Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in your log kit package?

This varies depending on the kit chosen and package options asked for. We will quote you a package that is completely custom, based on your own criteria. There are basically 3 kit or package categories:

• The Log Kit – which provides only the precision-cut logs to build the walls – essentially what’s between the foundation and the roof.
  
  
• The Basic Package – which provides essentially the entire house including floor, windows and doors and roof and everything in between. This package won’t include the decorative and finished features, which are options available in the premium package. Contact sales for more information about the Basic Package.
  
  
• The Premium Package – is a custom order and can consist of almost anything customer wishes to specify. This can include an entire finished home, inside and out including special features like hand-hewn logs, timber-framed posts and beams, rockwork details or a myriad of other optional details. Of course, this package is only available as a custom quotation. Contact sales for more information about putting together a premium package.

What is the 'R' value of your logs?

Good question: The energy efficiency of a Log Home is not actually measured by 'R' value (thermal resistivity), but in the solid wood mass known as 'Thermal Mass' (thermal conductivity). The efficiency of solid log walls does not come from resisting heat from escaping back outside, but from the absorption and storage of heat, and then radiating it back into the home. This method of capturing heat and releasing it later performs very well during the spring and fall seasons. On a sunny warm day the log walls store the energy (heat) produced by the sun. After the sun sets and the air cools, the log walls release their stored heat and warm the home. It is the reverse during summer, at night the logs release their heat becoming cooler and as the day warms up it releases coolness into the room as the logs warm up to complete the cycle. Studies show that over the seasonal cycles, log homes are very energy efficient homes and will generally outperform a conventional stick-framed home.

What species of wood do you offer?

We offer a large selection of wood species including: Western Red Cedar (WRC), Spruce, Lodge pole Pine, White Wood (a Spruce/Pine mix) and Pine Beetle. Other wood species may be available, but would require a special order and quote.

Do Pine Beetle trees make good logs for homes?

Yes. A Pine Beetle tree dies standing when harvested it is usually in a partially dried state – making it a wonderful and unique wood for log homes. Pine Beetle wood also has unique blue hues (dubbed 'denim' or 'blue suede'), which gives it its popular new character. There is no structural damage done to the wood by the Pine Beetle because the beetle never actually burrows into the wood; it simply makes its home just under the bark. Presently there is an abundance of Pine Beetle wood, but this is temporary, so if you have interest in Pine Beetle wood, it would be a good idea to inquire sooner rather than later.

Does the supply of Pine Beetle wood make it cheaper?

Yes and no. While there is an abundance of good Pine Beetle logs, there is a little more wastage in the manufacturing process, so we have to buy more raw Pine Beetle logs to get an equal amount of finished logs. That often makes it about equal in price to other comparable wood types.

What log sizes are available?

We offer one of the widest ranges of log sizes:

• 4'x 6' – often used for cabin style and recreational log homes
• 6'x 6' – commonly used in recreational and some warmer climate residential homes
• 6'x 8' – our most popular size used in the residential home market
• 8'x 8' – our largest logs offer the best thermal properties for colder climates

What profiles or log shapes can be made?

We offer one of the widest ranges of log profiles:

• FF - flat and flat log (both sides are flat)
• FSR - D Shape which is flat interior and a soft round exterior
• FHR - D Shape which is flat interior and a hard round exterior
• SRSR - soft round and soft round
• HRHR - hard round and hard round

We offer these profiles in the following sizes:

• FF-4x6 / FSR-4x6
• FF-6x6 / FSR-6x6 / SRSR-6x6
• FF-6x6 / FSR-6x8 / SRSR-6x8 / FHR-6x8
• FF-8x8 / FSR-8x8 / SRSR-8x8 / FHR-8x8 / HRHR-8x8

What is the best log species to use?

There really isn’t a best species to use; it depends on budget, needs and to a large extent personal preference. There are a number of factors to consider in choosing a log species.

• Western Red Cedar (WRC) is a species highly rated for its durability in damp climates. As a soft wood, it offers good resistance to checking (cracking). WRC is beautiful wood to look at. It has an appearance that varies in colour, from pinkish, reddish-brown to a light, almost white. One of cedars most noted characteristics is its aroma, often described as sweet as chocolate. WRC has natural resistance to decay and insects, making it a good choice for more humid climates. WRC is commonly one of the more expensive species, but due to its durable characteristics, may offer a savings in the end.
  
  
• Douglas Fir (DF) is one of the best-known wood species in the world. It is a harder wood and known for its structural strength. DF is generally used for the structural beams within log homes. When freshly cut its appearance varies from an orange, reddish-brown to a yellowish-white colour. As dry wood, it also has good resistance to insect attack and a lower tendency to checking. DF is also a relatively expensive.
  
