Log Cabins

When you think of log cabins, you generally think of hand-constructed cabins placed in the middle of an abandoned deeply-wooded area. In the context of early loggers and hunters amongst the early settlers of North America, this portrayal of log cabins is surprisingly accurate. This depiction of log cabins has been on quilts due to their elegance, simplicity, and lack of upkeep required. The quilts represented the log cabins well, with red squares to symbolize the heart, light squares to symbolize the sun, and dark squares to symbolize the shade.

In the second half of the 19th century, log cabins were abundant in North America. This was the time when everyone was traveling west ensuing the completion of the Civil War. Log cabins are now found worldwide, usually as an extension to normal homes as opposed to freestanding living quarters on their own. A prime use for this detached log cabin would be an office or a playroom due to their desires to be quiet or isolated to be quiet respectively. Gyms, saunas, and therapy rooms are also popular uses of log cabins.

The connotations associated with log cabins are that of a strong, natural, sturdy build, and are used for logos and branding for many companies to represent them in better light.

Wood works as an excellent insulator. One inch of wood serves to be a more effective method of insulation than over four inches of brick. This is caused by the pockets of air inherent to the wood’s construction. The air pockets help to slow the shift in temperature, keeping the cabins comfortable year-round, both warm and cool in the winter and summer respectively. Unfortunately, the real weak spot for insulation is in the ceiling/roof as well as the floors, as well as the windows and doors, as these are generally not made from the same thick logs of wood that the walls are.

The selection of suppliers and models for log cabins is enormous, and making the choice is both overwhelming and satisfying, due to the uniqueness associated with the large selection. For those who prefer the truly-unique feel, or a traditional throwback to the past, do-it-yourself log cabin making is always an option. Although a great learning tool, especially in realizing how much the early North America settlers had to cope with so long ago, building a safe and habitable log cabin will be an extremely large undertaking. Hiring contractors may be a safer, more reliable, and quicker method of getting your unique log cabin, without paying too too much. They have access to the right materials, and also the right knowledge as to how to build something that needs to stand up for years to come.

Regardless of whether you chose to build it yourself, hire a contractor, or purchase from a catalog of log cabins from a company, it’s important to consider the following:
- Toughened glass is preferable to plastic, as plastic will fade over time.
- Check into the credit of the company who is providing your cabin, as some may not be reliable and long turnaround times are something to be concerned about. You can find online websites to perform credit checks to ensure that the company that you are dealing with is legitimate and financially capable.
- Make sure you understand what is and isn’t bundled into your log cabin for the quoted price. You may be only receiving the cabin itself, or they may be including delivery, windows, balconies, and other aesthetic or functional benefits.
- Know where the wood is sourced. It’s important to get wood from slow grown timber, grown from a forest that has been around for a long time and isn’t going anywhere. Buying from quick-grown forests, while cheaper, will be a mistake in the long run, as the wood will twist.
- Make sure you understand the building regulations for the location you are planning on placing your log cabin. Small log cabins are usually acceptable, as long as it’s smaller than half of the garden area and is at least 15 feet from the main residence. Some places, including conservation areas, will not allow building of structures such as log cabins. It’s always important to check with your local authorities, zoning, and planning offices.

Despite their widespread importance in the past, log cabins have remained abundant due to their stability, reliability, and practicality. Their purpose has shifted from primary residence to being an additional room to a main living area, however their inherent practicality remains.