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Foolproof Reasons You Should Be Living In A Log Cabin Home

Yes, it can be hard to imagine living in a log cabin home as your main property. This can seem strange because you are not going to build or find a log cabin in a city or suburb. Thus, you may not get all that comes with being so close to life. But, a case can be made for why you should be living in a log cabin home. We are not suggesting you up and move to one after reading this because the reasons can be enticing. But, we thought you would want to have the option should you decide one day to take the leap.
Debt Free


While log cabins cost money to build, they are not as expensive as a full blown house, especially if you keep it simple. In fact, according to Log Cabin Hub, “Building a log cabin on a budget is achievable. Not only is it achievable but it is possible. Our build cost just under $20,000, well $19,400 to be exact, excluding purchasing the land and the interior. Keep in mind that the size and complexity of your cabin are the most significant factors for the cost. Economies of scale can be achieved for larger cabins, but, these savings are minimal compared to the outlay.” Building a log cabin home does not have to cost much, and the website laid out all its cost in it’s build, which you can see here. If you plan it right, you could just buy the land and build a home with little or no debt owed, making life a whole lot less stressful.

Save The Environment

Living in a log cabin home is great for the environment. Not only is the home made from natural sources, but it is energy efficient when built right, and you can use the shade of the surrounding trees and sun coming into the windows to cool and warm the house, which saves on electricity. Plus, a fireplace helps keep things warm in the winter. Plus, as you have seen building the home can be done affordably, which means less energy will be used in the process. And when it comes to saving the environment, every bit helps.

Have it Your Way


When you design your log cabin home, you can do with it as you please. No community codes to adhere to or having to take what is available and gut it. You can make it truly your own, which allows you to express your inner designer and builder. You do not have to make it look like the other row houses or homes lining a street. You can make it any shape and size you want with any amenities you want. The sky is your limit. You can choose to put it in an open field or surrounded by trees. It is up to you to makes a choice to live in one pretty tempting.

Learn a New Skill and DIY

If you choose to build your home, you will not only learn lots of new skills; you will also feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment you may not have felt in a while. It may seem daunting at first to take on some or all of the responsibility of building a log cabin home, but you will get the hang of it. And if you have a family, what a great way to teach life skills as well as practical skills such as math and science to your children. In fact, you would be teaching children survival skills, which is somewhat, arguably, a lost skill in today’s digital world.

At Peace


Living in a log cabin home is both a peaceful and spiritual experience. You are surrounded by trees, streams, lakes, and animals you would not experience on your average street. This is something that puts you at ease and peace. At the risk of sounding corny, it is really a spiritual awakening to wake up to and be surrounded by this type of atmosphere on a daily basis. Your doctor will be happy too because your stress level and blood pressure may be better as a result.

The notion of living in a log cabin home year round can seem a bit odd at first. But, when you consider the benefits, they may just outweigh trying to keep up with the Joneses and run the rat race until you can afford to retire (if you can at all). Living in a log cabin home, when done with thought and planning, can allow you to reduce expenses, leave less of a carbon footprint on the world, teach you new skills, help your family learn new things and grow, and help your overall well-being. That combination of reasons to live in a log cabin home is foolproof. Call us today to discuss how we can help you achieve this reality when you decide you are ready.

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How to Build A Log Cabin

Log cabin homes are amazing. Made of wood and often nestled in the middle of nature, they are a wonder to behold. They come with all the creature comforts of home, including state of the art kitchens, windows that let in lots of light, and so many other things we often take for granted.

It is no surprise that log cabin homes of today are made using technology, manufacturing, and other advanced methods to make the process simpler and cost efficient. But have you ever wondered how to build a log cabin on your own? What would it be like, look like, feel like, and so much more are many things we often wonder when we think of what it takes to build a log cabin home. We thought it would be fun to share a little more about how to build a log cabin home the old fashioned way so you can gain a greater perspective and appreciation for the log cabin home you have today.

One important note before we delve into things. We are discussing how log cabin homes were built during the times America was expanding west. You can still build a log cabin home today, and if you want to learn how to, you can use this great resource. In fact, it even gives you information on how to purchase your log cabin kit. Yes, that is a real kit. And we would be happy to assist you along the way at Jaworski Coatings. From finishing the wood to inspecting the completed house to maintaining it, we can ensure what you build will last for years. Now, on to a little of how the settlers that helped expand America built their log cabins.

 


When settlers were building their homes, it was not to have something cool to relax in on vacation. They were building it because no one else could, and it was their home and place of survival. Building a log cabin home would have been back breaking work, and it only goes to show the drive these pioneers had that helped make America what it is today. Below are the steps that would take and tools they would have used.

Tools

Below are the tools you would have used. You may not recognize some of them as they are not common anymore. After the tools are the steps you would take if you were building a log cabin home as the settlers did. Due to modern technology, it would be misguided not to use some electronic items when building. However, settlers would not have had access to this.

