Slalom Drive

Matza Residence

Scalan Project

Carter Drive

Chateau Condo

Parkforest

Upland Drive

Keystone Condo

Hunter Circle

Foster

The logs and lumber that Power River Log Cabins uses in the construction of our unique cabins is harvested in the area surrounding Summit County, Colorado. The White River National Forest surrounds Summit County and its towns.

During the mining era of the 1800′s, the forest in and around Summit County was often clear-cut of large and healthy trees. At that time, there was a more diverse forest in terms of the types of trees that flourished. The trees that provided the most dense lumber were harvested for cabins, mining shafts and other uses that required timber.

The result of the clear-cutting was an introduction of lodgepole pine trees, a pioneer species that often settles in an area after a disturbance such as clear-cutting.

Many of the lodgepole pine forests in the area are approximately 120 years old, which is considered the maximum age for such a tree. Thereafter, the trees become susceptible to insects and disease.

The mature pines have always been attacked by the Mountain Pine Beetle. However, due to the recent droughts, mild winters and warm temperatures, the insect population has reached epidemic proportions. The beetles are attacking trees that are now only 5″ in diameter.

The Mountain Pine Beetle has a one year life cycle. Pine beetles bore into trees during the summer. They burrow just below the bark and spend the winter in the tree, where they hatch about 75 eggs. The eggs mature and the new beetles “fly” out of the tree in early summer in search of a new tree to bore into.

When the beetle bores into the tree, it introduces blue stain fungal spores, which are carried on the beetle’s body. It is these spores which are believed to choke off the tree’s ability to move nutrients. The tree begins to die and the needles of the trees turn brown and fall off.

This fungus results in the characteristic blue-stain seen in the wood.

What size log cabin can you construct?

Our small log cabins can be constructed to suit your needs, but generally, they are 200 – 300 square feet in size. The usable length of the lodge pole pine is approximately 28 feet. Larger cabins are possible depending on the design.

Can a second story or level be built into the design?

Yes, log cabins can be constructed to suit your needs.

Is the blue-stained wood okay to use?

ABSOLUTELY! The structural integrity of the pine beetle, blue-stained logs is sound. The “fungus” that the pine beetle distributes when it bores into the tree creates the blue stain. The fungus dies when the tree dies, since it requires greater than 20% moisture content to survive. What remains in the dead tree is a remarkable blue stain in the wood grain, which is enhanced by construction methods that focus on the display of the blue streaks.

Where do you get the blue-stained logs?

We obtain the beetle-killed logs and lumber from local individuals, as there is an abundance of standing dead trees in Summit County. If you own land where you have standing dead trees, you may have options for using these logs, if they are large enough and in proper condition for building.

How can I use a small cabin?

Our small cabins can be used as special retreats, game room, children play areas, yoga or meditation rooms, reading rooms, guest cabin and man cabin, i.e., doghouse. A little larger cabin would make a great addition to your existing house as a master suite.

What is the difference between a handcrafted log cabin and a milled log cabin?

Handcrafters peel trees, with a drawknife, cut notches at the corners and stack these logs to create the cabin. The notches are typically round, saddle or full scribe. Powder River Log Cabins builds a chink style, reminiscent of 1800′s log cabin. A space is in between the log courses and a foam casket with synthetic chinking is applied. The chink simulates the mortar used historically but is fire resistant as well as a sealer from bug and air infiltration.

A milled log cabin is typically mass produced using machinery to produce a log product that no longer has its natural taper, the “log” has a consistent shape.

Double tongue and groove, Swedish cope, D-Log or other varieties are the common names of a milled “log”. The “logs” typically are no longer than 8 to 12′ in length and butt splices are common.

What is a butt splice?

A butt splice is where two or more logs are laid end to end to achieve a desired wall length. Butt splices can be sources of instability and bug or air-infiltration. You will see these in some building projects in Summit County and mountainous regions, unfortunately. Powder River Construction does not use this method of log building, as it is markedly inferior.