Cutting a Giant Hole in My Log Cabin

The time has come to finally cut out the door opening. After a lot of measuring and procrastinating I decided to use a standard 80" tall door instead of the taller 8' door. The heaviest part of the roof structure is directly above the door and the taller door would weaken the structure in my opinion. Better safe than sorry !!
About Me.
In 2018 I decided to stop working for someone else full time and pursue my dream of building my log home and starting a small farm in the Ozark mountains. It's a dream that I have had and have been working towards for over 20 years, and due to life changes and unexpected events, I decided to make a leap of faith. This journey will not be without its challenges and setbacks, but I will continue to push forward each and every day to make this dream a reality. I try to upload videos 3 days a week but working mostly alone I am always pressed for time.
You can also follow me on other social media as well.
/ hickory-ridge-farmer-p...
/ hickoryridgehomestead
Some things I use in making these videos.
Arbortech TURBO PLANE amzn.to/33HsovB
Canon T6I amzn.to/2P4Pbfz
Canon 16-35 lens amzn.to/2quTkBq
Gopro amzn.to/2LfTLXk
Gimbal amzn.to/2Y6U8c2
Ways to contact me:
[e-mail]
Hickory Ridge Homestead
PO Box 56
Dennard Ar. 72629

[@bradleyschneider3871]

I liked how you little electric chain saw works nice job..if it weren't for me watching your videos I would not have bought one,you should have sponsors just saying...I had a partial tree go down this summer and didn't want to buy a gad one and bought an electric one I was worried it wouldn't do the job but it did and also cut down a small apple tree and still haven't sharpened the blade yet...one other comment I've worked with wood and steel you know exactly what you're next step is gonna be in the build, this is a massive structure for one man to build I enjoy every part of the build even if you're planting the garden or watering the pigs.my hats off to you....go big or go home!!

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

The power of these electric chainsaws is pretty impressive. They are very light and do a great job for what I use it for.

[@j.m.7056]

What a fabulous entrance this will be. Good call to enlarge and install sidelights too!

[@johnmcnichol8330]

Your porch looks great. Keep up the good work. You seem 2 hv a beautiful spot.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

thank you

[@SpringRiverHollar]

Your confidence with your tools and knowledge is amazing to me . Your doing things I can only imagine . I hope you have a nice day and stay warm..

[@DebbiesHomeplace]

Totally see the reasoning in not doing the bigger door, as you said you just walk in and out of it. This one step checked off is a big one. Hello inside! Nice work Stephen! The big snow storm youre getting will be here Sunday night into Monday morning, I'm stoked. Stay warm....

[@sarahbrewer8945]

Fantastic progress!

[@shelleyyates6855]

Hi there, I'm really enjoying following your progress on your beautiful log home, you're doing a great job and you don't let anything phase you, well done, big warm hugs sent your way x

[@denisemacdonald2062]

Door cut and braced...another milestone passed on this amazing journey!!! So inspirational for me to get my little projects completed around my house!!! 😁

[@nageshwarjadhav]

looking great

[@glorialeach7301]

Wow!!! Awesome!!! I was holding my breath through parts of this video 😳🤓👍

[@maryallen6334]

Coming along beautifully. Once you get your floor joists in and some flooring to walk on, it will be much easier to work. It's going to be great. I can just see you taking a break on that lovely verandah in a few months time.

[@glg3945]

Good on ya Steve!!! It is really looking awesome. Stay safe and Peace and Good Fortune to you and yours.

[@rstephe]

Good call on the door. Function and support first. I liked the comment, "I Don't care. You walk in and out of it." Well said.

[@dragonflyhill5748]

Looks great

[@karinb57]

It's looking so good. It is so impressive, all the work you do alone. Don't lose faith, when it is finished you'll be so proud of the result. It'll be a work of art, a legacy and an amazing home for who ever gets to live in it. It was kinda thrilling to see you cut those logs. Almost like the point of no return. Proud of you.

[@DisabilityPCTech]

When I run into re-bar I always use an angle grinder with cut-off wheels. You make these projects look easy - Total craftsmanship

[@paintitblack6728]

Loving every minute of it !

