Innholdsfortegnelse for September/Log Home Buyer's Guide 2025 i Log and Timber Home Living

1 Have a clear vision Before you contact a single log home representative, it’s important to know the style of home you’re looking for—particularly log type, species and diameter. These factors will be key components of the company you select, as many producers specialize in particular log species and profiles. So if you know you want full-round Douglas fir logs, you’ve automatically eliminated any companies that don’t offer this product. 2 Channel your inner detective Once you’ve narrowed down your options to a manageable list of wants and needs and drafted a short list of companies that can fulfill your vision, then it’s time for research. Read everything that you can find on the companies, including websites, plansbooks, brochures, catalogs and, of course, reviews. These materials will provide clues about each company’s…

Without question, log-raising day is the most exciting part of the building process. What shocks most people is how quickly the stack of wood starts to look like a real home! This instant gratification is fun, but it’s also serious business, because there’s more to crafting a log house than stacking wood. A log home’s structural support rests almost entirely on its perimeter log walls. These load-bearing log surfaces are known as the “horizontal surfaces.” They form the top and bottom of the log profile, or its shape as viewed from the end. The logs’ sides are referred to as the “visible surfaces” and define the look of the wall. Also, logs naturally shrink and may twist a little as they dry. Wood species react differently during their seasoning process,…

LOVE THE LOOK OF A LOG HOME but wonder if there are more benefits than mere beauty? Learn the what else makes these wooden masterpieces irresistible at loghome.com/why-build-wood-homes. IF YOU HAVE A LOG, TIMBER OR HYBRID HOME, wood is clearly a priority for you. Visit timberhomeliving.com/special-wood-treatments to learn about a few of the applications and techniques that will punch up the panache of your home’s wood elements. WHETHER YOU’VE LIVED IN A COZY CABIN for years or are considering making the leap, maintenance is the key to ensuring your property withstands the test of time. Get a jump start on your to-do list with the essentials at cabinlife.com/preserving-maintaining-log-cabins. WHY WAIT UNTIL RETIREMENT to enjoy the home of your dreams? On our Youtube channel @logandtimberhomeliving, we find out how that question…

EVEN IF YOU START with a stock floor plan, most milled log home providers require a significant deposit at contract signing because logs are custom-cut to meet the specific aspects of your design. Some are refundable; others are not. Make certain that you have a written statement explaining the provider’s policy before you write a check. Payment terms differ among handcrafters. Generally, they expect a down payment of up to one-third of the total once you approve the plans. When work is underway, progress payments are required. Final payment, depending on your provider, will be due before the logs leave the yard, when the logs are erected or, if the handcrafter is also doing your finishing work, when the job is complete. If the provider you choose prepares construction drawings…

As you head down the path toward a custom log home, you may think inspiration begins on Pinterest, in a floor plans catalog or perhaps even within the pages of this very magazine. Those are certainly tools you’ll want to take advantage of in your dream-home journey; however, the true first step begins where many hopeful log homeowners least expect it: in a state of self-reflection. Designing your dream home starts with understanding what matters most: your lifestyle, your budget and your vision for the future. These factors will all determine the scale, flow and materials of your future home. So where does one even begin such an exercise in self-discovery? With simple questions. Before you know it, your answers will transform into the first sketches of a floor plan…

Without a builder, your log home is nothing more than a pile of wood and a pipe dream. While your architect can sketch the perfect design and your log provider can craft exquisite materials with which to build it, once these components get to your site, it’s your builder who will transform them into a real home. Of course fees will factor into the decision, but what really matters is finding a person who has the experience, reputation, proper licensing and connections, as well as the ability to solve problems quickly and communicate with you along the way. How do you decide who makes the cut? Start by asking each prospective builder the following questions. 1 What’s your level of experience? As in all specialized fields, experience goes a long way…

TO PROTECT LOG HOMES, a range of products, including stains and sealants, perform different functions. Your log provider or builder will recommend options that will work well with your wood species and region, but you should understand what they plan to use and how it will be applied. Here are a few of the most common: Caulk A sealant used to fill joints and spaces between logs. Often, it’s clear or a color that matches the tone of the wood, making the caulk virtually invisible. Caulk comes in tubes or pails and is applied with a gun in a narrow bead. The soft, moist bead dries to a tough elastic barrier that protects the interior from air and water penetration. Gasket Tape A pressure-sensitive PVC foam with adhesive on one…

When you work with an established builder or GC, you get the advantage of years of experience. Chances are, this person has seen it all and knows how to deal with the unexpected. But this doesn’t mean you’re just a bystander on the sidelines. There are things that you can do (or sometimes NOT do) to help ensure things are moving along. Practice these four simple principles and you’ll be surprised how much of a role you’ll actually play in the construction of your own log home. 1 Patience is a virtue. An average custom log home takes 6 to 12 months to complete, depending on its size and complexity. Log home construction has ebbs and flows, and there may not be workers on the site every day. Though it…

Look for these icons: These products might come with a higher price, but they are worth every penny. Check out these smart solutions for budgetminded shoppers. Save time and energy with finishes that are as durable as they are attractive. FLOORING Real Hardwood Alongside logs, hardwood floors add another layer of warmth to a space. In addition to its rich glow, solid hardwood flooring offers easy maintenance and versatility. Depending on the wood species and finish you choose, wood flooring can veer sleek or rustic, but keep moisture in mind, as repeated exposure can wear the finish down fast. If you want wood in a moisture-prone area, such as a kitchen, bath or below-grade space, engineered hardwood is better able to withstand water and won’t shrink or warp. Wood-Look If…

