally joined together with a hand cut groove running down the length of the log, does not need chinking material to seal it up... but is chinked most of the time (most expensive style)
question - What does the surface of the "Handcrafted" log look like?
answer - the log is in its natural shape, the bark is removed and the surface is fully hand peeled (by hand)
question - How does a "Handcrafted" log home get built?
answer - we pre-build the structure at our yard, dis-assemble it and put it on a truck, send it to your job site with the master log builder... and then it gets re-erected on your sub-floor (the client needs to provide the crane and the 4-5 extra workman needed to erect the home)
question - What species of log does Sierra us in their "Handcrafted" log homes?
answer - we can use any of the following (client's choice): standing dead spruce/lodge pole pine, green douglas fir, and/or green red cedar
question - Does Sierra handcraft the structure at their California yard?
answer - yes, for small to moderate log homes (up to around 3000 sq ft) yes... for larger homes and for red cedar log homes we will use our contract yards in British Columbia, Canada
question - How does Sierra fasten "Handcrafted" logs together?
answer - we use and include both "through bolts" to fasten the walls completely together and "drift pins" (steel rods in the walls for sheer)
question - What kind of corner does Sierra do for a "Handcrafted" log home?
answer - we use a fully scribed saddle notch
question - What are the lengths of the logs?
answer - our "Handcrafted" log homes have no exposed butt joints... so the logs are full length to what they need to be
The best thing to do is call 800-899-0680 or email larry@sierraloghomes.com ... that conversation may make the difference!
In the mean time our "FAQ's" may be helpful.
There is allot of information. So we have broken this detailed information into categories to make it easier for you to have your questions answered.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
question - Are Sierra products made in the United States?
answer - yes, we are proud to be a "MADE IN THE USA" company... they are times we will out-source to Canada for handcrafted structures that are larger than our yard can handle (we inform our clients when we need to out-source)
question - How long has Sierra been in business (see our "About" page)?
answer - almost 20 years now... since 1992
question - Where is Sierra located, do you make the logs there and can we come visit if we want?
answer - Chico, California... and yes we make the logs here (we also have production yards on the east coast), and yes come and visit... we would love to meet you!
question - What are Sierra's hours of operation?
answer - we are open Monday - Friday from 7 am to 4 pm and by appointment on Saturdays
question - Is Sierra competitive in the market place (nation wide)?
answer - yes, we are very aggressive with our pricing and can do some amazing things that no other log home company can do (in pricing, warranty, product, and in log species)... we are hard to beat!
question - Does Sierra have a warranty and/or guarantee to offer me?
answer - yes, we have the strongest and most useful in the industry: our logs carry a "limited lifetime" & "free from defect" standard warranty, we have a "grade" & "satisfaction" guarantee... we also purchase an insurance policy of a "10 year structural" and a "3 year extended mechanical" warranty for you when you purchase a "Full log Home Package" from us... no other log home company does this!
question - How big is Sierra in terms of houses per year produced?
answer - we like to consider ourselves a "Boutique size" design & manufacturing facility (small but mighty) with very personal service... our target is no more than 50 log homes (fully developed) per year with allot of parts and siding production along side
question - Where do the raw logs come from?
answer - our standing dead spruce/lodge pole pine blanks come from both Canada and the United States (50%/50%), our Cedar is fully from the United States... all other material used is all from the Unites States
question - Does Sierra ship nation wide?
answer - yes
question - Does Sierra have representatives to help us?
answer - yes, check our "Links" page for our current list
question - Can someone from Sierra come visit our job site?
answer - yes, if we have a Sierra representative close to your project, we would love to meet you on your land
question - Does Sierra have builders we can use that can build our home?
answer - yes, we have builders around the country that we can refer you to that can provide "dry-in shells" or full "turn key" homes
question - Does Sierra design & manufacture any size home?
answer - yes, from cabins to mansions
question - Does Sierra also make conventionally framed homes with log siding and log parts?
answer - yes, if you don't want a traditional log home and you want either a conventionally framed or SIP panel home fully clad with log siding, log parts, etc... no problem, we will design and package whatever your need is
question - Does Sierra work with "owner builders"?
