Log Cabins or Log Homes are a special type of construction made exclusively with logs. These logs have not been cut into lumber and therefore preserve a special kind of appearance and charm.

photo credit: Let Ideas Compete

Log homes can be handcrafted or “Machine Profiled”. The latter means that the logs haven’t been directly imported after cutting, but have been treated with a machine in order to make them more convinient to work with. This is achieved by making them more regular in shape and size and removing imperfections. There is an ongoing debate as to whether or not Machine Profiled Log homes are real log homes.

An interesting property of log homes, is the way they age. Since moisture will be present in any wood when it is first cut, the logs that make up the house will have varying levels of moisture inside them. The top layer of the wood will seal up on drying, while the insides continue to have moisture that wants to escape. This will cause large cracks in the wood. Far from being a defect, this effect is looked on as part of the charm of the home.

There is a growing interest in Log home maintenance and restoration. Many people find an old world charm in living in a house that more closely mirrors those built by our ancestors. In addition, log homes are very prevalent in the woods and if you’re the type who looks for a quick getaway, you’re going to want to keep your log home in good condition!