Honest Abe Blog

The organization plays a key role in balancing aesthetics with functionality while maintaining a log home's cozy, inviting appeal. Each element, from the furnishings to storage solutions, can complement the natural beauty of your rustic home. With thoughtful design...

Living in a log home often brings a deeper connection to nature, which makes adopting eco-friendly practices even more appealing. Regarding storage, choosing sustainable options enhances your home’s natural aesthetic and reduces environmental impact. From minimizing...

Embracing Technology for Convenience and Security Smart garage doors have become the latest must-have feature for modern homes. They seamlessly combine convenience and security to transform your daily routine and can make you love your home more. These systems provide...

When summer heat hits, keeping your log cabin cool can be a challenge. While the thick wooden walls of a log cabin provide some natural insulation, they can still get pretty warm. Here are some practical tips to help you keep your log cabin comfortable during the hot...

The future of air conditioning is going green as we focus on sustainability in a world conscious of its environmental impact. As temperatures rise and energy costs increase, advancements in AC technology are important. These new technologies promise cooler spaces and...

Moving into and designing a log home that is both beautiful and accessible requires thoughtful planning and a deep understanding of the needs of those who will live there. Accessibility features are essential for comfort and independence, particularly for individuals...

Dreaming of a backyard retreat filled with greenery and cozy corners is a common desire for many homeowners. But the reality of keeping up with maintenance can quickly turn that dream into a headache. Luckily, smart choices in materials can make all the difference,...

Creating a serene retirement sanctuary with timber homes might be the answer if you want the perfect way to settle down and relax. These houses offer a thoughtful, unique setting to enjoy your family or private time. So, let’s get into the details of why they are...

The Ultimate Guide to Moving into a Log Home Going on the adventure of moving into a log home opens a new chapter of living closer to nature. This transition brings a unique blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. Such a move requires thoughtful preparation and...

Looking for a Christmas gift for the contractor or DIYer in your life? Contractor Engineered Red Edge Levels are the perfect choice for shoppers looking for high-quality, durable and accurate levels. The ideal gift, these levels are available in three lengths: 24”,...

Log homes have a timeless, nostalgic feeling that tends to appeal to nearly everyone. However, this does not mean that all log homes are the same! They come in various designs that give them special characters depending on where they are built. Let’s review the best...

Are you tired of city life's relentless noise, congestion, and stress? Do you long for a change of scenery, where you can breathe in the fresh air and wake up to the gentle rustling of leaves? If so, it may be time to consider transitioning from city life to log home...

In the past, people used to view log cabins, mostly as vacation retreats. However, nowadays, more and more people are considering the advantages of living in a log cabin. After all, they are eco-friendly, durable, boost air quality, and promote mental health. Thus, if...

How to Protect Your Log Home from Severe Weather Conditions Living in a log home is a beautiful experience. These homes bring the feel of the outdoors into your home through wood, leaning on natural light rather than artificial lighting, and gorgeous surroundings....

It's likely that you already possess some characteristics conducive to off-grid living if you've decided to build a home away from the primary utility grid and devote yourself to a simple life of complete independence. If you're like most people, you're a dogged...

Soaring ceilings in the design of Honest Abe Log Homes lend themselves to functional ceiling fans. Here are tips about selecting the right fan for your log cabin. Size: The size of the fan should be proportionate to the size of the room. A larger fan is typically more...

Whether you are creating an office in your home or whether you are building commercial space using the Honest Abe Log Homes commercial building division, the Honest Abe Log Homes Design Team has tips for creating a reception or waiting area that is inviting and warm....

There are some things to consider if you plan a wine collection in your home. Honest Abe Log Homes customers have incorporated certain appliances and design features to keep wines fresh. Storage capacity: Consider how much wine you need to store and choose a storage...

Following a fall log home maintenance checklist for your log cabin can make for a much less expensive autumn, winter and spring. Here is the Honest Abe Log Homes' checklist for preparing for colder months. 1.    Clean gutters and downspouts: Leaf debris can...

Propane can be a heating solution for homeowners, especially when the property is remote. For Log Home and Log Cabin homeowners, propane is sometimes the most reliable way to set up a heating system. Honest Abe Log Homes can help you determine whether this is a good...

Many homeowners are looking to break from the cookie-cutter vinyl look of suburban America. As such, log cabin designs are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to create a timeless, homey ambiance. The good news is that choosing a log cabin does not have to...