answer - yes, we are very sensitive to "owner builder" needs and I believe is our strongest level of service
question - Does Sierra only sell log home packages or can I buy just parts?
answer - you can buy anything you want from (1) log to a truck load of logs
question - Does Sierra make log and/or timber sidings?
answer - yes, we have probably the largest lineup of sidings available in the market in both Pine & Cedar
DESIGN & ENGINEERING QUESTIONS (see the Sierra "Design & Engineering" pages for details)
question - Does Sierra have stock floor plans?
answer - yes, we have a huge gallery of plans (see our "floor plans" page)... no matter what, we custom tailor the plans to meet all of your needs...call to receive our floor plan book of 100 designs
question - What does Sierra charge for Design & Engineering when I am going to purchase a log package?
answer - typically a 5-10% of the log package quote starts the process if we have a very defined design & log package price... if the log package price & design is rather loose and really needs to be custom developed, then we typically start with a "Design Retainer" (described next)
question - How much does it cost to start the "Design Retainer" service?
answer - we make it very inexpensive to start, the actual retainer amount is dictated by the size and intensity of the home: the average retainer for a 1800 to 2800 sq ft home is approximately $1750... retainers range from as low as $750 (typical small cabin starts) to $3500 (very large mansion style starts) (NOTE: all retainers are applied to the final engineered set of plans cost and/or final log package contracts)
question - Can I hire Sierra to just Design and Engineer my home without having to buy a log package?
answer - yes, the range of cost for the full "Design & Engineering" service is from $1.25 to $3.00 per sq ft of home, garage & carport (under roof) depending upon what state and county the project is being built in (we will give you a formal quote)... we do not charge for decks and/or porches... these contracts usually start with a "Design Retainer"
question - If I hire Sierra to custom design & engineer my log home, can I use another log home company to buy my log package from if I choose to do so?
answer - yes, when we custom design and engineer your home, we will release our copyright of the design to you... we act just like an independent designer at that time and service the plans to our full extent
question - If i have chosen a another log home company to use will Sierra design & engineer a set of plans for me to use with their package?
answer - yes (and we do this very well), when we custom design and engineer your home, we will release our copyright of the design to you... we act just like an independent designer at that time and service the plans to our full extent with a tremendous knowledge base to assist both you and the other log home company in creating a great project
question - Who designs our home?
answer - we do, all design & drafting is done at our facility
question - Can we modify the Sierra stock plans?
answer - yes, we plan on it... we see them more as a template for your home, so again we will custom tailor the plans to meet all of your needs
question - How does Sierra illustrate to us our log home design?
answer - we use 3D Photo Realistic Modeling cad software to develop your home... it is unreal! (see our "Design" page for full details and sample images)
question - How do we get these images?
answer - through the internet... we set up an online folder to organize & hold all of your images and we use email
question - Who engineers our home?
answer - an engineer we hire and manage
question - Does Sierra have an engineer to engineer our plans in my state?
answer - yes, we have engineering for all 50 states
question - Does Sierra only design log homes?
answer - no, we design all mediums of residential homes: log, timber, frame, SIP, & ICF
question - What if we hire Sierra and start with a log home but change our mind and want another type of structure?
answer - we are very easy about this, as long as it is before we engineer the home, we will convert the plans to whatever you need and engineer that for no additional fees
question - Who handles all the problems with the county when we submit the plans for a building permit?
answer - we do... we have such a complete service that takes the hassle out of county "plan check"
question - What is a county "plan check"?
answer - when a county has to review your plans for completeness, it is called a "plan check"... in certain states like California, it can be very intense
question - What is included in a Sierra set of engineered plans?
answer - allot, these are a well done set (see our "design & engineering" pages for complete descriptions)
question - How long does design take?
answer - average time is 1-4 weeks... this is a variable time length depending open a number of factors: size, shape, roof complexity and location
question - How long does it take to draft and engineer the final set of plans?
answer - approximately 2 to 6 weeks from when the design is complete
question - What if the county requires energy calculations, how is that handled?
answer - allot of the time we are taking car of that service for our clients and the cost is built into the overall plans cost
question - What if the county requires a site plan or parcel map and I don't have one?
