From the category archives:

Log Home Chinking

When one thinks of log homes they tend to think of men. Rugged men, strapping men, men of field and forest, strong and solid. Men take these timbers and toil to construct. Their brawn provides them the leverage and strength to hoist these heavy loads, cut, chop, heave and hoe. Men are good at these things there is little doubt however, when it comes to chinking it takes a woman’s touch.

It is often stated that men are better at those manly things like building and that women are better at refining the thing that the man built into a home. Well guys, I may touch a nerve but I must tell you – women are better at log home chinking than men. And here are five reasons why:

[click to continue…]

3 comments

This short video shows some of the chinking work being done here at the lodge.

3 comments

Log Home Chinking: White Interior Chinking and Recipe

While the snow is falling outside I’m working on repairing chinking inside the lodge.
Most of the chinking throughout the lodge is in great shape however there are a few spots here and there that are in need of attention. Some areas are simply cosmetic repairs and other areas are in need of being [...]

Read more →

Log Home Chinking: A Reader’s Amazing Work

A reader of Bearfort Lodge recently sent me this wonderful email and photos of their beautiful work – Stunning! – Here is their email and photos.
Hi there! Using your mortar mix suggestions and simple steps, laid back attitude, and easy tofollow article – we have finally re-chinked the logs under our porch! [...]

Read more →

Log Home Chinking: Using a Pastry Bag to Fill the Gaps

Perched atop a a 40′ ladder is not my idea of fun when it comes to chinking but you do what you have to do. Im not afraid of heights by any means – its just an awkward place to work.
A section of chinking was found to be loose way atop the north face. [...]

Read more →

Log Home Chinking: Video

I came across this video of a couple of guys chinking a log home using traditional mortar chinking.

Read more →

Log Home Maintenance: Preparation for Winter – Inspect Your Chinking Before the Cold Weather Arrives

Here we are nearing the end of August. Autumn is approaching quickly and winter is not far behind sothis is the time in which log cabin owners should begin the late season inspection of logs and chinking.
Let’s focus on the chinking for now.
Late summer is a great time to do a final inspection of your [...]

Read more →

Log Home Chinking: A Reader’s Question on Chinking – Dear Brian

Recently a reader asked a question about chinking a hand hewn log home:
Am trying to figure out what is best to seal between logs [our log home is 100+ yrs. old.]. Most important consideration is keeping rodents out. .. Am sealing from the inside because clapboards are still outside. How can I apply mortar without [...]

Read more →

Log Home Chinking: Chinking Recipe Update

I have been flooded with email asking for a recipe for chinking which tells me that the season is well underway. Here is a quick link to the previous post on the chinking. The recipe shown on that post is the same material that is used here at the lodge.
Some readers have asked if the [...]

Read more →

Log Home Chinking: The Season Begins

I have been away for a while.
Now that the weather is, for the most part, staying consistently warm it is time to continue with re-chinking exterior of the lodge.
Over the past several days I have taken an inspection walk around the outside and examined chinking. The original chinking is still intact however there [...]

Read more →