Living in a remote location can be beautiful and peaceful, but it can also be challenging in an emergency. First responders may have difficulty reaching your home, and communication may be limited. This is why it is important to be prepared for emergencies and to have...

Bathrooms have become small spas and sanctuaries in many log cabins and log homes. The flooring in a bath space has also evolved. Here are some thoughts from the Honest Abe Log Home design team: Bathroom Flooring Options Ceramic tile: Ceramic tile is a popular choice...

Fireplaces can be a beautiful and functional addition to a home, but it is important to follow proper safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire and other accidents. Here are some general safety tips to consider when using a fireplace: Inspect and clean regularly:...

Honest Abe Log Homes designs its log cabins, timber frame homes and log homes with energy efficiency in mind. This saves our homeowners money on energy bills and reduces the carbon footprint. Here are a few ideas: Orient the home to maximize solar gain: Orienting the...

The idea of designing heating and cooling systems that do not rely on the electric or gas company is appealing to many log home and timber frame home owners. There are several options for off-grid heating and cooling that can be used in a variety of settings,...

As people are considering a log home or timber frame, Honest Abe Log Home sales representatives and independent dealers are often asked if log homes are more environmentally friendly than stick-built homes. In many ways – the most important ways – they are. Energy...

One of the first things the Honest Abe Log Homes design team will ask about is the age of the family members because designing a room for a teenager is a little different than creating space for younger children, infants or even the adults in the house. Teenagers tend...

Closets are a huge part of any design of a log cabin. While nobody wants to waste square footage, it is clear that homeowners, in the end, need more storage that then they often think they need. Designing that storage space requires understanding what needs to be...

Yes, coat closets are still a thing. A coat closet is a small room or space, typically located near the front entrance of a home, that is used for storing outerwear such as coats, jackets, and hats. Coat closets can be useful for keeping these items organized and out...

Space Determine the space you have available for your home gym and plan a layout. Measure the space and consider the size of the equipment you want to include and how much space you need around it to use it safely. Use storage solutions such as shelves or racks to...

Is your log home not in the best shape? Has its exterior lost the shine it had when the cabin was brand new? These are common occurrences with log houses. Although they have many advantages, log cabins require regular maintenance. Their wooden walls are directly...

Log and timber frame homeowners often desire to have a hot tub or jacuzzi as an amenity at their new home. The hot tub shown above was installed for the vacation enjoyment of the family who owns the three-story Honest Abe log cabin in the Smoky Mountains as well as...

One way to maximize storage and find some creative ways to use an otherwise unusable space is to create a knee wall. A knee wall is a short wall that is typically used to create storage or living space in a room with a sloping ceiling. There are several ways to use a...

Log construction can be a good choice for commercial buildings in some cases. Logs have a number of properties that make them a suitable material for building construction, including: Durability: Logs are a very durable material and can last for many years with proper...

There are several ways to effectively use lighting in a log home to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Connie and Alex Diamond wanted their lighting in their Honest Abe Log Home not only to be beautiful and interesting, they needed it to be functional for the...

There are many ways to add interest to the design of a porch on a log home: Use different types of wood or finishes: Consider using different types of wood or finishes for the flooring, beams, and railings to add texture and visual interest. Incorporate natural...

It is getting cold. It usually does that this time of year and, as in most years, I start getting calls from homeowners as well as contractors asking about what the temperature has to be to apply log home products. Seems everyone is trying to finish up before winter...

Log Home life often means living on a property that is outside cities that can offer strong internet signals. And often, even with log homes that are in neighborhoods, a timber frame is large enough that there may be dead spots in the home that a single Wi-Fi router...

Among the many joys of owing a log cabin, longevity is one of the most prized. Stacked, solid wood walls exude a sense of enduring protection and permanence. A log home’s durability and long-lasting good looks don’t just happen, they are the result of careful...

It’s finally happening. Your log home is near completion and the gorgeous timber exterior has you smitten with its fresh scent, luster and handsome appearance. Now it’s time to choose a log finish that will keep your dream home looking like perfection for years to...

When the time of your move to the new log home comes, there comes the chaos of packing. That is the moment when you realize how many things you have. There come the long-forgotten clothes, souvenirs from some distant journeys, dishes, children's toys, and so much...

