Customer Reviews

The Classic Hewn-Log House: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building and Restoring

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I have several books on how to build a log cabin and I must say that this is my favorite. Why? Because this is one of the few books on the subject that you can sit down to read like a story book. It will is no wise bore you as I have seen with other books of its kind.
This book is not about modern log building (ie. the 5000sq foot home made out of logs) It is about the historical log cabin and what you need to build one. It specializes in the half-dovetail, hewn, chinked log home. It is not a extensive and exhaustive how-to manual with endless calculations and diagrams. There are other books out there for that. But, this book is very simple, straightforward, and to-the-point.
McRaven has been building these cabins for over 60 years ( more than any other log builder I have heard of ). The pictures of the stonework, hand forged hardware and the entire structural restorations really do prove that. While he points out what was authentic to history,he doesn't build with historical problems. He combines new and improved techniques with old style, antique beauty. He does a good job on explaining what to do and what not to do. He says it like,"Don't do this because years later you will have problems. But do this and your home will last longer and look better."
The chapter on chinking is a gold mine. McRaven has created an improved way to put in that long plagued chinking. The design it so simple, yet again, is built to last for generations. I would not be surprised that 100 years from now, when these structures are still standing, that this style of chinking is called,"McRaven's Chinking." This chapter alone is worth the book.
The book is an excellent choice. It is a simple read for those who do not want the exhaustive how-to manual. I highly recommend it.

The hewn-log house represents early American architecture - and author Charles McRaven has been building and restoring these houses for sixty years: he's in the perfect position to illustrate each step of the process, from building from scratch to repairs. Learn how to replace rotten logs, notch logs, use vintage logs, or handle floor joists in this step-by-step guide, loaded with black and white photos.

The reviewer entitled "hk537" must live on a different planet, (or maybe just jealous and insecure). Not only is McRaven's knowledge of building and construction with both stone and wood exemplary, but in addition, he adds his own touches of humor in the manner of old yarn storytelling. He also includes a large amount of historical information which I found to be endlessly fascinating. If someone were looking for an instructional book with "just the hard facts", be aware that this author's books go way beyond that. A wonderful, educational, and enjoyable read!

i keep very few books, but this one, i will keep. it is one of those rare gems where a true master has offered his time to share his perspectives, approaches, tactics and strategies. that is a powerful resource. i do a lot of building on my farm (windmill, root cellar, gardens, barn, etc...) and i plan on building a hewn log home. i was waiting for a construction system that would work with what we have (pacific northwest -- means douglas fur) and that would give us the results that we want. this is that gem. i found an old, heavy broad axe for 30.00 and it is unreal how easy it is to cut the flat sides. like i said, i am "fresh off the boat" on the hewn logs approach, but from the start i would say a very heavy broad axe and soft wood (e.g. cedar, fur) makes the hewing job a breeze...

I purchased and read four books about log homes, in order to to educate myself before buying a small, antique log structure. (There are several firms - some nonprofit and others for-profit - dealing in old buildings that are dismantled, then offered for sale, to be reconstructed.) This book provided me with the most, and most useful, information. It even led me to find a reliable firm that's in the antique log home sales/reconstruction business.
Other books might be better suited to someone whose intentions are to cut-down trees for logs and build from scratch, but I believe most main stream readers will find this book to be their best source of information. Also, the text is accompanied by numerous good photographs that serve to aid understanding and foster decorating ideas of particular relevance to log home living spaces.

This is a good book for someone who has prior knowledge of hewn-log work. For the beginner this book could have been a little more indepth. Lots of good information. Covers a lot of topics but none too indepth.

This book is a poor attempt. I've read pamphlets with more usable information in them. The section on Hewing is a joke, as is most all the rest of this book. Very few hints and techniques in this book, which was very disappointing. Lots of self pumping-up, not no real instruction detail. Stick to writing books about stone, Mr. McRaven and give the timber world a sigh of relief.