The Pros and Cons of Log Cabins
Вставка
- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- A log cabin, is a log cabin, is a log cabin. Although charming, log cabins have a number of drawbacks that should be taken into consideration before building one. However, there is a way to get that log cabin feel without going all-in.
Log and timber styles can be mixed however! Learn about how to mix both: arrowtimber.co...
Drawbacks: shrinkage, rustic inflexibility, constraints in home design, overal cost & labor, maintenance and chinking.
Logs themselves can be used in building styles using a hybrid approach that get around the drawbacks while still giving that rustic feel. This is accomplished through more of a hybrid timber framing approach. Listen as Bert gives ideas and insight on building a hybrid timber frame home using logs to give that rustic appeal.
I built one from red cedar and never had any of the problems mentioned. Never had to trim any doors or windows and the heating and cooling is constant. It took me 5 years but I only had one helper from time to time. Been 20 years and still No problems.
That's fantastic - that speaks to your building ability and craftsmanship - and red cedar is an excellent species.
The number one problem with a log home is it looks like a log home (inflexibility)? Why would you go through the hassle and expense of a log home and then try to change the decor so it doesn't look like a log home?
Honestly it's a pretty moot complaint when you can drywall the interior and put siding on the exterior if you truly grow to hate it
People are stupid that way. Why build a log cabin if you're going to waste it by covering it up with siding and sheetrock?
I personally like log pist and beam. Then fill in between with conventional framing
How many people played with Lincoln Logs as a child and thought " some day " ?
I did as child now I'm in my thirties and I've been thinking about it a lot the past few years and catching my self late at night brainstorming and saying the same thing you said ... Some day!?
@@ryanmerola9672 Meadowlark log homes has some very good videos out , including ones showing the build process . Those late night " what ifs " are the cause of more lost sleep than probably anything else .
@istandout2719 brown logs , green roof all wooden parts in a rectangular box in the sixties. Weren't the gable ends red ?
I def did, and am now happily in the process of moving my large family into a beautiful older one😁 Needs a lot of work, but was so happy to find an already well built beautiful one to get into.
@@DD-oi3vh Congratulations on following thru on the idea of living the dream .
Hand peeled logs are gorgeous.
We’re having Meadowlark Log Cabin’s build our Log house.
Meadowlark is Amish owned and operated.
They take pride of every home, pavilion or garage they build.
Their home base is in Libby, MT.
They will build a home for you, from just making it in their factory and the owner pick it up and reassemble it themselves or they’ll do a Turn Key for their customers.
We will be there in a couple of weeks (end of May, 24), to go over our plans and pricing for what we want them to do.
Meadowlark will go as far north to Alaska, or to Florida and everything in between.
My wife is from MT and I’m from WA state.
I’m older than my wife and my health isn’t as good as it should be, so we’ll be relocating to MT so that after my death, my wife will be closer to her family and friends to help her after I’m gone.
you sound like a great husband!
@@emanne7470 Thank you.
I simply think that any man who loves his wife as much as I love mine, would try his hardest to look into the future enough to help his wife after he’s gone.
Love this video ❤
I expected that I would not agree with him ...but I listened to him entirely and I am grateful for his advice 🙏🩵 I've always liked the idea of a log and stone exterior, but never wanted logs as interior dust collecting walls. He's completely right for me, many thanks 🙏 💫
I've been looking at Log Cabin videos lately and as soon as I saw the title of your video I almost knew what it was about. Aside from the things you covered in the video, I personally have some thoughts of my own.
One issue that comes to My mind is if and when you want to re-model. Once built, there's really no way to do this without making major structural changes. I also think that seeing all of that wood in every room of the Cabin could be overwhelming if not boring over time.. Just my thoughts. Thanks for the information!
That is what many people notice over time - it's overly rustic! You can get the rustic look and feel without feeling like you're in the woods non-stop by incorporating logs and timbers in certain areas. At the same time, there are people who want 100% rustic all the time. Remodeling is a very good point as well, one we didn't cover.
Kind of like he said, it's like having a ham sandwich every day. Well...some of us love having a ham sandwich every day.