[@mbsloop1272]

OMG, my heart rate went up just before you started cutting. I know you've waited a long time to cut that door, kinda like opening a new chapter in your book!! To bad there are not any young people there working as apprentices learning how to do something worth while. I'm glad you are at least recording it. Someone could always watch videos on 'how to build a cabin'. Great job.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Thank you. It has been a long time coming.

[@thelyingscotsman7993]

The porch and door are going to be awesome.

[@sandravanlankvelt7975]

are your sure you are not lying there Scotsman? joking with you LOL

[@jerylynbean7634]

This was amazing to watch, for me on mute, but a great job! Now enter the amazing world of Stephen's home, a creation in progress, and we are invited along to enjoy your vision. This will be a winter series to not miss!

[@sianbentley1527]

😂. As you said. A door is just a door. You go in and out of it. Now the windows they are another thing. They are what you and your family will view for years to come. They are more important. From the UK. 💕

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

I will have plenty of windows for sure.

[@judysetran9198]

You are really coming along on your project. when my dad built his second house he also built custom doors because he was tired of hitting his knuckles moving furniture in and out..thank you for sharing you journey

[@beautifuljennlim-mao5325]

Looking good!

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

thank you

[@Toby-fp1nf]

If Germany only had enough space for projects like this, i'd long have started out. But it's just too crowded 'round here and just about every sqaure inch of land is either in private or public posession and just about impossible to purchase. And I haven't even factored in the absurd mountain of German paperwork, permits, re-permits, objections, plan approvals, audits and re-audits. It's MINDBLOWING.... You, Sir, are doing a great job and you just got yourself a brand new subscriber. Cheers!

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Thank you so much. I'm sorry to hear about all the regulations. Its the same way in some part of the US as well.

[@АлександрСемочкин-ц8й]

приезжай в Россию, здесь к белым людям хорошо относятся, особенно если они своим трудом всего добиваются, а земли у нас хватит для трудолюбивых людей! Но мы не любим черных и сексуальные меньшинства!

[@gregganderson1454]

Looks very solid.

[@loisaustin6200]

A Magnificent Obsession. Can't wait to see it when you're finished, I know it is going to be a beauty.

[@PlanetMojo]

I know the feeling of 'making that cut' -- Like cutting a big expensive header to length or anything else the there is no going back! Congratulations on a successful hole!

[@lukewarm2075]

Wow this house will be around for a long time great build

[@donnadonahoe9044]

You have put so much hard work into your place .This is pretty exciting getting into the inside. I loved some of the camera angles on this video..the first log dropping inside and when ou cut the large board for the header.

[@johnpiegzik298]

NOW THATS A HOLE!!! Looking more and more like a door!

[@edwardweisenburg6585]

Niiiicccceee. Awesome....

[@genegoodman5233]

Well I just found your site, so now I start catching up

[@nightsong28540]

Another job nicely done, even though a little scary but you did it. Yep, better safe than sorry...seeing a wide opening for the door are you having/doing a sidelight on each side of the door? Me, personally I'd suggest not having one on the hinge side of the door....unless you have a wide support board (forgot what they're called) for the hinges to screw into....my front door sags so was going to get longer screws to secure the top hinge better....oopppsss, no can do as the board is only 1 inch thick and longer screws would just go into the sidelight....just thought I'd let you know the problem I have so you can avoid it....enjoy watching you build, brings back memories of hubby and me building our log cabin...stay safe, be careful and stay warm.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

The door I'm using has the sidelights on each side. It is a heavy construction door so I hope I don't have any issues with it.

[@valeriesmith9639]

Looked wider while working on it, but it looks great! Now, for those floor joists! 😃

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

The finished door area is 80" tall and 64" wide. It has skylights on the sides

[@normandesrosiers3737]

Frost class👍

[@denaredford6701]

Super door ,you won’t have any problem moving in .

[@suenorton873]

That has to feel good!

[@jeremyb.1977]

I just stumbled across your channel and cabin build. It looks like you are doing a fine job so far. Looking forward to watching the progress. - Jeremy

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

thank you

[@colleenepage]

Amazing the strength of a knot.

