Time to Break Some Log Cabin Myths
Log cabins seem to be loved by all. As we have often written, they are an amazing part of our heritage and evoke strong emotions in those who live in them. They seem to have a similar effect on those who simply visit them.
So what are they so rare? Why don’t we see many more people buying, building, and living in log cabins?
The strange and contradictory answer is that there is a lot of prejudice against these beloved dwellings. How so? No, nobody seems to hate or even dislike log cabins. However, there are a lot of myths about owning log cabins. Myths that cause a sort of prejudice against owning one.
We decided to write this article in order to break down some of the most common myths about
Myth 1: Log Cabins are Cold
I’m really not sure how this myth has even circulated, but it has. If it were the case, why would the majority of log cabins in this day and age be built on mountain tops and cold climates?
The truth is that log cabins are actually very energy efficient. Not only are they easy to heat in the winter, but they are also rather cool in the summer.
The thickness of the wood walls along with the natural thermal capabilities of wood make for very good insulation. Of course the ceiling and crawl space would need additional insulation as any normal house would.
Myth 2: Log Cabins are a Fire Hazard
This one at least seems a little more logical, however, it is simply not true. Log homes are no more of a fire hazard than conventional stud homes. They are actually much less of a fire hazard than most conventional homes.
When a conventional wood stud framed home catches on fire, the fire spreads quickly between the walls. The studded walls actually form chimneys of sorts that spread the fire rather quickly. Log cabin walls on the other hand are solid and do not catch on fire very easily. Even if they do catch on fire the fire doesn’t spread very quickly.
To understand this think about a campfire. Does a big thick log catch on fire quickly? No! It takes a big fire to get a thick log going because of its mass. A cardboard box on the other hand will burn before it hits the fire because of its light mass and the way the oxygen can flow through it. Hence the difference between a framed house and a log cabin.
Myth 3: Log Cabins are Expensive
This is not necessarily true, but it depends. The actual walls may be for expensive than a typical 2×4 studded wall. But, of course 2×4 walls are not complete once framed out. They can get very expensive too. With a conventional wall you first need to frame it, then install plumbing and electric. Afterwards you need to finish it inside and out.
So a conventional wall can get very expensive depending on the materials used and the price of labor. The price of skilled carpenters, plumbers, electricians, sheet-rockers, and masons (or others depending on exterior walls) can get very high very fast. Therefore the price of a conventional wall can, and often does, overpass a log cabin wall which is very simple and very fast to put up!
It is a hard one to reason on also considering that, as with any house, there is no limit to what you can spend if you want to. If, for example, you desire to finish your log cabin with exotic wood floors and a rustic, cathedral stone fireplace it obviously will get expensive fast.
However, it can not rightfully be said that log cabins cost more than conventional methods of building.
Myth 4: Log Cabins Have Mold Problems
Do log cabins have mold problems? I’ll answer that question with another question. Do houses have mold problems?
The truth of the matter is that mold doesn’t depend on a house being built out of logs, 2×4’s, or cement for that matter. What it depends upon is common sense and workmanship. If a house is built wrong or flawed and water gets or stays where it shouldn’t then you will have mold! The same can be said of houses that are kept closed up for prolonged periods, regardless of the materials used in its construction.
Myself, I prefer having mold problems on log cabins, because the problem is easily taken care of. If you get mold inside a 2×4 wall, it is hard to find and takes a lot to fix. Whereas log cabin walls are solid and therefore the problem, if taken care of immediately, will be on the surface instead of within.
Myth 5: Termites will Eat Your Log Cabin
This is a very common worry, however, it shouldn’t be. True, termites like wood and if left alone could do significant damage to a log cabin. However, as with many of the problems mentioned in this article termites will be easily discovered. Since log cabin walls are solid, there are no walls for them to hide inside of and they will be easily spotted before they can do any damage.
In addition if a log cabin is treated right termites will not even want to touch it. Unlike most 2×4’s inside conventional houses, log cabins are usually treated with a special stain that will keep termites away. Not to mention that if the wood is dry, as it should be, it will not attract wood eating insects.
Myth 6: Log Homes are Hard to Maintain
Every home should receive regular maintenance and log cabins are no exception. However, if simple regular maintenance is kept up you will find that a log cabin can actually be much less work to keep up than a conventional home.
For example, how often must the interior walls of a conventional house be repainted? If the interior walls of a log cabin are done right they shouldn’t ever need to be redone. What about the exterior walls? O regular wood house should be repainted every 3-5 years. Log cabins generally follow the same criteria. However, if you use a high-quality finish and maintain it regularly it will only need a minimal topcoat every 3-5 years.
If properly maintained you should never have to strip the original coat of finish. Simply apply a light maintenance coat every three to five years and your log cabin will stay beautiful with minimum maintenance!
Myth 7: Log Homes don’t Last Very Long
This is the most ridiculous of the common log cabin myths! In a previous article we wrote about this. The oldest log cabins in America were built in the 1600’s and they are still standing! There are several others still around from the 1700’s and the 1800’s.
So, no it is not true that log cabins don’t last very long! The trick is to regularly maintain them. Which, as we have seen, is not very hard to do.
Conclusion
There are many out there who will try to convince you not to build or buy a log home. As we have seen, the main arguments out there are simply not true. The ones that have some truth to them are no different f
So, if you are considering buying or building a log cabin: don’t hesitate!