Log homes:

There are three types of log homes:

• Timber frame or large sized square timber homes using a dimension shaped wood source. The interiors and exteriors are flat.
  
• Log construction machines turn logs into shorter lengths for ease of shipping and handling. These logs can come square or round, creating a "Lincoln log" appearance.
  
• Handcrafted style, using individual larger dimension logs shaped with a chain saw and chisel. These homes are hand crafted at the log building yard, dissembled and trucked to the permanent location, then reassembled by the builder.
  
• It's also possible to get log accents for use on conventionally framed homes. These would be in the form of trusses, mantels, staircases and railings, posts, entry gates, porches and various specialty designs to get the look of the log home within traditional framed construction.

Materials: There are generally three types of log home materials packages to choose from. Exterior log walls only; structural shells including exterior walls, roofs, doors and windows; or complete finished packages. Some manufacturers will handle the entire construction project, others offer only the materials but can refer homeowners to general contractors in their area who are experienced in constructing log homes.