Searching for the ideal log home style may seem daunting at first, with so many choices available to you. With some research however, making a decision will become much simpler.
People often claim that butt and pass corners are stronger, don’t settle as quickly and require less maintenance compared to their counterparts – but is this really the case?
Post and Beam
Post and beam homes combine the aesthetics and modern versatility of traditional log construction. This style utilizes vertical beams to support horizontal timbers for open, spacious interiors. Timber frame construction permits large windows which bring natural light in as well as stunning panoramic views, offering breathtaking panoramas.
Post and beam homes offer an ideal place for enjoying nature while enjoying modern comforts, including post and beam structures that feature round and square timbers or solid wood veneer/cladding for endless design options.
Post and beam construction is an increasingly popular approach to log home building in America. Utilizing metal fasteners or simple joinery to connect timbers allows greater design freedom as well as cost efficiency compared to timber frames. Post and beam homes make an excellent option for those seeking the look and feel of wood construction without breaking the bank when choosing building materials.
Post and Beam homes feature corner posts made of full-length hewn logs that form part of the wall structure, rather than traditional timber framing techniques like notching out corners with notches or mortises in each vertical post corner, making the difference less apparent from an external perspective. Once raised to its full height during “frame raising”, these differences become much clearer; timber framers traditionally cut a groove or mortise into each vertical post corner for fitting flat hewn timbers; in Post and Beam this connections are made directly during “frame raising.
Research in Pennsylvania log homes has demonstrated that corner-post log construction was far more prevalent than originally believed. Evidence collected from over 20 of 30 counties canvassed indicates this technique had been in use at least since 1825 – showing just how widespread its usage really was. Notched log construction may also have existed at that time but corner-post log construction showed just how widespread centralized villages of log dwellings actually were.
Full Scribe
Full scribe log homes are the classic log home style most people imagine when thinking of traditional log cabins, featuring exposed logs stacked horizontally to form full log walls with each log having been carefully carved with an underside groove to allow it to fit and secure securely against its counterpart log – giving it its characteristic rustic appearance while providing natural energy efficiency due to solid log construction.
After notching, the upper log is then scribed, or traced with a tool, to match the contours of the lower log and to create an airtight, gap-free joint that’s much stronger than other styles of log home corner joinery. While this process takes time and care to complete successfully, it results in beautiful structures that can withstand any climate condition.
Another method for building log homes quickly and affordably is the mortise and tenon joint. A mortise is cut into one side of a log, and then fitted with a piece called a tenon that fits inside it; this type of jointery may not be as strong or durable than saddle notches or full scribe joinery, so caulking may be required in certain situations to seal its joints properly.
The saddle notch corner style of log home construction is another popular choice among handcrafted log homes made with premium round logs. As its name implies, its name comes from its distinct saddle-shaped carving at the bottom of each log and helps prevent gaps from appearing between logs as they shrink over time. Furthermore, this notches helps hold logs together more securely for easier window and door installations.
One drawback of saddle notch designs is that they require the addition of chinking between each log, increasing maintenance requirements. Although chinking provides great insulation properties, over time its thickness breaks down and requires reapplying. A better choice would be a scribed log home which offers superior insulation properties without needing chinking to secure structural integrity and insulation properties.
Vertical Timber Cladding
Some log home buyers spend too much time finding the ideal profile, corner style and tree species to suit their build – perhaps sacrificing what should be the primary objective: making a building that suits their family and lifestyle needs.
Your choice of corner styles for your log home will have a dramatic effect on its aesthetics and interior spaces, so selecting the appropriate corner designs is of vital importance to its functionality and overall appearance.
Dovetail notching is an increasingly popular choice and requires precision and craftsmanship to produce corners with intrinsic strength that still possess natural, round appearances.
Dovetail corners are a classic design feature of gable ends and can be achieved using milled or handcrafted logs. Not only is this corner style beautiful to look at but its practical functionality ensures rainwater flows away from buildings rather than into them.
Saddle-notch is another less formal corner style that works with either milled or handcrafted timbers, giving it its name from the notched butt end of each round log, giving it the shape of a saddle. It often combined with a chinking and staining finish which brings out its grain pattern further.
Dovetail and saddle-notch joinery techniques can be utilized with various types of timber cladding systems, including tongue and groove (T&G), spruce and Douglas fir cladding. Softwood species like Douglas fir, western red cedar and larch are the most frequently utilized species but other options may also be found.
T&G systems are usually attached to timber frames or walls with breather membranes to separate dry and wet zones, protecting timber against moisture ingress as well as UV rays that could damage or discolour it. When fixed onto masonry buildings, however, cladding may be attached using vertical battens instead.
Sitka Log Homes recently worked on a project to clad an existing municipal government building in 100 Mile House, British Columbia using log siding and timber trusses that added height and an eye-catching appearance to the structure.
Contemporary
Corner styles play an essential role in the look and feel of any log home, both inside and out. From handcrafted profiles to milled ones, selecting your corner options carefully will help achieve the design aesthetic you seek for your dwelling.
Many homeowners are familiar with the classic saddle notch corner system (think Lincoln Logs), yet there are numerous alternatives available to meet individual tastes and needs. A compression fit saddle notch offers unmatched strength while reducing maintenance needs while Scandinavian saddle notches provide traditional craftsmanship without extensive chinking typically found in older homes.
Contour profile provides another distinctive aesthetic option. This style uses a tongue-and-groove system to interlock logs without the need for chinking and creates a sleeker appearance, eliminating the need for chinking altogether. Incorporating various roof forms common among contemporary or hybrid log homes like gable and shallow shed roofs into this look also enhances its unique appearance.
Other corner styles to consider are butt-and-pass and Swedish coping corners, the latter of which offers the durability of saddle notches with added versatility for use on either round-on-round or square profiles; it has become particularly popular in Rocky Mountains environments. Meanwhile, butt-and-pass corners combine beauty and speedy installation times compared to other notches types.
Once you’ve selected the corner style that meets your preferences, the next step in building your log home should be taking care of other elements. This step in particular is extremely exciting because you get to watch your vision come to fruition!
Think carefully about your floor plan and whether or not a wraparound porch or large deck would better meet your needs. A full-length front porch would allow you to showcase beautiful corner post and beam designs while keeping entranceways more streamlined with a smaller wraparound porch that makes logs the focal point.
As you go through the log home design process, it is important to keep in mind that each log home is as individual as its owner. By taking time to understand all your options and the nuances associated with various construction techniques, it may help you find one with both form and function in mind for your next home.