[@ralphtaylor3796]

dude, one job at a time, gets or done.looking good so far.

[@fred-san]

just discover yü channel cool, and big job... have fun, good winter...

[@mmanut]

I like it. Sounds like you have a plan. Hard work throwing around those heavy timbers, WORK SAFE, Getting it closed in and weather tite will be Huge‼️👍👍. Vinny 🇺🇸

[@roypaulcarter4654]

Very nice I like it.

[@davidturney9813]

Keep Kicking looking good

[@jerreyhiatte7644]

great job also my heart rate went up glad that is done

[@cint4347]

Impressive!!!!!!!!!

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

thank you

[@carrollthim8460]

look like house going good like waching door going in lote work doing fine god bless you&all

[@jessieleonard8398]

When are you going to have another video of the cabin

[@mountainviews5025]

Awesome

[@estellaknox4488]

Good morning everyone trying to tell you how to cut ,where to put when to cut but you know what you want ,and how you want it done, I love watching your videos I stroll through to see if one posted but love what you doing, and how you doing it great progress. Happy Holidays

[@alejandroseoane2836]

buen trabajo. un saludo desde España-

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Muchas gracias

[@madampolo]

Those were some really strong boards you put in. Those logs aren't going anywhere. I also think you were so smart to put in the wires for that light switch now.

[@virginiareid5336]

I am still very impressed with the way you figure things out. So far, everything you have done with your structures has worked out wonderfully. If I may, what kind of chinking will you be using between the logs (if you have decided that yet). Send me some of the snow over to the NE Arkansas corner, please. So nice to see you at Papa Pepper's birthday party.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Papa pepper is a great guy with a wonderful family. I will be using a motor type chinking between the logs.

[@virginiareid5336]

Hickory Ridge Homestead , Thank you.

[@stevepark9308]

Looking to add a door, along with glass windows on my log home. Could you share the dimensions of the wood used to frame your door? I have support concerns once the hole is cut out.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

My door and window bucks are 4x12”. Put the one across the top first and then the ones on the side and fit them as tight as you can.

[@stevepark9308]

@@hickoryridgehomestead9177 Thanks for the advice. Great job in assisting those of us requiring guidance.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

@@stevepark9308 I try to help whenever I can.

[@helenahelena4456]

Inscrita do Brasil. 👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@gr8jpn]

4:30 starts the public safety demonstration on how to jerk on your pinched chain saw (leads to occasional chain breaks) and then leads into how to use the tip of your chainsaw as a hammer or pushing device (both uses are good for bending the bar or damaging bar tip sprocket). Geez...

[@janetcutler9539]

I agree a door is a door and as long as it function's it's doing the job. Are you going to have 2 levels in the cabin maybe bedrooms upstairs? It looks like you would have enough space to do it.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

There will be 2 bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs.

[@terryduprie6313]

Great video. Curious as to what model Skilsaw that is you used? Thanks.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

It’s the skillsaw Bigfoot saw. It’s a pretty good saw for the money. If you need some bigger you can get the Makita or a prazi beam saw

[@terryduprie6313]

@@hickoryridgehomestead9177 Thank you; I will check them out.

[@CCRider5312]

I just came over from Bobblehead to check out your channel & I liked what I saw so I subscribed to your channel ! 😁👍 Just love the whole Cabin homestead project in the Ozark’s ! Very Cool & interesting. Think I’ll hang around if you don’t mind?

[@lilstepnoel]

This is amazing to watch.

[@bettinah.7429]

I can imagine this was an exciting moment. It looks great I can already imagine the door and windows. This will be such a beautiful home! Now you can walk through and say “honey I’m home”. Well maybe not quite or you will be saying it as you fall through to the ground. 😉

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

😂😂

[@Qcoin-qi7qy]

Hey nice video i have been meaning to put a small window on my cabin but i'm scared the logs will roll off your logs are way wider then mine and they didn't move an inch the local cabin builder in my area wants 500$ just to cut a hole in my cabin. i think you've given me the confidents to do this myself. i know your time is limited but any further advice wound be greatly appreciated. thanks Carlos

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

My logs are pined in place and cant move. That is why they didn't roll off. If you cut yours out be sure that they cant move anywhere, even if you have to attach boards to hold everything in place until you are finished. Also use heavy window bucks. Mine are 4"x10". That will stop any settling. Use a lag bolt through the window buck directly into the center of each log to stop the ends of the logs from moving. Also don't forget to add the thickness of the window bucks to the rough opening dimensions . I hope that helps.

