Although some log homes are still made from peeled logs, most of today's log houses are made from logs that have been factory-milled in modified dowel shapes and sold as precut kits that can be owner-assembled. They run from small vacation-cabin sizes to large mansions.

Log homes have come a long way since the days of Abe Lincoln. They now come in at least three different basic styles and include as many modern life luxuries as your budget can stand. Like all kit or system-built homes, they are usually less expensive per square foot to construct than traditional homes.

Some log home owners build their own but most work with manufacturers or general contractors to construct the home. While some do simple jobs to help control costs, most people buy a "turn key" project where the contractor does the work.

There are three types of log homes

• Timber frame or large sized square timber homes using a dimension shaped wood source. The interiors and exteriors are flat.
• Log construction machines turn logs into shorter lengths for ease of shipping and handling. These logs can come square or round, creating a "Lincoln log" appearance.
• Handcrafted style, using individual larger dimension logs shaped with a chain saw and chisel. These homes are hand crafted at the log building yard, dissembled and trucked to the permanent location, then reassembled by the builder.
• It's also possible to get log accents for use on conventionally framed homes. These would be in the form of trusses, mantels, staircases and railings, posts, entry gates, porches and various specialty designs to get the look of the log home within traditional framed construction.

Log home materials

There are generally three types of log home materials packages to choose from. Exterior log walls only; structural shells including exterior walls, roofs, doors and windows; or complete finished packages. Some manufacturers will handle the entire construction project, others offer only the materials but can refer homeowners to general contractors in their area who are experienced in constructing log homes.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com