Moving from a traditional stick-framed home to a log cabin can feel like embarking on a forever vacation adventure….or it can be an utterly disappointing disaster.  Often the difference maker in which direction you land comes down to planning backwards, a twist...

Log cabins have become very popular in recent years. And it's no wonder, given all the advantages of living in a log cabin. This type of home represents an excellent choice, from its coziness to its mental health benefits. Unfortunately, you can rarely find or build a...

How to "Green" Your Log Home Adopting a “green” philosophy is easier than you think and it does not require wind turbines, solar panels or wearing extra sweaters in winter. Here are eight easy to implement suggestions from the Log and Timber Homes Council on ways to...

There are so many things you have to do when moving, and the day of the move can get genuinely hectic. You will need to cover sorting, packing, contract-signing, sorting utilities for your new home, registering your new address, etc. The list of responsibilities can...

Perma-Chink Systems® has recently added another beautiful wood finish option for wood home customers. Unlike their traditional Lifeline film-forming wood finishes, Log & Timber Defense™ penetrates into the wood. As it absorbs into the wood surface, it forms a...

Are you considering renting your mountain vacation log cabin to other people? Vacationing in mountain cabins has always been popular, and you won't be wrong to try to make some money from your vacation home. Many folks earn a little extra income by renting...

  Life outside the hubbub of cities and towns has become more desirable in recent years, and that is reflected in the increased demand for log cabins and timber frame homes in remote locations. Along with special considerations regarding materials delivery,...

Summertime brings greenery, sunshine and holidays but also hot sun and extreme weather temperatures. That’s certainly something we’ve all experienced in 2022. And who knows when it going to finally cool off? It’s difficult to motivate yourself to get outside when it’s...

Planning for Your Pups If you are a pet owner, your new log or timber frame home will be their new home too. There are several ways you can make your home more comfortable for your dog or cat while protecting your investment and add to your convenience. Convenience...

There is an inherent and unmistakable charm and coziness about log homes. Yet there are also other touches you can add to bring out and enhance that charm. One area where cozy design tips make a considerable difference is in the bedrooms. Simple yet subtle changes to...

Do you see standing water on your property after a storm? Are your downspouts flowing down drives or eroding the ground? If so, then you might have a stormwater runoff problem. Even log cabins that are tucked back into nature can contribute to runoff issues. However,...

Owning a piece of land always comes with the temptation to build an outbuilding. You can always find some use for a small structure outside of your home, even if it's just a tiny shed. But, if you wish to take your outbuilding a step further, there are some clever...

Your outdoor misting system has done a great job keeping your garden and outdoor living spaces cool and comfortable during the warmer months of the year. But you won’t be needing it once cooler weather settles in. Since you won’t be using your patio misting system all...

Log homes bring many advantages, but storage space is rarely one of them. Typically, log cabins tend to be smaller than our homes. Although there is a certain minimalist allure to spending time in a smaller space, this can become a problem if you like to spend more...

You might be planning to construct a modern log cabin, timber frame home or a hybrid design or even renovate your existing, perhaps somewhat dated, log or timber frame home to a more contemporary design. Perhaps you’re trying to come up with a budget, so here are some...

It’s important to consider how our needs might change in the future. For example, you will need certain fixtures and helpful components as you age. These safety features will mainly help prevent mishaps and accidents in the bathroom. The bathroom is one of the most...

Along stream banks and wetlands, a “riparian buffer” is a forested area that is designed to protect the water from pollution and to mitigate flooding and erosion. This article will provide some details on why this is so important. The word “riparian” just refers to...

Are Log Buildings a Good Investment? In recent years, demand for log cabins is increasing quickly, with 2021 seeing the largest surge in interest in fifteen years. As this interest pushes forward into 2022, many are curious about whether this is a viable option for...

New logs may look clean and fresh to you, but it doesn’t mean that they are ready to stain. There is some preparation involved in getting new logs ready for finishing. Logs that have been exposed to the sun may have slight gray areas on them and dirt, dust and mold...

If you're like most homeowners, you probably don't think about your gutters and downspouts until there's a problem.  By then, however, it may be too late 一 a clogged gutter or downspout means all the rain or snow will have to look for some outlet somewhere....

Carlos Trejo, writer for porch.com, contributed this article that includes advice from experts who were asked to discuss various aspects of aging in place. Among the experts contacted was Josh Beasley, president of Honest Abe Log Homes, who was asked if a log cabin is...

