Dunster House AVON Installation Manual page 5

How to install twisted/warped timber
Timber is a natural product and unlike extrusions made from plastic or metal is likely to twist due to the nature of the material.
Warped timber is unavoidable particularly with soft wood and is more common in longer and larger sections. Warping can occur
even once a product is packed. We have accounted for this natural quality of timber in the design of our timber products so
that the installation of twisted or warped timber is possible. It is worth bearing in mind that with all these techniques it is very
unlikely that the logs will straighten perfectly. The point is that they will straighten to the extent of allowing the cabin to be
built or the part fitted as it is intended, within the limitations of the material used.
Tips & tricks
• Avoid using warped timbers on the first layer of logs (the ones that are screwed into the bearers). If the first 'half log'
is warped then use clamps and additional screws to straighten and fix it onto the bearers.
• Use warped timbers lower down in the cabin rather than higher up, it is easier to manipulate them lower down in the
wall. Once manipulated into position the weight of the cabin will then help to keep them straight.
• Twisted bearers - use the most twisted for the end bearers which are doubled up and screwed together. Place the
twists so they counteract each other, use additional screws to fix together to help straighten out the timber. The first
'half logs' are then fixed onto the double bearers aiding the straightening out process coupled with the weight of a built
cabin.
• Top logs - as these logs are angled they need to be fitted at the top. When sorting your logs for assembly, check these
logs. Wet and weight them from the start of assembly to give them a chance to straighten. To fit the roof boards onto
a warped top log, you can temporarily screw the top log to the log below. Use a spare piece of timber screwed to the
side of both logs to help keep the warped log in position. Keep the spare piece of timber screwed in position whilst you
fit the roof and remove once the roof is completed.
• A rubber mallet and hitting block (packing piece or off cut of timber) can be used to help warped logs into position. Start
with engaging the notches at one end and work along the length of the log. Hit from the side towards the tongue and
then down onto the timber to gently engage the notches of both logs together. Work your way along the length of the
log knocking it down into place. Be careful not to damage the tongue or notches.
• Wet, weight and wait! - Lay the timber out on a flat and level surface. Wet and weight by applying heavy objects to flatten
the timber. Wet the timber but not to the point of saturation, using a spray bottle is best. This may take several days
however it is not uncommon to see results after 24 hours.
• Clamps - Use two clamps as handles, one at each end of the log with blocks of wood to protect both sides of the timber
from the clamp grips, and twist the timber to near vertical whilst lowering it into the notches of the wall sections below.
A rubber mallet and hitting block can be used to ease the log into the tongue and notches of the log below. Start at one
end and work your way along the length of the log. Be careful not to damage the tongues or notches.
• Remember there are spare logs in the pack and they can be cut down if needed to create a smaller length log.
General build Summary
Use the QR code on the front page of this manual to link to construction videos
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Prepare a level and stable load bearing basePrepare a level and stable load bearing base
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Lay out the bearers - checking they are square
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Fix the bottom wall logs into position - checking they are square
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Build the walls to 6-7 logs high for the doors and 9-10 for the windows
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Slide the door frame and windows into position when the above wall heights are achieved
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Continue to build the walls up to their full height - checking they are square
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Slot in the purlins and screw them into position
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Fit the roof boards and edge reinforcement
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Fit the optional roof insulation
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Lay the felt or shingles on the roof as instructed
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Fit fascias, wind braces, eaves and finials
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Adjust and secure the door and window frames
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Fit the optional floor insulation
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Fix the floor boards and floor trims
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Install the storm braces in their correct positions
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If you are installing an optional door and/or window, cut out their apertures
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Install and adjust the additional door and/or window
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Apply any wood treatment / preservative
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Install the optional guttering
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Page 5