The Craft of Modular Post & Beam: Building log and timber homes affordably [Paperback]

James Mitchell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The post-and-beam method of construction, which uses a sturdy framework of logs or hewn timbers, has become increasingly popular. Builder and instructor Mitchell has developed a method of making such structures in modular sections. He takes the reader from tree to finished house, showing how to cut logs, hew them into workable sizes, and join them together. He also illustrates wall construction, making openings for windows and doors, and making foundations for differing site conditions. Although the techniques Mitchell uses are difficult, the instructions and illustrations are clear. Log construction has come a long way since Daniel Boone's time?axes have been traded for chain saws and routers?but working with logs is still heavy, dangerous work. Although safety is touched upon, it's assumed that the reader is experienced. Recommended for public libraries with extensive building collections.?Jonathan N. Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 361 pages
• Publisher: Hartley and Marks Publishers; First Edition edition (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881791318
• ISBN-13: 978-0881791310
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #601,502 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

116 of 120 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book on post and beam log construction, November 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Craft of Modular Post & Beam: Building log and timber homes affordably (Paperback)

This book may well be the "bible" of post and beam log construction. Covers in excellent detail basic to advanced post and beam design and construction. From house design, foundations, floors, walls, doors and windows, and an extensive chapter on roof design and construction. Explains log hewing with a broad axe and the use of other log shaping tools. Covers log joinery in detail. Includes hundreds of illustrations, a portfolio of color pictures of post and beam joinery, 6 appendixes, Glossary, and Bibliography.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I actually did it., June 21, 2005

By 

R. Trower (Perryville, AR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Craft of Modular Post & Beam: Building log and timber homes affordably (Paperback)

The other reviewers of this book allude to the fact that they will someday get around to using the information. I have already done it and wanted to add my comments here.

I used this book as my "bible" to construct a 24x40 log home with a porch wrapped all the way around. It took two years, but I couldn't have done it by myself without the theories and examples in this book. My joinery isn't as pretty as the ones in the book, but I used them and wooden pegs to secure all the posts and beams in the house.

I highly recommend this book to all who have their own 'library' of log home books and need some practical advice that works.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A lot of pratical information, April 5, 2009

By 

J. F. Larin (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Craft of Modular Post & Beam: Building log and timber homes affordably (Paperback)

This book covers post and beam, as opposed to timber framing. This is more a practical tip&tricks book than a design or engineering book. It starts with philosophical review of house construction and emphasizes on building cheap, using wood. It covers A LOT of subject, but not deeply. You will find in that book some joinery details, but not a lot and not complete. The focus is on how to build a modern house, as opposed to timber framers who build a classic house without metal. The author doesn't have any problem to build with metal, where and when et makes sense. He will also use wood to wood joinery, where it makes sense.

For all the steps to build a house (with his techniques) he will offer step by step instructions. By itself, I don't think there is enough details in any section to take any non-builder person and make him a builder, but it will give general knowledge for somebody who has minimal manual experience. Then there is always the time and money issue: The book philosophy is to build a house cheaply yourself, which implies a lot of time. If you fit that model, and happen to have a land with a lot of trees on it, this book is perfect for you.