@@timberframedesign it isnt rustic, its just wood haha
Then don't buy/build one. There are some amazing options out there that look 🤤. Just keep in mind no matter what route you want to go there is always something wrong with it.
@@fz671 why? thats a very negative mindset mate
I figured he'd drop some knowledge, I had no idea he was gonna drop all this wisdom too though
Great information and video. Thanks
Very interesting thank you! I am still in my dreaming stage, making a Montana dream house scrap book, but really great information! Definitely worth it to mix it up for me both for looks and for easier maintenance ✨
Building a log cabin, house is no different from building a house from sticks. People think they can not do a log home but it cuts out a lot of steps. Go for it!
I WANT to!! Now I have moved to Montana since two months ago...so one step closer...@@firstlast2034
I like your video I am thinking of buying some land 2-5 acres in the foothills 3000 foot and putting a kit home on it I think I will stay away from the log cabin but I like your mix and match idea.
Appreciate your comment. Sounds like an exciting project you're undertaking. Feel free to get our no-cost E-Book "The Art of Hybrid Timber Framing" - you just tell us what email to send it to on our website arrowtimber.com and we'll get it to you right away. It has a bunch of guiding principles and ideas for planning out your project, and finding your design style. Even if we're not the timber framer for the project, we love to see people dig into finding their ideal design style. Best of luck on your project!
What would be the problem if i choose a bright color wood instead of dark color ?
That was some great advice on building 🏫, Im taking well, thanks a million
Thank you!
Thanks I'm sticking to my cardboard box home
Home sweet home! :D
First home we lived in in Lake arrowhead California was a log cabin.. too dark inside! We moved there in the dead of winter in the 70s. Literally put my mom into a deep depression. Advice make sure many of your walls are light in color, not just straight logs, windows, not surrounded by deep woods etc.
Couldn't care less about R value. Some folks are obsessed with it and essentially live in a chemical filled house with plastic covering everything. Not for me. Square log homes have been used for centuries and have stood the test of time.
Have you actually lived in a low and high R value building? Low insulation absolutely sucks, super hard to keep warm super hard to air-condition. Wastes thousands in electricity, wood gas etc. Vast majority of homes these days use fiberglass which is exactly what it claims. Glass extruded while hot into thin fibers. Perfectly safe inside a wall and if your that concerned they even offer it in rigid form where theyre completely stuck together no glass airborne even during installation with those
Hello, and thank you for the informative video,
I want to build a small cabin out of 6*6 lumber, but I wondering if it will be effessient regarding thermal insulation
We had neighbors that had a beautiful Log Cabin Built about 17 years ago and over time it slowly became just a up keep mission for them. They ended up Painting it a Slate Grey and it destroyed that Log Cabin. Since then i believe the Log Home has had 4 different Owners and now is sitting empty
In my world, every time i hear someone saying Cons issues before i wanna have that item/stuff is usually not that big of a deal, if a log is nature then obviously needs some treatment or maintenance, i am not an engineer but before buying a house usually i look for obvious, termite, electrical, plumbing, structure and ownership. Its like having a car/truck and just changing oil, tires and that but neglect the paint job and headlight, i have a 2011 truck with 235,000 and if i put it next to a 2018 you wont notice the difference.
I failed to say, we selected Southland Log Homes ........absolutely trouble free!!
This is a very generic representation of log homes and it does not represent the log homes that would be provided by the national brands that have a long history with kiln dried logs and advanced engineering/design. Example: Golden Eagle
I think at one point absolutely everyone has wanted a log cabin.
As someone that works on them from time to time, don't. Almost every single person I have spoken with has regretted it.
They actually can require a bit of maintenance to upkeep properly.
This confirms what we have often seen. They have so much appeal but people often grow weary of the downsides. While incorporating logs into a Hybrid Home can solve those issues - get the log look without the drawbacks.
@@timberframedesign Oh, 100%. There are so many alternative answers if you want the log cabin aesthetics. I highly recommend people look into those instead.
True log cabins are only beautiful, when they aren't yours. lol
I find my log cabin is best I've ever
had. . Maintenance less too. Built 30 years ago in a heavily wooded area. Chink is solid to this day. Use a clear sealer hi quality every 10 years or more. Dark cabin looks awful imo. Heating and cooling cost far less expensive. Log over stick any day.
