3 Common Log Home Materials Compared

Log homes offer quick construction and lower energy costs with a unique rustic appeal. Log home materials have the biggest impact on the specific strengths and weaknesses of any home.

The type of wood used in log home construction has a bigger impact than many homeowners realize. This guide will compare three common wood species for people who are considering a log home.

Pine Logs

Pine is one of the most abundant species of wood in every region of the U.S. This abundance makes pine one of the most economical woods since it can be easily sourced. Pine logs come in shades of white and gold that darken attractively with age. Pine is also known for its beautifully straight grain.

As the most affordable option, pine is less resistant to environmental weathering and has many weaknesses traditionally associated with using wood in construction. Pine is vulnerable to termites and other pests, and it must be sealed regularly to protect it against rot. On the other hand, pine is uniquely resistant to expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes, so it may last longer than other wood species if properly maintained.

Cedar Logs

Eastern red cedar is the most common variety of cedar used in log homes. While northern white cedar is an option, it is less favored because it produces smaller logs with more protruding branches.

Cedar wood creates oils that give it a distinctive aroma. These oils also help to protect the wood from environmental stressors. Cedar oil helps to create a waterproof barrier, and its scent repels a wide variety of insects. As a softwood, cedar is lightweight while still providing excellent insulation.

Cedar is a dry wood, and its low moisture content makes it somewhat prone to "checking," or cracking along the grain. While checking doesn't reduce the structural integrity of the wood, it is a cosmetic blemish that most people would like to avoid for their homes.

Cypress Logs

Cypress is an alternative to cedar that provides a similar "premium" feel at a lower cost. Cypress is highly durable and produces oils that make it almost as good as cedar at repelling pests. When a cypress tree is felled, new sprouts quickly appear to feed off of the old root system. This makes cypress a particularly good choice for homeowners focused on sustainable construction.

Unlike cedar, cypress has an extremely high moisture content. This makes the wood very heavy and more labor-intensive to install than other varieties. Cypress is somewhat more prone to mold as it dries once it's installed, but stain additives can counteract this.

Now you have a bird's-eye overview of three of the most common log home materials. Choosing a wood species is one of the most important decisions to make when building a log home. Weigh your options carefully so you can be sure your home will stand the test of time.

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