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| Scott R., Washington
Thank you for personalizing this experience and following up with me. That means a lot. We're looking forward to receiving the chairs and other items. I'll stay in touch concerning follow up orders to furnish our cabin. More Testimonials > |
Log Cabin Rustics Archive Page
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Don't look now, but loghome.com just posted their list of the 10 best places to build in America. If you know you want to build a log cabin, but haven't figured out the perfect location. check it out. This is not your traditional, warm-vacation-spot type of a list. One of the log home building meccas they're recommending is actually in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (Sault Ste. Marie). As a born-and-raised Michigander who just recently moved to Oklahoma, I had to love that.
by: Log Cabin Rustics  
Thursday, May 22, 2008
If you love that log cabin look but aren’t quite ready to build that 100% log home, you may want to check out log cabin siding. While log cabin siding is often used on the interior of log homes, it can be used on the interior walls of just about any abode.
Log siding, which is also known as log paneling or tongue & groove wood, tends to be raised or rounded like a half log. In contrast, true log paneling tends to be flat and narrow (like a plank). Log homes that are truly built with logs (as opposed to stick-built homes with log siding) still frequently rely on stick-built interior walls which are covered with log cabin siding. Your home doesn’t have to be a log cabin to utilize this type of siding, however. You can create the cozy feel of a cabin in just about any room, by covering the walls with beautiful log siding. Some of the most beautiful log siding we’ve seen is built by Amish craftsmen and constructed from white cedar. With knots, character and a clear lacquer finish, such siding will be an eye-catching addition to your rustic décor. by: Log Cabin Rustics
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
“Will I be able to find an insurer for my log cabin?” is a common question among individuals who are contemplating building a log home.
“Will the insurance for my log cabin be much more expensive than for traditional construction?” is another question that frequently arises. If you are building a log home, rest assured there are insurance companies out there that will cover it. You may have to look a little harder than you would for a traditional home. But the vast majority of log home owners have absolutely no problem obtaining insurance coverage for their log home. In addition to being a little harder to find, log home insurance may cost a bit more than insurance on a traditional stick-built home. Factors affecting insurance pricing include: * actual type of construction (is it a “true” log home, or is it stick-built with log-look siding) * the proximity of the log home to the nearest fire station (less than 5 miles helps) or fire hydrant (less than 1 mile is a plus) * the overall value of the log cabin in question Some insurers say they can’t cover a log home simply because the agent doesn’t want to perform whatever extra work is involved in writing the policy. You wouldn’t think any insurance agent would want to leave a potential policy, or money, on the table. But it does happen. Check with other log home owners in your area. They can probably clue you in to which insurance agents have been most helpful with their coverage needs. Such agents are generally the exception rather than the rule. They key is to find an insurance agent who customer-service oriented, familiar with log homes, and eager to write the policy on your log cabin. by: Log Cabin Rustics
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
One of the fears people have when they consider building a log home is termite infestation and damage. Truth is, log homes are less susceptible to termite pests than their stick-built counterparts, exceptionally when an “ounce of prevention” is applied during construction of the log home.
When termites enter a stick-built home, they often hide in wall cavities and go undetected for as long as 5-10 years. By the time the termites are detected, they have already done considerable damage to the home. In a log cabin, on the other hand, termites are immediately visible as soon as they get to the wall. The point of entry is obvious, giving the log home owner a clue that immediate action is needed. When termites invade a stick-built home, exterminators sometimes wind up tenting the entire structure and pump gas into the tent to kill the termites. This is because the termites are tucked away in cavities in the walls, where they are extremely difficult to reach or treat. In contrast, log homes lend themselves to spot treatment of an affected area, drastically reducing the potential exposure to toxic chemicals. There are also a number of steps that home builders, both of log homes and stick-built homes, can do to prevent termite infestation. While termites are certainly something that any home owner should guard against and look out for, log homes may actually be a better choice than a stick-built home when it comes to early detection, and prevention, of termite infestation. by: Log Cabin Rustics
1. Log homes can be just as warm as a brick home in the winter, and easier to cool in the summer, since wood does not transfer heat with the same intensity as many other materials.
2. Because they doesn't transfer heat as quickly as some other building materials, log homes can actually be more economical to heat in the winter or cool in the summer. 3. Log homes can actually be safer than other construction in an area where home fires are taking place. Because the logs burn so much more slowly than some other building materials, there is more time for people to escape. If you doubt this fact, build a fire and put a 2 x 4 on it, along with a log. See which one burns up first. This is a an excellent reason to consider a log home versus traditional construction. by: Log Cabin Rustics
Monday, May 19, 2008
There’s nothing quite so fitting in a log cabin as a bunk bed. Even in a smaller cabin, one or more log bunk beds can add greatly to the sleeping capacity.
