Building a log cabin home is different than building a traditional home. If you’re getting ready to build a log cabin home, you might have some questions and hesitations. Here are some of the best tips we’ve found for building a log cabin home. We’ve compiled them here to help you with your log cabin project.
Make sure you use dry logs
Dry logs are essential to use as you build your log cabin home. Settling is better when you work with dry logs, and you’ll also eliminate the need for settling jacks. Aim for using kiln dried logs that are dried to 12–15 percent. As you’re designing your home, make sure to include overhangs and covered outdoor areas to keep water away from your logs.
Think through your design
Don’t rush the design part of building your log cabin home. Along with making sure your home looks good, you want to design it in a way that will make it work efficiently for you and prevent you from having to do extra maintenance down the road. Some things to keep in mind include building large overhangs, sloping the grade away from the house, and building the first course of logs two feet or more above ground level. All of these design elements will keep sun and water off your home and help you maintain it for years and years.
Buy your materials from a reputable company
Log homes are different than traditional homes, so make sure you’re buying materials from a reputable company that understands the nuances of building a log home versus a traditional home. You also want to work with a company who values customers and provides excellent service. They should care about your new home project as much as you do. Take some time to check out their previous projects in person, and, if you can, talk to their previous customers to get a feel for how happy they are with the company’s work.
Build your log cabin to fit your lifestyle
The great part of having a log cabin home is that you can customize it however you want! Take the time to think about how you and your family will use the home, and build it to fit your lifestyle. For instance, if you know you’re going to want to be able to enjoy the view from indoors, you’ll want plenty of windows. Choose features that reflect your personality. You want to walk into your log cabin home feeling immediately like you’re at home.
Consider location carefully
Location is more than just what part of the country you’re going to build your log cabin. Think about what direction you want your cabin to face. If it’s windy, where will trees blow and will that pose a risk to your home? How do you want to the sun to hit your house? Check out the locations you’re considering at different times of the day to really get a feel for how you want your home to sit before you start building it.
A log cabin home can make for a cozy retreat and relaxing family getaway. If you want to have the look and feel of a log cabin without the additional maintenance, consider getting steel siding that looks like authentic wood from TruLog Siding.
