The logs are the soul of your home — and the single biggest driver of its look, performance, and price. Here is how to think through the major decisions.
Handcrafted vs. milled
Handcrafted homes use full-length logs that are peeled and individually scribed to fit one another, preserving the natural taper of the tree. Milled (machine-profiled) logs are shaped to a uniform size and profile for a more consistent look and a system designed for straightforward assembly. Neither is “better” — they are different traditions, and the Bureau’s members include leaders in both.
Species matters
- Western Red Cedar — naturally rot- and insect-resistant, dimensionally stable, premium.
- Douglas Fir — strong, straight, and dense; a favorite for large handcrafted logs.
- White / Eastern Pine — widely available and economical, with a bright, classic look.
- Spruce and Lodgepole Pine — common, affordable, and well suited to milled systems.
Settling and moisture
All log homes move as the wood releases moisture and settles. Good builders design for it with settling jacks, slip joints, and proper detailing around doors and windows. Ask any builder how their system manages settling — the answer tells you a lot about their craft.
