Log cabins are a popular choice for people who want a cozy and relaxing home. They can be rustic, contemporary or luxurious, and range in style from vacation mountain homes to a modern log mansion.
Building a log cabin can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. For one, they require a lot of maintenance.
Floor Plan
If you are building a log cabin, the floor plan of your home is one of the most important things to consider. You want to choose a layout that will make the most of the land on which you are building, and one that will provide you with the best views from all of the rooms inside your home.
When people think about a log home, they typically picture a cozy cottage or a grand lodge-like rustic retreat that overlooks a peaceful lake. But modern log home plans are more than just traditional, shabby-chic cabins and gable roofs – they have all the amenities and features you would expect in a contemporary home.
The most common feature of a log home is an open floor plan, and they are often adorned with plenty of windows for natural light and stunning views. These designs are popular with those who love the rustic look of wood trusses and logs, but who also want a contemporary feel to their homes.
Another common design feature is a porch or deck, which is often incorporated into the overall layout of the log house plan. This can be a major draw, as it provides you with a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, especially when your home is built in a mountainous area.
This log cabin floorplan has a great open living space, with the main entrance leading to a kitchen/dining room, which is large enough to accommodate two people at a time. The front of the cabin is occupied by a covered porch that stretches the entire length of the home. The porch leads into the main living room, which has a cathedral ceiling and lots of windows to take advantage of the beautiful views from wherever you are in your cabin. The master bedroom is located on the first floor, along with the laundry room and bathroom. There is also a small loft area, which could be used as either a sleeping area or as a room that opens onto the main living space.
Roof
The roof of a log cabin is one of the most important components in its construction. It protects the home from rain and snow and helps in creating a comfortable atmosphere inside. A well-designed roof can also add a sense of style and sophistication to the exterior of your cabin.
A variety of roofing materials are available to suit the design of your log cabin. Asphalt shingles, wood shakes and metal are some of the most common options.
Cedar shakes are a classic choice for log cabins, and they can be factory-treated to resist fire and mold. They also offer excellent insulation and can be installed quickly and cost-effectively.
Black-colored shingle roofs are another traditional option for log homes. They look elegant and imposing, and they can be finished in any color to complement the log siding.
For a more modern look, you can use a metal roof. These are very durable and low-maintenance, which is especially needed in rural areas.
If you want to enhance the natural feel of your log cabin, you can use a green-colored roof. It will blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature and give a subtle yet elegant look.
You can also use a curved metal roof for your log cabin, which will make it stand out from the rest. It can also break up large spans of roof and create a dramatic effect on your property.
A thatched roof is also a good option for your log cabin. This type of roof is less common than the others, but it can still look great and give a rustic feel to your cabin.
EPDM rubber is another roofing material that is suitable for log cabins. It is easy to install and does not rip easily. It also has a long lifespan and is very resistant to moisture, UV light and heat.
Walls
A log cabin plan can include multiple walls, depending on your needs. You can choose between solid logs and a combination of log siding and insulation for more energy efficiency, or opt for drywall or plaster for a sleeker look.
Regardless of the wall system you choose, it’s important to have adequate insulation and ventilation. A well-insulated home will use less energy to heat and cool, which will cut down on your power bill.
One of the best ways to ensure you have a tight wall system is to use notch techniques that minimize gaps between the logs. There are three basic types of notch techniques that can be used in a log cabin plan: intersecting, overlapping and interlocking.
Overlapped Corner: This corner style has each log end that extends beyond the intersection with the log on the opposing wall, giving a more distinct log home appearance. This system is often referred to as a “butt and pass” corner or a “saddle cope.”
The logs in the overlapped corner system are butted up against each other so that each wall has alternating long and short logs that mesh together. This gives the logs a strong connection and allows you to use less wood in your walls, which can save money on materials over the life of your log cabin.
It is also a good idea to place joist ends close to the interior surface of the logs, especially if your joists are prone to movement over the years. This will help keep moisture from condensing on the colder joist-end notches in winter. For this reason, it is always a good idea to caulk around joist-end notches and seal any air pockets in the joist ends with a backer rod.
Doors
The front door of a log cabin sets the mood for the whole home, and it’s important to pick one that exudes warmth and appeal. Fortunately, there are plenty of styles to choose from that will match your unique aesthetic.
Doors are also important for ensuring safety, as they protect your home from intruders. You can choose from a variety of materials, including wood, steel, and fiberglass.
A modern alternative to traditional wood doors, fiberglass is a durable material that’s low maintenance and offers a beautiful appearance. It also has a high R-value, which means it helps keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.
French doors are a popular choice for log cabins, especially because they let in plenty of light and make your interior seem larger than it really is. Some models even have smaller glass inserts to increase privacy.
These doors are also available in a wide range of colors and designs to match your exterior style. They can be painted or stained to match the colors of your log cabin, and they’re resistant to warping and rusting.
When choosing your front doors, consider your surroundings and budget. You’ll also want to consider the size and shape of the door. This will affect how much space it takes to open, and whether or not you need a double door.
Another important consideration is energy efficiency. The r-value of your doors will determine how well they insulate your home. Fiberglass is one of the most energy efficient options, as it doesn’t expand or contract with temperature changes.
The trusses of this log cabin’s porch and front door use real tree trunk columns to add drama and a rustic feel. The rugged wooden surface with glass panels complements the authentic stone walls and flooring of the cabin perfectly, creating a medieval-themed entrance that’s sure to impress anyone who sees it.
Windows
When you build a log cabin, the windows are one of the most important parts of your home. They provide light, ventilation and energy efficiency. They also offer the opportunity to take in views and create a sense of privacy.
You’ll have many options when choosing windows for your cabin plan, depending on what you want and what the building codes require. You should choose windows that fit your style and your budget.
The material of the frame will affect the look and performance of your windows. Wood framing is traditional and aids in energy efficiency, but it needs to be treated and protected from moisture to prevent warping, cracking and rot.
Vinyl frames are versatile and come in a wide range of styles. They don’t need painting and offer good moisture resistance. Fiberglass is a strong, durable material that offers the best energy efficiency and is virtually maintenance-free.
When you choose windows for your log cabin, consider the area’s climate and weather patterns. Some window types have insulating gas fills that can reduce heat loss through the glass and help your cabin stay warm in winter and cool in summer.
You can also add low-emittance (or low-E) coatings to your windows that reflect back heat during summer and reduce fading of interior materials like fabrics and furniture. A low-emittance window will reduce your heating and cooling bills while improving the look of your home.
Windows are a wonderful addition to a log cabin, but they must be properly installed and constructed to work correctly. Using the wrong windows can make your home less efficient and increase your energy bills. So, be sure to consult a professional when selecting windows for your cabin.