International competition for handcrafted log house builders 2026

The Handcrafted Log House Builders’ Competition is unique both in Estonia and internationally. It offers professional log house builders an opportunity to test their skills against the best in the field in an exciting and spectator-friendly format. Organized by Woodhouse Estonia, the competition is being held for the 16th time this year.

The competition features three categories: professionals, students, and axemen.

What makes this year’s event special is that, for the first time, the type of corner joint in the professional category was determined by a draw. The assigned task for professionals is to craft an Estonian dovetail corner with wind-lock.

Participants in the student and axemen categories can choose between four different corner types: Estonian dovetail corner with wind-lock, Estonian square notch with wind-lock, Scandinavian notch, and Saddle notch.

Competitors must demonstrate both speed and technical mastery in crafting the main structural elements of a log house – the corner joint and the groove. The winner will be determined based on the best combination of time and workmanship accuracy.