How-To Archives – Page 14 of 37 – Log Cabin Homes Magazine

Floorplan for Your Lifestyle

by Laura Stapleton | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, How-To, Planning

Artistic architectural elements, a spectacular view, or even classic décor elements can combine to create a home of unspeakable beauty and functionality. But one element knits it all together: the floorplan. Whether the floorplan is selected from a design book or created as a one-of-a-kind design by a homeowner and architect team, it tells a story about a family and how they live in a home. “The way your home is laid out is very important. All the little details can make a huge impact on your home, so t…

Timber!

by Jennifer Donahue | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, Entire Home, Exteriors, How-To

The different types of construction and terms used to describe log and timber homes can be confusing to home buyers, especially when it comes to timber frame and post-and-beam homes. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between the two types of construction, and key questions to ask when you are planning your own home. “There are some basic similarities to post-and-beam construction and authentic timber framing,” says Stephanie Jo…

Signs of Spring

by Log Cabin Homes Magazine | Jul 9, 2021 | Exteriors, How-To, Landscape

There may still be snow on the mountain peaks in some parts of North America, but there are many signs of the coming spring. The sun is warmer and the trees are sprouting new green foliage. The crocuses are blooming and the daffodils, lilies, and irises are showing signs of life. Indigenous animals are coming out of hibernation and reclaiming their territory (note the deer at the tree line in this photograph). Being a natural material, the wood of log & timber homes never looks b…

Find a Log Home Producer & Builder

by Bridget McCrea | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, How-To, Planning

The most beautiful log homes in the world all share a common bond: they started with excellent producers and builders who not only knew what they were doing, but who went the extra mile to make sure the homes exceeded their owners’ expectations. To make sure your log home falls into this category, there are a few easy steps you can take during the planning stages. For starters, you’ll want to put the time and effort into finding a producer and builder who understand your vision, wants, and needs a…

Rustic Modern Makes Perfect Sense

by Laura Cleveland | Jul 9, 2021 | Designing, How-To

Modern is probably not the first decorating style that comes to mind for a log or timber frame home. But what exactly does modern mean? Primarily, it means clean lines and simplicity. Modern décor tends to reflect straight lines and square corners—no ornate curves or corners. The modern home is relatively plain but it looks warm and lived in. One of the keys to a successful melding of home and décor …

Lighting the Way

by Jennifer Donahue | Jul 9, 2021 | Designing, How-To

The right lighting can make a world of difference in the look and feel of your home. As author James Thurber once said, “There are two kinds of light—the glow that illumines, and the glare that obscures.” Many log and timber home producers handle lighting design in-house and are familiar with the unique lighting needs of log and timber frame homes. But to ensure your home is lit to maximize comfort, showcase design elements, and eliminate glare, you might want to consider hiri…

A Look Ahead

by Bridget McCrea | Jul 9, 2021 | How-To, Planning

People buy log homes for many different reasons. Some use them as their primary homes, raising their children in the beautiful settings where such structures are so often located. Others build them as vacation retreats, where friends and families can get a respite from the stresses of everyday life, and kick back in a more natural, rustic environment. Still others build with the intention of someday retiring to their log homes and spending their golden years enjoying everything that these wonderfu…

Designing Your Log Cabin Home

by Tommi Jamison | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, Designing, How-To

When planning your perfect log cabin home, there are many decisions that must be researched. Whether you are contemplating the idea of a log home or beginning the design process, the end result can vary greatly depending on the multitude of choices made. The choice of wood species is one of the biggest and first decisions to make. Next, you must consider corner styles or joint methods, chink or no chink, and which drying method best suits your needs. You also need to learn t…

Why Work with an Interior Designer?

by Jennifer Donahue | Jul 9, 2021 | Designing, How-To, Planning

You know the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, the same could be said of building a log or timber frame home. Your log producer, builder, and contracted experts in plumbing and electrical systems are all critical to building a successful new home, and interior design expertise is just as important. Having a professional you can rely on to guide you through each step of the design process makes building a home more manageable and can actually end up saving you mon…

A Strong Finish

by Tracy M. Ruff | Jul 9, 2021 | How-To, Maintaining

You’ve most likely spent months, if not years, planning the design of your log home and hadn’t even considered what you would use to protect its precious walls. There are many companies out there that claim they make the best finishes for the exterior of a log home. Weeding through all of these products can be a daunting task, and you may be tempted to drive down to the local hardware store and pick up a few cans of the product that’s on sale that week. Before hopping in your car, get to know what makes…

The Jewel in the Crown

by Mike Haskew | Jul 9, 2021 | Exteriors, How-To, Landscape, Room-By-Room

A stunning stone patio, boulders, ornamental grasses lined up in rows, and tall, slender trees all serve to enhance the beauty of this home. An old saying tells us that the devil is in the details, but so is the dazzle! Landscaping and hardscaping your log or timber home put the finishing touch on the self-expression that motivates homeowners everywhere. Rather than an afterthought or an add-on, the exterior finish of the home and surroundings bring the vision to life and complete the journey from idea …

The New Norm

by Debra Grahl | photos by Roger Wade | Jul 9, 2021 | Designing, How-To

The professional consensus on current primary home trends, from differing regions of the country, includes cost-consciousness, sustainability, practicality, and a better-than-ever educated client. These are the overarching trends that will likely be around forever, becoming, as architect Shawn Leatherwood says, “the new norm.” “It’s a strange time right now,” suggests Leatherwood. “Prospective clients seem to be doing plenty of tire kicking before hi…