Timber! 8 Facts About Log Cabin Construction You Should Know

Published on: 27 February 2019 Last Updated on: 09 August 2019

Thought log cabins were a thing of the past? Think again.

Today, log cabin construction has become a chic, upscale way to build a modern home with a unique look. In fact, some people have even built high-rise buildings that pull design elements from cabin construction.

Log cabins have a solid place in modern architecture. They meld old-fashioned traditions that endure for a reason with popular modern elements like environmentally-friendly designs. Wondering what else you don’t know about log cabins? Keep reading to learn more fascinating cabin facts!

1. You Can Calculate Exactly How Many Logs You’ll Need

How many logs does it take to build a log cabin? Turns out it’s all a matter of simple math.

For example, by determining the height of each wall, then the height of each individual log, you can calculate how many logs you’ll use per wall. From there, it’s simple to add up the number of walls in a room to get the total.

Of course, other design aspects like the addition of doors or window can make things more complicated. When there’s an opening in the wall, it will get flanked by shorter logs, which can increase the total number of logs used. If the roof is built of logs, that will also change the numbers.

While you’ll want to leave it to the professionals when it comes to deciding how many logs to order, it can still be fun to try your hand at calculating the number of logs in a cabin.

2. You Can Build from a Kit:

Did you know that you can order a log cabin kit for a major DIY moment?

With a log cabin kit, you don’t have to be a pro to have a rustic cabin of your own. Most companies also offer plenty of customer service support, so you’ll know where to turn if you run into problems along the way.

It also doesn’t take a lot of extra tools to work from a kit. Most people can get the job done with just a few basics (think drills and hammers).

Since this is a more rustic form of the building, it appeals to many environmentally-savvy consumers. You’re not bringing in heavy machinery to pollute the area and disrupt local wildlife.

3. Log Homes Stay Warm:

Having trouble keeping warm in the winter? A log cabin just might hold the answer.

Wood naturally keeps heat in — that’s why wood furniture tends to feel relatively warm, even if the rest of the room is cold. Many modern building materials, from concrete to sheetrock, get cold fast. This lowers the overall temperature of your home fast.

With walls made of solid wood, your home actually soaks up and stores heat, dispersing it into the home over time. This helps your home stay warmer, while you save on heating costs.

4. Moisture Matters:

When you’re building a log home, one of the keys to success is keeping your logs completely dry.

You can actually choose to buy logs with different levels of moisture content. The lower the moisture, the better, because you won’t have to worry about what happens when the logs shrink and settle over time.

You’ll also need to take care to keep your home as dry as possible after it’s complete. This can mean installing different design elements (read more here) to keep water away from the walls.

Sturdy log cabins often include an overhanging roof or protective landscaping elements. You’ll also need to take care to keep other sources of water, like an automated sprinkler, away from the log walls.

5. Log Homes Last a Long Time:

There’s a reason many historic log cabins from 100 or more years ago remain to this day. This is one of the most durable ways to build a home that will remain sturdy for years to come.

Although American architecture doesn’t date back so far, you can find homes and churches made of logs in Europe that have stood strong for many hundreds of years. This natural building material offers the perfect balance of strength and flexibility to withstand all kinds of threats.

6. Log Cabins Work Best in Shade:

In addition to keeping your cabin away from moisture, you’ll want to build it so it’s shaded from the sun as much as possible.

Sun won’t destroy a log home, but it will mean you’ll need to re-finish the logs more often to make them last. If you can build in a shady area that’s guarded against moisture, your log cabin will require virtually no maintenance at all.

7. Log Homes Save Energy:

In log cabin construction, it’s super-important that you seal up the spaces between the logs carefully. But as long as that’s done properly, you’ll have an incredibly energy-efficient home to enjoy.

Spaces, where energy can escape, include the connection between individual logs, the space between the foundation and the lower logs, and space between the walls and roof. But when those spaces get sealed, your home will be significantly more energy-efficient than most.

