subject: Custom Log Homes: All The Rustic Beauty Without The Need To Haul Water [print this page] There's something so satisfying about living in a home hewn from the wood of nearby timber stands and forests. After all, early settlers found their rough little shanties and cabins cozy and warm in winter's snows, and many a weary traveler must have delighted at the sight of welcoming firelight shining from such a home's windows.
Today, your log home builder will generally include indoor plumbing and electricity, along with the luxury of space and modern insulation methods. The warmth and beauty of sturdy custom log homes evokes what could be called a nearly primal sense of safety and protection. Tennessee log home builders have had over 100 years to learn how to get it right.
Like any building project, there are ways to get it done quickly or ways to get it done right. Moving fast may be desirable for some things, but putting together your dream house shouldn't be a race or you're sure to find that shortcuts end up costing you more in the long run. The same is true for building a house out of logs. There are several different ways to put your logs together, and a log home builder might adamantly defend his decision as the best.
Do your research and see what you think. The three most commonly referred to construction methods are Scandinavian, saddle notched, and butt-an-pass, but there are nearly a dozen others. You can also build with milled logs, which means that the logs have been shaped to notch together easily. The moisture content of the logs you use may also be a crucial element in your decision. Green wood - meaning wood that has a lot of water still inside - will shrink over time as it dries.
You can use the logs green or you can air- or kiln-dry the wood to prevent future shrinkage and damage to the overall structure. Your choice will be affected by the construction method you choose. Building a butt-and-pass home will allow you to use green wood, and therefore speed your time to completion, but other construction methods will probably require drying time. Since logs dry from the outside in, the diameter of the wood will shrink as the inner core loses moisture.
No matter how dry your wood, however, you will notice the cracks that widen a little over time. This is called "checking" and is to be expected. When you are looking for log home builders in your area, make sure to get some information about construction methods so you'll understand what the salesperson is explaining to you. Tennessee log home builders, for example, will be building with Tennessee's climate and environment in mind. Happy hunting, and enjoy your new log home!
