![\"Full](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/full_scribe_cabin.jpg?ssl=1\")
<\/a>Full Scribe<\/h2>\n\n- Highest cost<\/li>\n
- Most labor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When most people think of a log cabin, they are thinking of the Full Scribe style. This is a log cabin that looks like it was built with Lincoln Logs.<\/p>\n
A Full Scribe log cabin has logs stacked to form the walls. The logs are notched to interlock at the corners.<\/p>\n![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/groove.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1\")
When they cut the doors to the bump out closets I got to see how the logs were put together. You can see how they are scribed. The scribe is the part in the center that joins the logs. The thing hanging down is part of the gasket, the part between the logs to make them even more energy efficient. Steel pins held the logs together. They were extremely difficult to get apart and were VERY heavy.\u00a0 More about building the bump-out closets ><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u201cScribed\u201d means the logs are shaped to stack tightly. Grooves are cut into the logs so they fit closely together.<\/p>\n
These are the strongest, sturdiest log cabins. Full Scribe log cabins can stand up to hurricanes and earthquakes. If they are fit together tightly and are gasketed, they are very energy efficient.<\/p>\n
Milled full scribe is where each log has been machine processed with a lathe to meet the same specification. They have a more uniform shape, diameter and circumference, like Lincoln Logs. This means the cabin requires very little chinking, fits together tightly and is energy efficient.<\/p>\n
Full scribe log homes are the most expensive to build.<\/p>\n
Hybrid or Fusion Style<\/h2>\n\n- Costs less than Full Scribe, more than Post & Beam<\/li>\n
- Less labor than Full Scribe, more than Post & Beam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This style of log cabin is easier and less expensive to build. One method starts with three logs at the bottom, then a traditionally built wall above. Other times logs are used just at the corners or only on the front of the house. You still get a rustic feel at a significantly lower price.<\/p>\n
Post and Beam<\/h2>\n\n- Lower cost and less labor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Round timbers are used as the posts and beams, then the walls are framed conventionally. It uses much fewer logs. Additional logs can be added to give it a more rustic feel.<\/p>\n![\"Timber](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/post-and-beam.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Timber Frame style home built by Vermont Timber Works in Hunter, NY, USA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Inside](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/timber_frame.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Inside a timber frame home built by Vermont Timber Works<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Inside](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/hammer_beam.jpg?resize=500%2C396&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Inside a timber frame home built by Vermont Timber Works<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Timber](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/timber_frame-b.jpg?resize=500%2C333&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Timber frame home built by Goshen Timber Frames in Franklin, NC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTimber Frame<\/h2>\n\n- Lower cost and less labor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A timber frame home is built using precisely cut timbers as the posts and beams. Often the timbers are left visible inside the home for a rustic look.<\/p>\n![\"Log](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/log_cabin_siding-2.jpg?resize=487%2C500&ssl=1\")
<\/a>House with Log Cabin Siding<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nLog Decor or Accent<\/h2>\n\n- Lowest cost<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Some log cabins are not log cabins at all. A traditional house has had log siding added.<\/p>\n
More about Log Cabin Look Siding ><\/a><\/p>\nLog Species<\/h2>\nRed Cedar<\/h3>\n
Red Cedar is considered the best overall type of wood for a log cabin. It has less moisture and tension than other species and is more stable and naturally resistant to decay. But it can be hard, heavy and difficult to work with.<\/p>\n
Red Cedar has a high natural oil content that helps preserve it. It has natural anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. It is resistance to rot and insects. It is extremely durable even in the most severe climate conditions and is an excellent natural insulator.<\/p>\n
Douglas Fir<\/h3>\n
Douglas Fir is the strongest wood available for log cabins. It is good for structural elements such as floor and roof beams, but is less stable than cedar. It is more prone to swell and shrink when the temperature and humidity change.<\/p>\n
Pine<\/h3>\n
Not all pine is created equal.<\/p>\n
White pine is relatively inexpensive and easy to work. But it is prone to decay. Eastern White Pine is especially prone to shrink, warp and check. It can an absorb transparent protective stain, but will require significantly more maintenance than other wood species. Excessive log movement creates a cabin that is not air and weather tight.<\/p>\n
Pre-dried Lodgepole pine absorbs preservatives well and, with maintenance, should endure. It is one of the most controllable against checking of any soft wood species.<\/p>\n
Other Species<\/a><\/h3>\nSpruce, Fir and Larch have limited use for building. The wood does not preserve well. Stain, sealant or preservatives do not penetrate consistently and the wood twists and warps excessively.<\/p>\n
