Homesteaders settling in the territories of the American West traditionally built log cabins; durable, rainproof, and inexpensive. Today, eco-friendly and rustically charming, log cabins with their distinctive handcrafted appearance seem to be making a comeback, with luxurious features such as whirlpools, skylight windows and heated patios.

Swedish colonists built the first log cabins in North America at the beginning of the 18th century. The design of the log cabins was influenced by typical North European farm-houses until the introduction of the Homestead Act. According to which, new colonists had to build their homes of a specific size with at least one window. These old log cabins had just one room, a spacious porch, and an elevated area for sleeping.

Building the frontier style log cabin was quite easy and required only a few days. First of all, the builder settled a solid foundation to keep logs above the damp soil. Most often, rock or stone were used for the log cabin foundation. Then the builder would square off each log and make round cuts on the top and bottom of each end. Then he assembled the logs so that round cuts would fit together. The logs were secured together with wood sticks. The remaining spaces were filled with insulation materials such as clay or mud. The windows and doors were simply cut out, and a fireplace was built afterwards.

Thanks to new construction technologies and an increased attention to all things eco-wise and natural, log cabins are gaining in their popularity. Well-constructed, weather-proof log cabins today can be built and styled similar to conventional houses. Among the advantages of log cabins and homes, experts list remarkable weather-proofing qualities with little insulation and low building costs. In addition to that log cabins require little maintenance.

A hundred years ago a log builder lived in almost all rural neighborhoods, so learning to build a log cabin was easy – people simply followed the way he built. Today, log cabin enthusiasts have access to hundreds of log cabin building manuals and resources from all over the world.

Log cabin factory kits are a practical solution for the log cabin devotee. Log packages with complete instructions can be found online from as low as $5,000, but the complete cost of the building can go twice as high. To the price of the log cabin kit you should add the costs of the assembly and the installation of plumbing, electricity, heating and other “luxuries”. The happy owner of the log cabin can actually decrease the costs by participating in the construction, even though most log building companies can provide a team of contractors to raise the log cabin. In any case, the modern log cabin can be built from scratch in less than two weeks.

Once a popular vacation dwelling located in the scenic outback, log cabins are becoming popular residence choices for many families. More than 90 per cent of all log homes are currently used as a primary residence, and many of these log homes are built in metropolitan areas. Often, when people build the log cabin for vacation getaways places, they eventually move into their log homes because of their casual rugged charm and convenience.

Watch the video related to log cabin

Alma’s 1890 cabin is finally done! … building log cabin movie old funny music hillbilly 1890

Help answer the question about log cabin

About Author

For more information on Log Cabins please visit the Travel and Recreation Blog

For people who wish to experience the goodness of living in a country-style home, they could easily resort to log cabins. These types of homes provide the kind of comfort and style that is totally different from the city.

One of the best things about building and using log cabins is that these types of homes provide inexpensive means of having a reliable and durable dwelling.

Since its inception in the 18th century, log cabins have continuously been utilized as alternatives to contemporary homes. These are especially utilized by people who wish to experience a more comfortable and more naturalistic way of living.

For this reason, many people are opting to build log cabins. However, most of the instruments and materials that are needed to build log cabins are often made available at quite a few diverse locations.

Therefore, as a substitute for finding and collecting the necessary materials from different places, log cabin kits are created to give you all the necessary materials and directions or manuals in just one package.

Buying log cabin kits will not only make your purchases easier and faster but it can also give you the chance to save more money because most of the materials that are bought individually would normally cost more.

With the proliferation of online shopping, you can easily find a workable log cabin kits in the Internet. The best thing about it is that log cabin kits that can be found online could provide better choice since you can easily compare and evaluate each kit first before deciding to buy the package.

Most of the log cabin kits are complete with materials and instruction manuals. Hence, you can easily start building your own log cabin. The only problem is that you still have to purchase your own additional materials for your electricity, water supply, and other features of your homes that are not normally included in log cabin kits.

Basically, a log cabin kit contains decks, exterior windows, interior roof framing, floor joints, roof framing, porch, logs, exterior doors, groove plywood floors, and floor joints. These materials are applicable whether you want to build a large or a small log cabin.

