When it comes to building a log home in Missouri, you have options—pine, cedar, cypress, and oak. Each has its strengths, but if your priority is strength, beauty, and long-term value, oak is in a class of its own. At Gastineau Log Homes, located in Kingdom City, Missouri, oak has been our flagship wood for decades. Here’s why it’s the material of choice for so many of our homeowners across Missouri, the Midwest, and beyond.
Strength and Durability That Last for Generations
Your home is more than a place to live—it’s your shelter and your legacy. Oak is one of the strongest woods available for log home construction. Its dense grain structure and natural tannins create a home that can stand for centuries, even with minimal maintenance. Historical records and restoration projects across the U.S. show that many 150–200-year-old log homes still standing today were built from oak.
Naturally Resistant to Insects
In Missouri and much of the Midwest, wood-damaging insects such as termites are a serious concern for homeowners. Oak’s natural tannins make it naturally resistant to these pests without the need for frequent chemical treatments. In contrast, pine log homes often require borate applications every one to two years—an ongoing cost and maintenance step you can avoid with oak.
Better Fire Performance
Oak burns more slowly than softwoods like pine, providing better resistance in the event of a fire. In fact, our 8-inch oak logs meet code requirements for firewall construction. This added safety is one more way oak offers long-term protection for your home.
Low Maintenance and Stable Structure
Thanks to its small cellular structure, oak experiences less shrinking, swelling, and seasonal movement compared to softwoods. This stability translates into fewer maintenance needs, less settling, and a more consistent fit and finish over time.
Surprisingly Affordable
Many assume oak costs more than other species—but here in central Missouri, oak is both abundant and cost-effective. Our location gives us access to high-quality Missouri oak, and our specialized milling equipment is designed to handle its density. As a result, we can offer oak log homes at a price that’s often less than what other companies charge for pine.
The Local Advantage
Because we’re based in Kingdom City, MO—just off I-70—we’re in the heart of Missouri’s oak country. This location allows us to source premium logs, mill them on-site, and deliver them directly to your build site with exceptional quality control.
