There’s nothing quite like having your own log cabin to call home. Ever since the days of Abe Lincoln, log cabins have occupied a special place in our collective imagination. Fortunately, the log cabin homes of today have come a long way since Honest Abe was a boy. For example, most of them contain some form of temperature control, such as an air con unit or central heating. Anyone who wishes to install one of these appliances can do so by visiting a website similar to https://siriuspac.com/, for example. Log cabin homes that combine a beautiful rustic feel with a sense of luxury. And let’s be honest, there are few things that are as comforting as sitting in a log cabin home, enjoying a cup of tea, on a chilly winter night. If you are finally willing to take the plunge and build your own log cabin home then you should do lots of research beforehand. Below we have collected a few tips and tricks to help you out along the way.

The importance of good design

Are you dreaming of a log home? If so, the first step is to focus on the design. It’s important to ensure that the design of your log home is exactly how you envision it before moving forward with any other aspects of the project. For one, a log cabin home needs a substantial overhang of at least three feet to keep water away from the logs. Likewise, to ensure the longevity of your house, design it so that the logs are exposed to rain and sun as little as possible. Also, ensure that the grade slopes away from the house and that the first course of logs is at least two feet above the ground. These design tips will cut down on your maintenance costs and ensure that your home lasts for longer.

Choosing the right logs

This is a big decision. After all, you are building a log cabin home, so you better make sure the logs you are choosing are high quality. You want logs that are dry and dried correctly. Any log with more than 20 percent moisture content is too high and is going to cause problems. Air-dried logs are typically better than kiln dried logs. That’s because kiln dried logs allow moisture to seep in from the atmosphere after they have been dried. Air-dried logs, on the other hand, keep the moisture out. Why is moisture such a big deal? Because if your logs start taking on moisture, they will begin to move, which will lead to maintenance problems later on. Invest in high-quality logs by choosing a manufacturer that is experienced and knows what it’s doing. A reputable firm like Frontier Log Homes, with its expertise in crafting and supplying premium log materials, is a great choice for ensuring that your logs meet the highest standards of quality and durability. Additionally, they can help you with guidance covering aspects such as proper storage and handling of the logs before construction, which can further prevent moisture-related issues. Regular inspections during the building process will also help in addressing any potential problems early on.

Save money in other ways

While you shouldn’t skimp on the logs, there are other areas of the house where it’s okay to shop around for the best price. The great thing about log cabin homes is that they are a bit rustic, so you can use scrap pieces of wood for furnishings and decorations or you can afford to buy doors and windows that may not look the best on a contemporary suburban home but look just fine on your wilderness retreat. You can also use faux stone, such as on the chimney, to cut down on costs substantially. Nobody will notice the difference and it will save you a ton of money. Basically, anything that is cosmetic to the house is where you can get creative and afford to be a bit of a spendthrift. After all, these are elements that you can always upgrade later on.

But do invest in a good stain

While windows and doors won’t make a big difference, if any, to your home’s maintenance bill, stains will. Exterior stains help protect your logs from the elements, so this is one piece of the house where you want to invest in the highest quality stain available. In fact, the best log wood stain will do more than just keep moisture from getting into your logs, a darker stain can also help block UV penetration. Furthermore, if you invest in a high-quality stain today then you won’t have to re-stain so often in the future. A really good stain will last for years longer than a cheap one, so save yourself the time and money by investing in a good one right from the start.

Log cabin homes are becoming more and more popular as so many people want to get out of the city or suburbs and experience life in the wilderness. With a log cabin home, you can get closer to nature without sacrificing any of the luxuries of a modern home.

Kiera Gibbons had been watching the self-build tv programs for years, but she didn’t actually think she would build her own home, until last year! Now having lived in her log cabin for 4 months, Kiera is writing all about it.