Is a Heavy Timber Home the Same as a Log Home?
Building a cabin and creating your dream aesthetic depends on careful planning, technique, and the correct material. The two most common options for achieving a wooden look are heavy timber cabins and log homes. Both structures contain timber, but the type of timber varies greatly. So, what’s the difference between the two?
Heavy timber construction is a method where thick beams and posts join together to create the frame of the house. Unlike a log cabin, heavy timber cabins use a handcrafted post-and-beam framing technique to create a beautiful and open interior design. The wood used for heavy timber cabins is denser, offering extra strength and durability for structures.
Log homes, on the other hand, are made from whole logs that are cut down to size and fitted together horizontally to form the structure of the home. The log cabin style is a classic North American design, often associated with rustic or country living. Log homes can be built with different types of wood, but they’re most commonly made from white pine, cedar, or spruce.
The main difference in many people’s eyes is the exterior aesthetic. Because heavy timber framing is on the inside, the exterior of the home can use alternative materials such as stucco, brick, or metal siding. However, log cabins are easier to identify as they always contain identifiable stacked logs on the exterior.
When deciding which type of home is right for you, the decision comes down to personal preference and what will work best for your needs. Contact us today if you have any questions or want to get started.
Kettle River Timberworks is an award-winning expert in custom design, technical fabrication, logistical planning and installation of stunning architectural Timberwork, Post & Beam, and Timber Frames throughout British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest.
Kettle River Timberworks is the experienced and dedicated partner you need to build your dream timber frame home.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about timber in your next project, then please call us at (888) 513-8555.