Log Cabin Kits
Log cabins have long been a special mix of comfort and nature. If you have decided that you want to build your dream then you probably feel the same way as we do about the part house, part art, part state of mind that is often called a log cabin. This site will provide you not only with information about the type of log cabin kits that we create and erect but also loads of information about the log cabin kit industry in general. We believe the best way to earn your business is to try to educate you on all your options not just sell you on what we do. Our product speaks for itself and we hope you will compare it to others.
The term Log Cabin has generally meant a simple, sometimes temporary structure throughout recent history. If you have looked at any log building magazines, the term Log House has evolved to represent everything from small to giant and complex homes with many different potential finishes and components. We will refer to our product as Log Cabin Kits but in our 25 years of working with logs, we have built many buildings in many shapes and sizes. This is going to be your building not ours and we think you should get the custom home you want not the package you will settle for.
Log Cabin Styles
While log cabins seem all American to most and it is true that Abe Lincoln was born and lived in a log cabin, log construction was not invented in the United States. Log construction was imported from northwest and central European colonists including French, Finnish, German, Russian and Swedish settlers. You can find log cabin kits that range from stacks of logs with the bark removed and little more, squared and hewn logs with chinking, perfectly round lumber that could probably be more accurately called dowels, and standard construction with a log veneer attached like siding. Our favorite is an Appalachian style design generally constructed out of White Pine 6" x 14" hewn logs with half dovetail corners.
It is worth mentioning that you can build an inferior log cabin out of good logs but it is impossible to build a good log cabin out of bad logs. Our White Pine lumber makes for a visually appealing, effective component and though we recommend using 6" x 14" pieces, we can provide whatever sizes you would like.
From the late 18th century and early 19th century, settlers built log cabins and cleared land while migrating their way south along the Appalachian valleys through Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia. They also moved west across the Appalachian Mountain barrier into the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys of Kentucky and Tennessee. Unaltered colonial era buildings in general are rare however, historic log buildings as a group are typically not as old or as rare as is generally thought. Log structures were built across the country until around the middle of the 19th century. While a shift to wooden balloon frame construction followed, by the early 20th century the popularity of log construction was revived throughout the country. The unmistakable beauty of a log cabin harkens back to our early history while conveying a timeless beauty maintaining its appeal through countless trends.
Appalachian Style
Appalachian style or broadaxe hewn log style generally have logs which are worked on four sides. The corners are locked together with half or full compound dovetail corners with chinking between the logs. This style is very pleasing to the eye because the natural curves and variations are preserved and can be seen and appreciated. Chinking was a term applied to filling the gaps between log members with a variety of wood, sticks, or stone and daubing was the term for the addition of clay, mud, or moss. Our log cabin kits have a chinking method that combines the best of water tight, insulating seals that compliment and reveal the undeniable beauty of the stout wooden members. Historically, when a log cabin was made of squared logs, the family intended to add on and utilize the structure as a permanent residence. When logs were left round on one or more sides, the cabin was more often intended to be a temporary home.
Full Scribe Style
Full scribe style sometimes called Swedish cope, can probably be more accurately described as Scandinavian Chinkless style. There are log cabin kits available for purchase and schools which teach the construction of this log home style. There are differing opinions on the proper techniques to achieve a structurally sound building when utilizing a "round" log. This style generally does not have chinking and when not done correctly can easily result in a structure that is susceptible to extensive cracking and settling not to mention infiltration by water temperature and infestations.
Round Log Chink Style
Round log chink style generally uses round logs with a round notch or compound dovetail corner. With this style log cabin kit, a chink gap is left to be finished with chinking. Some products sold as this style actually use a perfectly lathed piece of wood that is more accurately called a dowel. These "dowel" member buildings often have an appearance that sacrifices the unique beauty and genuine appearance that draws most people to log cabins in the first place.
Log Cabin Veneer
Log cabin kits that utilize veneers are available for both interior and exterior applications. This style is strictly a visual effect and is no more a log building than a vinyl sided house is built out of plastic.
Custom Log Homes
Our log cabin kits are actually custom buildings. We have built barns, boy scout lodges, and homes from one room to many as directed by our customers. If you need our help, we will be happy to give our opinions on all aspects of the project but we don't have a catalog of house plans that you must choose from. We will be as active as you wish from start to finish. Our log cabin kits can be delivered to anywhere in the United States or we will erect and follow the project through completion as availability allows.
A log home, when done right, is more a piece of wooden art than a construction project. Our craftsmanship and quality are second to none and reflects our true appreciation for the trade. It is unfortunate when first time log home buyers are taken advantage of and we believe the more informed the buyer is the more likely he or she will choose our log cabin kits to create a home with lasting beauty and value. We welcome the opportunity to provide you with contact information for actual clients as we feel that is by far the best way to discriminate between a company that concerns itself with doing as many jobs as possible and one that has clients that refer their friends and family. Please email or call (765)969-2834 for additional help and information.