In the European countries, modern type log cabins are usually built near gardens and are used for home office and summer houses.
A log cabin as a second home can be bought used, brand new, or built as a DIY project, and there are log cabin companies that specialize in each of these areas.
Today, Americans are still rediscovering and improving the natural lifestyle and designs of log cabins.
In timber-rich regions of the world log cabins are popular dwelling places and are a common sight, particularly in the northern hemisphere.
Log cabin homes can be built with earth floors. However, people use foundations to keep out the dampness from the soil and also to make additional storage or cellar underneath the cabin.
Before you take the plunge into buying a plot of land to build your own log cabin, do some research into your costs, so you know exactly what you can or cannot afford.
Years ago the availability of logs as well as that of labour were two of the most important factors affecting the size of the log cabin.
When log cabin kits are being used, there is no need for cranes and other heavy equipment. Due to their advantages, log cabin kits are widely preferred by people all over the world.
Milled lumber is the most common type of roofing for a log cabin. The roofs are usually covered by either cedar shingles or skip sheeting. The purlin roof and rafter roof are also popular.
In the United States of America, the first log cabin appeared when the Finnish and Swedish settlers moved into an area that is now known as Wilmington, Delaware. When other settlers saw the log cabins, such as the English and the Scots, they quickly followed suit.