Manufactured Log Homes Are Authentic Log Homes
There exists much debate in the log home industry about the authenticity of manufactured log homes compared to traditional hand-hewn log homes. Some proponents of the hand cut log home school (and these are generally craftsmen who hand-cut logs and are experts in full-log custom construction techniques) will argue that a log house built using milled log is not an authentic log home. The majority of log home owner, who coincidentally own manufactured log homes, would likely argue otherwise.
So, at this point you may be asking what are the main differences between hand-cut log homes and milled or manufactured log homes. The fundamental difference between hand-cut and machine-cut log homes is that whole logs are used in handcrafted log structures. Machine-cut log homes are constructed with material that has been cut, planed and milled to create uniformity among the pieces. Some say this process removes most of the natural characteristics of the logs (which give the logs character). The hallmark of handcrafted log structures is the use of full length logs to build the walls. Machine-cut log structures may have butted joints within their walls.
In reality, the majority of log homes built today use manufactured or milled logs. If you were to ask any of the tens of thousands of manufactured log home owners if their home lacks the character or charm of a hand-cut log home, most would laugh hysterically and affirm their manufactured log home is every bit as rustic, charming and authentic as a hand-cut log home.
There are several very good reasons for the rise in popularity of milled or manufactured log homes. Probably the most important of which is affordability. Skilled craftsmen don’t come cheap. And unless you plan on falling your own logs, hand peeling them yourself and fitting all the logs together; this is time consuming, detailed and expensive work. There is a definite cost associated with this method of construction. Additionally, use of whole log means paying a premium for sufficiently large logs to do the job.
Today’s technology has made the milling process much more reproducible and economical. In the end, it comes down to personal preferences and budgetary considerations. And inevitably, if budget is a concern, milled logs can offer a very economical alternative. Remember this: When guests, friends and family come to visit your manufactured log home, most will comment on what a nice, charming log home you have and very few will comment that it’s too bad you didn’t go with hand-cut logs.
Ron Marx is president of Cedar Knoll Log Homes, a leading log home and log cabin manufacturer. Ron has more than 25 years of log home building experience. Cedar Knoll Log Homes has been designing and manufacturing custom and kit log homes and cabins since 1980. Cedar Knoll Log Homes’ corporate headquarters and 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art milling facility, along with a 1680 square foot beautifully appointed log home model, are situated just off the shores of Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, NY. Cedar Knoll Log Homes uses only the finest Adirondack cedar and pine available and dries logs at the company’s onsite kiln. Prospective log home / log cabin buyers, builders, contractors, wholesalers or dealers are encouraged to call 800-644-3564 for additional information or visit http://www.loghomeslogcabins.com
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