Log Home Styles

Picking out the log home style that appeals to you is one of the most fun aspects of designing your home. There are many styles to choose from and many variations on each of those styles.

You likely already have some idea of the type of home you're looking for... but before you decide for certain, take some time and look at all the styles available. Remember, you're going to be living in your new log home (or cabin) for many years and you'll be spending plenty of money... so do your homework and get it right.

To help you, here's a brief description of several popular log home styles:

Please bear in mind that although we have used some common terminology to describe designs here, there are no official standards or specifications for these styles and you may well find designers using some of these terms in different ways - especially with crossover or transitional designs that combine the elements of one or more traditional styles.

Cabin

The generic term "log cabin" is normally used these days to describe the more basic log home design. It may be as simple as four walls and a roof with only a few interior rooms. Or it may be expanded from here outwards and upwards to create a larger home.

Traditional

Specific to log homes, the traditional home is used to describe log cabins that are not built from rounded logs fitted closely together, but from large rectangular-section planks hewn from the logs. It will frequently have a porch and an old-fashioned look.

Chalet

The chalet influence comes from the mountains of Europe and is very well suited to sloping sites with a clear outlook. Common with chalets is a raised wraparound deck or balcony that extends out over the slope, providing a magnificent panoramic view. A garage, workshop, or other utility area may be incorporated into the lower level - which may even be set into the hillside.

Lodge

The lodge design typically has a central living area for socializing and eating with side wings leading off to the individual bedrooms. It is the home version of the original commercial type of accommodation. It is usually found in larger size log homes and will often have a cathedral ceiling and open plan living area.

Ranch

A ranch-style log home has a low profile look that usually means single story, low-pitched roof, and minimal external detailing. Ranch style log homes can be very extensive and sprawling, covering a large area if the land plot allows it.

Cape Cod Cottage

This is a popular style for people looking to build a small timber frame house in particular. A very practical design with minimal embellishments, the Cape Cod cottage is usually one or one and a half stories high. It is cheap to build, easy to maintain, and is an enduring design.

Country

The country style is also referred to as "farmhouse" style, the origins being traced back to the Gothic Revival stylings of the 19th century. Key features include extensive front porches, steep roofs and pointed arch windows on the upper floor. This category includes a wide variety of designs and is a good example of a style that is built in both log and timber frame construction.

... Note

If you really can't find an existing log or timber frame design you like within these categories, a whole new range of options opens up when we tell you that it is often possible to adapt other house designs for log or timber frame construction - so if you really want a Tara or South Fork log cabin, you can probably have it!

For more information on styles, go to log home corner styles.