Customer Reviews

Building and Restoring the Hewn Log House

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is critical book in the collection any builder/restorer should have close at hand. The knowledge McRaven shares from his vast experience is a standout among the limited sources available to the restorer. While I am using several sources for my restoration project, I have referred to this one most.

McRaven describes in detail the steps necessary to ultimately live in a log house. From acquisition through to suggestions for decoration of the interior, this book clearly outlines what is in store for a log house enthusiast. The author also provides helpful suggestions throughout the book. Preservationists, historic resource surveyors as well as people interested in living in a log house will all gain from the content of the book.

After stumbling upon a tattered copy of the earlier version of this book (now out of print) in the local library, I can only say that I called Mcraven several times LD from Germany in 1993 to check on the publish date of the revised edition. Really an excellent book- essential for the shelf of anyone with an interest in the authentic square-hewn type of cabin.

I already own a 235 year old restored log house, and in retrospect love to read of methods and ideas we applied thirty years ago when we began work on the house -- still in progress. A smaller house has become available, and, on a much smaller scale, we plan to move to move the new find and to connect it to the present house. This will provide much needed additional space and continue the tradition of restoration and rehabbing we began years ago. This book is a rich and fascinating reference. Bravo!

The best book I have found on the restoration of the traditional log home. Book shows how to restore log homes to their original appearance and even covers such issues as stonework, adding a frame addition that harmonizes with old logs, and the replacement of damaged or unuseable logs. There are a couple of shortcommings: For a book that has the word "Building" (verb)in the title, there is scanty information on the construction of roofs, and almost nothing is said about plumbing or wiring. McRaven is a purist (will not use asphalt shingles on a log home) and clearly has the knowledge,- but I came away feeling a little like the book could have gone further. Still very good in many respects. Highly recommended.