In terms of a log home the adjective ‘large’ can apply to either the square footage of the home or the size of the logs. Large log homes are those that step beyond the image of cheap or inexpensive. Owners who are interested in this style of home are looking for quality, uniqueness, and luxury that is not supplied by just anyone. It is amazing how many companies out there are really small mills that only offer one ‘cookie cutter’ product. Even some of our least complicated plans have certain features built into them to make them stand out in a crowd. With a deep rooted commitment to quality and superb log cabin homes, this is simply part of the tapestry of us and our company.  Yes, there is always a cheaper way to do anything, but there are also ramifications to that decision. Instead of building a home right the first time, it is sad how many homeowners out there call us after their homes are built with horror stories. And at that point it is too late. The home is finished, and instead of enjoying it the owners end up trying to figure out how to patch it together. So let’s look at some features and choices of large log homes.

50 Inch Old Growth Western Red Cedar

First we will discuss the log sizes. Simply put, if anyone else can do it, we can too– except better. Huge log sizes of 30 inches and more can be built into the log walls. For some support posts and beams, such as the post at the center of a spiral staircase, the log can be 40 inches in diameter or larger. We simply calculate how large of a log is needed structurally and that is what we recommend with the package. Some owners have a consuming desire for ‘honking big logs’. We do offer log size upgrades. Typically we quote log shells based on a mean diameter. If the log is a 13″ mean, then it ranges between about 12 and 15 inches. The next size up would be a 15 inch mean diameter. That would put the wall logs at about 13 inches at the crown and 16 to 17 at the base. The largest logs that I have quoted recently were a 24 to 26 inch mean diameter with the Athabasca log home plan. This puts the butt ends up past 30 inches. These logs styles are more expensive, but they do show outstandingly well.

The reason for the standard 13 inch mean diameter is that each row of logs gains about 12 inches of rise per row. So if a wall is 13 rounds high, it will stand about 13 feet tall. If logs are very large then a standard 10 foot wall will be comprised of only a few logs. A way to compensate for this is to add extra height to the home. Instead of 10 feet, some homes are built with 12 or 15 feet walls. Then the vast open cathedral ceilings of 25 feet soar above.

18" Swedish Cope Log Home

Now to look at large log home plans. With these huge logs more of the square footage of the home is consumed by the width of the wall. A 6×8 inch milled log only looses 3 inches to the inside of the home (6 divided by 2). But a wall of 24 inches thick looses 12 inches to the walls. That is a lot of space and needs to be compensated for within the plan. Often for the large logs we add a foot or two to the width and length of the log homes.

Huron Large Log Home Plan

Large log home floor plans are those with 2500 square feet or more. Smaller plans can be built from these logs, but it is not typical. Large log cabins plans like the Syphon Creek, Huron, Rocky Mountain, and others just beg to be built from awe inspiring logs. Any of our plans can be built from any of the five styles of homes we offer, but rarely are the large ones built from milled. An exception to this is the Totem Building at Queen Charlotte Lodge, British Columbia that we built in 2007.

So if you dream of large log homes be sure to give us a call. We love to show our homes, discuss our plans, and custom tailor them to fit your wants and needs. Our consultations are free, so you are only out the time it takes to pick up the phone and call or to send us an email.

Cowboy Log Homes