Building A Log Home, Should You?

Thinking about building a log home? My advice, don't, unless you read this guide first. Lumber-framed homes are a much better choice and they will cost you a whole lot less. And, you can create a rustic home using wood siding without all the problems associated with using large logs to build your home's walls. But if you're one of those die-hard people that just has to have a log home come "Hell or high water", I suggest you read this guide before you start. Log homes have lots of problems you have to to deal with and there are still many manufacturers that don't do things right. The log home industry is nowhere as standardized as the conventional home industry. For example, the lumber used to build conventional homes is the same size and graded the same everywhere because lumber grades have been nationally standardized and almost all lumber used today to build homes is kiln dried using research established drying schedules that allows manufacturers to dry to a proper moisture content without causing serious drying defects. And, the final moisture content keeps the lumber from having any further serious dimensional changes once put in place. In contrast, the log home industry produces logs of various sizes, some of which are quite large, with final moisture contents ranging from green to 9% (laminated logs). Large logs are much more difficult to dry than lumber and have a much greater chance of having core moisture contents that are dangerously high. Log wall settling is a major problem often experienced when building with logs. So, here's my bottom line. If you just have to have a log home, let me help you make the right choices to avoid the headaches many log home buyers experience. For example, the wood species used to produce log home logs and how they are manufactured are quite important for many reasons. For sure, you need to learn about laminated logs because they offer many advantages over conventional logs. Log size and the notching style used are also quite important. In addition, where you build your log home can have serious consequences. And, there are many places you can't build a log home within the city limits. Throw in what foundation to use, how to finish and maintain your log home and how to choose a log home manufacturer and it is obvious you need help. So, let me help you