“My Niece sent a YouTube of her kids skateboarding in the driveway, but all I could see was mygrandfather’s handmade table on a shelf in the open garage.”“You can’t store other people’s memories,” said the sister of my friend who had just died. She said this as yet...

  Every homeowner has found checks in the logs at one time or another. Checks are those longitudinal splits that appear as logs lose their moisture. While you may like or dislike checks, they are a part of the character of wood. Some species of wood are more...

Despite all of the innovations made in the realm of building materials, homeowners are inexorably drawn to the rustic charm of natural wood. However, despite its breathtaking appearance, some may have concerns about how to keep log or timber homes warm during the...

So your home is clean and decorated for the holiday season. It looks great. You feel good. You are proud, and you should be. Wouldn't you like it to stay just like this?  Sorry, you know it's impossible, but it is possible to capture your "perfect" home in a...

There is nothing more joyous than welcoming friends and family into your home for the holidays. The beautiful Honest Abe Log Home pictured above shows exactly how welcoming a custom log home can be. However, with more people and possibly their pets, there will be...

If you live somewhere that experiences a lot of storms, preparing your home for the worst should be among your top priorities. It’s crucial that you do what you can to safeguard your home and family from severe weather like floods, thunderstorms, and wind storms. Here...

Before winter officially sets in is a good time to check off those items that must be done to protect your vacation log cabin. On the list are things we all know, but sometimes it's nice to have them in a list form you can check off each completed task. That always...

The cost of energy can fluctuate over time. However, with the overall trend typically looking upward, homeowners are constantly looking out for diverse ways to insulate their homes to keep energy costs down. One area many homeowners focus on is garage door insulation....

by Claudia Johnson, Honest Abe Log Homes Oftentimes Honest Abe homeowners plan a specific area of  their log or timber frame home solely for relaxation and entertainment. One such area is a built-in bar. If you’re planning to add a bar to your home, you’ll want...

When you’re looking to move, building is often an attractive option. However, the pros, cons and the details of building a new house from the ground up aren’t always easy to find. This quick post will cover some of the basics so that you can decide if moving forward...

People build fencing for a variety of reasons. The motivation behind the fence also gives us ideas about the materials that would be best for you. If the fence is purely utilitarian, such as protecting a parking lot at an industrial site or to keep a dog corralled in...

Honest Abe recently updated the seals they are providing with new log home packages. The company has always shipped high-quality seals to homeowners, but Josh Watson, operations manager for Honest Abe Log Homes explained the reasons new seals were selected. "We were...

When it comes to choosing a finish system for your log home exterior there are many factors to consider and depending on what choices you make it will have a significant impact on the longevity of the finish system. Some of these choices include surface preparation,...

The primary means to insure for property exposure claims during construction is through Builder’s Risk insurance. Builder’s Risk insurance is a type of insurance coverage that is active while projects are under construction, renovation, remodel or repair. It is best...

WHEN INSPECTING THE GENERAL EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING, LOOK FOR: Landscape plants within 36 inches of exterior walls. Landscaping tips. Gutters & down spouts everywhere in good working order. Check for decaying wood within 12 inches of (or especially in...

During the shutdowns last year purchasing above and in-ground swimming pools became a popular home improvement project as families realized that they may be homebound for a while. While the move to install pools last summer was an understandable response to the...

The landscape plan for your log or timber frame provides the entire feel of the home. It can point people to the view scapes of a valley or a tree line. It can camouflage areas to which you do not want to draw the eye. The landscape plan could provide definition for...

Roof Maintenance You Should do Each Spring and Fall These simple guidelines can help you regularly maintain your roof and avoid some serious problems down the road. So how's your roof? You don't know? Most of us don't know what's happening with our roofs because we...

The Teslia Theater Honest Abe customers, the Greg and Sandy Teslia, built a theatre in their custom timber frame home. They chose a private area of the house – the 2,730-square-foot walkout basement – where they have a fitness room inside and a patio with a hottub and...

Garage doors are durable things, as they are designed to last up to 30 years. A garage door’s longevity depends on several factors, though. The type of door, how you care for it, and the local climate matter as far as your garage door’s lifespan is concerned....

