Inverse Stacking: A Builder-Friendly Approach

Inverse stacking of logs with Timberhaven’s packages provides great benefits when it comes to creating construction efficiency of your log home. This on-the-job-site methodical approach yields huge savings of time and money.

Some log home companies pre-cut home packages by using “cut sheets,” which simply list each log by length and how it is to be cut. This method dictates that logs are cut and packaged in groups according to length. There may be packs of eight-foot and shorter material in them, packs with eight-foot to twelve-foot material, packs with twelve-foot to sixteen-foot material or any combination thereof. These packs have no reference to the placement of the logs in the wall. When logs are cut this way, benefits are appreciated by the manufacturer only who gains a significant amount of labor savings. Cut sheets can be distributed to the cut line according to log lengths alone, and the crew can concentrate on packing all the eight-foot material, then all ten-foot, twelve-foot and so on. This saves manufacturer labor costs but also creates much additional labor at the job site.

Timberhaven’s method of cutting logs is quite different!

Timberhaven’s method of cutting logs is quite different in that each and every log is cut by using the actual pre-cut print as the guide. No cut sheets are utilized. Our crew can observe where the log will be located in your home, as well as what that particular log looks like. Logs are marked off on the print as they are cut. Time and time again throughout the years, this method has proved to be a great quality control tool directly related to the accuracy of the logs produced.

How do we diligently organize the logs so expertly?

We begin cutting the logs that are highest on the wall. This method of cutting the home beginning with the upper logs is the first step towards what we call inverse stacking. Simply put, by inverse stacking, the logs that are needed first will be located on the top of the bundle. While the primary goal with inverse stacking is to provide a superior service to the builder, you (the homeowner) can also reap the benefits of our work. When only a minimal amount of time is required searching for logs at the job site, the builder gets the work done more efficiently which ultimately alleviates some strain on your wallet. Plus builders that have used both pre-cut methods have reported the benefit of inverse stacking many times over.