Sounds like you built a really good one! Glad to hear it's working so well.
So sir, what kind of log cabin should we have built? I only wanna here from the man who owns this channel
Anddddd now I don’t wanna do a log cabin lol. Thank you for the info, lots of great points made here
Thank you!
I like your ideas.💡 Hate the repetitive music that is almost too loud over your voice.
Why do they put music in here in the first place? its so stupid...
Why not just clear coat finish ?
Because it's clear, it has no opequnes to it, no color, no barrier, kind of like a tint on a car window. And because of thay the sun ultraviolet rays will penetrate the clearcoat causing the damage to the wood faster.
I can sacrifice decor I just wanna place to live I don't mind living in a tiny home made of shed material as long as I don't have to live on the ground I'm happy 😊
Do Not buy log cabin unless you are thoroughly ready for the maintenance and upkeep!
Very true insight. For those that do want the highly rustic look and feel of a log cabin, the maintenance and upkeep may be worth it, but for many homeowners it's not realistic.
You mean people who build log cabins are surprised to find that they live in log cabins? Who knew?
Ridiculous video.
Whatever you do don't turn around.
Ghosts and spiders behind you bro.
Buying Insurance on them good luck😂
Log cabins are awful! I grew up in one in Texas. No wall space, bugs, termites, hard to remodel and they absolutely settle badly.
There are certainly challenges with the Log Cabin building style. It has that Rustic, historic appeal which one can certainly appreciate! Timber Framing has some advantages in construction flexibility without the settling. Although wood is wood of course.
log cabins are great to rent on vacation but terrible to own. In my opinion.
Ain’t nobody buying a log cabin
I am
Their cool. I build one a few years ago.
Did u faced a ptoblems with it ?@@ChristopherPagan-r9g
I don't care about color either
This is like an idiots guide to owning a log cabin.
This guy is full of baloney
thanks for the great video, I was going to get one ordered. But now no way
Waste of time!!!
Informative
This man underestimates how many days I can eat a ham sandwich in a row.
We believe in you!
I bought a log kit in 1990. I was supposed to get 2 weeks of consultation from the company when I started building. The kit was delivered with instructions to let it sit in the barn for a while to acclimate. Two months later the company went belly up. No consultation, no help from the sales people. So, with help from family and friends, we erected a log home with zero experience. 33 years later, it is still a lot of work, but it's home.
Glad it worked out in the end. 🙂
Respect!!!!!
If you haven't you should make a video about it. I'm sure that so many people would LOVE to see it and just hear what you think of your space now after 33 years.
I own a log cabin also, I go out of my way and inform people thinking about purchasing or build a log cabin, to put it out of their mind and purchase a stick built home with low maintenance siding The maintenance, costs, labor and risk of injury is incredible. All of the hours I could have spent with my family instead of wasting on the house in criminal.
Properly seasoned logs as well as large overhangs/ covered porches take care of most of the problems
I have one and love it nothing better then nature
For the right person - it's the perfect choice.
In 1974 at age 14 and the Oldest child still living with our dad (I had 2 younger brothers and a much younger sister) and he was 100% disabled from 440 volts of electricity we built a log cabin and lived off grid. Now they weren't massive logs in diameter but we would lay logs on the log wall and roll the logs up and place them. We placed chicken wire and insulation in between the logs and then we used cement for chinking. It wasn't pretty but it was dry and warm. We wired propane lamps into the cabin. We had 4 small bedrooms. A old wood cook stove and in year 2 during the summer we hand dung a 5x5x93 ft well. For electricity we took a old Cadillac hearse, put the rear wheel drive axle into the air and put the car in drive and used it to charge car batteries that we used for light or whatever we needed electricity for. We lived that way for 4 years.
As a carpenter of 49 years. I have a lot of problems with log homes.
First, it's a massive waste of wood.
Second, these logs still retain moisture, causing seasonal swelling and shrinking. This puts so much stress on the structure.
Third, Termites love these structures especially the lower logs.
