What are the differences between log homes & log cabins?
Log homes have been capturing UK homeowners' imaginations for decades, and for a good reason: their Nordic aesthetic invites users to sample a simple, peaceful existence.
With today's rat race and the requirement to be on the go, everything the log cabin home offers is now more desired than ever.
However, before you clear some trees and declare a new minimalist lifestyle, understand that creating an idyllic log cabin home retreat needs some research. Log cabin homes are unique in everything from their appearance to their assembly. Being unaware of these first can save a few headaches later on.
Are you thinking about building a log home?
First, ask yourself whether you want a log home or a log cabin. And we've compiled six tips you need to know before buying.
Log home or log cabin - what's the difference?
We've been saying log home, but isn't the correct term a log cabin?
Well, yes and no.
A log home is any building constructed with logs. A log cabin is usually much smaller, more secluded, and although some say less modern, we would disagree. Log cabins also do not need to be rectangles; they can be square too.
So whilst we say log home in this article, we are also referring to log cabins or any outdoor structure built with logs.
1. Log cabin homes have various styles
Log cabin homes are as unique as those who put them together.
Different wood, different ways of construction, various places to assemble in your garden all can change how your overall home looks in many ways.
Homeowners can choose between having more rooms in the log home or a veranda, even what type of roof style they would prefer. Some of our very own log homes have an outdoor kitchen lounge too!
The appeal of a log cabin home is that the logs make up the entire exterior and interior, combined with modern design and functionality, and provide several uses not previously thought of using it for, for example, an office or garden gym shed.
Whatever appeals to you, today's log cabins are more stylish and functional than the simple structures many have seen on TV or encountered on a trip into the wilderness. Many are merely used as a wooden summer house.
2. Electricity and wiring can be tricky
You'll see several log homeowners complain about unbearable heat in the summer and sub-zero temperatures during the winter months. Not only does this lead to an inhabitable living environment, but it can also cause financial constraints.
How can you prevent this?
A common problem is faulty construction, resulting in gaps in the logs that prevent effective insulation. Ensure that you only use the best timber materials to construct your home. At Gardenhouse24 UK, we only use Nordic spruce and pine, insulating Nordic families for generations. We also offer an assembly service that ensures your log home is done correctly and quickly.
If you still wish to do this yourself, then great! Just remember that the process of filling gaps with an elastic sealant is an important step that log home buyers can't skip. It helps ensure that your home stays at a pleasant and comfortable temperature.
Aside from heating and cooling your log cabin home, electric wiring for electric access is tricky.
We would always recommend hiring a professional to guide you through this process, or even do this yourself to ensure that wires are run correctly throughout the log cabin and where to place plug sockets and light switches.
The log size themselves mean that changes cannot really be done later, and anyways, it is best to get it done right the first time.
3. Log homes are stunning to look at
Log homes have become synonymous with wide-open spaces and
stunning scenic backdrops because their rustic charm is part of the wilderness or countryside.
This stunning aesthetic appeals to people drawn to nature.
As you plan your log home, consider where you will place your log cabin so you can ensure you maximise its backdrop. There's nothing quite as impressive as waking up to a breathtaking view each morning. Naturally, if you are in an urban area, and the backdrop is more grey than green, then consider where a log cabin home would look best in your garden. You can even add a fire pit in front of it to add more of the rustic aesthetic associated with more remote log cabins.
4. Factor in doing some maintenance work
Because log homes take us back to a simpler time, everything about them is manageable and straightforward. The uniqueness of this home-style stretches to its maintenance, so homeowners and log homebuyers must know what they are getting themselves into before they commit.
For example, no one wants insects or bugs in their home, but log homes are prime real estate for the pesky little fellas.
Rarely, but sometimes it occurs that insects are already present in the wood during construction. Usually, they find their way into your log cabin after construction has been completed.
How do you keep them out?
Wood needs to be dried and treated correctly with preventatives during the construction phase. Thankfully, all our log houses already have this done.
After obtaining your log home, you must be a responsible log homeowner. Regularly inspect the outside of your log house for any signs of weakness or pests. Whilst some pests are more nuisance than a problem, others can do severe damage to your home.
Another point to consider when discussing regular maintenance for log homes is refinishing and restaining the outside. As the weather tests our log home, the finish will gradually need to be reapplied. Be prepared to refinish your log house as often as every 3 to 4 years (although some finishes can last longer).
Whether or not you've thought about it, your log house will also have a few separation issues.
Over time logs shrink as moisture dries; this causes small cracks or gaps to appear in and between logs. This is usually avoided in treated wood for several years. However, it would be best to remain alert after a wet or severely cold season.
If you have other functionality within your log house, like a kitchen, then consider that this will need cleaning and proper ventilation throughout the years.
5. Rustic or more modern log cabin homes?
You probably should decide whether you want a rustic looking log cabin or a more modern-looking garden building.
That does not mean that you cannot consider a more rustic look and modernise indoors with accessories. You can add in modern windows, door locks, mirrors, gym and office equipment; the possibilities are endless to get that rustic exterior combined with a modern interior.
If you prefer a modern look, you can paint your window frames and indoor cabinets and add more stylish furniture to suit your taste.
Alternatively, if modern is your niche, then select one of the hundreds of modern log cabins for sale with reasonable log cabin prices where you can have a contemporary and assembled look without worrying about modernising an old rustic aesthetic.
6. You can build a log home from a prefabricated kit
In the on-demand world we inhabit, we expect an easier (and often faster) ways to get what we need. Building a log cabin home is a demanding learning experience but can be incredibly worthwhile. However, it can take days or even weeks to do if not done correctly.
Are you looking for a faster option?
Consider a log cabin or prefabricated home kit in which all of the necessary parts are delivered to your door for assembly. Plenty of companies, including ours, offer prefabricated log home kits with instructions, giving you an idyllic space to getaway within in a much quicker time. Alternatively, for a fee, we can set up for you much faster!
Still unsure about a log home? - Check these clearance log cabins for sale
Maybe log home or log cabin isn't calling your name yet, or perhaps you're not sure about log cabin prices?
That's OK! There are plenty of ways to bring some Nordic aesthetic and additional space into your home.
Read our guide to garden room costs, or maybe you prefer a Nordic style barrel sauna instead?
Ultimately check our sales page for clearance log cabins for sale.