Advantages of Log Cabin Kits

Log cabin kits are not just built for the sake of having them. Log cabin kits are especially made to provide ready-made materials to log cabin aficionados who wish to build their own masterpiece. These log cabins provide many benefits that people will normally have a hard time acquiring when building their own home.

Here is a list of some of its advantages:

1. Complete package

As far as log cabin building is concerned, log cabin kits are complete with all the necessary materials. Each log cabin kit has its own instruction manual that consist of comprehensive directions in order to build the cabin correctly. It also contains the “tools supply list” that entails the additional materials necessary in building the log cabin.

Most of the log cabin kits also have the typical construction supplies such as beam hangers, nails, etc.

2. More savings

With log cabin kits, you can easily save more money because the materials are presented into one whole package. Buying these things separately will absolutely compel you to spend more because you do not only spend more money on the material but you also spend additional cost for the delivery and transportation.

Hence, you end up spending more than what you have planned. With log cabin kits, you can only spend in as little as $5,000. Additional expenses would only pertain to installation of electricity, plumbing, heating, and other lavishness.

3. Better quality materials

One of the best things about log cabin kits is that these kits usually contain the best kinds of logs. Most of the logs included in the log cabin kits are completely and naturally dried and patterned to the correct criteria. In contrast, most of the commercial establishments that offer logs would usually expedite the drying process, which, in turn, degrade the total quality of the logs.

4. User friendly

Log cabin kits are easier to use. In fact, because of its user-friendly features, almost anybody can build a log cabin.

Given all that, log cabin kits are definite advantage to most log cabin fanatics. All of these things will definitely make country-style living a great possibility.

Watch the video related to log cabin

The e-log log siding system is ideal for new construction and remodel projects. It is an easy to install tongue & groove log siding system that is light weight, energy efficient, environmentally friendly, easy to maintain, economical and provides the most realistic log home look that any log siding product on the market. Visit our website, www.e-logsiding.com

Help answer the question about log cabin

About Author

Charles H. Smith Build Your Log Cabin

If extra space is needed for the home, a log cabin is an attractive and practical way to answer the problem. Log cabins are ideal as a home office, a gym, for housing Jacuzzi’s and saunas or as a playhouse for the children.

The size and style of your log cabin can be dependent on your budget. One way to make your budget go further is to use a log cabin kit and assemble the log cabin yourself. Most log cabin kits come with comprehensive assembly instructions, and with assistance from friends and family armed with tools, such as: a hammer, drill, spirit level, and a screwdriver, it can be a challenging and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

However, for some people, just the thought of assembling a log cabin kit is enough to give them a headache: so the next best option is to hire help though your log cabin kit company or from local trades’ people.

Once you know your budget, the next step will be deciding what type of log cabin kit to purchase. Log cabin kits come in different packages: some are, handcrafted, and made from whole logs, whereas other log cabin kits are made from kiln-dried logs that are factory milled. Consider the quality and quantity of the wood in the log cabin kit: if your log cabin is to be used for twelve months of the year, you will need thicker logs than if your log cabin was for summertime usage. There are different shapes of logs to choose from, and a common choice is the ‘D’ log, which is round on the outside and flat on the inside and gives a horizontal wood-panelling look within. If you are concerned about the environment, check the logs are from substantially managed forests. Deliberate over the floor plans to determine what will work for you, what type of timber you want to use, e.g. pine or cedar, what insulation you need and your utility requirements.

The typical contents of a log cabin kit contain cut logs for a specific log cabin plan. Each log has a predetermined location in the wall of the cabin, with door and window openings already cut into the appropriate logs. Most log cabin kit companies offer a number of log cabin kit options that contain additional components: cladding, insulation, screws, corner panels, window frames and windows, doors frames and doors, steel brackets, anchor bolts, nuts and washes, studding, roofing and flooring. What isn’t included is: foundations, wiring, plumbing, heating, roof tiles, and guttering. Because each log cabin kit company structure their kit differently, it makes it difficult to compare costs between the companies, unless you can do an item-by-item comparison of the contents of the different log cabin kits.

