When Did Log Cabins First Come into Creation?

Long before the Europeans came and settled in the Americas, with their colonies and manifest destiny, log cabins were common living quarters for those who sought a solid shelter from the elements. Even though the origin of log homes is uncertain, it is believed that the first log structure was probably produced around 3500 BC, during the Bronze Age in Europe. 

Typical log homes around that time didn’t have the technology that those of today shared for obvious reasons. Even those in the rudimentary times, came up with a basic idea that framed what the modern log cabin has become. Those who populated the areas closest to forests were most attuned to living in these types of log structures. 

Most of the earliest log homes had similar builds, but were designed to handle the environment or climate they were located in. The base of the structures had the log conjoined with interlocking double notch joints, and the wooden logs extended past the corners of the building. The wooden logs used were both round and cut to accommodate the needs of the home. The logs would then be stacked to a suitable height, and could be made somewhat strong structurally speaking with adding moss or other soft material to the corner joints. 

In most cases, common themes throughout were chimney like apparatuses or a vent to allow smoke escape. And with no chemical reaction needed to be involved, the erection of these log structures could be done by a family, with the correct tools, within a few days no matter what the weather or season would be. 

Replacing bad logs or transporting the log home was also pretty simple because of the ease in which the structures could be built. 

Be that as it may, the design and art of the log cabin wasn’t perfected until way later when the ability to use more modern tools and supplies came into fruition. 

That’s where we come in. At Schroeder Log Home Supply we have the supply that takes away the hardships our ancestors faced when maintaining a log home. Check out the site or call our professional log home staff at 1-800-359-6614 and get the right resource for you.

3 Ways Your Log Home Is Helping the Environment

 

When you think about log homes as a whole, it’s easy to link them back to the past. They were a classically implemented design used because of its efficiency during a time when homesteaders and pioneers needed an efficient way to construct homes. Today, log home construction has become the best of the past and the present. We are able to implement our current technology and combine it with a classically efficient building technique to create the ultimate home. The benefits of log homes are endless. Here are a few ways that your log home is helping to sustain the environment:

Log homes are more sustainable

Did you know that compared to a conventionally built home, log homes are the most sustainable for the environment? There are a few reasons for this. Because they are built directly from a renewable resource (trees!), they deplete fewer natural resources. Trees that are cut to build log homes can be replanted and grow to full size in just a few years, as compared to resources that are used to build conventional homes. In addition, many of the logs that are used to build log homes are built from standing dead timber, ensuring that the timber is used rather than burned.  

Log cabins last longer

Contrary to popular belief, log cabins last even longer than brick homes. Because of how long they last, fewer resources are used putting into their reconstruction or the construction of a whole new home. In fact, many log homes from hundreds of years ago are still standing today. 

Energy Efficiency

Log cabins that are well built generally end up being around 30% more energy efficient than brick homes. Wood naturally stores heat, making it much easier to keep the interior of the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

For more information on log homes, visit the Schroeder Log Home website, and feel free to give us a call!