Possibly the most basic element of a log or timber frame home project, as fundamental as the wood itself, is finding that perfect location. Whether on a mountainside, in the deep woods, or beside a tranquil lake, the land is its own design element in the overall appeal and presentation of a wood home. Finding the right lot or acreage presents an opportunity to define the log home project in its entirety. In the right circumstances, the land and structure complement …
“Getting comparative bids when looking at log homes is very important, unless you are very well versed in log home materials and construction practices,” says Tom Kuhns, president at Kuhns Brothers Log Homes Inc., in Milton, Pennsylvania. “In fact, getting bids is actually a part of the learning process. No two log home companies are alike. Each company has different ways of doing things and different qualities and quantities of products so you need to decide what is best for you.”&n…
A log home is not an impulse buy. For some the decision to build a log home was made years before they actually began the process of transforming a long-held dream into a lifetime reality. “One of the first things is to establish how much you want to spend,” says Dave Fullerton, sales manager at Rocky Mountain Log Homes. “Is this a primary residence or vacation home? What genre of log home? Do you want the home to ‘feel’ a certain way? We try to establish t…
For just about anyone who considers building a log home, setting a budget is a necessity. Matching the home to the budget requires preparation, understanding, and, often enough, a reality check. When the time comes at long last to build the log home of your dreams, every aspect of construction, financing if needed, and ancillary expenses such as furnishings, homeowner’s insurance, and property taxes should be considered. It pays to think comprehensively on the front end, determining just how much initia…
Proper estate planning can go a long way in ensuring a smooth transition of finances and property to the next generation. Without this advance planning, the situation can become muddled, frustrating, and downright expensive for your heirs. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take now to ensure the most successful passing on of your legacy log home. Marilyn McWilliams, partner with Denver law firm Moye White, says she’s helped a large number of clients prepare for the future through estate planning. M…
Set in a clearing in a forest in Washington, a traditionally built timber frame home combines classic elements such as a metal roof, wood siding, and stonework and gives them a more contemporary twist. What’s Your Log Style? This California gem is constructed of full, round logs. people who love the look of round logs on the exterior may choose a d-log instead to give them flat walls inside while preserving the rou…
Did you know that the heating and hot water system you choose for your log home will contribute to over 50 percent of your yearly energy bill? That fact alone—not to mention any cooling costs—should make log home owners take a step back and put some careful considerations into the water and HVAC systems that will go into their new abodes. Fred Ruckel of New York isn’t taking any chances with his new log home. Ruckel, a marketing and advertising professional who also runs the website www.greenlogho…
Fun & Fantasy In a time when everyone, even children, is glued to their phones or tablets, it’s great to see products that inspire kids to play on their own or with a friend or sibling. Everyone needs a bed, but why not go for a fun and funky piece of furniture that your kids will love? The Low Tree House Cabin Bed (left) is made in Denmark of solid knot-free pine and treated with water-based pigments, wax, and lacquer. The personalized storage drawer and pull- out trundle bed make it very practical…
The New Face of FLOR Most of us are familiar with FLOR tiles and think of them as being bright solid colors—not exactly ideal for a log home. But FLOR products have come a long way since the company was established in 2003. Now the eco-friendly tiles are available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns—everything from cow hide to Navajo designs to rustic textures. The 19.7-inch square carpet tiles are easy to install with the company’s unique, nontoxic FLORdots—no glue or nails needed…
Log homes are strong, sturdy, and beautiful, but, like all homes, they are also vulnerable. Constantly under attack from the elements, pests, and other threats, these homes require regular cleaning with products that address those intrusions and preserve the beauty of the logs. Selecting the appropriate cleaner is the first step in the right direction, according to Barbara Murray, president of CTA Products Group in Southaven, Mississippi, who points out that the cleaning needn’t always be invasive, but …
For those familiar with log homes, the terms “chinking” and “sealing” are fairly familiar. At some point, most any discussion of construction and maintenance will at least touch on these topics. “In Old English, the term ‘chinking’ meant to close a fissure or gap,” explains Nadia O’Hara, advertising manager of Perma-Chink Systems. “The process of chinking involved the installation of various materials over the horizontal voids between log courses to prevent air and water from enter…
If you love color and decorating with bright pillows and rugs is not enough for you, there are numerous ways to bring accents to the more permanent parts of your home. Wood and stone are beautiful on their own, and adding a complementary or contrasting color brings both to life in a new way. Outdoors, a colorful door leads visitors into your home and painted trim calls attention to rooflines and the home’s structure. A painted interior wall will enhance your logs & timbers and give a room a focal po…
