Log Homes...
 

Anyone (except Dennis, Drty, Ken) know anything about Log Homes ???

Is anyone a home designer or architect ???

Are there any experts on wood species ???

Re: Log Homes...
 

They're cool houses! I'd love to have a log home. Though even the most earthy folks I know who have land with their own trees cut the logs in half and do a system with insulation between the inner and outer logs. They say the R-value of the logs isn't quite good enough. I think I read the R-value was 7 for some log homes. There is a plethora of information on the web. Check out custom cutters (some based in VT and other areas) for whole log homes, and the commercial prefabs which are DIY setups. Post and Beam homes are another of my favorites.

Re: Log Homes...
 

Gooey Gaybob is a "Wood" expert. You should PM him.

Re: Log Homes...
 

:jump:

Re: Log Homes...
 

I had looked into building a log home when I bought my property last year. I decided against it because of potential rot, mildew, mold, bugs. I talked w/some local builders and some people who had log homes around here and they had the same concerns (no one had any problems, but they were concerned about the potential issues). Any time you use non-processed wood, you run a risk, and I didn't want to deal with that.

The prices were cheaper than a custom-built home, but the amenities weren't as nice. Energy costs would be higher (try and find an inexpensive energy-star true log home). A good balance might be a pre-fab using log cuts instead of full logs, this makes the outside log and the inside regular drywall. Since this was my primary house, I decided regular custom-built home no logs. If it was a 2nd home, I'd go log and deal w/the potential issues/costs.

Re: Log Homes...
 

I can make you a small log cabin model out of lincoln logs.

It'll take me a few sittings and a couple of bags of oatmeal fiber.

Send me your mailing address.

Re: Log Homes...
 

Log homes are built out of logs. I used to play with my older brother's Lincoln Logs. PM me.:D

Re: Log Homes...
 

JINX!!!:beerchug:

Re: Log Homes...
 

CP and I will send you both our versions.:jump:

Re: Log Homes...
 

Wow, how freakin timely is THIS question! I am going to look at a log home tonight. I know I have a lot to learn. I too am concerned with r-value and mold, rot, etc.

Re: Log Homes...
 

I have done a lot of research about Log Homes and also went to a Log Home Show.

(IF) I do go log I think I want Cypress, which is mostly Heartwood or Ceder, requesting Heartwood. These are one of the most bug and mildew/rot resistant woods there are for homes. FYI solid logs be they round, d-cut or square cut have a VERY high R value.

Cost factor is about $120 to $150 sq ft (or higher) compared to Stick construction of about $100 sq ft.

The reason I asked is I want to learn more then is written above. Like everything in life when I talk to the manufactures they only give you their side so i'm looking for additional UNBIASED experience and expertise on the subject. I have attended seminars, purchased books, seen tv shows

AND

My mom lives a a 2 story 3100 sqft log home south of miami. I know a lot but want more info.

By the way "Limp Dicks" check this out...... :

www.lincolnlogs.com/buildingsystems.


:beerchug: :dancingbanana:

Re: Log Homes...
 

Let me know if you want help...

RYD

Re: Log Homes...
 

Sweet!

Re: Log Homes...
 

thanks :)

Re: Log Homes...
 

RYD - If I were you, I'd only use the centers of Californian Redwoods for the logs. As for weather protection, insulation, etc.. you can use mink hides. Of course if you want to do it wrong and want problems, don't listen to me.

Re: Log Homes...
 

(i guess) as pictured not including property, turnkey would be $750000 to $1000000...

Re: Log Homes...
 

Go prefab. You'll have a better product in the end because of the climate control conditions. They can scribe logs better in the factory and get a superior fit.

They completely assemble the home at the factory, disassemble it and ship it to the job site where it's reassembled. Very fast.

The builder should know what wood is best for the environment you want to build in.

Oh wait, I'm not supposed to chime in.;)

Re: Log Homes...
 

Not a log home but a timberframe. We just closed on this Friday May 11. I love this place and 30 yards to slopes. Its in Canaan Valley West Virginia at a ski resort called Timberline.

3 hrs door to door from our home in Northern VA.

Re: Log Homes...
 

Is he kissing it? Or suckling on the nipple?

Re: Log Homes...
 

I looked into building a log home (for reals). Obviously, the larger diameter logs have more R value, and in the pacific northwest, everyone recommended cedar because it resists rot(salt air and rain) and bugs. Cedar comes in about every size imaginable. I know in Arizona and warmer climates White Pine is a big favorite. Someone once recommended using a species of wood that is native to the area you're building in.

One of the main reasons we did not use logs in our construction is because the home itself is hard to appraise if you have to sell it. Since it was our primary residence, we decided to go with stick frame, cedar siding, and timber accents.

Another reason we did not use logs is because finding a builder that knows how much they settle, and how to install plumbing and windows with proper spacing was difficult. If the logs are not cut from dead standing timber, then they need to be dried out to help with the settling/shrinking problem.

Keep doing your homework. Home Time on Discovery Channel did a show on building a log home. Great info. Get all the log home magazines you can find and ask everyone you can think of.

Are you thinking of a prefab log home, or one that's put together on site? Alpine Log Homes in Hamilton, Montana has done beautiful things nationwide. Neville log homes, and Rocky Mtn. log homes. All located near Hamilton, Montana.

Good luck!

And on a more serious note, I bought g-damn lincoln logs thinking I'd make one before I built. :rant: I hate those things!