Mike says the lodge experienced no settling whatsoever after it was built. "Everyone thought we were crazy for not making the window and door openings extra-large to account for settling. In the end there was no settling and all of the windows and doors open and close just like the day they were installed."

For most log homes, builders must cut extra space above each window and door so that when the walls settle, the windows and doors don't get crushed from the weight of the logs. They also install keyways and screw jacks to allow for settling.

However, our butt and pass method does not settle like most log homes, and you do not need settling space, keyways or screw jacks.