Before log cabin kits can be assembled, a well-prepared level base that is the same size as the log cabin floor will be required to ensure a long lasting installation. A variety of materials can create a solid base, such as: concrete or paving slabs positioned on hardcore, and it should be 20-50mm above the ground level. Building regulations will need to be considered, for example, if your log cabin is to be located next to a boundary line. Some log cabins require planning permission and your log cabin kit company maybe able to provide advice on this matter. However if there are doubts, it is best to contact your local planning authority before work is commenced.

Log cabin kits do take time to assemble, but the finished product will be something you and your family can enjoy and appreciate for many years to come.

Watch the video related to log cabin

These are the real deal–18th and 19th Century log cabins located mostly in the South. As residences go, they are both a joy and a tarnation. Wish I could take credit for all the pictures, but I didn’t take all of them myself. MUSIC: “River Jordan” by Angela Easterling www.angelaeasterling.com .

Help answer the question about log cabin

About Author

The Author, Sandra Edmond recommends you visit http://www.gardeningthoughts.co.uk/acatalog/log-cabins.html for more details on log cabin kits for the garden.

Years of building furniture of many different styles has given me much insight into what people like and dislike in the decorating world. One thing that is often common in many of my clients is that people seem to long for the simple life and cabin living. Like me, many of us are in search of the mountain sort of living, which gives us a sense of hope to return to the days when things were a more simple and not so confusing. There are all kinds of ‘cabin’ d?r websites, magazines, brochures, books, and how to videos for sale just about anywhere you look from your local grocery store to the Internet.

One reason for the phenomenal popularity of this particular type of home decorating style probably has a little bit to do with the simplicity of it. There are no hard and fast rules, there aren’t fancy faux finishes and textured painting that needs to be done in order to complete the look and there aren’t overly complicated rules for what is and isn’t acceptable. From the bear budget to the champagne and caviar crowd there is some sort of d?r available that will suit not only the home decorating needs but also the need for quality as well.

Another thing that many find appealing about a cabin themed home decorating plan is that it simply exudes warmth year round. From the dark colors to the flannel materials and the soft homespun simplicity of the design many find it simply irresistible. If you want the warmth of a Montana cabin in your home every day of the year this is one great way to do it. Bring the bears, the moose, and all the furry forest friends to frolic in your living room, on your light fixtures, and in your dreams as you fall into restful sleep each night. From the bedroom to the bathroom and the kitchen in between, the cabin style of home decorating is one that is making great waves in the market place.

You will find many stores online and locally that cater to the cabin loving audience for hardware, knick-knacks, and what knots galore. The thing to remember is that the design essence isn’t the little touches you add along the way, it’s the warmth of wood, fire, leather, and wrought iron. These are the materials that will establish the cabin appeal more quickly than any of the small accessories you may find. Drywall and plaster simply cannot carry the look. Knotty pine, cedar or some other rich style of wood is the best option for walls when pulling off a cabin home appeal.

More importantly than anything though is the need to include a little bit of yourself in the design. Do not hesitate to carve your initials with a heart into the wood of your walls. It is one more thing that will be not only endearing but also appropriate to the home and the atmosphere. There is a type of innocence about a cabin style home and your own little touches will leave a lasting impression and create the cabin living lifestyle you have always dreamed of.

Mike Powers

Watch the video related to log cabins

These are the real deal–18th and 19th Century log cabins located mostly in the South. As residences go, they are both a joy and a tarnation. Wish I could take credit for all the pictures, but I didn’t take all of them myself. MUSIC: “River Jordan” by Angela Easterling www.angelaeasterling.com .

Help answer the question about log cabins

About Author

Mike Powers is an entrepreneur, craftsman and internet marketer. His website, Clearwater Cabin Living, offers a variety of tools to equip you along the way in creating the cabin and outdoor lifestyle you desire. We offer articles on building and decorating your dream cabin, great trails to hike, camping tips, the best ways to hook a rainbow trout, outdoor cooking and much, much more.
Visit Mike’s website: http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com