How do the logs in a modern log home differ from those in a "frontier" cabin?
Frontiersmen felled and notched whole trees to assemble their log cabins, filling in gaps with a mixture of mud and straw or chinking. Today's log home kits are made of milled solid timbers that use a variety of tongue-and-groove interlocking methods to eliminate air and water infiltration. In addition the joints are usually sealed with plastic caulking and gaskets. Purists, who lack ample time and biceps to match, can turn to handcrafters who make 19th century log cabin kits the old fashioned way.
What do kits include and what has to be purchased locally?
Log home kits range from complete packages with all logs precut and numbered and all components such as roofing materials, windows, doors, interior partitions, stairs, railings, garage doors included. On the other end of the spectrum, linear log home kits include sufficient logs that need to be cut to length and notched at the job site. All other components are purchased locally. Deciding between a complete package, linear kit, or something in between really depends on how much work the homeowner or builder wants to do on site.
Is one type of wood better than another?
Log homes are made of a variety of woods including white cedar, eastern white pine, oak, and douglas fir. Manufacturers typically use the wood species prevalent in their area. All woods work well and benefit from periodic application of a protective exterior stain or finish.
Do log homes settle?
Log home manufacturers have developed systems to either eliminate settling or compensate for it. The builder should always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Are log homes cheaper than conventional houses?
Log homes are affordable and tend to cost the same or just slightly more than a conventionally built quality custom house. Budget-minded consumers can save money by selecting an existing plan and limiting costly features such as high-end cabinetry, designer plumbing and exotic flooring.
What about a mortgage? Will banks finance a log home?
Financing is available either through local lenders or national companies specializing in log home mortgages. Those who own land can often use it as their down payment. Log home manufacturers and dealers can put customers in contact with lenders.
With so many choices, how do I decide?
People who live in log homes love to talk about them so ask for references. Log home magazines are a great resource too. Check out Log Home Living, Log Homes Illustrated, Log Home Design Ideas or Country's Best Log Homes for ideas and plans, as well as seminar and home show announcements.