The solid wood walls offer great insulation, so keeping your home warm or cool becomes far easier than with other materials.

8. Air-Dried Logs Work Best:

Drier is generally better no matter what, but if you have a choice between air-dried and kiln-dried, opt for the first choice.

Logs that get air-dried for the proper amount of time have already adjusted to the outdoor environment where they’ll be placed. This reduces settling even more because the moisture content of an air-dried log isn’t likely to change much further.

Kiln-dried logs tend to absorb more moisture when they first get placed outside. Then, as they lose that moisture over time, they’ll settle, creating a need for more home maintenance.

Will You Try Log Cabin Construction at Home?

Whether you build it yourself or hire the professionals, log cabin construction can give you a durable, unique, cozy home that you’ll love. These tips will help you plan ahead for the best possible cabin construction.

Once you build a log cabin, it’s time to decorate the inside! For a rustic look that matches perfectly, try these cork board ideas.

Read Also:

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Your own space: decor ideas for your private place to relax

After a long day at work, there’s no better feeling than coming home, putting your feet up and relaxing. But what would make this even better? Having your own space to relax. But how do you create the right space? With the right decor in the right space, you can create your own little haven. Here are a few tips to get you started. Create a reading hub Do you want a private place to escape and get lost in the world of fiction? Creating your own little reading nook is easy and it can be anywhere – even in the alcove under the stairs! This cosy little area creates the perfect space to relax and gives you a little bit of privacy. Make things extra cosy by adding some pillows or beanbag chairs for lounging. Add fluffy blankets and the right lighting to create a relaxed ambience. Finish things off by adding in a diffuser with a calming scent for the perfect, relaxed reading area. Go au natural Consider bringing the outdoors in when decorating your space. Fresh plants and flowers have positive health benefits and help to clean the air, helping you to relax in your favourite spot. But don’t just stop there. Use blankets or furnishing with botanical prints or try cushions in different earthy tones to replicate the garden. Add different textures such as wood to create a more natural environment and a sense of calm Experiment with colour Classic neutral tones are known for their serenity and calm, but they aren’t the only colours to consider when creating a relaxing space. For example, green can set a calming tone while a soft yellow hue can create a relaxing warmth. Start with a neutral colour palette and then add splashes of colour. Experiment with different shades and take note of how they make you feel. Colour can have a great impact on the feeling of a room so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the right balance. Add calming scents Introducing scents to your home is one the easiest ways to create a relaxed vibe. It’s also a quick way to relax as the receptors in your nose have a direct route to the portion of the brain that affects a sense of wellbeing. There are a whole host of different scents to choose from too. From scented candles, diffusers and even perfume bottles, you’ll be spoilt for choice with so many wondering smells that help you sit back and relax. Light up your space When creating a relaxing atmosphere, lighting plays a big part. Ambient lighting helps to set the tone of a room, and with the right lamp, you can create a relaxed atmosphere in your own private space. For areas such as your living room adding a chrome floor lamp to the room can make an impact and set the right tone. The metallic texture adds a touch of elegance and enhances ordinary objects such as chairs whilst the ambient lighting will set the mood. Read Also: How To Cut Down Your Home Decor Costs? Read Here Five Bedroom Rug Ideas – Area Rugs And Decorating Ideas How To Decorate A Room With No Cost

