Timber! 8 Facts About Log Cabin Construction You Should Know

Published on: 27 February 2019 Last Updated on: 09 August 2019
log cabin construction

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:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

House Renovations

Best House Renovations For 2021

Our house is your safe space and source of comfort. Aside from it needing to be maintained, it is also essential that you give it a new look and some renovations now and then. House renovations provide an upgrade for your convenience and overall home experience. If you think that your house is becoming dull and outdated, it does not mean that you need a new home. Aside from availing of a new place will cost more enormous expenses for you and your family, it could be that your house only needs a makeover. An upgrade on some parts of your home will not hurt your pocket that much! As long as you know what renovation your family needs and can afford, it is wise to do the necessary upgrades in your home. You can ask for help from professional builders to guide you on how you will go about the renovations. Most of the time, people think those home renovations are for aesthetic purposes only. But little did they know those home renovations uplift your family’s quality of living step by step. It is always better to look for rooms of improvement and strive to give your family the best comfort inside your home. Get builder quotes and hire builders that best suit your preference and budget. Comfort comes from advancing your quality and ways of living. It means that doing necessary home renovations is crucial in making your home a safe, secure, and people-friendly place. Here are some renovation ideas you can consider if you want to upgrade your home to maximize its spaces and potentials. 1. Bathrooms Bathrooms are the most intimate part of your home. Here is where you can spend personal time to take care of yourself and relax. A bathroom renovation or Turning your bathroom into a sanctuary will allow more positive energy and comfort during me-times. You can have a bathroom sanctuary by putting relaxation agents of your home inside your comfort room. You can have a fireplace, plants, and spa corner inside your bathroom. If you are hesitant because of limited space, hire builders to help you develop the best bathroom sanctuary appropriate to your available bathroom space. 2. Use Natural Wood and Light Natural wood finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but is also sustainable. Having wood crafts and wood materials inside your home means having the best furniture and building materials that will last for a long time. With proper maintenance, wood finishes can last for years. It makes your home renovation efficient and durable. On the other hand, natural light means less electricity bill and makes your house benefit from sustainable energy. For the best woodworks and lighting set up, get builders quotes and get advice from the best builders right on time and right on budget. 3. Get an Indoor Gym If you have extra space or room inside your home, you can turn it into an indoor gym. There is no need to spend time stuck in traffic or pay a membership fee at the gym with an indoor gym. Indoor gyms allow you to get fit and healthy while staying in the comforts of your home. It can also be an area where you can have family bonding time by exercising together. Get advice from the best builders about the placement of gym equipment and tools for your indoor gym. 4. Have a Built-In Storage Built-in storage is best if you want to be intentional with the available space you have in your house. It can be through a form of hanging, elevated, and installed in the walls of your home. Wall-mounted cabinets are better than standing ones, especially if you have playful kids inside your home. It allows you to store items in a place that is not reachable for kids. It is also best when accessing items while walking through the living room, bedroom, and even in other parts of your home. Get builder quotes and know how much it costs for a professionally made wall-mounted cabinet that best suits your home. 5. Home Office The Home Office is best for people who are working remotely. Having your office at the comforts of your home allows you to work while staying safe with your family. A home office can be your personal station where other people cannot bother you. It saves you from the stress of traffic and pollution outside your house. You can just put your computer, printer, files, and other work equipment that you use for office and other professional work. Having a home office also relieves you from the stressful environment of the office far away from home, which is your source of comfort. At the same time, with a home office, you can attend your office and home responsibilities at your own pace and time. You can hire builders to help you build your home office. 6. Multifunctional Rooms A space or room in your home can be multifunctional and serve two or more purposes at the same time. A multifunctional room is best for anyone in the family who has a hectic and strict schedule. You can have your workspace and grooming space in one room, on both ends. It saves time and energy to have a room where you can do two or more tasks and roles all at once. In a multifunctional room, you can attend yoga classes and zoom meetings afterward. It can also be a multimedia and entertainment room for your family. It is efficient because it allows your family to convert the other available spaces into essential home spaces to serve a purpose for every member of the family. It can be hard to decide what functions you will assign for every available room. It is always wise to ask professional advice and guidance in doing this kind of renovation. It should always be towards the goal of maximizing the space and potential of a room to serve different significant purposes for the family. You ask for builder quotes and know how much it costs to have an efficient multifunctional space that does not sacrifice time and mobility. Read Also: How to Keep Your Bathroom Clean All the Time How to Choose the Best Window Glass? How Do You Match Sofas With Accent Chairs?

