Table of Contents
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- Build with Log Siding and Save a Bundle
- Install Pine Floors Instead of Hardwood
- Use Large Windows to Absorb Winter’s Sun
- Keep the Plans Simple for Energy Efficiency and Maintenance
- Don’t Compromise on Quality Materials
- Build Part of It Yourself for Self-satisfaction and Saving Money
- Know Where to Buy the Best Log Cabin Products
- References and Resources
Log cabins appeal to thousands of new owners each year in the U.S. and around the world. Their striking appearance is timeless and living in one is a special experience no matter your age or location.
Before you finalize any building plans, consider the seven hot tips below, especially log siding, that save money and present an authentic log cabin look without using full logs. You may not want to use them all, but talk to your family and building contractor before discarding any of them.
Build with Log Siding and Save a Bundle
Perhaps the greatest savings you can realize when building a cabin is using pine or cedar log siding instead of full logs. By applying it to the interior walls, you get a complete log look without the associated costs of full-log construction.
The three choices of log siding pictured here are the favorites of current log cabin owners. Each varies in widths and thicknesses to meet your personal preferences, and the following sizes of pine and cedar are available. Log siding is applied to conventional wood wall framing that saves much time and money.
NOTE: Quarter and half log siding are available in smooth, hand-hewn, and pre-finished conditions. Premier log siding is available in hand-hewn only in a pre-finished condition.
Install Pine Floors Instead of Hardwood
Another way to save money and labor is by laying knotty pine flooring instead of hardwood. The cost for any width and length is about one-half or less compared to oak wood. It’s available in:
- ¾” thickness
- 4”, 5”, and 6” widths in unfinished wood
- 6” width only in pre-finished wood
Quality pine planks have a unique micro-chamfer around all the edges for easy installation and an amazing look. It’s advisable to purchase tongue and groove flooring with the end-matched design for a snug and flat fit. Buy your knotty pine by the square foot and save money and a lot of time.
| “Perhaps the greatest savings you can realize when building a cabin is using pine or cedar log siding instead of full logs. By applying it to the interior walls, you get a complete log look without the associated costs of full-log construction.” |
Use Large Windows to Absorb Winter’s Sun
You can reduce the winter’s heating bill by installing larger energy-efficient windows, especially on the southern exposure. The sun’s rays will supplement heat from a wood-burning stove or central forced air furnace. If it gets a little toasty in the summer, use heat-reflecting curtains and large ceiling fans to stay cool.
Keep the Plans Simple for Energy Efficiency and Maintenance
Not only are smaller cabins more energy-efficient, they are also less expensive to build. They also require less maintenance and cleaning which means less overall costs. Before you put up too many walls to separate rooms from each other, think more about an open concept with second-floor lofts.Instead of hiring an interior decorator or a contractor to design your floor plans, look online for ready-made ones that may have just what you are looking for.
Don’t Compromise on Quality Materials
When you build a small cabin, it doesn’t mean you are cheap, it means you are a cost-effective homeowner. Don’t go with cut-rate windows to save money and expect your fireplace or wood-burning stove to make up for the heat loss. Your loss may be in higher utility bills.Buy quality wood materials, windows, a heating and cooling system, roofing, and insulation. You don’t have to compromise on quality to have a rustic and fully livable cabin. You will never be sorry for buying high-quality building materials.
Build Part of It Yourself for Self-satisfaction and Saving Money
If you have some basic woodworking skills, build part of your cabin and enjoy some real work satisfaction. If you don’t have those skills or tools at present, it will still save money by taking the time to learn some cabin building essentials now. You can point to a part of the cabin and say, “I built that myself.” It’s much easier for an amateur carpenter to use log siding than full logs.
Know Where to Buy the Best Log Cabin Products
Order from the WoodWorkers Shoppe and get the highest quality log home building products, expert advice, prompt shipping, and fair prices.
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