First Wall of the Second Floor Goes Up!

We’re getting ready to build the vertical, second floor, surfaces now of our log home! This is an exciting but frustrating time as the next phase will be the roof, but the frustration lies in the angles. This first wall wasn’t much of a challenge to build, but it tested my nerves when we hoisted it into place as you’ll read below.

The roof - a 12/12 pitch in the front - isn’t quite so steep in the back. Allowances have been made for full height in the second floor loft and bath areas. You may visualize the concept best by looking at the architectural plans or by waiting for photos coming up in future posts.

The shot below shows the first wall we built for the second floor of our log home. This wall only extends 2/3s of the way across the back of the house. The remaining third of the second floor will have the same rafter/roof pitch as the rest of the home - 12/12.

You’ll see the opening for the patio doors (accessible from the upper loft) and the bathroom window.

We (well, mostly Eric) built this wall laid flat on the sub-floor and then lifted it to it’s vertical position with the help of friends. Dagny Musclow, Richard Musclow, Deniz Sarac, and Eric and I. This was frightening to me - I envisioned the darn wall toppling over the sill of the top log as we hoisted, then held, the framed construction in place. Eric and Richard supported it with 2×4s and we left for the night.

I was certain that by the time we arrived back to the building site the next day it would have caught a strong breeze and kiltered over the edge. Was I wrong!