Log Types and Construction<\/h2>\n![\"FEMA](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/machined_logs.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1\")
<\/a>FEMA Log Cabin kit with machined logs built in Eagle, Alaska<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMachined Logs<\/h3>\n
Machined logs are milled with a lathe to create uniformity. Each log has a consistent size and shape to fit together well. This creates a weather tight, energy efficient cabin.<\/p>\n
Handcrafted Logs<\/h3>\n
Handcrafted logs use the full log, cutting away only what is necessary to get the length needed. The gaps between the logs are filled with chinking.<\/p>\n
Notch Style<\/h3>\n
The notch style is how the logs fit together at the corners. Notches provide stability to the cabin.<\/p>\n
Gasketing<\/h3>\n
Gasketing is a long seal that is inserted in the underside of the scribed grooves in full scribed logs. It costs more, but it pays off in energy efficiency.<\/p>\n
Log Home Kits<\/h2>\nAverage costs<\/h3>\n\n- Full Scribe Shell $60 \u2013 $160 per square foot<\/li>\n
- Post and Beam Shell $55 \u2013 $85 per square foot<\/li>\n
- Timber Frame Shell $45 \u2013 $75 per square foot<\/li>\n
- Hybrid or Fusion Shell $45 \u2013 $85 per square foot<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When most people think of a log cabin, they are thinking of the Full Scribe style. This is a log cabin that looks like it was built with Lincoln Logs.<\/p>\n
A Full Scribe log cabin has logs stacked to form the walls. The logs are notched to interlock at the corners.<\/p>\n \u201cScribed\u201d means the logs are shaped to stack tightly. Grooves are cut into the logs so they fit closely together.<\/p>\n These are the strongest, sturdiest log cabins. Full Scribe log cabins can stand up to hurricanes and earthquakes. If they are fit together tightly and are gasketed, they are very energy efficient.<\/p>\n Milled full scribe is where each log has been machine processed with a lathe to meet the same specification. They have a more uniform shape, diameter and circumference, like Lincoln Logs. This means the cabin requires very little chinking, fits together tightly and is energy efficient.<\/p>\n Full scribe log homes are the most expensive to build.<\/p>\n This style of log cabin is easier and less expensive to build. One method starts with three logs at the bottom, then a traditionally built wall above. Other times logs are used just at the corners or only on the front of the house. You still get a rustic feel at a significantly lower price.<\/p>\n Round timbers are used as the posts and beams, then the walls are framed conventionally. It uses much fewer logs. Additional logs can be added to give it a more rustic feel.<\/p>\n A timber frame home is built using precisely cut timbers as the posts and beams. Often the timbers are left visible inside the home for a rustic look.<\/p>\n Some log cabins are not log cabins at all. A traditional house has had log siding added.<\/p>\n More about Log Cabin Look Siding ><\/a><\/p>\n Red Cedar is considered the best overall type of wood for a log cabin. It has less moisture and tension than other species and is more stable and naturally resistant to decay. But it can be hard, heavy and difficult to work with.<\/p>\n Red Cedar has a high natural oil content that helps preserve it. It has natural anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. It is resistance to rot and insects. It is extremely durable even in the most severe climate conditions and is an excellent natural insulator.<\/p>\n Douglas Fir is the strongest wood available for log cabins. It is good for structural elements such as floor and roof beams, but is less stable than cedar. It is more prone to swell and shrink when the temperature and humidity change.<\/p>\n Not all pine is created equal.<\/p>\n White pine is relatively inexpensive and easy to work. But it is prone to decay. Eastern White Pine is especially prone to shrink, warp and check. It can an absorb transparent protective stain, but will require significantly more maintenance than other wood species. Excessive log movement creates a cabin that is not air and weather tight.<\/p>\n Pre-dried Lodgepole pine absorbs preservatives well and, with maintenance, should endure. It is one of the most controllable against checking of any soft wood species.<\/p>\n Spruce, Fir and Larch have limited use for building. The wood does not preserve well. Stain, sealant or preservatives do not penetrate consistently and the wood twists and warps excessively.<\/p>\n Machined logs are milled with a lathe to create uniformity. Each log has a consistent size and shape to fit together well. This creates a weather tight, energy efficient cabin.<\/p>\n Handcrafted logs use the full log, cutting away only what is necessary to get the length needed. The gaps between the logs are filled with chinking.<\/p>\n The notch style is how the logs fit together at the corners. Notches provide stability to the cabin.<\/p>\n Gasketing is a long seal that is inserted in the underside of the scribed grooves in full scribed logs. It costs more, but it pays off in energy efficiency.<\/p>\nHybrid or Fusion Style<\/h2>\n
\n
Post and Beam<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>Timber Frame<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/a>Log Decor or Accent<\/h2>\n
\n
Log Species<\/h2>\n
Red Cedar<\/h3>\n
Douglas Fir<\/h3>\n
Pine<\/h3>\n
Other Species<\/a><\/h3>\n
Log Types and Construction<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Machined Logs<\/h3>\n
Handcrafted Logs<\/h3>\n
Notch Style<\/h3>\n
Gasketing<\/h3>\n
Log Home Kits<\/h2>\n
Average costs<\/h3>\n
\n