| Traditionally log cabins were found in wooded areas, | | | | Log cabins are often bought directly from a supplier, |
| where the construction material was at hand. In North | | | | and the choice is huge. However, if you're looking for a |
| America they were built by early settlers and by | | | | truly unique log cabin, then building your own can be a |
| hunters, loggers, and other wilderness dwellers, and | | | | great experience but remember it can also be |
| were associated by many people with simplicity and | | | | challenging and physically demanding. To save yourself |
| self reliance. Since the days of the early settlers in | | | | time and energy you could hire a contractor to build |
| North America, women would make quilts that | | | | your log cabin home, but do check they are reliable, |
| represented log cabins on the prairie. The red centre | | | | offer good value for money, and only use the best |
| squares were for the hearth, the lighter squares were | | | | materials. |
| for the sunny side of the log cabin, and dark squares | | | | Check list |
| were on the opposite side for the shady side of the | | | | Whichever option you decide on, i.e. buying a |
| log cabin. | | | | ready-made log cabin or building your own, there are a |
| Log Cabin Uses | | | | several points to consider: Try to opt for toughen glass |
| The heyday of the log cabin in North America was in | | | | in your log cabin because plastic fades over time; Be |
| the third and fourth quarters of the 19th Century, which | | | | careful of long delivery times. It is possible to do a |
| corresponds to the widespread trek Westward after | | | | credit check on the company selling you the cabin and |
| the Civil War. Nowadays log cabins are found all over | | | | there are websites that check a company's financial |
| the world and they are often used as an extension for | | | | status; Check what is included in the price, for example, |
| the home when space is short, for example, as an | | | | delivery, veranda, and window boxes; Use a good |
| office, playroom, sauna, a gym or a therapy room. | | | | preservative as a cheap one is a waste of time; |
| Because log cabins are seen as strong, reliable and | | | | Check where the wood comes from. Is it from a |
| environmentally friendly, log cabins are often used in | | | | sustainable forest, and is it made from slow grown |
| the branding for various companies and organisations. | | | | timber? Quick growing timber is cheaper but will |
| Energy Efficient | | | | eventually twist; Check on building regulations for your |
| Log cabins are renowned for their energy efficiency | | | | area. Planning permission isn't normally needed for |
| as timber is an excellent insulator - a 2.5cm log has a | | | | small cabins as long as it is 5 metres away from the |
| better thermal resistance than an 11.4cm brick, because | | | | main property, does not exceed more than 50% of |
| the thousands of tiny air pockets trapped in every | | | | your total garden area and is less than 4 metres in |
| square inch of the wood's structure slow the transfer | | | | height. However, if you have any doubts or live in a |
| of heat though the log. Therefore the log cabins are | | | | conservation area or a listed building, you should |
| warm in the winter and cool in the summer. However, | | | | contact your local planning office. |
| increasing the thickness of the walls does not mean | | | | Conclusion |
| you will have the most energy efficient log cabin, | | | | Log cabins have a long history and are as popular |
| because you have to consider the insulation for the | | | | today as they were many years ago in North |
| floors, ceilings and roof, and use the right kind of doors | | | | America. However, these day's log cabins are not |
| and windows, etc. | | | | limited as a place to live, but rather as an extension to |
| Choices | | | | the home. |