The Difference Between a Log Cabin and a Log Home

A log cabin has long been thought of as a smaller structure than a log home and is used either occasionally or full-time. Many think of a cabin as a recreational place to hang out near a lake or river, in the woods away from everything, or used for temporary stays while fishing or hunting. Others think of them as an option for sleeping in tents. Cabins are also thought of as a place to rent, more so than renting a larger log home.

Log homes are typically pictured as larger dwellings that are occupied full-time either in the suburbs or the country. They are thought less as temporary recreational structures and more as longer-term houses for families or couples. Let’s look further at what many people think of them in the general sense.

Log Cabins Homes Are Typically Smaller, Cozier and Have Simple Layouts

If your idea of a cabin is one with 800 – 1,500 square feet, you’re probably right. Of course, size is also relative to our mind sets of cabins versus homes and there is no real correct answer here. 

A smaller cabin is thought of as cozier and more intimate with multi-use areas and shared spaces. You might think of how the size is divided into smaller, liveable cozy spaces.

Cabins don’t typically have large bedrooms and baths and second floors. They may have single-level living with a loft or two instead of another higher floor for sleeping and storage. You may find less privacy in a cabin versus a log home.

Cabins can be a simple rectangle or even a somewhat square-shaped structure without offsets, alcoves, extensions, or projections outside their basic layout. Most likely, you will be closer to the fireplace in a cabin than in a log home. The insides may be simple square-cornered rooms with smaller closets and even curtains that serve as doors in a few rooms.

Cost of Log Homes vs Log Cabins

Because they tend to be smaller, cabins use less building materials and may incorporate different types of materials than homes. You can go with full logs or more efficient and less costly log siding.

Although most log cabins have electricity, plumbing, and running water, some lack one or more of these niceties. Users may take water with them or pump it from a well. The cabin may depend on a wood-burning stove for heat, cooking, or heating water. Some may incorporate composted toilets in the bathroom. These limited utilities found in cabins save a lot of money compared to log homes that are equipped with luxuries.

Internet and television may or may not exist in cabins in isolated areas of the country. People like cabins that are more rustic and outdoorsy and like to get away from it all. Land is generally less expensive to build on in the country.

Log Cabins Tend to Have More Traditional/Old-fashioned Living Elements

Cabins almost always have a fireplace and/or a wood-burning stove compared to log homes that have traditional HVAC systems. Of course, larger homes may also have these features. Some of the furniture may be made of logs, tree limbs, or hand-made rather than mass-produced. Articles on how pioneer log cabins were built are fun reads.

“A smaller cabin is thought of as cozier and more intimate with multi-use areas and shared spaces”

Cabins often have a centrally-located fireplace with a woodpile close by. This feature is a primary element whether made of stone or brick and a large opening with or without a heavy metal top insert. Kitchens are simple rooms with fewer luxuries than a large home. Although running water with faucets may be present, many have a pump with a handle as part of the sink.

There are Different Types of Log Homes But Today’s Log Homes Tend to Be Custom-Built

Although some cabins may be custom-designed, most seem to be built from standardized plans. Log homes typically don’t fit into traditional styles of houses but are more customized. Today’s dwellings are about size, shape, comfort, building materials, and personalized living. By customized we mean they are individually designed and built on the owner’s site, not pre-fabricated in a mill or factory.

Log homes have more large timbers for support and visual effect as opposed to smaller cabins. Modern log home construction is more about personal preferences rather than using the right or wrong plans and designs. These larger homes have more bathrooms and bedrooms than their small cabin counterparts. Several woods are available for your cabin or home, while pine is typically the first choice.

Log Siding Is a Viable Option to Full Logs for Log Cabin Homes

You can have the full log look in a cabin or home with pine or cedar siding. By using this building material as a viable option, you can save a lot of money, time, and effort. From one source, you can buy:

• Log siding and paneling
• Trims and molding
• Corner systems and beams
• Flooring and doors
• Stairways and steps
• Stains and finishing products

Whether you build that small cabin or larger home, go with the best-quality log home products available. The Woodworkers Shoppe offers hand-inspected and moisture-correct wood materials for finishing to suit any log cabin or log home purpose. Reach out to   us today  at (855) 906-5520.

References and Resources:

• Our products
• Types of Wood Used in Log Cabins