Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a log home cost?
Some people will tell you that a log home may cost, on average, 20% more than a conventional home. This is as true as for any home - it's up to you, How big a home do you want? Is it a complicated shape? How many stories? What finishing do you want? Are you keen to use log features in the roof, trusses or log floor-joists and stairs? Ok so you get the point, as I like to say "the sky's the limit but you don't have to be in the clouds".
Do you cover the logs? (e.g with jib or wood panelling)
Only if you really want to. When we lay down the log to become part of the wall, the log is everything - the framing, nails, bracing, paper, cladding, jib and insulation, it couldn't be easier.
What kind of maintenance do you need?
In general the logs like to have a good roof overhang which will cut down on home work. Mostly it depends on the home's location in relation to sun, rain and wind. First, you want to supply a good stain that allows the logs to breathe and remain water repellent. This can be achieved by restaining your logs every 2-5 years (depending on weathering). Take a look at the Log Maintenance page for more in-depth info.
Do you build the Log Home on site?
No, in general the log home is build in the yard of the log home company with each log being marked with its unique position code. It is then moved to its final destination where it is built like a jigsaw, aligning the position codes. Log homes can be built on the owner's private land but that is a special agreement between owner and builder.
Should we build the house before selecting the property?
It's a much smarter idea to seek out your property first. You want to be able to build your home to best fit your property, making the most of its features, factoring in the prevailing wind direction and such - right from the design stage. Secondly, you may run into unforeseen trouble such as access, council height restriction, making the foundation work, etc.
What about fire protection, will my house burn down?
There have been a few studies in recent years where log walls have been put to the fire test with interesting results. After 180 minutes of being put to the test under fire log walls were still able to function normally e.g still act as load bearing walls. It has also shown that hand crafted scribed logs are more superior in fire resistivity than machine milled logs. A very interesting finding was that while one side of the wall was reaching temperatures of 1000deg C the other side of the log was was only 48deg C.
Some people will tell you that a log home may cost, on average, 20% more than a conventional home. This is as true as for any home - it's up to you, How big a home do you want? Is it a complicated shape? How many stories? What finishing do you want? Are you keen to use log features in the roof, trusses or log floor-joists and stairs? Ok so you get the point, as I like to say "the sky's the limit but you don't have to be in the clouds".
Do you cover the logs? (e.g with jib or wood panelling)
Only if you really want to. When we lay down the log to become part of the wall, the log is everything - the framing, nails, bracing, paper, cladding, jib and insulation, it couldn't be easier.
What kind of maintenance do you need?
In general the logs like to have a good roof overhang which will cut down on home work. Mostly it depends on the home's location in relation to sun, rain and wind. First, you want to supply a good stain that allows the logs to breathe and remain water repellent. This can be achieved by restaining your logs every 2-5 years (depending on weathering). Take a look at the Log Maintenance page for more in-depth info.
Do you build the Log Home on site?
No, in general the log home is build in the yard of the log home company with each log being marked with its unique position code. It is then moved to its final destination where it is built like a jigsaw, aligning the position codes. Log homes can be built on the owner's private land but that is a special agreement between owner and builder.
Should we build the house before selecting the property?
It's a much smarter idea to seek out your property first. You want to be able to build your home to best fit your property, making the most of its features, factoring in the prevailing wind direction and such - right from the design stage. Secondly, you may run into unforeseen trouble such as access, council height restriction, making the foundation work, etc.
What about fire protection, will my house burn down?
There have been a few studies in recent years where log walls have been put to the fire test with interesting results. After 180 minutes of being put to the test under fire log walls were still able to function normally e.g still act as load bearing walls. It has also shown that hand crafted scribed logs are more superior in fire resistivity than machine milled logs. A very interesting finding was that while one side of the wall was reaching temperatures of 1000deg C the other side of the log was was only 48deg C.