One of our five styles includes heavy timber frame homes. For this type the logs are squared and then crafted to form the superstructure of the home. The word “Timber” is applied to logs that have been cut flat on all sides. The word “Log” is used for ones which are left round. The joinery which holds them together is the same.

A floor plan which shows the timber frame look can be built from either the round logs or the square timbers. Both styles are attractive and your choice depends on the finish you desire. Some people crave the round while others are dazzled by the square timber appearance.

Cost wise, both styles are more expensive to build than a milled log home. Most often the square timber frame turnkeys at a slightly lower cost than the handcrafted round post and beam homes. This is due to the cost of the post and beam shell. The round post and beam requires more hand work than does a square timber frame.

To paint a picture of costs, the 8 inch milled log homes are the most economical. The next would be the 9 or 10 inch Swedish Cope milled log homes. These turnkey for slightly more than the 8 inch milled log homes. The next would be the square timber frame homes. These turnkey for about $15 to $20 more per square foot than an 8 inch log home. Then the round post and beam and handcrafted log homes would be the most expensive. A large portion of the cost is the finish materials you choose to use within the homes. High end items, custom work, and expensive light fixtures can change the total turnkey price by as much as $20 per square foot or more.

Now for the outside finish material of these homes. The first home pictured here is a square timber frame wrapped in SIP panels. The exterior is covered with log siding. The interior is finished with drywall between the square timbers. The second home is shown with round post and beam work with cedar shakes and stonework. Cedar shakes are lovely, but they must be cared for very similar to a log home.

Timber frame homes are very unique. They are a step away from the standard stick built home while not being a full log home. These homes are typically built by owners who have planned for many years. So dream big and let your ideals be reflected in the style home you desire.

Cowboy Log Homes