[@Qcoin-qi7qy]

@@hickoryridgehomestead9177 thanks that was very helpful here is a link to my cabin if your interested....kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp2uc5uFpbChrq8

[@jase5415]

What kind of chinking are you gonna use..making your own mix?

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Making my own. Its a simple mortar mix with a little plasticiser in it for flexibility.

[@sandravanlankvelt7975]

WOW nice job on that opening. Bet you are glad that's over huh? LOLOL It's going to be awesome. Gable ends soon???

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

That is the plan. Im going to work on getting a floor in it and then start on the gables

[@colleenepage]

Stair steps (or something) made from the door log cut outs, would be kind of cool (conversationally interesting)?

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

I thought the same thing.

[@beautifuljennlim-mao5325]

And laying some big rocks and flowers beside the stairs would be awesome too! 😘

[@AfterTheRains]

I could almost hear before your first cut - well, here goes... It was interesting to see the different diameters in the logs from that angle. Incidentally, if you ever want a cleaning job. 😃

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

I actually said that..lol

[@Clothis64]

The chainsaw, a good way to get into your log cabin if you lost the keys 👍🤪

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

😂😂

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

Are your wall logs completely dry?

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

About as dry as they are going to get. They were cut 4 years ago

[@brendavaughn9654]

You must allow for settling around all windows and doors , at tops.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Not with this building method you don’t . This house had moved about all it’s going to.

[@jeremymtz360]

Are you going to put logs in the gable ends or stick frame it?

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

stick frame it.

[@lindanwfirefighter4973]

WOOOOOOT! That’s awesome. However in log cabins the bottom logs you should have only cut half off. The bottom of doors and windows you cut half off and the tops of them you also just cut half off. This way it acts like headers.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

There is a log still on the bottom that I have to cut into .

[@cabindoc1]

I haven’t been following you from day one, but should you have allowed for settlement when installing your door bucks? Seems like those log walls are going to drop several inches, no?

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

They wont move. With this style of building system there are no settling issues. Good question

[@corydriver7634]

Hickory Ridge Homestead how could there not be settling? Could you explain in more detail or point me in the direction of one of your videos where you’ve already discussed this?

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Cory Driver the logs are set directly on top of each other and are pinned using 1/2 rebar like 24” spikes every 2’. This is actually a very common practice with this style of building and has been done this way for decades. On the door bucks, there is a 1/2 lag bolt that is 12” long that is screwed into the center of each log to prevent any movement around doors and windows. It’s actually very strong . There will be a very minimum amount of shrinking once the house is finished and goes dries out completely with it being heated and cooled but it’s very minimal and sometimes is completely unnoticed . I hope that helps.

[@corydriver7634]

Hickory Ridge Homestead yes that does help, thank you.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

DEF LEPPARD - Lover the chinking will be a mortar mix but I haven’t decided on color yet. There really isn’t much more maintenance than a stick built home.

[@tykellerman6384]

Just a tip for next time on installing your header take two 2x6 shorter than the thickness of your header, angle the 2 x6 set the header on top of the 2x6 pound the 2x6 inboard raising the header to the desired height fasten done. 🤠👍🔨 love what your doing you’ll be an iron man when your done.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

great idea

[@jeanmarcdanielou410]

Bon boulot

[@Eric-yt7fp]

This was in my recommendations, havent seen previous videos. Any reason you didn't fit the logs together to minimize gaps between them?

[@wontsay7923]

Are you a member of The Log Home Builders Association? Looks like a Skip Ellsworth style house.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Yes sir I am, and it is a Skip Style house.

[@wontsay7923]

Awesome! A butt and pass, pin to center, alternating tapers. Love the style. Been on their website for 15 years, but still haven't taken the class...

