In the last post on log construction I stated the difference between a log home and a simulated log home. Where a log home is built with debarked unadulterated logs a simulated log home is built with logs that have been milled into lumber in a manner so as to achieve a uniformity amongst “logs” while still representing the feel and appearance of a log there by creating a simulated log home.
Why would someone build a simulated log home when they could just build a real log home?
There are so many answers to that question so ill keep it very simple. Most of it comes down to highly subjective personal reasons and preferences of the home owner as a matter of choice including but not limited to lifestyle, taste, desire for simplicity of maintenance, love of wood, the desire to have all the pleasures of modern conveniences while keeping the rustic feel of a bygone era and so on. On the more practical side one must also consider the proximity of the builder to the site, reputation of the builder, what they offer as far as packages, construction style, and sometimes it depends on what the builder has “sold” as being the best construction and house for the money.
There is certainly nothing wrong with building a simulated log home. The end result can be quite beautiful. A visit to most log home builder sites will provide you with stunning and dramatic interior images of homes they have built.
Almost anytime that you cut into a log and start exposing the grain of the wood you are in for delightful surprises. Capitalizing on the beauty of wood grain with the use of stains and sealants can bring out a tremendous amount of character. Of course since the wood grain is now exposed – the soft tissue – you will need to be very keen on your exterior maintenance and sealants to protect the wood from the weather as the soft tissue can act like a sponge and soak up water and wick it along the length. This can introduce a host of situations that will be addressed in a maintenance post later.
Milled logs are easier when it comes to construction. Well yes and no but lets go with yes for now. Milled logs can fit together almost like Legos or Lincoln logs. The diagram here (borrowed from Lincoln Logs a very comprehensive site with lots of information) clearly shows how easily logs can be milled to fit together — in this case a “D” profile – called such for obvious reasons.
Notice the two “grooves” at both top and bottom of each timber. By creating this tongue and groove the logs will sit on top of one another easily. This also provides a barrier for airflow. The flat surface – is most commonly on the inside where the “D” is on the outside of the home. This method or style creates a very uniform wall and speeds up construction.
Milled logs provide the homeowner the general feel of a log home whilst having the benefits of flat walls (easier to hang pictures, easier to clean etc.) This style also provides the homeowner with a more contemporary feel, clean and straightforward without the fuss often associated with true log homes.
Home kits utilizing this or similar methods/styles are popular with builders and buyers as they are predictable and uniform no matter what the design of the home. The builder is able to control the quality of the timber and with each log being “standardized” there is an ample supply of uniform timbers from which to choose. This also helps to keep a control on costs since the builder not only warehouses the lumber, but makes efficient use of storage space and the kiln if kiln dried among other cost control and inventory measures.
These simulated logs fit together quickly and because they are milled identical there is little room for error during construction which can be costly. The openings for doors and windows are predetermined and the lumber is cut before construction. When the house is being assembled on site the openings are worked around as opposed to real log homes where the openings are cut after the house is constructed (more on that later).
Visit Joated’s site Compass Points and see their construction process and progress — Quite exciting. by the way see his entry in the last log home post on this site. They are using this particular method of construction by a company in New York State called Beaver Mountain Log Homes. They offer a number of floor plans and styles from which to choose and will also work with you to design your own unique home.
Of course choosing a stock floor plan is the most cost effective.
If you have dreamed of having a log home the choices of log style can be overwhelming. You will need to do your research. I myself can appreciate milled logs and have lost count of the number of simulated log homes which I have had the pleasure to visit however, my personal tastes run to the more rustic true log and butt and pass method of construction. My reasons for such are deeply rooted in the subjective but also in the practical, experience and research.
Talk to as many builders and do as much research as you can BEFORE making your decision. Unfortunately many sales people will speak disparagingly of another builder’s method. Should you encounter a sales person that that is more keen on what some other company is doing wrong and how their own company’s system is so superior — politely thank them for their time and walk away. This is usually a red flag for some serious issues.
These sorts of tactics are downright wrong. If a sales person cannot express the benefits of their method in a sincere, logical and educated manner and rather spends your valuable time bashing the competition then first they are an extremely poor sales person trying to cover for their own in lack of education on the subject and may simply be parroting what some other sales person has said and second, are putting forth an unbecoming character that promotes distrust and put into question their integrity. One must question their motivations. If its simply the quick sale and then move on – run – don’t walk.
All in all, whether you choose to build a log home or simulated log home, choose this style or that style, you will in the end have something beautiful to behold. There are pros and cons to each method as in anything when choices need to be made – as long as youmake those choices after having done your research and are familiar with the trade-offs – 
you should have no surprises and will have a beautiful home to enjoy.
We love comments - leave one now
