NM Leon
New member
I'll caveat this post with the statement that I've been out of the contracting business for a decade.
Green log construction has a number of problems, starting with expected shrinkage. That can be a serious problem as the wall will "explode" sheet-rock on interior framing (personal experience) unless considerable allowances are made (hide the "gap" in a "floating wall" behind tall baseboards).
Modern systems are normally cured (pre dried), often shaped (typically tongue and grooved) and often cored (center bored out for air space advantages) which ameliorates the problems somewhat. That doesn't make them better than other methods, but at least more acceptable in some climate zones.
The equation is (normally) how much time the extra cost (over the cheapest method) will take to pay for itself, usually 7 yrs being the break-even point. In other words, how much will the total construction + maintenance + energy costs (etc) be for a 2 X 6 stick home be vs a log home (or any other type) over a seven year period.
Usually (some locals differ because of weather etc.) that calculates that a log home is a bad economic deal, though personal aesthetics may dictate otherwise. In short, the "R" value of log construction sucks, while the costs are usually greater.
If you are in an extremely rural area where it will cost a fortune to import building materials but you need to clear lots of timber (logs) to build, a traditional log home (properly built) may make sense, otherwise...
Green log construction has a number of problems, starting with expected shrinkage. That can be a serious problem as the wall will "explode" sheet-rock on interior framing (personal experience) unless considerable allowances are made (hide the "gap" in a "floating wall" behind tall baseboards).
Modern systems are normally cured (pre dried), often shaped (typically tongue and grooved) and often cored (center bored out for air space advantages) which ameliorates the problems somewhat. That doesn't make them better than other methods, but at least more acceptable in some climate zones.
The equation is (normally) how much time the extra cost (over the cheapest method) will take to pay for itself, usually 7 yrs being the break-even point. In other words, how much will the total construction + maintenance + energy costs (etc) be for a 2 X 6 stick home be vs a log home (or any other type) over a seven year period.
Usually (some locals differ because of weather etc.) that calculates that a log home is a bad economic deal, though personal aesthetics may dictate otherwise. In short, the "R" value of log construction sucks, while the costs are usually greater.
If you are in an extremely rural area where it will cost a fortune to import building materials but you need to clear lots of timber (logs) to build, a traditional log home (properly built) may make sense, otherwise...