Anyone have experience with some of the large outfits and who are the best? Who has the best reputation for quality? Who has the best builders w/ turn key packages in the pipeline? Thanks!
depends on if you want a solid log wall or a standard house framing with log siding. I would go with this. You can run utilities easier and insulate easy. They make special pieces for the corners, so you cant tell the wall logs are not solid. We have a home that we made from the ground up. It was in long home living a few years ago. I wish I could find some of their pics online. I will try to find some. I know someone that designs incredible log homes. He will do any size and has done many multi million dollar log homes. Just let me know if you want his info.
I thought the point of a log home was to show the logs on the inside. that ski lodge ambiance. I know BRs would require backer board.
Haven't seen any of their finished homes, but I sold some material to these guys a while back. Their engineering department seemed pretty competent and responsive... http://www.lincolnlogs.com/
Building a good log home is an art and a lot of the final product depends on the builder. When they are under construction you have to estimate the amount they are going to compress by the time they are finished, even setting things like light switches and outlets require estimates. I've seen both ends of the spectrum close to my place in Montana; some are great and others are a house waiting to become a pile of logs. I walked through one with a builder and he was pointing out all the problems that would happen within five year, this was a property on the market for $5.2M. I just finished a post and beam using all reclaimed lumber; many of the same benefits and none of the problems.
I would have a normal 2x4 or 2x6 wall. Then use log siding on the inside and out. 99% of people wont have a clue they are not solid. You wont have to deal with as many utility and settling problems. On the inside, you could then use some giant, 100% solid log beams to make accents. Our stairs and trusses are full logs. I will try to find some pics.
