A combination of skill saws and chisels are used to cut the desired notches and grooves into the logs. Cypress boards are grooved in the 4th picture before building them into a window or door frame. The 5th picture shows the groove in the outside board on the door frame and how it matches up to the groove cut into the log. That groove is being cut in the 3rd picture. The last picture shows the tongues being removed from a set log to make way for a window frame.
Unfortunately the porch joists were set on 16″ centers while i was out of town. They all had to be removed and replaced on 12″ centers. This spacing is necessary to support the Trex composite decking that will be installed near the completion of the project. The second picture shows Blue Max waterproofing was sprayed on the porch walls that were outside walls to the crawl space.
The first two pictures show the first course of logs going down. The second picture shows how the each log is notched to fit together and appear seamless as in the first picture. A 6 X 6 groove cypress post is erected in the third picture. The fourth picture shows where a key way was cut into the bottom log and a wooden key is inserted with glue to maintain alignment with the corner post. All subsequent logs are keyed and locked in accordingly.
The first two courses of logs are treated with a special borate solution that will protect the logs from termites, carpenter ants, and any other wood eating critters. This is another layer of protection/insurance over and above to the ground treatments that were done before the foundation was poured.
The logs are cut from cypress trees. As can be seen below the logs are cut predominately from the heartwood of the tree. These logs are milled into the “D” shape being round on the outside and flat on the inside. The dimensions are 6″ thick by 8″ tall. The log below is a first course log that has been milled to be flat on the bottom for maximum stability. The double tongues and grooves fit into each other on successive courses. 
Logs are stacked everywhere including our lots across the streets. In the last picture you can see two of the several large logs to span the roof on the back porch.
Two tractor trailer loads of cypress logs are delivered from the mill in Florida.
Elevation creates new views and opportunities for future landscaping after construction this Spring. I see a place for a new grapefruit tree.
The old lake house was on a slab at ground level. The new lodge will be 2+ feet above grade in the front and 5 feet at the back. Boys and girls note the opening in the second photo. This will be a great place to play and explore.
Ready for a Hoe Down! Ready for Logs. Cypress logs shipping 9/30/16. Installation to begin the following week.
Dickman Legacy Lodge 