When building your new custom log home, the number one rule is that there are no rules! With the different types of homes available to choose from, construction of both on the interior and exterior can suit your personal taste, style, budget and needs.
What is the difference between a post and beam home and a timber frame home?
The main difference is how the timbers are connected to each other. Post and beam typically uses decorative steel plates to tie members together. Timber frame uses building techniques such as mortise and tenon joints. The beams on both of these types of homes are fully exposed on the inside. Timber homes are typically more expensive due to precision cutting and fitting of the joints, which are very labor intensive. The post and beam systems give you another option of either using round or square timbers.
What are the cost differences between the log, post and beam, and a timber frame home system?
Usually a timber frame home will be the most expensive due to labor costs to cut the timber joinery. In addition, the labor is more specialized and not as readily available. The cost of a post and beam and a log home are usually the same price, but it depends on the exterior wall system you choose. Both the post and beam and timber frame homes must be covered with some sort of wall system.
What type of exterior walls should I choose for timber frames or post and beam homes?
Walls must be put around these timber structures to provide necessary insulation and an exterior and interior finished surface. The two most popular choices are either conventional framing (either 2 X 4 or 2 X 6) or SIP panels. SIP panels are considerably more expensive than traditional framing but provide continual insulated walls around the building. You may also use spray foam insulation in conventionally framed walls, providing similar insulation performance to the SIPs.
What exterior and interior finishes should I choose?
Once you have decided the type of structure you want for your walls and roof, you will then decide on the finishes you want for the exterior (brick, stone, wood siding, vinyl siding, log siding) and interior (drywall, wood, log, etc.) for your home. You may want to have a combination of exterior and interior finishes.
We are here to help guide you as you consider your preferences and budget, and to answer your questions as you decide what type of timber home is best suited for you and your family. Gastineau Log Homes has over 40 years of experience helping people realize their dream of building a log home. Contact us today and let’s explore your log home dream together.
