By David Urmann
Log cabins are homes specifically made up of logs or timber. Log cabins are simple houses mostly built in areas rich in natural resources such as timber. During the early centuries, log cabins are usually used as homes, barns and storage purposes.
Most log cabins before were built with logs horizontally laid and connected at the ends with notches. Some use nails instead of notches, but the latter is still better. Most are located nearby ranches or farms, in places with enough sunlight and good drainage. As there have been an increase of people building log cabins, deciding on what type of cabin will be built is crucial.
There are several variations of cabin types all over the United States. They differ from sizes, roof, number of storys, location of windows and doors. All of these are important aspects in planning a log cabin. Another consideration is the source of the logs and the labor required to build the structure. If timber is not enough in the area, then the size of the log cabin is usually smaller.
To protect the log cabin from moisture of the soil, they are built with huge rocks as a base. These rocks serve as a strong foundation for the log cabins. In terms of the notches, there are different kinds of notches used in the construction of log cabins. Notches differ among other ethnic groups.
Milled lumber is the most common type of roofing. The roofs are usually covered by either cedar shingles or skip sheeting. The purlin roof and rafter roof are also popular.
The modern types of log cabins are called the log home. These are usually made of milled logs. The interior and exterior of the log home are visible. There have been massive constructions of this type of cabin in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. In the European countries, modern type log cabins are usually built near gardens and are used for home office and summer houses.
The most modern type is the modular log cabin. They are built with modular cabin kits similar to the assembly of automobiles. The kits are made in factories and then delivered to the proposed site where it will be assembled. It is quick and easy to assemble.
Modular log cabins are more economical than the traditional way of constructing log cabins. While the modular cabin kit is being manufactured, the site location is being prepared just in time for the arrival of the kit.
Another type is the hunting cabins, usually located in areas nearby wild forest and parks. These cabins are common in camp sites and resorts where hunters or visitors could stay for vacation and enjoy the wild.
More and more log cabins are being built as a permanent dwelling for many people. Log cabins are also used as temporary lodgings for tourists. There are also modern log cabins purposely built as hotels. These are very large and equipped with the most modern facilities.
With the simplicity and availability of cabin kits, it had become a cheap alternative for building a home.
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