answer - we will take care of that for you if need be (see our "site service" page under design... it is very informative of what we do and what these plans look like)
GENERAL LOG QUESTIONS
question - Does Sierra grade all of their logs... if so what is the grade?
answer - yes, we are a "Timber Products" subscriber of grading standards... all of our wall logs are graded"TP wall log 40 & better" (which is like a #2) and our beams are graded "TP premium" (which is like a #1)
question - What log species does Sierra make the logs from?
answer (west coast) - our primary log is the traditional (very dry)"standing dead" Spruce/Lodge Pole Pine log mix and we also now offer an "air dried" Inland Red Cedar log
answer (east coast) - our primary log is a kiln dried Eastern White Pine log
question - What does "standing dead" mean?
answer - the tree has died in the forest from natural occurance... then they are logged a few years later and are very dry... natural ocurrances such as: beetle infestation (primary cause) that feed on the cambien layer (soft conductive tissue) of the tree and forest fires (secondary cause)
question - What is the difference between "kiln dried" & "standing dead"?
answer - "kiln dry" is a mechanical process of pulling the moisture out of the wood usually by cooking the wood... "standing dead" is a natural process
question - Is there a quality difference between "kiln dried" & "standing dead"?
answer - structurally, no... aesthetically, possibly yes, depends upon who you ask... using a kiln to dry wood can produce less checks, but the bigger the wood the greener it will be... standing dead has more checks but is also more uniformly dry to the core do to the natural aging process
question - How does Sierra form their " Milled" log shapes especially the "Swedish Cope" logs?
answer - we use a huge machine to shape all of our milled log shapes including our "Swedish Cope" logs... the machine is very precise and creates absolute tolerances as they are produced
question - Why doesn't Sierra use a lathe to turn "Swedish Cope logs?
answer - tolerances, a lathe is not accurate and can produce logs of different sizes of which is not acceptable to our production standards... shaping a log is the only way to make all the logs the same size
LOG WALL QUESTIONS (milled Swedish Cope log)
question - Does Sierra make a "Swedish Cope" log?
answer (west coast) - yes, we make a full range of sizes: 8", 9", 10", 12" & our jumbo 13"
question - What does a "Swedish Cope" log look like?
answer - it is a round log that has a concave groove running down the length of the log so it can formally sit on the log below it
question - What are the lengths of the "Swedish Cope" logs?
answer - our standard lengths are up to 20'... they can be up to 48' if you want to have full length logs with no exposed butt joints (an expensive option)
question - Does Sierra pre-cut my "Swedish Cope" logs or are they random?
answer - we can provide either format, random lengths or the pre-cut we provide is called the "Sierra Smart Cut"... it is a very fast and friendly format (go to our log products page for a full description of our proprietary method)
question - Does Sierra make a log that is round on both sides that has a tongue & groove?
answer (west coast) - yes, we make a "Round t&g" log in a full range of sizes: 8", 9", 10", 12" & our jumbo 13"
question - What kind of corners can I get with a "Swedish Cope" and/or "Round t&g" log?
answer - we pre-cut a saddle notch corner
question - Can I have my "Swedish Cope" log hand peeled?
answer - yes, the log is naturally smooth when it comes out of our machine and we can then put a hand peeled surface on the log (this is done by hand and not by a machine)
question - How are the "Swedish Cope" logs fastened together?
answer - we engineer with (2) type of lags: the standard 1/2" lag and the self tapping fastener... in addition we also put through bolts in the log walls when engineering calls for it
question - How does Sierra deal with (2) logs coming together in a wall?
answer - this is called a "butt joint", and we provide a wooden dowel that is drilled into the splice and then caulked into place (we provide both the dowels and the caulking)
question - Does Sierra put anything in-between the logs to make them weather tight?
answer - yes, we provide the widest gasket material used in the industry... it is 2" wide x 3/8"thick gasket (closed cell foam) with an adhesive on (1) side and slick on the other... this is also used in the corners
question - Does Sierra provide any caulking material for my log home?
answer - yes, we provide the Permachink "Energy Seal" to caulk the corner notching and the butt joint splines... we can also provide it to caulk the complete home (as an option we recommend)
LOG WALL QUESTIONS (milled "D" log & "Flat/Flat" logs)
question - Does Sierra make a "D" log with a tongue & groove?
