Half Log or Full Log Construction?

OK...you have researched log home packages and prices, attended a log home show and or seminar, toured a model or two and now its time to think more on the plan and construction. Some log home companies only offer full log and some only offer half log. You know what the answer will be if you ask those log home company which one is better. On the other hand, some log home companies offer both half log and full log options. Before I go on, I want to clarify that I am talking about milled logs here, not large diameter hand scribed/handcrafted log homes.

Energy efficiency always comes up as a question. Both styles are very efficient and can pass energy audits required for building permits in the northern states. Log diameter will come into play for the northern climates. It may be hard to get a six inch diameter log to pass in some areas but eight inch and larger are just fine. As you dig into the full log vs. half log decisions you will find that full log construction is only for the first floor walls. The upper level and garages are all framed with matching half log or another type of wood siding in those areas. Regardless of which style you go with, there are still areas that need to be insulated such as the rim, gables, second floors and roof system. More and more are going with spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation coupled with log makes for a very energy efficient home for all climates.

Budget is another consideration for half log or full log homes. I suggest taking a quick minute and picture yourself inside your completed home. Do you picture all the perimeter walls as log? If you do, then full log construction may be the way to go. To frame the home, add the half log on the exterior then insulate and cover the interior of the perimeter walls can add alot to the budget. It can be a considerable savings at that point to build full log. If you want just the great room walls to have interior log on them then you are more than likely at the break even point. If you are fine with a mix of knotty pine and/or drywall then half log construction can save a few dollars on the overall budget. Keep in mind most full log homes have just the exterior walls as log with interior and partition walls framed. That still gives you the option to break it up with some drywall and knotty pine. Some are afraid of having "too much wood" and shy away from full log without realizing the interior walls are framed.

The full log or half log home decision is only yours to make. Neither is better in my opinion so go with what feels right for you and you will be on your way to enjoying your own log home.