Eastern White Pine grows up to
200 feet high with a diameter of up to six feet in the northeastern region of
the United States. Its light weight, workability, and abundance make it the
most affordable and most used species in the log home industry. There are
White Pine structures still standing after more than 200 years. A testament to
the woods durability. It is probably the least resinous of all pines and does
not swell or shrink greatly with moisture content changes and thus keeps
checking, twisting, and settling to a minimum.
Eastern White Pine
Bald Cypress, also known as
yellow, red, black, white swamp, or tidewater cypress; grows in the wetlands
and swamps. It is a soft wood with excellent durability and, like Cedar, it is
naturally resistant to rot and insects. It has been used as a building
material in its native environment in the coastal regions for hundreds of
years. It accepts most wood finishes with good results and fits along side
Redwood, Scotch Pine, Spruce, and Douglas Fir as popular and attractive wood
species for a log home.
Bald Cypress
As you can see,
there are some very important parameters to consider when purchasing a log
home and the type of wood you will be using is just one of many. Another
building characteristic that will interest you because, like the choice of
wood you make, it too will effect the overall look of your home. This is the
profile of the log you use and the corner joinery.
LOG PROFILES
In our opinion the log profile
makes as much a statement about a homes character as the type of wood that is
used. It puts a face on the home that emphasizes the style and grace of the
overall design. In fact, picking the right profile to go with a particular
style of home is crucial. It can make or break the inherent beauty of your log
home and if not done properly can turn an otherwise elegant dwelling into
something that looks like a fancy shed. Pay attention to the type of log
profile that comes with your log home package. A "full round" or
classic "D" are the most common.
Most dealers carry the standard log profiles and many will be more than happy
to assist you in making the right choice. One of the things you will have to
remember is that not all profiles are available with all logs. The size of
your log diameter will have a direct influence on which profile you can use.
As will the overall design of your home and whether or not your after that
rustic "hand hewn" look of peeled logs. Be sure to discuss the
options with your dealer or builder.
While were on this topic it
would be good to discuss the importance of literally dissecting your log home
package options. Look closely at the offered standard size log that the
package comes with. What are the provided diameter (s) of the logs and how are
they graded. Is the wood "live stand" cut or dead fall.
