What are the different options in log home construction? Log diameter, species, handcrafted, milled, chinked, post and beam, or timberframe…the list goes on. But, we’ve made it simple to show you the most popular sizes and styles. The end result is unique to your personal taste preferences and a fantastic look you will be proud to call your own. Remember, when you build a log home, the interior and exterior walls, insulation and structure all go in at that same time. In the long run, it will pay for itself. Your new, custom log home will add a unique flavor to your mountain lifestyle, adventurous spirit (and, let’s not forget), resale value.
Log Home Construction Styles
Swedish Cope (Chinkless Whole Scribe)
Swedish Cope, also referred to as the Chinkless Whole Scribe Fit, is a log home style that has become incredibly popular among home builders. This style is known for its ability to create a snug, airtight fit between each log, resulting in a seamless and polished exterior. It’s a technique that has been refined for centuries, providing a level of craftsmanship that is hard to match with other log home styles. Swedish Cope logs feature a concave curve on the bottom, which allows them to stack easily and create a smooth, natural interior finish. If you’re considering building a log home, Swedish Cope may just be the perfect style for you. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also provides a level of durability and energy efficiency that is unmatched.
Dove Tail Log (Chinked Flat Cut)
As home builders, we treasure the intricacies and beauty of log home styles. In particular, the Dove Tail Log (Chinked Flat Cut) style has become a popular choice among homeowners who seek a charming rustic aesthetic for their abodes. This style emphasizes the precision of log cuts and the art of chinking, where a sealant is applied between the logs to prevent drafts and increase energy efficiency. The Dove Tail Log style presents an exceptional blend of strength and beauty, utilizing flat-cut logs that gradually increase in size as they are stacked to create a truly breathtaking home. Each log home is unique, authentic, and carries a sense of warmth and comfort that homeowners and their families can enjoy for years to come.
Chinked “Whole Round” Log
A historic style, the Chinked “Whole Round” Log Home Style is again popular among many homeowners and log cabin builders. This style offers a rustic and charming appeal that cannot be found in traditional wood-framed homes. The unique construction technique involves using entire logs for both the exterior and interior of the home. The logs are then chinked with a special sealant between them to create an airtight and weather-resistant barrier. The result is a stunning, timeless look that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also offers a high level of durability and energy efficiency.
Double D Log (Chinkless Mill Cut)
One of the most unique and intriguing log home construction options is the Double D Log, also known as the Chinkless Mill Cut style. This style features logs that are cut with a special milling process that creates a tight fit without the need for chinking, the sealant material typically used in traditional log home construction. The result is a stunning and distinct look that showcases the natural beauty of the logs. As home builders, we appreciate the craftsmanship and durability that goes into creating a Double D Log home, and we know our clients will love the unique character and charm of this style.
Post & Beam (Structural Log Timber)
For centuries, Post & Beam construction has been used to create one-of-a-kind homes, with exposed cross beams and rustic, handcrafted log posts. The logs used in this style are typically larger in diameter than those used in other log home styles, making for a bold and dramatic look. Besides being visually impressive, Post & Beam homes are also highly durable and stable. They can withstand a lot of weight and pressure, which is essential for any home built in areas with harsh weather conditions. If you’re looking for a unique and sturdy log home style, Post & Beam might be worth looking into.
Available Log Diameters and Log Species
Western Red Cedar
Fluted Log Ends / Larger Diameter Logs
When it comes to building the perfect home, there’s one material that stands out above the rest – Western Red Cedar. Not only is it incredibly durable, but it also has a unique beauty that’s hard to match. As a home builder, we’ve had the pleasure of working with Western Red Cedar log homes for years, and we can confidently say that they’re one of the most stunning and elegant options out there. Not only do they look great on the outside, but on the inside, the natural colors and textures provide a warmth and comfort that just can’t be replicated by other materials. If you’re looking to build a home that’s not only beautiful, but also built to last, then you can’t go wrong with a Western Red Cedar log home.
Colorado Lodge Pole Pine
More Knots and Checks / Yellow Tones with Blue Stain
Building a home with Colorado Lodge Pole Pine logs is a natural choice for those who appreciate the beauty and durability of wood. Each log has a distinct character, with variations in color, texture, and shape that create a unique look for each home. The strength of the pine logs ensures that the home will be sturdy and long-lasting, while the natural insulation qualities of the wood help keep the interior comfortable year-round. With careful attention to design and construction, a Colorado Lodge Pole Pine log home can be a stunning example of natural architecture, blending seamlessly into the landscape while providing a warm and welcoming space for residents and guests alike.
Engelman Spruce
Less Taper / Spiral Grain / White Tones
Building a home using Engelman Spruce logs is a unique and eco-friendly way to create a rustic yet modern living space. These logs are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also strong and durable, making them a long-lasting foundation for any type of home. The process of building with logs is also a sustainable option as it involves using renewable resources and has minimal environmental impact. Engelman Spruce logs provide insulation properties, a natural warmth, and acoustic benefits which make them a smart choice for those who desire energy efficiency and noise reduction in their homes. Overall, building a home with Engelman Spruce logs is a beautiful and sustainable way to create a cozy and unique living space.
Douglas Fir
More Structural / Cleaner Look / Red Tones
Douglas Fir logs have been used for decades to build cozy, rustic log cabins in the heart of the forest. These sturdy logs are renowned for their resilience and attractive finish, making them an excellent choice for building sustainable and durable homes. Using them for home construction offers a variety of advantages like superior insulation, excellent stability, resistance to insects and rot, and remarkable durability against natural disasters. Furthermore, homes built with Douglas Fir logs emit a warm ambiance that instantly welcomes you and makes you feel right at home. With its durability, charm, and eco-friendliness, it’s no wonder that Douglas Fir logs continue to be a favorite choice for homeowners who value quality and classic style.
White Cedar
Fluted Log Ends / Smaller Diameter Logs
White Cedar logs are a popular choice for many homeowners looking to build a durable home that also blends with the surroundings. Using White Cedar logs not only emits an eye-catching natural look for your home but also offers a range of benefits, including energy efficiency and low maintenance. The wood’s thermal properties make it ideal for cold climates, providing excellent insulation to keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer. And with proper treatment such as staining and sealing, the wood is resistant to pests and durable, ensuring your home stands the test of time. For anyone seeking a rustic, long-lasting home with a natural appeal, a home built using White Cedar logs is the way to go.