Cowboy-themed dinnerware? A rustic wooden desk? A wine barrel bar stool? The internet abounds with unique finds that are perfect for charismatic log homes. Find many of them at e-commerce destinations like these: Amish Outlet Store amishoutletstore.com Avalanche Ranch Lighting avalanche-ranch.com Black Forest Decor blackforestdecor.com The Cabin Place cabinplace.com Camo Trading camotrading.com eCowhides ecowhides.com Log Cabin Rustics logcabinrustics.com Lone Star Western Decor lonestarwesterndecor.com Roughing It in Style roughingitinstyle.com Terry Wilson Antler Designs wilsonantlers.com Woodland Creek’s Log Furniture Place logfurnitureplace.com…

UNLESS YOU ARE AMONG THE VERY LUCKY FEW, you’ll likely need to finance at least part of your log home project to be able to afford it. Even if you do have the wherewithal to fully fund it yourself, borrowing money can be an advantageous financial strategy. Whether you’re looking to secure a construction-to-permanent loan or a basic mortgage, successful qualification requires an examination of one’s finances, and a complex road to loan closing is common. It can be stressful. But by leveraging some wise advice you can reduce the stress and push the program along to the happy day when papers are signed and the deal is done. One of the best ways to begin is to choose an experienced lending professional who will serve as a trusted advisor—one…

1 Aim High You’d assume that a 2,000-square-foot house costs less than one twice that size, but that’s not necessarily the case. While single-story homes continue to be popular, to save money without sacrificing square footage, two stories may be less than one. Why? A large footprint usually costs more in excavation and foundation work than adding a second story does. 2 Choose Wood Species with Care Wood prices fluctuate and some species cost more than others. The size of the logs (diameter) also plays a role in a package’s price. For example, a 8-inch-diameter log will cost less than one that’s 10 inches; and eastern white cedar likely will cost less than western red cedar. Shop your options, but don’t skimp here. Logs will make up the bulk of your…

Want all the benefits of a custom home — plus the all the confidence that comes with a tried-and-true design? Beginning your design with a so-called “stock plan” may be just the fix. These predesigned layouts are fortified with the years of experience of a log home manufacturer’s in-house design team, who have seen it all: what works, what doesn’t; what’s trendy and what’s timeless. However, as you’ve probably gathered by now, most designs will change at least a little along the way, so your log home provider and design team will fully expect a few alterations. Using this approach, you can tailor the plan until the final design is just right for your lot, budget and lifestyle. So, which customizations will you make? To get you started, we have…

ONCE CONSTRUCTION STARTS you are going to be eager to move into your new log home, so time and money are two things you will not want to waste. But also understand that your builder’s time and expertise are valuable, and he or she likely will charge for labor and materials in one of three ways: fixed bid; cost plus (also referred to as “time-and-materials”); or, quite possibly, a combination of the two. Each has pros and cons. Here’s how they break down. 1 FIXED BID This reflects the exact amount a builder will charge for construction, as well as the home’s completion date. In theory, you get what you want and the contractor gets paid what he wants. Pros: The more straightforward the project, the easier it is to contract…

Log home insurance specialist Fred Roberts weighs in on how to best protect your investment as you build. Q What insurance do homeowners need during log home construction, and when should they get it? A: “Builder’s-risk” insurance is the primary means to insure for property exposure claims during construction. Builder’s-risk insurance is active while projects are under construction, renovation, remodel or repair. It’s best to secure builder’s-risk insurance prior to starting the project. In the case of a construction loan, builder’s-risk insurance is normally required before the loan closing date. Q What does builder’s-risk insurance cover? A: Consider it like homeowners insurance but without personal-contents coverage. This type of policy covers the structure and materials during construction only, including certain types of loss, damage or destruction of property, but it excludes claims…

Can a log home be minimalist — or is more, more? Simplicity is part of the appeal of the log home lifestyle—so it only makes sense to extend that ethos to your decor (if you wish). Make “fewer but finer” your framework for selecting new pieces and lean into a neutral palette with rich texture for visual interest. DECORATING GOLDEN RULE: LIVE WITH WHAT YOU LOVE. What’s the rule of thumb for mixing wood tones? In a house full of wood, it’s understandable to feel apprehensive about blending species and stains. However, if you keep just a few key principles in mind, you can mix and match to your heart’s content. One, stick to cool or warm tones. A cohesive undertone will unify the space. Two, don’t be afraid to…

Whether you’re in the market to build a custom log or timber home or simply a fan of these gorgeous, natural places to live, Log & Timber Home Living is here to inform your decisions and spark your imagination. For over four decades, we have showcased the best that the log and timber home lifestyle has to offer. In each issue you’ll find: • Stories of real people who made their log and timber home dreams come to life. • Floor plans to fit your budget and lifestyle. • Design trends and tips. • Gardening and landscaping ideas. • Construction advice from a pro. • And, of course, dozens of gorgeous photos. Two Annual Buyer’s Guides (nearly a $25 value!) included with your subscription. *Two free premium guides you can…