Frequently Asked Questions

What's so special about Oak?

But how can anyone afford it?

Oak: myth or fact?

What's so special about Oak?

Do you like Oak furniture? How about Oak cabinetry? Flooring? Most people immediately answer “Yes!” Ask why and they usually say, “because of the beautiful color and grain and the strength and durability.” Unlike most of the woods used in the construction of log homes, Oak is a hardwood. Its rich grain and distinct warm color set it apart from the softwoods. Because of its beauty, people rarely want to stain the inside of their Oak log home. As for durability, Oak is legendary. The oldest wooden structure in the world is made from Oak. The structural beams and much of the woodwork in Europe’s finest and oldest remaining castles are made from Oak. Before metals were widely used, the greatest wooden warships in the world had hulls of Oak. For centuries, Oak barrels have carried everything from water to moonshine. In the timber frame industry, with its centuries old tradition, the durability and strength of Oak is unquestioned.

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But how can anyone afford it?

A visit to a local hardwood supplier to look at exquisite Oak moldings and cabinetry makes this a reasonable question. Buy you have to remember that such products represent the very premium that Oak has to offer. The knots and swirling grain that people find attractive in a log aren’t suitable for fine trim and cabinetry, where grain and color must be carefully matched. We are located on the edge of the Missouri Ozarks, where Oak is plentiful and there is not a large furniture industry. Combined with our buying power from the large purchases we make, this is how we can offer “The Beauty of Oak for the Price of Pine.” In fact, we also manufacture and sell pine logs, although hardly anyone takes us up on it when they can have Oak for the same price!

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Oak: myth or fact?

As you research the log home market, you may hear various comments about using Oak logs for your new home. Things such as:

Oak logs are heavy. Yes, they are. The cellular structure of the wood that causes it to be strong, durable, and insect resistant also makes the wood heavier. But do you really want a “light” home? Particularly in a high wind or tornado location? The durability and beauty of the finished Oak home far outweighs the inconvenience of heavier logs during a few days of the construction process.

Oak logs have more checks. The natural seasoning checks that occur in all wood varies from species to species in quantity and size. Oak gets smaller checks in a larger number. Softwoods typically have one major check per log that can be quite large. Our experience shows that the smaller checks are less noticeable and cause fewer potential problems from rain and other elements than large checks.

Oak logs twist and move more than pine. This is simply not true. An Oak log wall that is properly constructed will remain in place because the wood cannot pull through the connectors. Softer woods such as pine and cedar will allow the connectors (spikes, screws, etc.) to pull through the wood and allow the wood to move.

Oak logs are harder to cut. Oak is a harder wood, but it is not more difficult to cut. Oak cuts cleanly. Pine and other softwoods can “tear” as you are cutting and not give a smooth, clean cut.