As a licensed residential contractor I won't repaire them anymore.
Their a nightmare.
This is a major concern that many don't consider at first. It is good to know the maintenance requirements before deciding on one.
This is such a considerate video. Very thoughtful. You, sir, have saved a many people much headaches.
I am sorry my friend but you are full of misleading information. I built a log home (3200 square feel) in CT and another (2800 SF) in upstate NY and my son built a log hunting cabin (1200 SF) in Colorado using kiln dried logs and never, never did we have any problems whatsoever. The problem occurs when you use "wet" logs or so called "Air Dried" logs - those logs need to settle and create problems. Please stop misleading folks!
Him: it takes a lot of labor
My self reliance: watch my dog
@Coyote If you have the time and commitment to do it - go for it! These are just things to consider when building.
Just buy manufactured D logs.
1. They are kiln dried, so they don't shrink.
2. They have a drip edge built into the log. No flat spots for rain to land on.
3. They don't need chinking.
4. Oil based old school stains work great on log homes.
But yes, I agree, timber framing looks great!
yes, my points earlir, this is more apt to uncut logs direct from the woods haha
Love log cabins in alaska for a mini vacation.
They are wonderful places for vacations, to dwell in deep rustic cabins can put you in touch with nature!
Great explanation. Need to do a good research before getting in over your head. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Good information- there are a lot of design options to mitigate some of the issues you mentioned with full stacked log cabins but many of the things you point out are things to consider strongly before committing to a full log cabin. There are also many options to incorporate log components into a home design to give it that feel without having to switch to timber frame, as you mentioned. I like aspects of both log and timber frame design and have seen some amazing mountain modern designs lately that capture that old West nostalgia while also pushing the envelope with design.
You're totally right on. We enjoy incorporating logs into our hybrid timber homes and we've seen some innovative log homes on the market! It's all personal preference, many ways to get the look and feel you want.
We purchased a 1930's, BEAUTIFUL small log home on a lake in southern Ma. The deal eventually fell apart, but my biggest concern was heating. The logs, if my memory serves me, were only 6 inches. And where the logs met each other were in the R-4 range. Timber framing may not have the labor cost of a log cabin but there is the stick building that we uninformed do not realize until we look into building one. If you want the full effect of the timber frame on the interior, you basically have to stick build a shell around it for window,s and insulation. Pretty costly. Did I mention how beautiful they are?? 😃
I grew up in a beautiful log home in Oregon, can definitely agree with this video. We had a lot of maintenance to keep out rot and termites.
Oregon isn't a great location for a log home. Rain and bugs. Cold snow climates are more suited for log cabins. With adequate overhangs in snow climates without bugs there's alot less maintenance.
This guy is making no sense at all sounds like he just doesn't like log houses 😂
It's more to do with the disadvantages in building and maintenance of the home. Timber framing is more predictable over time and allows for more flexibility in home design. But there is a lot of appeal in the Log Cabin look, and for some it's the right choice. Most homeowners these days prefer to feature logs in select areas, but use timber framing in combination with conventional to get the log look and feel, but without the constraints.
Re the _R-value_ , I'm thinking that 10"-12" of insulation plus a vapour barrier would be very beneficial. Perhaps build using the "D-type" of logs inside _and_ outside for the traditional log cabin look....
Are there any wood types that are _less_ desirable to use than others?
Finally, a hard hitting documentary that contains things i need to know
Thank you, very informative.
Glad it was helpful!
This was a great video. Very educational.
the claim that log homes settle 1” per 12” is not accurate. We have built close to 2000 log homes in the last 45 years, and the maximum amount of settling we ever see is 3/8” per 12” and that is in extreme scenarios. Usually it’s closer to 1/4” per 12”.
Also a log home has “thermal mass”. R-Value does not compute with log walls. Log homes are generally more energy efficient than conventionally construction.
There are many inaccurate statements in this video.