1. A crosscut saw to fell the trees, cut your lengths and make any straight cuts.
2. An axe for hundreds of jobs.
3. A two-person log carrier, because carrying a 20-foot long log up a hill can be challenging.
4. A draw knife or barking spud to debark the logs.
5. A peavey to roll the logs into position.
6. An adze to start most of your notches, smooth limb stubs and knots.
7. A hand drill and a 20-inch drill bit so you can pin the logs together at the corners if you choose to build that way.
8. A broad axe is likely the most useful tool you will have. Use it to smooth and fit notches, shape any part of any log, and more.
9. A mallet or sledgehammer to drive corners together and set corner pins.

Pick Your Land

In the settlers day, they may not have always had the premier pick of the land. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed people, including free slaves to put in to get 160 acres of land for free. About 1.6 million claims were made according to the History Channel. While settlers may not have had a choice of their land, they kept some things in mind when placing the cabin on the land. One consideration was facing the cabin facing south so they would get the sun shining in and warm it up, avoid snow drifts, and know which way was which.

Pick Your Wood

Settlers would have had to choose based on what was around, or they were willing to travel to get, but generally many woods were suitable for use to build the cabin. Spruce, Tamarack, and Pine were among the options. Other considerations such as taper and being able to age the wood may have come into play. But considering this was the place that settlers would live, they often did not have time to wait two years for the wood to dry to avoid cracking and other issues.

Debark The Logs

The next step the settlers would have taken would be taking the bark off the tree. The trees could be debarked where they fell or back at the build site. This is an important step to ensure the wood is smooth as can be and all bugs and other obstacles are removed.

Building The Foundation

This would encompass one of two options. The first would be to build stone walls at 4 to 6-foot intervals. You would do this along with the prepared and packed dirt within the outer walls. The other option is using small spot pillars. Then there would be the matter of where the fireplace would go because you would build up extra flooring around it. Consider you have no computers and this is not an exercise in precision.

Sub Flooring and Walls

The next step in the process would have been to place the sub flooring. This meant turning the logs into wood boards. You would then want to raise the side walls. This meant fitting logs on top of logs much like with log cabin toys where there were notches at the end. This would involve some trial and error to get the logs to align properly. And without caulking and insulation, you would use mud and other substances to fill in between the logs to keep things in and out of the cabin.

Build the Fireplace and Roof

Next, you would build up the chimney. You would build it and seal it. Then you would put the roof up. This can get technical, so we will not go into much detail. But this involved joining the side walls with the roofing at a certain angle. Most roofs were rectangular too.

Window Frames, Doors, Flooring, and Clean and Protection

The finishing touches would be to fit the windows into the spaces set for them with some handy work and hammering. Then you would frame the doors. Lastly, you would sand the floor to finish it or place something else like stone down. After all the work is done, it would be time to clean the home with a long handled brush. This would remove dirt and debris.

Keep in mind that this is a very simplified version of what would have been done to build a log cabin home the old fashioned way. Remember that logs would be hauled by cart and mule or horse, and everything was done manually and with a ton of elbow grease. There was nothing easy about this endeavor. And the homes, once they were done were very simple in nature. They were usually one room with a stove of some kind, a bed or two and some other minor items. Imagine though, the feeling of owning the land outright and not having a 15 or 30-year mortgage to pay for your home. It is hard to imagine, but this was a very different way of life. To see what building a log cabin home from scratch looks like, watch this video.

We hope this gives you a little more of an appreciation for the log cabin home you have. With that in mind, it is important to keep your home well maintained. Feel free to contact us for a free inspection or just to learn more about log cabin home maintenance and restoration. Also, note that in no way is this post meant to be a guide to encourage you to go out and build your log cabin home.

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5 Ideas for Making Your Log Cabin Home Feel Cozy

When you think about feeling cozy, what comes to mind? Is it sitting by a fireplace with a glass of wine? Is it sitting in a recliner reading a good book? Is it lying under the sheets of the bed just enjoying the sun come in through the window? Cozy has a different meaning for everyone. Some people, for example, find large spaces cozy. Yet, others prefer tight spaces with lots of stuff cozy. How you make your log cabin home feel cozy can range depending on your definition of cozy. But, we had some ideas that are universal that we think everyone can use to make their log cabin home as comfortable as possible.

The Rugs

A rug can make any room feel cozy. The thought of walking barefoot on the right rug can conjure up homely images. Choosing the right rug for your space can take some consideration. However, it is worth the time. Imagine spending time laying on a rug with the dogs to relax, or playing with the children. Perhaps you like to read lying on the rug, or the idea of a rug that matches the decor and makes the room feel warm is what does it for you. Anyway you look at it, the rugs you choose can make your log cabin home feel cozy.

