A log cabin is a dwelling constructed of logs, especially a less finished or architecturally sophisticated structure. Log cabins have an ancient history in Europe, and in America are often associated with first generation home building by settlers.
Construction with logs was described by Roman architect Vitruvius Pollio in his architectural treatise De Architectura. He noted that in Pontus (modern-day northeastern Turkey), dwellings were constructed by laying logs horizontally overtop of each other and filling in the gaps with "chips and mud".
Today's log homes are often spacious and elegant, but in the 1800s log cabins reflected the hardships of life on the North American frontier.
The roomy log "cabins" we build today are likely to include…show more content… Square & Rectangular Log
Logs are cut with four square corners. These logs can be uniform in width and height or rectangular.
2. Round Log
Logs are cut circular, with no angles or corners. Round log homes often use thru-bolts for support. Logs cut circular on each end but with a flat top and bottom are often called “round/round” or “double round” logs.
3. Swedish Cope
Logs are cut circular, with a crescent removed from the bottom of the log, so that each log can stack atop another.
4. D-Log
Logs are cut with one round side and one flat side for consumers who desire one side of a log wall to have a flat surface while the other retains a rounded edge.
5. Handcrafted
Timbers are debarked by hand and each log retains its natural shape. Handcrafted log homes are built so each log is in a precise location in the home, allowing for maximum stability while retaining a rustic look.
1. Interlocking Corners
Wood is cut from the four sides of a log, recessing an area to lock into the intersecting log and hold both logs rigidly in place in all directions. (Similar to the Lincoln Logs you played with as a child.)
3. Dove Tail
A log’s end is cut to produce a fan-shaped wedge. As the logs are stacked, the ends of one wall’s logs lock into the perpendicular