He is full of 💩. my aunt and uncle have lived in there log house for 50 years. the logs been pretty normal maintenance and upke, they have to restrain about every 10 years. it's very energy efficient there is minimal shrinking if it is dried properly before construction. it's cool in the summer warm in the winter there energy bills are lower than my other aunt and uncles house that is smaller and built around the same time. If you do a square log the water runs off like siding. There are lots of square log homes with dovetail corners that are hundreds of years old. You can do drywall on the interior walls or use logs my aunt and uncle's choice. they just did a pile of maintenance like you have to on any 50 year old home. my condo building is the same age we uneven floors ,it's drafty in the winter and boiling in the summer. I would take my aunt and uncles 8 inch log home over this any day. Timber frame have the same infill framing as my condo. All log expand and Contract you will have as many issues in a Timber frame as a log home if not more. the framing lumber will expand and contract at a different rate than the timber frame. a log home will do it uniformly across the entire structure. My aunt and uncle do not have ac the logs work better than a ac and cost nothing to run. the timber frame is still going to need staining every 10 years or so depending on what you use for the in fill siding that will also require matanice. Timber frame are no less maintenance than any other home. There is also a lot of timber frames that are still around after 400 years but it takes upkeep and maintenance to last if you don't look after it it will fall down in time no matter what it is built from.
Very interesting.
So it needs a single floor, long roof and balconies or terraces all around to try to protect your logs all around.
There's a lot of ways to do it but those are some good things to consider.
@@timberframedesign
Thank you for your video and suggestions
Only thing I'm worried about is the adjustments
I much prefer the timber look over logs
Owned a beautiful Swedish Cope Log home over 5000 sq. Ft. It was so beautiful, though high maintenance and expensive. This mostly because of needing to corn blast it every five years and restaining. It had no drying of log issues as built right! This thing was a masterpiece. Also, not a cabin, lol.
If i could do it again i would choose timber frame pkg, i worked as a carpenter for 50 yrs , helped put a timber frame toether it went yogether like a fine pc of furniture i was very impressed.
We bought a ‘70’s built log cabin on ten acres on a hill top that got the cold north winds, in Idaho. Big windows, sliding back porch glass door, metal roof. Logs cracked & dried, all methods of house construction had to be built inside of the logs; what a pita. Everything you do, the logs are in the way of sane construction matls & methods, doubling the amount of work and more.
You completely lost me at "ham sandwich." Imagine everyday waking up to a cold nacho timber vault.
LOL!!
All houses take labor
If this wasn't so biased on what he, ALONE, likes then he would tell you to go the D- shaped logs for building so interiors can be built in a similar style to regular homes with studs and wall framing and electrical runs and plumbing and using standard insulation without worrying about interior chinking. Most reputable log home builders use logs and wood in general that have aged at least a year before building with them to remove the shrinkage factor and they would generally pre-stain them prior to building for the WHOLE log absorbs the stain and not just the outer edges. Also, most builders actually build your cabin on their sight so they can number and tag each log in it's proper position BEFORE they build it on your sight which reduces building costs so they can just assemble the home like using Lincoln Logs like when we were kids. The less time they are building one home, the more time they have to build multiple homes. If anything it is the interiors that take the most time because each home is different and built to the customers specs.
D-shaped logs solves the hassle factor aside from maintenance, as we mentioned in the video, it kind of is a half-log cabin at that point. If the log-cabin look is what you're going for, go all in and do a real log cabin. Again - just my opinion. If you really like it, go for it! Just want to share experiences and help people understand the undertaking a log cabin is.
Logs don't dry in a year. Saplings yes, logs for building no.
Is the cost of say a 2,000 sq. ft. Timber Frame House cheaper than a traditional Log Home ?.
My biggest issue is the carpenter bee's, but my original ancestor built a cabin on 4 large tree stumps all he had was axe
ok so first you say that "the biggest problem" with wood is that it's less flexible than a concrete or a rock and then just some nonsense. thank you, bye
Owner,/builder D shape borax pressure treated log cabin. ,8" tongue n groove. Built 1998. Tennessee... There not for everyone but right for me. I don't half all the issues you discuss. You need to research more. ✅
I NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS IMAGINED A LOG CABIN WAS LIKE EATING A HAM SANDWICH EVERY DAY. I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT WAS MORE LIKE A CHICKEN SANDWICH. NOW THAT YOU SAID THAT I'VE DECIDED A LOG CABIN IS NOT FOR ME. I HATE HAM. 🐷🐖🐷🐽🐷🐖🐷
It's nice someone will share the other side of the coin
Wait, what were the Pros? I only heard the problems with log cabins, your title says Pros and Cons. If you have timbers outside wouldn't you have the same issues as the logs? What about screw jacks on a timber frame? It is not not often you are using posts with a log home but they are in every timber bent.