The Smell

Scent can do wonders for your well-being. It can make you feel relaxed, enhance your mood, or make you feel warm and fuzzy. Thus, you want to consider the scents in your log cabin home to make you feel at home. For some that could be using sandalwood hand soaps. For others it may be the smell of fresh laundry or a certain potpourri scent. Some prefer no scent and use anti-odor remedies. Others like the smell of nature around the cabin. Whatever smell it is that makes you feel cozy, use it in your log cabin.

Furniture

After coming home from a long day of activities, you may just want to plop down in a cushy recliner and relax. Or, you may prefer a plush bed that you can spend ample time in with your dog or partner. Some people just want a nice sofa to sink into. Yet, others prefer wooden rockers and swings on the porch. Your furniture can make your home feel that much cozier depending on what you like. Be sure to choose the best furniture that will make you feel the most comfortable in your log cabin home.

Fireplace

There is nothing more iconic when it comes to log cabin home imagery than a fire going while snow is falling outside. The smoke emanates from the chimney while the crackle of the wood inside gives off a warmth like no other. Having a fireplace, whether you use it or not, can give your log cabin home that ultimate feeling of comfort and coziness. In fact, anything that creates that cozy feel, such as a coal stove, can have the same effect. Plus, you may even decide to have a bonfire outside too to get that cozy feeling a fire brings.

The Little Things

Cozy can simply be a state of mind based on memories. In this case, it could be little things that make you feel cozy. It may be that image from your favorite artist that brings you instant comfort. It could be some plants that make you feel at ease. Perhaps it is your family pictures that make you feel comfortable and cozy knowing you have warm fuzzy memories of good times. Or, it may just be the personal time with loved ones in the cabin that puts you completely at ease. There are so many little things that can make you feel comfortable in your log cabin home, and it may not take much to make this happen.

We want you to feel cozy in your log cabin home. We know the time you spend there is special, and we want you to enjoy it and feel comfortable. That is why we offer inspections, refinishing services, and repair and maintenance service. We want to ensure your log cabin home is well cared for, which makes it feel cozy too. Contact us today to see how we can help make your home cozy or so we can give you some ideas on how to do so yourself.

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5 Ideas to Top Off Your Log Cabin Home Kitchen

Your log cabin home kitchen is a place where memories are made. Think about the time spent cooking meals for your family, cooking with the children, or late nights chatting and playing games. The kitchen is one of those special places where you spend time, but when in your log cabin home, the time spent in the kitchen is never enough. We love log cabins, and naturally the kitchen is one of our favorite places to spend quality time with family. So, we wanted to share some ideas to top off your kitchen and make it the best place in the home to build those special memories.

Sinks and Appliances

Your sinks and appliances can make a log cabin home kitchen much more enjoyable and functional. From stainless steel appliances to large sink bowls, you can do so much with your sinks and appliances to make them special. Wide and deep sinks are extremely functional. You can even make your appliances’ wood match the log cabin and give it a rustic feel. You can find inspiration on places like Pinterest.

Tables and Chairs

Depending on the feel and look you are going for, you can make your kitchen that special place by choosing comfortable chairs to spend hours in, or if you are more about entertaining, you can have stools that make it feel more casual. Your tables can be made from wood to match the cabin itself, or you can choose something that would act as a contrast to the wood, like metal or steel. You can make your table so it has extenders for when the whole family is sitting down together as well. Or, perhaps, you want to focus on having a bar like in the image at the top where you can sit down for a nice meal with just you and another person. You can see some furniture for your kitchen here.

Trinkets

Sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference. That cookie jar the children love to steal from, or the candles that sit on the kitchen counter. You can find a lot of ideas for ways to accessorize your kitchen with trinkets such as antique pieces, family photos, cooper pots, an iron tea pot, or other items to make it feel more special and authentic.

Cabinets

In most cases, your kitchen cabinets will be natural wood with a clear protective finish. This makes them fit the feel of the log cabin home. You can choose to make the wood knotty or clear pine, maple, cherry, hickory, oak, or cedar. Some custom cabinetmakers construct cabinet doors and drawer fronts using half logs. That way they match the look of the walls. Others use milk-paints and crackle finishes on early American style cabinets. This makes them antiqued and distressed to add to the rustic charm. No matter what you choose, your cabinets will set a subtle tone for your kitchen that makes it feel special and will be recalled in the memories of those who spent time there.

Wall Decorations

One way to make a log cabin home kitchen extra special is through the art you choose to put on the wall. This could range from images of the old west to photos taken doing activities in and out of the cabin. You may choose to use traditional art or something more abstract. The art and decorations you put on the walls of the kitchen will help give it that feel of being lived in and make it a place you want to spend more time in. You can even go as far as having antique clocks and other items on the wall.

No matter what theme or tone you choose to use for your kitchen, you it can be the best place in the log cabin home. Aside from meals, you will spend time talking, playing games, and hosting friends in the kitchen. Why not take some time to make it feel as special as it is. If you need ideas, contact us today!

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