A frame log cabin kits are a good option for many people who are interested in building a new home. You can get a wide variety of designs for your home, and you can even choose a wood type that suits your home. One of the best wood types to use in a log cabin is Western Red Cedar. This is a durable and reliable material to use.
Ponderosa A Frame log cabin plans
If you’re looking for a log home, there are a number of ways to go about it. Some people choose to build their own, while others opt for a pre-fab package. It all depends on your budget and comfort level. Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll need to meet certain building requirements to get the job done. For this reason, you’ll want to find a company that is certified and registered with the industry trade association.
There are also companies that offer a “turn-key” package that includes everything you need to finish and assemble your cabin. The price range of these packages is anywhere from $130 to $180 per square foot, depending on how much time you have and your specific needs.
This type of cabin is also available as a full dry-in package. When you buy this option, you will receive the entire exterior components, including the logs, foundation, walls and roof. However, you’ll need to have the lumber and the labor to assemble the home. In addition, there will be additional fees for the construction manager, construction crew and the plumber.
You can choose from two-story floor plans ranging from 330 to 2,100 square feet. Among these, you can find a plan with one or two bedrooms, a living room, dining room and kitchen. As an alternative, you can choose a smaller A-frame design with a single bedroom, a bathroom, and a great room.
A more elaborate plan may have a laundry room, a half-bath, and a front balcony. This kind of kit is usually on the more expensive side of the price spectrum. But you can save money if you can find a local source for wood.
Nicola LogWorks is a Canadian log home building company. Owner John Boys and carpenter David Woods have been in business for more than 30 years. They design and build custom log homes for residential and commercial customers in Canada. These include log cabins and other timber structures.
The Ponderosa A-Frame Log Cabin Plan has an impressive footprint of 24×32. You’ll have covered porches on three sides, including the upper balcony. On the first floor, you’ll have a master suite and a second bedroom. Throughout the home, you’ll have open, airy, and comfortable spaces.
If you’re in the market for a beautiful, secluded cabin, you can’t go wrong with the Ponderosa. Not only does it look like a log cabin in the woods, but it’s incredibly well-appointed. It comes with a trim kit, a solid core interior door from Finland, and a water heater. Additionally, you’ll enjoy a finished kitchen, closets, and a full bath.
This plan has a unique design with a curved wall that wraps around a ponderosa memorial. The cabin is constructed in two modular units that are bolted together after the foundation is built.
Western Red Cedar is a solid choice for a log cabin
Whether you are considering building a log cabin or a custom home, Western Red Cedar has an abundance of positive characteristics that make it a top choice for your building projects. It is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to work with.
Aside from its strength and beauty, Western Red Cedar is a great thermal insulator. As a result, it helps you keep your home warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Additionally, it is an environmentally friendly material, compared to other types of building materials. When compared with other woods, Western Red Cedar has less of a negative impact on the environment.
Another reason to choose Western Red Cedar for your cabin is the fact that it is naturally resistant to decay. The heartwood of this tree contains a chemical called thujaplicin, which acts as a natural fungicide. This chemical is also toxic to the growth of fungi and bugs that can cause damage.
In addition to its excellent insulating qualities, Western Red Cedar has low density and a low shrinkage factor. This makes it an ideal choice for a frame log cabin kits.
In terms of durability, Western Red Cedar outperforms steel and concrete. The oils in the heartwood of this tree repel insects, fungus, and termites. Amongst the common softwood species, it is the most decay resistant.
The high proportion of air-filled cell cavities in Western Red Cedar makes it an ideal insulator for cold climates. Also, it has a low shrinkage factor, which means it will last a long time without degrading.
It is also a very strong material that can withstand extreme weather conditions. For instance, the western red cedar can survive temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is an ideal material for a cabin in the northern part of the United States.
Although Western Red Cedar is the most commonly used timber, there are other alternatives. Other popular options include yellow cedar and spruce. You should consider your location and design style when selecting the type of timber you want for your cabin.
A good rule of thumb is to start with a kiln dried Western Red Cedar log. During the kiln drying process, the wood is carefully dried, making it more stable and uniform. Kiln-dried Western Red Cedar is often recommended for the highlight framework of a log cabin.
However, you should be aware that a kiln-dried Douglas Fir is widely available on the market. It is also a solid choice for post and beam cabins.
While Western Red Cedar is a strong, stable, and aesthetically appealing wood, the process of building a log cabin is not as simple as it may sound. Depending on the climate in which you live, the choice of wood and the level of complexity involved in manufacturing can affect your choice.
Upkeep of a frame log cabin
Frame log cabins are an ideal home for a mountain retreat. They’re also very affordable and easy to build. But, they need careful maintenance to maintain their beauty.
The most important step in a frame log cabins upkeep is to seal the building. Sealing can help prevent leaks and keep insects out. Aside from that, it’s essential to ensure proper insulation. This will allow you to enjoy your new getaway for many years to come.
Another step in the process is to make sure the home’s foundation is watertight. Water management is crucial for the integrity of your home, especially if you live in a dry area. In addition, you may want to install a downslope to protect your home from excess moisture.
While these steps will require a little extra money and time, they will save you a ton of hassle down the road. Whether you have a modern or classic log home, you’ll find that they can last for decades to come. And the better you care for your home, the longer it will last.
There are plenty of products out there that make maintaining your cabin a cinch. You might even want to hire a service to do the work for you. However, you can also do some of your own maintenance. For example, you can clean the inside and outside of the cabin to remove surface level dirt.
Other good practices include checking your windows for peeling paint. You should also take care of any gutters and overhangs. Moisture is the number one enemy of your log home. If you don’t manage your drainage, you’ll end up with a moldy mess on your hands.
The best way to stave off damage to your log home is to use an effective stain. Depending on the finish of your home, you might choose an oil-based or a water-based option. Oil-based stains offer more pigment than their water-based counterparts. It’s also important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid damaging your home.
Similarly, the best way to keep your cabin from losing its luster is to maintain the chinking. If you have any cracks or gaps in your chinking, you should fill them. When doing so, you should look for a product with a decent sealant.
As with any other home, your log cabin needs to be regularly inspected. This is particularly true of the south and west walls. Make sure to check for peeling paint, soft wood, and cracks in the chinking. Keeping these areas clean and free of dirt and debris will also reduce the chances of mold growing.
In short, you should be doing everything you can to make your home last for as long as possible. Even small efforts will go a long way.