That's a lot of Oak! 45,000 Pounds of it to be more accurate!

Max and Nathan remove some forms from the patio footings.

Now we see some logs starting to go up.

Still more forms... trust me, the patio will be worth the effort!

There sure are a lot of footings! So, no one should be scared to walk of the patio!

Foreman Rob shows Chris how to countersink the holes that are necissary for the anchor bolts.

Chris didn't need much help getting after it. He is a truly quick study!

Nathan takes over on the forms. When doing this job, a "never say die" attitude is a must!

Rob applying sealant between layers. This will help the store remain draft free.

You're starting to understand how much work goes into removing these forms.

Chris punches the spikes down so they won't sieze the logs as they shrink.

Rob and Max figuring out what is next on the agenda. There is never a shortage of work, but if you do it out of order it will cost you big time.

The first full course of logs is up. One down, eight more to go!

It seems like shuffling logs is half of the job. I can't imagine doing this without some sort of power equipment.

The guys like hiking to the back of the property during lunch. It's absolutely beautiful back there.

Little critters are everywhere. This harmless snake caught the guys interest.

The corners are critical. If they aren't square the rest of the building doesn't have a chance.

Chris and Nathan countersink, and prepare the the lag bolts.

Max and his Dad Craig replace the bit in order to screw more lags into place.

Unfortunately, we kept breaking the retaining screw on this heavy duty drill. Craig had to keep going into town to get more.

Rob and Craig discuss the plans.

Max changes out yet another retaining screw.

Max continues working while Rob and Craig discuss the grand design.

Don't be fooled Rob can work circles around all of us. He knows what he's doing, and he's done it all multiple times.

Max changes drills hoping for better luck and fewer interuptions.

It seems to have worked, that new drill makes quick work of the 18' lags. Screwing those lags into place will earn you serious man points.

Have you figured out what Nathan is doing? No? Then you haven't been paying attention.

Sometimes screwing in a lag is a two person job!

Max shows Dad how to countersink.

Craig is a supervisor at heart.

Must be near the end of the day, the guys are looking tired.

"I once caught a fish that was thiiis long!"

"Did you use a spear?"

Back to work boys, let's get some logs in place! These logs were pretty much the heaviest thing I've ever lifted. Other than a Volkswagen.

Measure twice cut once. There are only enough logs to build this thing once.

Even the easiest "kit" log home takes a lot of refining and cutting.

Notches for fixtures and outlets, not to mention that they are only rough cut to length.

Max makes sure that the countersink is deep enough.

Max demonstrates his skill with the coutersink drill. Very impressive indeed.

Chris wistling Dixie.

Rob cores out a large hole to run electrical conduit through. The store is only going to look rustic, we still will have electricity!

Chris explains the finer points of cutting a runner that has stringers on the sides.

Nathen (finaly done with the forms) caulks a log.

This picture was taken about one second before Nathan found out how heavy the logs are. You can tell because he's still smiling!

Nathan is happy to be caulking, trust us it's better than breaking forms off of the footings!

Max fits a stringer into place. Craig runs quality control.

Rob offers advice on how to continiue.

Rob shows Max how to make sure the corners are square. Max became an expert at this.

Max punches the spikes down. This is driving a nail down almost half an inch into the wood!

Rob shows Craig how to set a lag.

The guys hang out for a moment. Enjoying watching the more seasoned guys work.

As the project progresses the trash pile gets bigger. Out with the old in with the new!

The corners are starting to come together.

A lot of lumber sitting on deck waiting for the guys to put it in place.

The cornes are the most time consuming. Like I said, if they aren't square then everything else is in trouble. Makes sense to take time on them.

The worst seat in the house. Putting lags in the corners.

Looks almost peaceful. So much work left to be done.

Max and Nathan gut out the interior of the old house.

The interior wasn't much to look at before. At least now there is hope.

The interior will become storage for the store goods.

Topside is still going, even with Max and Nathan below.

Rob and Max hammer spikes into place.

It takes a lot of spikes!

Teamwork makes the job go faster!

There is still alot of wood left to go up.

Max and Nathan man handle a log up to the work zone. Nathan has no delusions of lightness this time.

Going up those two steps is like leg pressing a car.

Getting ready to call it a day.

Craig gets down to business with the lags.

Three more to go, then we'll call it a day.