Jack 1.1 on July 7, 2003

Types Of Log Homes

This is the first in a series of emails you will receive about log homes. The purpose of this on line log home information is to help realtors sell land for log homes. I will make every effort to be brief.

Many people in and out of the real estate business consider log homes to be little old log cabins out in the woods. While they are common, we can see more and more 3000 to 8000 square foot show homes on massive estates.

The Wildcat, a 1700+ square foot home that I am building at Isle of Pines Drive can be seen in the slide show at http://www.loghomesbyjack.com

Log homes are commonly constructed of Eastern white pine, white and red cedar, cypress and white and red oak. Other woods can be used but these just noted are the more common species.

There are several types of structures that can be called log homes. They can best be referred to as building systems involving continuous logs, a post and beam system, and timber frame.

Log homes built with continuous logs involve the use of long logs of varying lengths. Door frames are positioned. Then logs are laid like brick up to the bottom of the windows. The windows are framed and more logs are cut to fill in the spaces between doors and windows. Finally, the lower level is completed when more rows of logs are laid, usually up to 13 courses high. More courses can be added when the home owners are tall or wish high ceilings. There are several roof system options including trusses and exposed structural beams. The second floor or loft is usually covered with matching siding.

Log homes built with the post and beam system start with posts at every corner, door and window. The space between these posts are filled with logs that are factory cut or cut on site. More courses can be added when the home owners are tall or wish high ceilings. There are several roof system options including trusses and exposed structural beams. The second floor or loft is usually covered with matching siding.

Timber frame homes are constructed with a series of upright posts [i.e., like the bones of a fish] connected to cross beams with mortis and tenon type joinery. This series or uprights, called bents, are then fixed together giving the frame exceptional strength. The frame is covered with any type of material. This results in handsome exposed beams throughout the interior. Walls can include traditional wood, brick, stucco or vinyl siding material as can be found in traditionally built home.

Some developments do not permit log homes. Timber frame homes look like traditional homes from the outside. Inside, there is a world of difference. Consider timber frame homes where log homes are not permitted by the POA covenants.

In the coming issues, we will cover topics like types of logs, material packages, construction, cost estimates, maintenance, bugs, roof systems, and more.

Have a question . . . Please feel free to email questions to me and I will answer them in future issues - using only your initials, of course.

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