Frequently Asked Questions

 

What styles of log homes do you build?

We can construct your home using all the major log home construction techniques: Timber Frame, Post and Beam and Stacked log walls.

What size homes do you build?

There is no limit to how big or small your log home can be. We can build you a Taj Mahal if you really want to live in something that big or just single room cabin for minimalist living.

But our standard log home floor plans range in size from our smallest model the Laurel Getaway at 1,003 sq. ft (heated) to our palatial Rocky Mountain High at 4,232 sq. ft (heated).

What types of wood do you use in your log homes?

We use four main wood species: Lodge pole Pine, Engelmann Spruce, Douglass Fir and Cedar.

Do you use kiln dried logs?

Yes we have in the past. But we prefer to use "standing dead" timber instead. While "standing dead" logs might cost a wee bit more, but they make for better log homes in the long run.

Using logs that are cut from dead standing trees are better for several reasons:

First, using standing-dead logs is better for the environment. As part of the growing cycle, periodically, vast tracts of forest are attacked by beetles. These insects kill off the green trees, but don’t harm the underlying wood - leaving a tree "dead" but still standing.

Often these dead trees can stand for years, sometimes even decades.So over time, a natural curing process completely and evenly dries these standing-dead trees – much more thoroughly than be done with a kiln.

By cutting and using these logs, we are not only getting naturally seasoned logs which make for a more stable building material but we are also helping "jump start" new growth in insect hit areas.

Secondly, using Nature’s own drying process also "sets the pitch" inside a standing-dead log. Some wood species, like Spruce, will have pockets of pitch inside, even when dried in a kiln.

This can cause a problem when a forced dried log reaches a high temperature – the pitch can warm up enough to liquefy and drip down the sides of a log wall. Naturally dried standing-dead timber doesn’t have these problems.

Are your log homes energy efficient?

Yes. Some 'heat loss calculations' have shown that a properly built log home insulates nearly 2 ½ times better than a normal wood-frame home.

And we naturally use the most energy efficient caulking and roof systems available on the market to complete your home’s weather shield.

How many years will a log home last?

If it’s built incorrectly, a log home can last as little as five years. On the other hand, if it’s built correctly (and you keep a good roof on it plus do some reasonable maintenance), a log home can last longer than your lifetime.

In fact, the oldest standing log home in North America and possibly the oldest standing wooden structure in the Western Hemisphere, is the C.A. Nothnagle Log Cabin located in Gibbstown, New Jersey!

This simple log home was built around 1638 by Swedish or Finnish settlers. This is no surprise since in parts of Scandinavian there are still log buildings standing that were built over 1,000 years ago.

We admit we're not Scandinavian, but we think after 20 years, our log homes have withstood the test of time pretty well.

Are your log homes fire-resistant?

Yes. In fact several studies have shown that log homes are VERY fire resistant. Research has proven that due to the diameter and size of the timber used that the average house fire can’t access the logs as source for fuel.

This means in general log homes are VERY resistant to catching fire or burning. In 2001, housing industry expert Dr. Dalibor Houdek stated, "My experimental research of a [typically constructed] log wall proved that it can achieve a very high fire resistance rating by itself, and additional steps to increase its fire resistance are not necessary."

Can a log home survive a natural disaster like high winds or flooding?

We believe so. While every log home is unique, log homes in general have survived quite well in a wide range of weather environments and bad situations.

For example, a log home on the NC Outer Banks was the only beachfront home to remain standing after all the flooding and high winds that occured during Hurricane Hugo.

Another log house in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, suffered no visual damage when Hurricane Ivan swept through with winds of more than 100 mph. Besides the strength of the solid log walls, there were hurricane straps connecting the timber roof to the log walls.

So you can see that with a quality bulit log home, you might not have to worry about the passing storms, as much as your neighbors.

Are your log homes "green"?

Yes. Log home construction is actually more environmentally friendly that traditionally wood-frame homes.

Log homes are greener because...

  • Log homes use renewable resources like timber from managed growth forests.
  • Log homes can use standing-dead logs from insect-killed or wind-downed trees.
  • Log homes uses less energy to process and construct compared to conventional stick-built homes.
  • Due to the natural insulation factor, log homes are more energy efficient than traditional homes.
  • Log home walls are "surface as finish", so they don't need additional interior building materials.

Are you a general contractor?

No. Natural Timber Log Homes is a specialty log home builder. Our job is to assist you in choosing the best log home package that suits your property, your lifestyle and your budget.

Once you have selected the floor plan and structural design that you want, we work closely with you or your general contractor to make sure that your log home package is delivered, setup and erected properly.

We basically construct the walls and exterior of your log home from floor to roof line. Your general contractor is responsible for any initial foundation work, final roofing and finishing.