10 Trends About Homemade Carpet Cleaner You Should Know

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Beverage Stains: There are so many different beverages that can be problematic when spilled on the carpet. This includes juice, coffee, wine, and just about anything else that has a dark color. A great way to remove beverage stains from carpet is by using a cloth soaked with warm water and blotting the area until the substance is completely removed. Sometimes water alone will remove the liquid if it’s taken care of immediately. However, there’s a chance that you’ll need a strong solution, which can also be made at home. You can simply add an equal part of white vinegar to the water before dabbing it onto the carpet. 3. Oil Stains: Oil stains on the carpet can come from a lot of different sources. Sometimes it’s from using creams and lotions that end up on the carpet. Perhaps there are stains from butter or some type of cooking oil. Many types of oils can be removed with a solution made from either liquid detergent and water or vinegar and water, depending on your preference. 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You may need to repeat this process. 8. Strong Odors: Removing odors from the carpet will usually start with vacuuming to ensure you’ve removed any dirt and particles that might be causing the odor. Once that’s done, you can sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet to freshen things up. The baking soda should be left overnight before vacuuming again. 9. Natural Fiber Carpets: Sometimes natural fibers are easier to clean, but they might require extra care. A highly effective solution that can be used for virtually any type of stain on natural fibers includes about two tablespoons of ammonia and a cup of warm water. You can also make a solution with a half cup of vinegar and the same amount of water. Whether or not you choose to use a spray bottle or a bowl is up to you. When using a spray bottle, be sure to spray lightly. 10. Synthetic Fiber Carpets: Removing stains from a synthetic carpet can be handled in several different ways. Prepare a solution that you can pour onto a cloth and gently apply to the carpet. It’s best not to pour the solution directly onto the carpet. You can try a cup of white vinegar mixed with two cups of water to remove the stain for a natural option. You can also try using any liquid detergent that you like combined with warm water. The mixture is half a teaspoon of detergent and two cups of water. These are all great ways to remove different types of carpet stains. You can also get help removing tough stains at carpestology.com.au. Read Also: Five Easy Steps When Cleaning Your Mattress 10 Ways To Preserve Your Carpet’s Beautiful Design

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Materials for Your Project?