Log Cabins have a Rustic/Historic appeal that is the right choice for certain people. It is a more unpredictable structure to build, but always an excellent testament to old-world craftsmanship, often from local trees.
So overall, is a log cabin home worth it in the long run??
If you're serious about getting the ultra-rustic log cabin look and are ok with the potential drawbacks - go for it!! But many people scratch the itch by going with hybrid timbers and can moderate the rustic factor in their home. It's all personal preference!
Yes! We have lived in a 3900 sq ft. For 20 years. All log home and it is extremely well built. Log homes are 200 year homes and not your regular stick built home. There is maintenance such as staining and treating for carpenter bees however it is well worth it. Look at all the hundreds of years of log homes that have lasted and or restored to their glory days. Logs are healthier vs drywall and they keep our home cool in summer. They are very underestimated in true quality. Example, we had a tree fall on our home and it did absolutely no damage. Homes today are not built sound and have card board floor Joyce’s. If you build one build a wrap around porch to protect logs.
@@timberframedesign theres nothing rustic about wood in itself, you keep saying that its its a dated mindset, its about simply natural products, we can disguide wood in any way we choose if we didnt like the 'natural' look
sorry. the talking went on SO long I gave up.
And now, "ooh look! A butterfly!!".....
😂😂🥴🥴
I’d be okay eating the same thing every day for ever.
Our log cabin is for a contemporary design, not rustic, that sounds a bit out of touch :) You shouldnt paint them either cos wood needs to breath and shouldnt use dark stain cos that heats up more in summer. Also now are machine lathed and have flat pieces jointed together so not actually 'logs' so they dont shift etc very much
Playback speed x1.25
You’re welcome
Thank you
Thank you
Okay you obviously know about log cabins but you need to hire someone who knows about camera angles. The ones you're using are terrible. You never want the subject to be (almost) sideways to the camera. Turn your body towards the camera-as of now-you're talking to a wall.
Can you get to the point? Half way in I don't know what your talking about.
Obviously not a Pioneer Log Home
There are amazing log cabin options out there, and very talented builders. It is a choice that should be made carefully however, due to increased need for maintenance and upkeep. But for a homeowner that is ready for that, a log cabin can be an excellent choice.
Literally just went into contract on a log home in Washington l. Excited but no clue where to start. The last owners neglected it horribly. What is the gloss on the out side? How do I smooth out the logs? I don’t was to pressure wash them
I went from standard framing to building log cabins.First thing they taught me was you got to allow for shrinkage.
This guy really needs to get a life
"Hi @ctlt-pg4tm - my wife would definitely agree with you! :)" - Bert
Look at the camera, you're too handsome not to. Thanks for the information. Very informative.
why aren't you looking at the camera? so odd
A house is a pipe dream let alone a cabin lol
I'm assuming this applies to people planning to buy a cabin with the intent to live in and not build it themselves off their own lands for other purposes? I get that neither are mutually exclusive as far as physical properties but I guess it boils down to the purpose of the cabin (Hunting lodge versus Residence).
Yes that's a great point. If it's self-built there is a special appeal and of course getting a giant sawmill out in the woods isn't feasible. A hunting cabin that you don't spend your entire life in may be better as ultra-rustic, but many people bore of the entirely rustic feel as their primary residence.
They take a long time to heat up
This salesman is obnoxious.
Thanks for the tips Bert!
So no cons 😅
You speak of generalities, what are the specifics...
Primarily that Log Cabins have a certain appeal that works excellent when you want to go ultra-rustic. Timber Framing has more flexibility and the ability to match a wider range of styles, not as rustic. There is technicaly aspects to both, but if you are set on a log cabin, it's a cozy feel!