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

@@wontsay7923 I took the class years ago. There are a lot of houses being built over on the members side.

[@mbsloop1272]

Hey, Don't forget to Smile:):). You should be elated, I know there are those of us watching that are!! This is so exciting............ok so maybe I've live in the woods too long, not.:):)

[@kmarchman1047]

I'm not sure but I don't think using a chainsaw overhead and also not wearing safety glasses is OSHA approved.😂😂😂Looks great! I know you've been looking forward to this day.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Thank you and yes I have.

[@bobbycamp8515]

What u going to do when cabin settles down 2 inches.plan ahead

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Its not going to settle down 2 inches. I did plan ahead

[@beenebb]

SUPPER

[@Bunefoo401]

I didn’t realize that there were so few logs above the door. Makes much more sense to stick with regular size door. Must feel amazing to say “Another one ticked off the list”

[@lukewarm2075]

Same you need a buffer

[@robertgonzalez8419]

It’s looking good but what are you gonna do when it starts to settle you didn’t leave any leeway on top for when the logs settle it’s probably going to whack things out in a couple years be safe God bless

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

There isnt any settling issues around doors and windows with style of house. Thats more with the milled log kit style house. I have worked on those as well and with those you do have to consider settling

[@robertgonzalez8419]

I’m glad I wouldn’t want to have to deal with any issues with all that hard work you do be safe God bless

[@fancybrooks3156]

"Another one checked off the list."

[@archieball3770]

459 another DAMN good video what else can I say

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

thank you

[@JF-fx2qv]

My friend; I know you know better, it's worth the time and effort to use PPE. Even if it takes longer to don your PPE than using it for the task at hand. The cumulative damage is not worth banking. Yeah, yeah, last thing you want is someone pointing it out. Tinnitus due to damage is avoidable. Who wants to enjoy the fruits of their labor with constant ringing in your ears .... can drive you mad. I like the "beefy" build of the door frame and that it's oversized. I wonder; is there a concern for future settling of logs? Or do you have the logs fixed?

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

all the logs are fixed in place and settling isn't really an issue. It has settled about all its going to. I will get a little shrinkage when I heat the house but it will be very little.

[@JF-fx2qv]

@@hickoryridgehomestead9177 Thanks for the response. This is going to be a nice cabin.

[@timsatori]

I know it's a log cabin but you should still a header board for a door way

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

It doesn't need it. It has a 4"x10" above that is bolted in through 2 logs above and sitting directly on a 4"x10" on each end that is bolted into the center of each log.

[@oldoldpilgrim7898]

Standard is good, custom is an expensive pain.

[@simpleman4059]

hello brother:im not in a position to subscribe : however i do enjoy watching your around your place,youve a nice piece of property,thumbs up

[@johnmarquardt1991]

Another momentous day. Smaller goals on the way to the larger goal.

[@linhho70]

✌️

[@Владимир-у8ь3ч]

Хороший дом с вентиляцией

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

Большое спасибо вам за вашу поддержку

[@ANTALAH83]

adakah orang indonesia disini?hello from indonesia

[@erwinbudiman2452]

Hadiiiiiiiirr....

[@ohske]

😯👍👍👍👌👍

[@Wooden-things]

You are going to need a couple inch space above the door, and the door bucks need to be slotted for settling. if you do that on glass windows, they will implode, you could injure someone badly. I know this because of experience.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

These wall will not settle. This is a different style of construction and settling is not an issue .

[@jefferyschirm4103]

Yea, why not make it big enough to back a pickup with a load wood. One load a week , help cure it as you go, no opening the every few hours.

[@jimmytwizzle7836]

When those logs settle that tightly fitting frame will push the top logs apart creating gaps. Not how you do it.

[@hickoryridgehomestead9177]

The logs arent going to settle. This is exactly how you do it on this building method. There are houses being built all over the country right this moment doing it the exact same way.

[@АлександрСемочкин-ц8й]

Позорище, а не дом! Учитесь у русских делать настоящие рубленные дома!

[@misterwizz5690]

LOL...........how not to use a chainsaw

[@melhowell2906]

Looking great