1) Trees Grow Back
When a home is made from solid logs, you are effectively taking the carbon contained in those logs out of environmental circulation over the entire life of the home. Eastern White Pine, which is used for Honest Abe’s log homes, is a major species for reforestation, making it a plentiful and renewable resource.
2) They Last a LONG Time
If there’s any question about the durability of log and timber structures, some still in use today in Europe and Russia have been standing almost a millennium.
3) They’re Not Scared of Mother Nature
The log and timber home industry has countless stories of these homes surviving the worst Mother Nature deliver. In recent years two of Honest Abe’s customers survived tornados with their homes and their lives. Read about one of them here.
4) They’re a Natural Fit
Since this organic building material comes from nature, the resulting structures blend into the topography, naturally integrating right into the landscape rather than being awkwardly imposed onto it.
5) You’re in Your Home Faster
If you choose to use a precut and pre-drilled log system or a handcrafted home, the shell of your home can be framed on site faster than conventional stick framing, which will reduce the likelihood of weather-related damages or mold and mildew issues. With the right crew and building system, it can be weather tight in as little as two weeks for an average sized home. In conventional construction, your home is exposed to the elements for far longer, which could lead to mold issues within framing of the home where it can thrive undetected for years.
7) You Can Relax
Log homes are often quieter than stick built homes, thanks to the same thermal mass that provides energy efficiency and the sound deadening affects of wood walls.
6) Wood is Warm and Energy Efficient
The thermal mass of logs helps keep inside temperatures of homes comfortable in all seasons, allowing log walls to collect and store energy, then radiate it back into the home. Provided the home is sealed properly, you can have a super energy efficient home, saving 15 to 20 percent more energy efficient than a conventional home over a lifetime.
8) Little Things Matter Hanging a picture in a home with drywall is a big ordeal, involving a stud finder, a hammer or drill and bruised fingers. Homeowners report the simplicity of hanging a picture is one the simple joys of living in a log and timber home.
9) You Can Have Rustic and High Tech While rugged is appealing, roughing it is not. That’s why today’s log and timber homeowners increasingly want a hideaway that’s connected, automated and secure. Many log and timber homeowners are adding backup generators (in case of power outages), a security system and a wiring system that can accommodate high-speed video, voice and data.
10) You Stay Ahead of Problems
If you’re worried about mold, mildew or insect infestation, then a log and timber home offers clear advantages since you’ll be able to see anything untoward just by taking a stroll around your home and visually inspecting the logs. This quick detection leads to a less costly remedy. In contrast to a conventional home, the sealed wall cavities can be a hidden refuge for mold, mildew and insect infestation, which can cause far more damage before its detected.
11) The Craftmanship is Obvious Conventional custom homes can have their fare share of beautiful carpentry, but this is typically limited to trim and millwork. In log and timber homes, examples of fine craftsmanship are at every turn, in the handcrafted staircase with its branch-like spindles and balustrade, in the hand-scribed large timbers overhead in the cathedral ceiling, in the one-of-a-kind light fixtures.
