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Frequently Asked Questions

There are many words, or terms the log home industry uses, when describing various aspects of a log home. To help clear up confusion regarding some of these words, we have put together this list of questions and answers to help you better understand our lingo. The first section just defines terms.

In the second section, you will find answers to a few common questions we have received over the years that many people ask at first. If you don't find answers to your questions here, feel free to Contact Us.

What is a "Milled Log?"

A milled log, is a term for a log that is run through a machine to cut it to a uniform diameter, thus making a tight fitting structure, at less costs. Yellowstone Log Homes uses a very effective "Swedish Cope" style cut, as seen on the left.

What is a "Swedish Cope" cut?

A Swedish Cope cut, is a cut length wise, cupped to cradle the log below. As the logs settle, then the cope will eventually be full bearing on the log below, and the weight distributed evenly.

What is a "Saddle Notched Corner?"

A saddle notch, is a notch made so one log fits over another log in the perpendicular wall, while extending past that wall.

What is meant by "Tongue & Groove?"

Tongue & Groove is a joinery method used on various paneling, and other wood structures. This system uses one or more machined ridges (Tongue) running the length of the wood, while a groove is carved into the adjoining wood that fits the tongue.

What is a"Handcrafted Log?"

A handcrafted log is a log cut by hand to fit with others in a structure. We use Scandinavian full scribe or saddle notched chink style. Handcrafted logs are each unique, and give a log home a rustic, and aesthetic value.

What is a "Gable End?"

Gable ends are those areas extending from the normal wall to the roof ridge. They can be made of logs, wood paneling, or glass.

What is a "Purlin?"

Purlins are structural members usually of logs, laminated beams, or dimensional beams, running perpendicular to the gables.

What is a "Truss?"

A truss is a triangular shaped structure of logs, used for support, as well as for decoration of the roof, and ceiling. A thick log truss makes a beautiful addition to a log home, or even a conventional home.

What is "Chinking?"

Chinking is a synthetic material used like caulk to go between the logs of the home to seal out moisture and air that may seep through tiny variations in the wood.

Additional Questions

Question: Can I build my log home myself?
Answer: Yes, many people do, to save some of the costs. However, if you do not feel you are up to the task, there are many contractors that can do this for you.
Question: Is a log home less expensive than a conventional home to build?
Answer: There are many variables with a log home that can make them just as expensive as a conventional home, or even more expensive. It really depends on many factors. One thing that can save homeowners money, is if they build the log home themselves. Also, a log home does not necessarily have to have sheet rock, insulation, or paneling, as the logs form the walls of the home. In some cases construction time can be less then a conventional home.
Question: What is the average costs to build a log home?
Answer: It really can vary a lot from place to place, depending on a lot of factors. However, log homes can be comparable in cost to a custom stick frames home. Many log homes end up costing more than your average home because most log homes are not the customers first home. Log Home customers are typically looking for higher end finish work, appliances, doors windows flooring, etc.. All of these items tend to make the over all cost of the job higher.

Yellowstone Log Homes prides itself on selling log home packages that don't break people, but rather cause them to recommend us to friends and family! For more pricing information, please Contact Us.
Question: What is the long term endurance of a log home?
Answer: With proper care, and protection from the elements, your log home can last several generations! They are very durable structures. We sell many top brand wood preservatives.
Question: What is the energy efficiency of a log home?
Answer: Log homes because of the natural thick wood walls have excellent heat retention, comparable with the most insulated standard home, and even exceeding standard homes in many cases.
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