answer (west & east coast) - yes, we make a full range of sizes: 4x8, 6x8, 8x8, 6x10, 7x10, 8x10, 10x10
question - What kind of log corners do I have available to me with a "D" log?
answer - we make available 3 types: saddle notch, dove tail and butt & pass corners
question - Does Sierra make a "flat/flat" log with a tongue & groove?
answer (west & east coast) - yes, we call this our "Tuscan Timber" log and we make a full range of sizes: 4x8, 6x8, 8x8, 6x10, 7x10, 8x10, 10x10
question - What are the lengths of the "D" logs and/or the "Flat/Flat" logs?
answer - our standard lengths are up to 16'
question - What kind of log corners do I have available to me with a "Flat/Flat" log?
answer - we make available (2) types: dove tail and butt & pass corners
question - Can I have my "D" log and/or "Flat/Flat" log hand peeled and/or hand hewn?
answer - yes, the log is naturally smooth when it comes out of our machine and we can then put a hand peeled and/or hand hewn surface on the log (this is done by hand and not by a machine)
question - Does Sierra pre-cut my "D" logs and/or the "Flat/Flat" logs or are they random?
answer - we can provide either format, random lengths or the pre-cut we provide is called the "Sierra Smart Cut"... it is a very fast and friendly format (go to our log products page for a full description of our proprietary method)
question - How are the "D" logs and/or the "Flat/Flat" logs fastened together?
answer - we engineer with (2) type of lags: the standard 1/2" lag and the self tapping fastener... in addition we also put through bolts in the log walls when engineering calls for it
question - How does Sierra deal with (2) logs coming together in a wall?
answer - this is called a "butt joint", and we provide a wooden dowel that is drilled into the splice and then caulked into place (we provide both the dowels and the caulking)
question - Does Sierra put anything in-between the logs to make them weather tight?
answer - yes, we provide a gasket to be placed on the tongues... it is 5/8" wide x 1/4" thick gasket (closed cell foam) with an adhesive on (1) side and slick on the other... this is also used in the corners
question - Does Sierra provide any caulking material for my log home?
answer - yes, we provide the Permachink "Energy Seal" to caulk the corner notching and the butt joint splines... we can also provide it to caulk the complete home (an option)
LOG WALL QUESTIONS (Handcrafted Log Home style)
question - Does Sierra make a natural "Handcrafted" log home?
answer - yes, we make both style of handcrafted log homes: "chinker" style & "full scribe" style
question - What is the difference between a "chinker" style & a "full scribe" handcrafted log home?
answer - a "chinker" style log is not formally joined together and needs a chinking material to seal it up (least expensive style)... a "full scribe" style log is formally joined together with a hand cut groove running down the length of the log, does not need chinking material to seal it up... but is chinked most of the time (most expensive style)
question - What does the surface of the "Handcrafted" log look like?
answer - the log is in its natural shape, the bark is removed and the surface is fully hand peeled (by hand)
question - How does a "Handcrafted" log home get built?
answer - we pre-build the structure at our yard, dis-assemble it and put it on a truck, send it to your job site with the master log builder... and then it gets re-erected on your sub-floor (the client needs to provide the crane and the 4-5 extra workman needed to erect the home)
question - What species of log does Sierra us in their "Handcrafted" log homes?
answer - we can use any of the following (client's choice): standing dead spruce/lodge pole pine, green douglas fir, and/or green red cedar
question - Does Sierra handcraft the structure at their California yard?
answer - yes, for small to moderate log homes (up to around 3000 sq ft) yes... for larger homes and for red cedar log homes we will use our contract yards in British Columbia, Canada
question - How does Sierra fasten "Handcrafted" logs together?
answer - we use and include both "through bolts" to fasten the walls completely together and "drift pins" (steel rods in the walls for sheer)
question - What kind of corner does Sierra do for a "Handcrafted" log home?
answer - we use a fully scribed saddle notch
question - What are the lengths of the logs?
answer - our "Handcrafted" log homes have no exposed butt joints... so the logs are full length to what they need to be
To be continued---we aren't done yet---please check back!
