Log cabins are a magnificent sight to see and offer a warm, cozy environment filled with rustic charm. However, you should consider the following list of pros and cons before building or buying a log cabin of your own.
Pros of a Log Cabin
Log structures are considered to be an environmentally sustainable method of construction, since trees are a renewable resource.
One key advantage of log cabins is that they are energy efficiency, and naturally insulated with large logs. Overall, you’ll have better interior temperature control no matter the season. Logs will retain and release heat equally as well, making any heating or cooling solution work less.
Along with quality temperature control, you get excellent noise control when compared to traditional stick-built homes.
When you first see a log cabin, no matter the size, you are taken in by the warmth, charm and beauty. Log cabins are built with detail and craftsmanship in mind. We can build log or timber stairways to compliment your home and keep an open concept.
High attention to detail, customization and rarity allow log cabins to bring a high return on investment. Their resale value are often higher than regular stick frame construction of a comparable home.
Cons of a log cabin
Some insects and pests feed on, live in, or use wood in nature. Do a little research to see if there are any problems with these kinds of insects in your area. Carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and termites are not huge concerns in Northern Saskatchewan, but still can cause problems in Southern Saskatchewan.
The most common insects to be concerned about are spruce beetles and wood boring beetles that may cause damage to your log cabin. Another pest can be woodpeckers looking for insects in the logs.
In order to repel insects, you will need to examine the exterior of your house periodically. As with all homes, log cabins require maintenance. Cleaning the exterior of dirt, debris, and insects can be done with a water hose and broom. As well, the cabin should be checked for mildew and mold.
Natural checks and shrinkage of the logs can happen as the logs dry out. Sealing the openings promptly will keep your logs from potential damage. Leaks and holes are common place due to the shrinkage and expansion of the logs. Every 3 to 4 years, the log exterior should be sealed or re-stained to protect from UV light and the environment.
With proper maintenance, a log cabin can last over 100 years.
Due to building restrictions, log cabins are a rare sight with few inside cities or new communities. As a result, log cabins and homes are usually found in rural areas and at lakes. This means that you might not have all the amenities you’d like, but there are ways to make it happen. Before purchasing you’ll have to determine the lifestyle changes of a rural area versus an urban centre.
Can you live in a log cabin all year round?
Yes, you can live in a log cabin year round.
In fact, many people build log cabins for year-round activities near lakes to enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, and snowmobiling. With proper maintenance and upkeep, you can enjoy your cabin in any season.
How long do log cabin homes last?
Log cabins are known for durability and longevity. They are known to withstand storms, high winds, blizzards, and high amounts of snowfall. Many European log homes and cabins are dated over 800 years old, with some structures over 1000 years old.
There are many pros and cons to building or owning a log cabin. However, their extra character and coziness offsets the maintenance and extra costs. Log cabins are not for everyone, but those who make the switch, will enjoy a quality structure that will increase in value or be passed down for generations to come. If you want to build your own log cabin or log home, contact Back Country Log & Timber Homes for more information. We can assist you in making the choice to build a log home an enjoyable process.