  
• Spruce grows throughout British Columbia with three commercially important types: Engelmann, Western White and Sitka. Its appearance is light, a pale yellowish-brown to nearly white in colour.  It has a moderate resistance to insect attack and lower tendency to checking. Spruce is abundant and quite reasonably priced.
  
  
• Lodgepole Pine is the single most plentiful tree species in British Columbia. Its appearance is light yellow to reddish/brownish-yellow. Knots in pine are generally small, tight and abundant. It has a moderate resistance to insects and a lower tendency to checking. Because of its availability it is reasonably priced.

Is cedar the best species for a log house?

Western Red Cedar is often seen as one of the best species for log homes. Its high resistance to decay, insect attack and checking make it very popular in the industry. It is a soft wood of moderate strength but with excellent weather-resistant properties. As one of the lightest in weight it makes it very easy to work with. The variety of colour in the wood makes it more unique in appearance. Western Red Cedar’s thermal mass properties make it one of the more energy efficient for log homes.  

Are the logs pre-cut?

Yes. We run them through our profile machine, which gives them their shape and tongue and grove on both top and bottom. We cut the saddle notch for the corner logs; splice the ends for the butt joints and wall-opening spline-boards. All the window and door openings are pre-cut, except when the height dimension of either the windows or doors includes a half log.  

How are your logs dried?

Our logs are typically air-dried, but at times when the supply of air-dried logs is low, or does not meet our strict specification of no greater than 19moisture content and we may use a quality controlled kiln-drying process.

Are blueprints included?

Yes. We provide three copies of Architectural detailed construction drawings. We also include an electrical layout and log wall assembly drawings. There is a good possibility your building inspector will request Engineered Seal Drawings, which we can provide through partner engineering firms.

Does it cost to modify a design?

We have a standard cost for producing your drawings. Within that cost, we have assigned an expected hourly charge for drafting modifications and changes.  However, if the expected time allotment is exceeded, there may be additional charges.

How are the log homes shipped?

Within Canada and the United States, we ship your log home packages on a flat deck truck. All the lifts are packaged to keep the material dry and for longer destinations, the trucking companies tarp the load.  When shipping overseas on a container ship the log home package is loaded into an enclosed shipping container and the door locked using a Custom’s Seal.

What are the shipping costs?

Shipping costs are determined by quotation, and depend on usual shipping factors such as weight, size, destination and method of transport. NOTE: When shipping east to Asia, the shipping can be quite reasonable, due to an abundant supply of shipping space sailing east.

How are log homes financed?

Log homes can be financed just like any other type of residential property through a mortgage with a bank or mortgage broker.

How long does it take to get my log home delivered?

On average, we can have the package ready for delivery in approximately 6 weeks. It does not take much time to actually manufacture the doors and windows, cut the logs and assemble all the building material for delivery, however depending on how many orders we have, the projects have to be scheduled.

Is it difficult to build it myself?

No, our log kits are among the easiest to build on the market. That’s because we make sure the logs are all pre-cut, pre-drilled, with corners notched and all logs labeled for assembly. Simply follow the Log Wall Assembly Drawing and the logs go together like one big Lego project.  

Will you build my log home?

We have a partnership with a preferred construction company, that  we can hire to build or supervise your build.

What happens if I have to cancel my order?

We have a non-refundable minimum rate of $2,500.00 allotted for producing your construction drawings. Depending on what stage we are at, and time and money spent on preparing your log home package, we will refund remaining amounts.  

What is the cost of building the log home?

While this question is one of the most often asked it is also one of the most difficult to answer. This is because there are many options and variables that make up a log home package, which makes it to difficult to answer with any degree of certainty. Generally, when all things are taken into consideration, it is approximately the same as a conventional stick framed home. But, of course, just as the many options for a conventional home will vary its final price, the many options for a log home will vary its
price.

What is required to maintain a log home?

Your log home is a natural product, and will need a protective finish. A number of excellent stains and paint products will give you years of trouble-free, low maintenance living. However, even the best stains and finishes eventually need refreshing. In many cases, you can just wash the walls and spray on a new coat. A quality stain, properly applied, should not require refinishing for at least 5-7 years.

Who insures log homes?

You can insure your log home with most insurance companies. Some insurance companies include a special rider, with parameters regarding the replacement of your logs due to fire damage.

Does it cost the same to insure a log home?

Generally, but some policies have different criteria that may affect the cost. For example, most log homes are built in a rural setting and almost all policies have a rider for 'distance from a fire hall'.