Honest Abe's customers frequently ask how long it takes to build a log home. Certainly there are many factors at play, but we've developed a timeline to help envision the process. Yes, this looks overwhelming, but it's not. These steps are very similar to the ones...

  There's Good News for Log Home Owners The popularity of log buildings is illustrated by growing numbers of log residences, resorts and other buildings constructed in rural and suburban environments. This growth is attracting log construction to greater scrutiny as...

Mrs. Eslick has retained her independence while living safely near her son.Tips for making a log or timber frame home safe for aging parents without compromising beauty   By Claudia Johnson, March 2021 issue, Log Cabin Homes Creating a log home design that will...

Many of Honest Abe Log Homes' customers add a garage to their plan whether it is attached directly, accessed by a breezeway or constructed as a separate building. Below are examples of the variety of selections for garage doors Honest Abe homeowners have made to...

Energy Savings and Resource Conservation in Log and Timber Homes by Log and Timber Homes Council Adopting a “green” philosophy is easier than you think and it does not require wind turbines, solar panels or wearing extra sweaters in January. Here are 10 conventional,...

CALCULATING LINEAR FEET When it comes to ordering sealants like Perma-Chink® or Energy Seal™, there are two dimensions that you need to know in order to determine how much product you will need: the width and the cumulative length (linear feet) of the gaps or...

Plan ahead for financing. Building a new log or timber home is an exciting process. You’re setting up a new place to live or vacation, and if you’re opting for this type of home, chances are you’re making something of a project out of it. A log or timber home can fit...

Nutrient Pollution Can be Controlled Residential lawns and gardens contribute significantly to the nutrient pollution in streams, rivers and lakes, according to Don Green, Senior Water Quality Consultant for WK Dickson & Co., Inc. “Fertilizers that run off because...

by Perma-Chink Systems If you live in or near the woods, you probably have a variety of rodents that also occupies your surrounding area. Most rodents like to gnaw on wood and if your log home is accessible to them it may become the target of their gnawing activity....

ON WHAT TYPE OF HOME DOES PERMA-CHINK LOG HOME CHINKING WORKS BEST? By Tony Huddleston, VP of Sales and Operation, Perma-Chink Systems Perma-Chink was designed to eliminate the undesirable results often obtained by using older less successful methods of wood slabs,...

What You Need to Know About Remote Building Sites Choosing a remote building site has its host of rewards, but it also poses some challenges.  Designing and building your dream log home puts you squarely on the path less traveled. Some buyers, however, want to...

Gather all those scraps of paper, drawings on napkins, clippings from magazines and ideas floating in your head, and let Honest Abe Log Homes create a plan for the new log or timber frame home that you’ve dreamed about.

How to prolong the life of your home.   One key for keeping your log home in tip-top condition is to take an hour or so once the weather turns nice to inspect the exterior of your home for signs of potential problems.   Before we start discussing the...

Which is the best way to remove an existing finish - media blasting or chemical stripping? Like most questions of this nature, there is no definitive answer; it depends on the situation. Both methods of removing a finish have their positive and negative attributes,...

Hey, hey, little  playmate, come out and play with me And bring your dollies three. Climb up my apple tree, holler down my rain barrel, Slide down my cellar door, and we'll be jolly friends forever more.  Most of us sang the nursery song without giving a thought to...

Honest Abe homeowner Sondra DuBose and husband Lennard designed their own timber frame home. The center of the 3,200 SF home is an open floor plan with a smooth flow through the kitchen, dining and living spaces. "A kitchen-centric great room is perfect for today’s...

The many television shows and podcasts that feature do-it-yourself home projects as well as the ever-growing Pinterest community demonstrates the intrigue of taking control of the design or redesign of personal living spaces. We asked Josh Beasely, President of Honest...

In many areas of the country when cool, fall days arrive, Asian lady beetles (ladybugs), Harmonia axyridis and boxelder bugs, Boisea trivittatus, congregate on exterior walls. They typically choose the south and west facing walls since these walls are the warmest....

  Perma-Chink Systems, whose products are included in Honest Abe packages, offers tips for homeowners who wish to do their own initial finish or choose to do protective maintenance on their log home over the years. In this article they explain how to manually...

Financing Options How will you finance your log or timber frame home?Financing the construction loan and permanent mortgage for your Honest Abe log cabin or timber frame home is handled in much the same manner as other types of home construction. Your Honest Abe...