Among the defining factors of your kitchen’s overall look are its cabinets. After all, in kitchen design, the cabinetry often serves as an anchor, the thing that ties every other design elements together to create a seamless look. As such, beyond style, what’s more, important is to choose the right materials for your kitchen cabinet. Reliable flat pack kitchen contractors can offer you a variety of kitchen cabinet material choices. Moreover, they can also recommend suitable materials and even combinations of materials to suit both style and practical function. Here’s a quick look into the most common materials used by cabinet makers. How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Materials for Your Project: Hardwood Cabinets You could say that hardwood kitchen cabinets are the grandfather of all kitchen cabinets. One of the main draws of using hardwood is that, because it’s a natural material that varies in grain from piece to piece, every kitchen cabinet will be equally unique. There are no two trees that are exactly alike, which means that even cabinets made from the same kind of hardwood will have subtle differences. Another benefit of hardwood is that it’s not only durable. It’s also easy to repair. Even inexperienced carpenters can DIY procedures like sanding, staining, or refinishing. Finally, there’s a wealth of options to choose from. Popular hardwood species include jarrah, marri, birch, cherry, maple, and oak. When it comes to downsides, however, the most common disadvantage people cite is that hardwoods tend to be heavy. As such, if you want pure hardwood cabinets, you have to make sure that there’s a sturdy enough structure to support them. Another drawback of hardwood kitchen cabinets is that they’re expensive, especially if you want fully customized designs. Some Perth kitchen cabinet makers will suggest combining hardwoods with other materials to help drive down the cost. Are hardwood cabinets right for your kitchen? If budget isn’t an issue and you want beautiful, long-lasting cabinets, hardwood is the best choice. Hardwood is also great for busy kitchens since it’s a heavy-duty material. Medium-Density Fibreboard Cabinets Medium-density fibreboard or MDF has gained popularity in the world of cabinetry, especially since IKEA has long been using it for their own kitchen cabinets and other furniture. The material is a composite of recycled wood fibers and wax, bound together by resin. The boards are made through high-pressure CNC milling, resulting in strong and dense material. Indeed, MDF is a versatile substrate, able to be painted, veneered, lacquered, laminated, or treated with almost any process or substance. MDF is also proven to be resistant to cracking and is considerably smoother than plywood. The one downside of MDF is that it needs to be properly sealed. Otherwise, it has a tendency to warp. You can use carpenter’s glue for this purpose, especially if you’re going to paint over the material. For some waterproofing, you can use the wood sealant, varnish, or a coat of moisture-resistant paint. Are MDF cabinets right for your kitchen? Those looking for more affordable yet high-quality alternatives can turn to MDF. Contemporary kitchens and those who love to DIY and customize will also benefit from MDF cabinets. Plywood Cabinets Plywood is made from multiple thin layers or plies of wood that are bound together by a combination of glue, heat, and pressure. The adjacent layers are rotated so that the grains are facing alternate directions. This technique, called cross-graining, enhances the material’s strength in all directions. Moreover, it helps prevent shrinkage and expansion, minimizes splitting of the layers (when nailed at the edges), and reduces warping. Many cabinet makers consider plywood excellent material. Apart from the benefits mentioned above, plywood is also moisture-resistant, light but sturdy, flexible, and easy to install. In case the cabinets get damaged, plywood is also quite easy to repair through DIY methods. Finally, plywood is also much less expensive compared to even the most affordable hardwood. Do remember that making plywood cabinets is all about choosing the right thickness. You’d want to use a thicker material on drawer bottoms, for example, or you risk it cracking or splitting if you put heavier items in it. Your kitchen cabinet maker likely already knows this, of course, but just make sure that you tell them what you need so they use the correct types of material. Also, ask where they source their plywood. Note that some lower-quality products may have gaps between the individual plies. Are our plywood cabinets right for your kitchen? Plywood is ideal if you’re working with a stricter budget but don’t want to compromise on quality. You may also want to consider plywood if you’re making your own cabinets since it’s an easy material to work with. Particleboard Cabinets Particleboard is often compared to plywood. Also called low-density fibreboard (LDF) or chipboard, particleboard is engineered from various recycled wood products like wood chips, sawdust, and wood shavings. These materials are glued together, then pressed and extruded to create sheets. As a final touch, particleboard is laminated or given a wood veneer for a better-looking appearance (as plain particleboard can be, well, plain-looking). The primary advantage of using particleboard for kitchen cabinets is that because it’s made from scrap materials, it’s very cheap. It’s also very lightweight. However, particleboard also tends to be on the lower end of the durability scale, especially when subjected to tension. Moreover, the material is prone to moisture damage and is not built to withstand sagging. Nonetheless, you can still find high-quality particleboards that are quite sturdy. Ask your kitchen cabinet maker to help you find the best ones. Are particleboard cabinets right for your kitchen? If your kitchen doesn’t see too much action and you don’t have any heavy equipment, particleboard cabinets and shelves will more than suffice. Stainless Steel Cabinets Finally, there’s stainless steel. Not many households opt for this material for kitchen cabinets. In fact, these are often seen only in industrial, professional-level kitchens. Nonetheless, stainless steel is an ideal material in the kitchen, both for cabinets and general usages like shelving and racks. It’s durable, doesn’t expand or contract, and resistant to most kinds of damage. Stainless steel can be difficult to clean, however, but it’s very hardy so it can withstand a lot of scrubbing and even harsh chemicals. This makes sterilizing a breeze. Nonetheless, you should also note that stainless steel cabinets tend to be expensive, sometimes costing even more than hardwood. Are stainless cabinets right for your kitchen? Do you consider yourself a chef in your own right? Do you often cook, not just for yourself but also for your family and friends? If you do, then stainless steel kitchen cabinets are perfect for you. Many of these materials, except perhaps for stainless steel, can be customized and combined with plenty of other materials, so the style isn’t the biggest issue. Therefore, in the end, choosing the right kitchen cabinet materials all boils down to two primary considerations: your budget and how often you’re going to use your kitchen. When you focus on these two, the decision will become simpler. Contact kitchens now for quality flat pack kitchens Read Also: Kitchen Renovations Must be Done at Regular Intervals 7 Tips for Getting Rid of Clutter in Your Home Top Secrets That Slash Your Kitchen Remodeling Bill in Half

Timber! 8 Facts About Log Cabin Construction You Should Know