DIY Builds
Photo by Maria Orlova Pexels Logo Photo: Maria Orlova

How long will a wooden summer house last?

One of the most important things to know about log cabin is its capacity to last for decades. With proper maintenance and treatment, a log house could last for over a hundred years given the evidence of century-old log houses and wooden structures all over Europe, where the first log homes originated.

What is a bench carpenter?
What is a bench carpenter?

51-7011 Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles or set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines, such...

Read More »
How long does it take solar panels to pay for themselves?
How long does it take solar panels to pay for themselves?

six to ten years The most common estimate of the average payback period for solar panels is six to ten years. This is a pretty wide range because...

Read More »

One of the most important things to know about log cabin is its capacity to last for decades. With proper maintenance and treatment, a log house could last for over a hundred years given the evidence of century-old log houses and wooden structures all over Europe, where the first log homes originated. Thus, if you’re thinking of a good investment that would outlast you for generations, take a closer look at the log cabin and how this simple and humble abode cheats years and nature.

A Log Cabin is Not Just Long-Lasting

One of the main benefits of living in a log cabin is that it can last for years, decades, even centuries with proper care and maintenance. However, longevity and durability are not just the main benefits of living in a wooden house. There are other log cabin features that will surely make you 100% sure of this lucrative and top quality investment.

Log Homes are Energy Efficient

Wood is a great insulator with more modern techniques designed to insulate and make your log cabin energy efficient. Thick wood or log materials keep in the heat and keep cold out within the cabin, thus not releasing air or heat from the inside. The temperature is well-regulated and maintained so that the log cabin interior temperature stays cool during hot summer days and warm during winter and days when the temperature drop below zero. You don’t need to use your HVAC system too much, helping you save on your electricity bills or fuel for your furnace.

Log Homes are Easy to Maintain

One of the most important factors that determine the longevity and durability of a log cabin is proper care and maintenance. Log homes are not hard to maintain and clean especially if you know the right ways to keep them in tip top shape and good condition at all times. One of the first steps to maintaining a log cabin is through proper design, which helps you conveniently clean every nook and cranny in the wooden house. Periodic maintenance, particularly with a good stain, is essential to provide protection to the wood and prevent any damage and infestation over time. The exterior of the log cabin should be given optimal maintenance and careful attention in the duration of the life of the cabin. Make sure that walls are maintained with varnish or interior stains to keep them in their pristine condition. Periodic refurbishment of the exterior wall paint is vital since the outside part of the log cabin is the most prone to the attacks of the elements.

Log Homes are Environment-Friendly

How many 16 inch logs are in a cord of wood?
How many 16 inch logs are in a cord of wood?

Depending on the seller, a face cord of firewood can also be sold as having the same volume of firewood as a full cord, meaning that there would be...

Read More »
Is house wrap better than tar paper?
Is house wrap better than tar paper?

The main advantage of house wrap, over felt paper, is the superior strength and durability of house wrap. A high-quality house wrap, like...

Read More »

A lot of people who want to reduce their carbon footprint could do so with an investment in their dream log cabin. Logs are renewable organic materials that could be easily accessed in your local area. Wood also offers fresher air, as wood is known to regulate the amount of CO 2 in the environment, thus the more logs you use for the log cabin construction, the better the air quality indoors and outdoors. Investing in a log house is like going back to basics, which also means that you are putting fewer hazards into the environment due to modern technology and their ecological repercussions.

Issues that Affect Log Homes over Time

Log houses are most vulnerable to certain issues that affect the overall structure of the building. Weather and other elements of nature could gravely affect your log cabin requiring you take numerous maintenance steps to preserve the wooden house. Traditional log homes that are constructed by stacking the logs on top of the other could experience problems such as shifting and shrinkage. The seams in between these logs could widen, causing leakage of water and air inside the cabin. Doors and windows may also stop working properly or crack when the logs settle. Wood cracks as it dries and these cracks, also known as checks, are the entryway of moisture that could lead to mould, rot, and insect infestation. The entire log house exterior is made from timber which is also susceptible to mould and mildew. The best way to deal with these problems in a log cabin is to make sure that you address the pertinent issues before going any further. Experienced log house builders and contractors are the best people to talk to in terms of identifying and applying remedies and treatment for the log cabin damages. One of the top pieces of advice from log cabin experts is to keep your log dry at all times, because the moisture content in the log could drastically affect its longevity. There are various modern practices to keep the log cabin dry such as covered decks, long roof overhangs, and proper landscaping in order to keep water and moisture off the logs once they have been installed. Sprinkling systems should also be away from the logs since a malfunctioning sprinkler head could go undetected and cause irreversible damage on the cabin. Prudent designs that prevent any moisture or water damage are practical and must-know details for a log cabin owner. Good quality designs include large overhangs, sloping the grade away from the wooden home and planning everything so that you keep both water and the sun off the house as much as you possibly can. Logs should also be at least 1½ inches away from the ground in order to keep them from getting soaked and moist. Properly protect your log cabin from the elements through the treatment and preservation of the wood or timber. Staining is one of the best ways in treating your log home while treatment to prevent insects from invading the log cabin is likewise an important and lucrative investment.

Is 1000 square feet a tiny home?
Is 1000 square feet a tiny home?

Tiny homes are generally designated as being under 600 square feet, but the average size of a tiny house for sale in the U.S. is actually just 225...

Read More »
Why do I hear a knocking sound in my walls?
Why do I hear a knocking sound in my walls?

But, before you call the ghostbusters, know that there's usually a simple explanation for why your walls are making a knocking sound. Most often,...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

A log cabin is a long-lasting and lucrative investment that needs just the proper care and maintenance. You can also start with a remarkable log cabin design in order to prevent certain problems that may need to be addressed. Prevention is always better than cure, thus if you don’t want to deal with too much maintenance and repair, start with a hassle-free cabin design.

How do I revive an old shed?
How do I revive an old shed?

Reviving Your Shed: Refurbishing Empty your shed by removing any old bits and bobs. Look out for any wear and tear in both the interior and...

Read More »
Why are old barns black?
Why are old barns black?

Black barns raise the heat inside, aiding the curing of tobacco. Many got their color from creosote, which repelled termites. Eventually, many...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Will weeds grow through cardboard?
Will weeds grow through cardboard?

Both cardboard and landscaping fabric can keep weeds under control, but often at the cost of other landscaping features. Landscaping fabric lasts...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Can you reuse potting soil with roots?
Can you reuse potting soil with roots?

Yes you can reuse soil with roots in it. However, try and remove as many as possible. Especially the larger roots left behind. Leaving some smaller...

Read More »