How Log Homes Have Timeless Appeal

Log homes are a staple of the American frontier. But how did this come to be, and why are log homes still built today even with mankind innovating other building materials? Log cabins have timeless appeal thanks to their natural advantages and their rustic beauty and even have a history of influencing American culture.

A Quick History of the Log Cabin

We all know America is a nation formed by immigrants. These early citizens brought their ways and practices with them, and their customs eventually melted together into our great cultural melting pot. The early Swedish and Finnish immigrants brought over the knowledge of how to construct log cabins, which was common in their home countries. They arrived in America with little housing available, but there was plenty of timber to utilize and they knew exactly how to use it.

Log cabins caught on quickly because they’re simple to construct and only required simple hand tools. The earliest American cabins weren’t even fastened together–logs were simply stacked on top of each other to create a structure. Over time, they evolved from simple one-room cabins to multi-roomed log homes.

The Log Cabin as an American Icon

A majority of early pioneers grew up in log cabins, even US presidents! During the 1840 presidential race, William Henry Harrison painted himself as a “everyman” by highlighting his humble beginnings living in a log cabin. Plenty of Americans related to this, and it won him the election. Since then, the log cabin has remained a symbol of the American frontier.

Years later the Roosevelt Administration created the Civilian Conservation Corps, which built log lodges all over American parks for the use of the National Forest and Parks Service. As populations grew, the log cabin was unable to meet the housing needs of crowded cities. The log cabin has never truly gone away though, and is still commonly found in more rural and suburban areas. You may have even grown up playing with the classic toy “Lincoln Logs,” the popular building toys named after President Lincoln who was also raised in a log cabin.

Log Homes Today

Log cabin-style homes are still popular today with homeowners, especially those who can appreciate the rustic beauty that wood provides. Modern homes are typically constructed from milled logs which are cut down to uniform size and appearance. This helps the end result look complete and intentional. Today’s log homes can even be built upon a concrete foundation, allowing for basements, multi-stories, and other modern amenities.

One reason log homes are still built today is that wood is also a green, sustainable resource. The importance of sustainable building practices has only increased in modern times, which is another good indication that log homes are here to stay.

Want Your Own Log Home?

You too can live in your own log home, even if you don’t have the land to build one on! WoodHaven’s log siding and paneling products can be installed onto a pre-existing home frame. It’s easier to accomplish than you may think, and you could be living in a log home before the end of the year! Learn more about creating your own log home with WoodHaven now! A few of the things you’ll need to consider is what type of wood to go with, and then what type of corners you want your log home to have! Read our advice on these decisions, and remember you can order a sample kit to get your hands on real examples of our wood products. You’ll be able to see the quality for yourself, and make the best decision for creating your log home!