Log cabin shell kits are a great way to start building a home for your family. You have a wide variety of options for how you can make the most of your space, including what materials to use, how to create the design of your dream home and how much you can expect to pay for the finished project.
Cost per square foot
The cost per square foot of log cabin shell kits depends on the size of your building. It can range from $100 to $300, depending on the style and design. Some companies offer turnkey packages, which include all external and internal parts to build a log home.
If you want to save money, you might want to consider a prefab log cabin. A typical prefab log home is designed in a set style and is delivered in a box. These types of kits often require less labor, and the construction times are usually faster.
Choosing a quality kit can also be important. Cheaper versions don’t include many of the features you might want, and can require you to purchase additional items.
Before you buy a log cabin kit, ask if the company uses local materials. You may be able to get a better deal by going with a reputable company.
Also, be sure to ask how the kit is built. A lot of cheap kits are not made to last, and it can be costly to replace the kit if it isn’t finished.
There are three main construction methods for log cabins. First is the simple 30’x40′ log’shell’, which has four corners. The next is the complex, eight-cornered log’shell’, which is more stable.
Finally, a full scribe log shell is the most expensive type. This requires pre-framed exterior wall panels and two skilled builders. Labor is expensive, so this type of home can be a lot more expensive than a simpler model.
When looking at the cost per square foot of a log cabin shell kit, make sure to consider all of the details. Getting a quality product will pay off in the long run.
Wood types used
If you are planning to build a log cabin, you should know that there are a variety of wood types available. The type you choose will depend on your budget and your preferences. You also need to consider the location you plan to build the home in.
Some of the most common log home materials are pine, cedar, cypress, and spruce. Each of these offers unique qualities and benefits.
Pine is the most common type of wood used for a log home. It is stable, lightweight, and highly durable. However, it is also susceptible to decay. For this reason, you need to take care of the wood as much as possible.
Cedar is a beautiful and natural wood with several advantages. It is resistant to moisture and fungi, and it is naturally insect-repellent.
Spruce is a light-colored wood that is resistant to decay. However, it is not as durable as other types of wood.
Cedar is an expensive wood, especially when compared to other options. It is also more difficult to find.
Other popular woods used in a log cabin include fir, red oak, white oak, and spruce. These varieties are commonly found in the Northern United States. They can be light or dark in color, and they are easy to stain.
Wood types are available in both shell packages and turn-key packages. Shell packages are generally sold to contractors. This includes logs and all the components needed to erect a weather-tight shell.
Turn-key packages are more costly, and they include everything you need to complete the cabin. This package typically costs between $130 and $180 per square foot.
The cost of a turn-key package will depend on the amount of time you are willing to put into the project. Log cabin companies that offer installation services are a good sign of a quality kit.
R-Value
The R-value of log cabin shell kits may not be as high as you would expect. However, there are plenty of other factors to consider.
To begin, solid wood walls don’t have the same insulation issues as conventionally framed wall systems. This is because of the way the logs absorb and store heat.
For instance, a six-inch thick log wall would have an apparent R-value of eight. However, a solid log wall made of eight inches of diameter SPF logs would have an average value of R-9.84.
In terms of energy efficiency, the “R-value of a log” is not as important as the other factors listed above. Rather, the overall energy performance of a log home is likely a better measure of efficiency than its numerical counterpart.
Another important consideration is the insulation along the logs. This is especially the case in a cold climate. But while insulation does help, it is not the only factor to consider when looking for a energy efficient building.
The R-value of a log cabin shell kit may be modest compared to other building materials, but it is still a good measure of a home’s thermal resistance. A properly designed and constructed log home will perform well in hot weather, as well as in cold.
The best way to determine a log’s real value is to have it tested by an accredited log grading agency. Some states have approved various sizes of logs for better energy efficiency.
However, the ICMC400 (International Code Council’s 400 standard on the design and construction of log structures) offers a table of assembly U-factors. It is important to note that these values are based on 12% moisture content. They are comparable to the Mass Wall U-factor.
Energy efficiency
If you want to build a log cabin, you have several options. You can buy a kit or build it yourself. However, you should do your research to find the best features for your budget and your skill level.
Logs provide a solid and stable building. They offer a low carbon footprint and high insulation value. Their natural properties provide benefits that cannot be duplicated by other construction methods. The energy efficiency of a log home can be equal to or greater than a stick-frame home.
A structural shell log package is the most common. These kits typically include roof, walls, and beams. Generally, they are sold to contractors or serious owner-builders.
Whether you’re planning to build a kit or construct your own, you’ll need to understand the various types. There are three main kinds.
Structural shell kits are reasonably priced. Many companies will also include flooring and appliances. But be aware that you will need a significant “over and above” investment before the house is livable.
Kits usually contain pre-shaped logs for walls. These are air-dry and kiln-dried to a specified moisture content. Some kits use modern wood preservatives to make the kits more durable.
In cold climates, log homes benefit from thermal mass and air-sealing. Increasing the thickness of the logs adds heat capacity and can help prevent air leakage.
As a result, the energy efficiency of a log wall is consistent across the entire structure. This ensures that the house will maintain a steady and comfortable temperature inside. Moreover, a log wall is not degraded by failure of external water screens or sagging insulation.
It’s important to note that a well-designed and built log home can meet the energy requirements of Energy Star certification. However, you will need to take aggressive measures to control air infiltration.
Design options
When it comes to building a cabin, you have many choices. There are prefabricated structures, home kits, and custom log cabins. The key is to find a company that uses quality materials and skilled professionals to build your cabin.
Cabin kits are a popular choice for modern living. They offer a cost-effective way to build a home. However, before you choose one, you’ll want to compare different design options.
If you’re looking for a more economical approach to constructing your dream log cabin, consider buying a shell package. These kits include the logs, floor, roof, exterior wall finishes, and beams. But, you will need to purchase interior finishes and doors.
Another option is a milled kit. These are logs that have been individually machined to a uniform size. This allows for a streamlined construction process. It is best suited for smaller log sizes, like those under twelve inches in diameter.
Home kits are usually a lot more expensive than shell kits, but they offer a more finished product. Some home packages include windows and electrical outlets, and are made to be affixed with plumbing outlets. You can also opt to add features such as wraparound porches.
The most common type of log profiles are round and D logs. Cedar is another good choice. Pine is also durable and equally affordable.
If you’re not ready to commit to a shell package, you can try a dry-in kit. This type of cabin includes the roof and walls, and gives you the option to finish the interior.
You’ll also need to consider the weather and temperature when determining what type of cabin kit to buy. Also, be sure to get a delivery date.
