Log homes come in various styles, sizes and shapes that each provide its own set of benefits.
Log homes require similar footings and foundations as regular brick, block, or frame houses.
Once the log shell is finished, trim carpenters and mechanical subcontractors install doors, windows, equipment and moisture barrier systems that protect its interior while increasing energy efficiency.
Exposed Logs
Log homes stand out from traditional construction by featuring exposed logs on both their interior and exterior walls, adding aesthetic beauty as well as providing insulation and other advantages. Furthermore, this feature allows for greater design freedom as compared to a conventional build.
As part of building a log home, it’s crucial to know how to address common problems such as gaps and bowing walls. Though initially these may seem minor, these issues may indicate more serious structural or maintenance concerns which must be dealt with promptly.
Gaps in logs occur as the result of shrinkage and compression over time. Shrinkage happens when wood fibers lose moisture, losing their ability to stretch and expand at the same rate; this causes them to separate at their joints, creating visible gaps. Compression occurs when an external weight presses down on them compacting their wood fibers – though slower than shrinkage it may cause considerable settling over time.
Because these natural processes occur over time, it is essential that a quality log system and use of kiln-dried logs be chosen and utilized during construction. Kiln-dried logs reduce shrinkage and compression considerably and it is also important that appropriate settling allowances are included during this stage of building in order to allow doors, windows and other structural elements to move freely as the logs settle over time.
Another element that influences the look of a log home is its finishing. While most homeowners want a rustic finish, others may opt for more refined hues. Stain and sealant choices play an integral part in making this decision; though there may be many available for finishing logs. It is important to keep in mind that many options require the use of chemical treatments that could potentially harm or discolor wood over time.
Sealants that trap moisture within log pores may trap mold, mildew and insect infestation; to avoid this situation it’s advisable to use natural oil-based stain such as Sikkens Cetol or water-based products designed specifically for log homes such as Australian Timber Oil from Cabot’s.
Variety in Design
Planning the layout of a log home involves many considerations. First and foremost is considering your family size, number of bedrooms, kitchen, living area and any special purpose rooms such as an office “man cave” or hobby space that you may require. After this comes the question of how different rooms interact with one another; hallways can divide a large space; therefore you must determine whether all your rooms should be connected without hallways dividing up spaces within your house.
Log-home builders typically offer an assortment of designs and options for log homes, from floor plans to exterior designs and window styles to interior doorways. Selecting an appropriate plan will help make the most of your budget while ensuring the logs will work together towards fulfilling your vision for your new home.
Your log home’s style can be determined not only by its overall shape and size but also by how its corners are designed. There are various corner styles that you can employ; each will affect not only its look but also the construction process itself – such as how much footings and foundation costs.
Your first course of logs must also be secured to the subfloor through a process known as chinking. Your log-home manufacturer can explain each method’s advantages and disadvantages to help make this decision.
Once you have the basic design and layout for your log home in place, the details that give it its personality should come next. For instance, adding personal touches by carving initials or symbols into corners may give it more character; staining logs further accentuates their look or adding log flooring can all further customize its interior look.
Post and Beam
Post and beam construction is the cornerstone of log home designs, used for nearly all log home models. Utilizing heavy timbers to form an overall framework, this style allows an open floor plan without load bearing walls. Posts and beams may then be covered in various materials from natural wood, to stucco or even stone to suit each homeowner’s taste – this also creates an intimate yet rustic interior aesthetic with vaulted wood ceilings offering timeless elegance that was so prevalent during homes built between 1950-1980s.
Post and Beam builds use less logs than traditional full scribe homes, making them an excellent option for people unsure if a fully log interior is for them. They require less maintenance compared to their counterparts; and using large timbers adds drama. Plus this method of construction saves energy since its uninsulated logs let your structure breathe naturally, helping regulate temperature within.
Timber Frame and Post and Beam differ when it comes to how timbers are connected together, using either Mortise and Tenon connections or decorative steel plates tied through decorative steel plates tying each timber together. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to spot which style you are dealing with without prior experience building both kinds of structures yourself or being involved in their creation.
Choose a log home builder who specializes in both Timber Frame and Post and Beam construction is ideal if you are considering both options simultaneously. Experienced builders know how to turn house designs into reality while upholding high levels of sqft efficiency and standards, which guarantees maximum return on investment for your dream log home project. No matter which construction option you decide upon, custom builders will create homes tailored specifically towards meeting the needs and exceeding the expectations of each homeowner.
Energy Efficiency
Foundation is an essential element of a log home, as it determines its stance on its site and transfers loads to the ground. A structural engineer should design your foundation based on factors like soil conditions and water tables – they may even offer energy efficiency savings of up to 20% by having properly constructed foundation.
Log and timber frame homes utilize wood’s natural thermal mass and R-value to make an energy efficient building. Log walls act like thermal batteries, storing heat during the day before slowly releasing it at night so that temperatures in the building remain consistent throughout its usage. These natural qualities are especially advantageous in climates with rapid temperature shifts between sunny and overcast days.
Insulating your cabin walls will significantly enhance its energy efficiency, helping you keep a consistent indoor temperature while decreasing energy costs. Select an insulation product approved for log homes by the National Bureau of Standards as they meet specific criteria such as fire resistance, mold and mildew resistance, moisture control and R-value.
Once the foundation of your cabin is secure, builders can start work on its exterior and interior. First step will be laying out logs – whether milled or handcrafted – with handcrafted options providing more of an organic appearance while costing more due to labor intensive production methods than milled options.
Once all the logs have been assembled, builders create a subfloor on top using either conventional wood joists or log or timber joists for extra authenticity and additional stability in log walls. Log or timber joists tend to be more costly; however, their more authentic appearance also enhances stability within log walls.
Once the subfloor is in, builders are responsible for installing mechanical systems like plumbing, electrical and HVAC – commonly referred to as “mechanicals.” Usually this task is completed by licensed contractors for each trade involved in installation.