Tongue and Groove Decling

• The most common type of ceilings in log homes today is a vaulted design using 1 x 6 inch tongue and groove pine decking. This is installed using many different framing methods such as dimensional lumber over beam or standard truss framing. The finish is normally sealed with a clear gloss or satin finish. Wiring considerations must be made for lighting. For example, the wiring paths for hanging lights need to go through beams and have electrical boxes mounted inside the bottom of the beam, which can be difficult. Can lights with brass or brushed nickel trim rings are easily installed in this type of ceiling and provide efficient lighting.
  
  

Beam and Deck

• The beam and deck roof structure is built with a main center beam using glue lam or rough sawn beams. Dimensional lumber or truss joists are installed over the beam or timbers are attached from the beam to the walls. Fiberglass bats or blown-in insulation is installed in these spaces and a plastic vapor barrier is installed. The pine decking is laid horizontally across the structure and terminates at the beam on each side, leaving it exposed. The surface is normally finished using a clear sealer or varnish. Hanging fans and can lights are popular lighting methods for this type of ceiling.
  
  

Vaulted Log Purlins

• Log purlins are very large diameter logs used for spanning from side to side of a house. In this method, several log purlins support the main structure and load of the roof. The logs are normally laid in a horizontal position and the roof structure built on top of them. Insulation and vapor barriers are installed just like the beam method only the decking is laid vertically between the purlins. In order to install the roof this way, 1 x 2 inch furring strips are installed vertically across the roof structure, and decking is nailed to this framework. Furring strips are dimensional framing material made from Douglas fir and are usually 8 feet in length. Again, hanging light fans and can lighting are normally found in this type of roof.
  
  

Main Floor Ceilings

• Regular height ceilings such as bedrooms and baths under loft areas are built by using log purlins from side to side. Tongue and groove 2 x 6 inch decking is used over the purlins, which gives the added strength needed to support the floor for the second story. An overlayment of OSB--commonly referred to as wafer board--is normally installed on top of this decking, and flooring surfaces are then installed over it.
  
  

Drywall

• Normal drywall can be installed in place of decking and can be smooth or textured. A heavy trowel texture is commonly found when using this method with log homes. The drywall can be applied in place of 1 x 6 inch decking and also can be used with a regular truss building system.