READ MOREDetails
Water Filter Systems

What You Should Know about Water Filter Systems

In most parts of our world, drinking water from the tap can be a hazardous affair. Water filter systems can work well in your favor. The reality is that most of us don’t know much about the water we consume, whether we are bathing in it or drinking it. We are just grateful to open the tap, and there is running water that has been treated to prevent waterborne diseases. But does that make your water safe? Municipally tested water is generally safe to use and consume once it goes through the vital processes in the treatment plants. However, as it passes through the old pipes that ferry it to your tap, it likely collects some contaminants that end up in your glass. Water filter systems increase the purity of the water you consume. They do this by removing some of the following elements. What You Should Know about Water Filter Systems: 1. Rust: Generally, water pipes in cities worldwide have been in operation for many years, and although they may receive regular servicing, they can begin to rust with time. Water filtration systems that contain a white filter demonstrate the amount of rust in the old iron pipework as they turn dark brown from the sediment they pick up from the pipe. While that is disgusting to see, it is also proof that filtration systems help clean water further. 2. Chlorine and Chloramine: Too much chlorine in water can lead to health issues like poor gut health. While chlorine is used to kill bacteria in the water, it has been proven to worsen the asthma condition and even be the cause of developing asthma. Some companies are opting to use chloramine, a mixture of ammonia and chlorine because unlike chlorine, it does not evaporate during water treatment. However, you also cannot remove it by boiling the water or even distilling it. Water filter systems can get rid of chloramine, ensuring the water is pure and safe for drinking. 3. Plastic: Plastic particles and fibres can find their way into the water because they come from items in our everyday lives. Plastic is present in the clothes we wear, containers like plastic bottles and even in the air as contaminated synthetic air from air conditioners and fans makes its way into the atmosphere. The most commonly found plastic in the water is polypropylene. 4. Fluoride: Fluoride is one of the most challenging water contaminants to remove. However, it can be removed using reverse osmosis and distillation water filtration systems. The use of a special arsenic and fluoride reduction medium known as activated alumina is also effective. Both the reverse osmosis and distillation water filter systems remove at least 95% of the fluoride in the water supply. 5. Heavy metals: The presence of lead and other heavy metals in water posses the threat of possible life-changing conditions like learning difficulties and mental/physical retardation in minors as well as the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes in adults. Water filtration systems can remove up to 93% of the lead that finds its way into the water supply. The systems also eliminate other dangerous metals like copper, aluminum, and mercury. Conclusion: Apart from reverse osmosis and the distillation water filtration systems, there are granular activated carbon and IE treatment systems to suit your needs. Regardless of the type of unit you prefer, the best water filter system must have independent quality control approvals from industry standard-bearer organizations. That is to ensure that the resulting water is better, safer and healthier for consumption. Read Also: 5 Best Type Of Plumbing Pipe Pros And Cons Of Ductless Cooling What To Know About Your Furnace Filters

READ MOREDetails
Air Quality

Five Ways to Improve the Air Quality Inside Your Home

When we think of air quality issues what comes to mind is often industrial factories or people blowing smoke in our face. But anything you use to build or decorate your home can have a positive or negative impact the air quality inside your home. Air quality can be directly linked to life expectancy so it’s an issue that should 1. Check your Paint: Choosing the right paint is important. We sleep in rooms covered with paint every night. As the paint dries volatile organic compounds (or VOCs) escape into the air and can negatively impact the air quality in your house. These chemicals can cause headaches and dizziness and the long-term effects of exposure are not yet known. Choosing non-toxic paint for your living quarters will have positive health benefits for years to come. Low or no VOC paints are the best choice for an eco-friendly home. Over the last several years paint companies have introduced many excellent options. 2. Check Your Flooring: Vinyl and synthetic carpets emit loads of VOCs. If you’re looking for non-toxic, allergy-friendly flooring try cork, linoleum, or ceramic tile. Hardwood floors have become quite popular, but if you want the beauty without the toxic chemicals buy hardwoods sealed with a water-based polyurethane or presealed hardwoods. 3. Consider purchasing an air purifier: Buying a quality air filter can be a good tool in your arsenal in the fight against toxic chemicals. Be sure to buy a model with a HEPA (high-efficiency air particle absorbing) filter. Don’t skimp and buy the cheapest filter you can find, view this purchase as an investment. The CADR (clean air delivery rate) of your purifier is also important. The higher the CADR number the more air is moving through the purifier. Air purifiers with high CADR numbers can be used to purify the air in larger spaces. 4. Plug Your Leaks: Mold and mildew can have a significantly negative impact on your home’s air quality. Make sure your home is free of leaks. It’s important to check the places that get the least traffic in your home. Make sure your basement, attic, crawl space, and utility closet are free of water and moisture. It’s a good idea to call a professional who can help you pinpoint problem areas. 5. Test Your Home for Radon: Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause lung cancer in healthy humans. Radon is the gas produced by the decay of uranium in most soil. If there are gaps or holes in your home’s foundation radon gas can seep into your living space undetected. Any home can have a radon gas problem. You can buy an inexpensive test kit at your local hardware or home improvement store. There is no safe level of radon exposure. Read Also: Four Basic Types Of Water Flow Meters 6 Techniques To Improve Your Work-From-Home Career

READ MOREDetails