When choosing the log bunk bed for your cabin or lake home, there are several important factors to consider. First and foremost would be bunk bed safety. All the log bunk beds we sell are manufactured to federal safety standards, and for good reason. Accidents do happen, but top rails and other safety features can do much to reduce the risk. Of course, your log bunk bed will only be as good as the care you take in putting it together. Cutting corners on assembly, leaving off top rails or swapping out parts is never a good idea. So rule #2 when it comes to log bunk beds is to assemble it carefully in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and make sure that the assembly is sturdy and secure. In terms of log bunk bed styling, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing your bed. The size of the room where the bunk bed will be is very important. If your bunk bed has massive logs, you might also need a more expansive room. If space is imperative, and you are trying to fit the maximum number of bunks into a camping cabin, you might want to consider a pine log bunk bed. The logs on these beds are not as large, so they fit in small spaces a little better. Built-in bunk bed ladders are another space-saving technique for log cabin outfitters. Several of our manufacturers will even let the customer decide if they want the bunk bed ladder on the right or on the left, making it worthwhile to consider the layout of your rustic bedroom before ordering the bed. The sky is (nearly) the limit when it comes to varieties of log bunk beds. Twin over twin is the standard, but we also offer twin over full log bunk beds, twin over queen, full over full, full over queen and even queen over queen. Nobody we know makes a king over king, probably because of safety concerns with the weight of the top bunk. However, we have had special orders for twin, full or queen over king. There are also loft bunk beds, and twin-over-futon bunk beds. If you want an extra-long bunk bed for your lanky teenager or hunting buddy, our Amish bunk bed manufacturers are up to that too. Not sure what you want? Take a look at the options at Log Cabin Rustics. Then take a tape measure, and double-check the space where you intend to put your log bunk bed or beds. With an eye for beauty and a little advance planning, you will hopefully soon be sleeping soundly on the log bunk bed of your dreams. by: Log Cabin Rustics
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Log bunk beds are a perfect place for children to build their play “fort” or “castle” within your cabin, especially on cold rainy days. They are the perfect place to make a “tent” out of bedding or other items.
At the same time, the height involved can also lead to bruises or band-aids. Following are some tipes to consider for your log bunk bed, to help keep everyone happy and safe. Even if the log bunk bed you purchased is not for children, the tips shared here are an important for anyone owning or using a bunk bed. General Safety Tips Some of these rules may seem like no-brainers, but it doesn’t hurt to be clear—and careful—about bunk bed use. Here are some bunk bed rules to consider: 1. No children under age 6 allowed on the top bunk 2. No water or sleep flotation devices used on a bunk bed 3. No jumping or horseplay on, around or under the log bunk bed 4. Only hardware sent with your log bunk bed should be used in putting it together, and the bed should be periodically be checked to ensure it is sturdy and free from damage 5. Use only standard-size mattresses on the upper bunk. The top bunk mattress should not be higher than 8 inches, and there should be at least 5 inches of space between the mattress and the top of the guard rails. 6. Guard rails for the top bunk are included in all our log bunk beds, for everyone’s safety. Using the guard rails is extremely important, regardless of whether a child or adult is sleeping on the top bunk. A guard rail should be on both sides of the top bunk, even if the bunk is up against the wall. And once again, do not make any substitutions for the parts provided by the manufacturer. 7. Always use the ladder for climbing in and out of the top bunk on your log bunk bed. 8. Do not allow more than one person on the top bunk at one time (our log bunk beds meet federal safety guidelines, and hold 250 pounds on the top bunk, but one person on top is enough under any circumstances). Do not exceed the weight capacity for the log bunk bed you buy (this weight capacity will be specified by the manufacturer). 9. Have a night light nearby for those sleeping on the bunk who might want to get up in the night. 10. To prevent strangulation, never attach or hang anything to the bunk bed that is not designed for use with the bed. Examples would be jump ropes, belts, or any type of hooks. While these bunk bed rules may seem stringent to some, accidents do happen, and, in the words of the old adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. by: Log Cabin Rustics
Saturday, May 17, 2008
White cedar log furniture is one of the most beautiful, and cost-effective, log furniture options available today. The right choice of wood for your log furniture, combined with quality construction and effective design, will produce a functional look that is truly aesthetically pleasing. White cedar is the best wood options for log furniture today, and one of the best sellers in our log furniture store.
Physical Properties The fact that white cedar wood is soft doesn’t mean it isn’t durable. In fact, this beautiful wood is very sturdy and long-lasting. The natural preservative oils in white cedar make it one of the most decay resistant, durable woods available. Though a very firm wood, white cedar is not hard and unyielding, which makes it more comfortable for our log porch swings and other white cedar seating items. Because the preservative oils in white cedar are natural, there are no chemicals leaching out from the wood's surface. The supple texture make white cedar extremely stable and an unlikely candidate for warping, although some checking does occur in white cedar logs. Free of pitch and resin, white cedar also holds paints and treatments exceptionally well. White cedar is also known for its resistance to splintering, which also enhances its comfort quotient as an indoor or outdoor log seating option. This is a property that even red cedar and redwood cannot claim. Aesthetics White cedar is the only wood that naturally weathers to a light, silvery gray. While other woods may weather into a mottled gray or even black, white cedar (when left unfinished outdoors) remains a beautiful light gray in color. This creates a marvelous visual effect with minimal maintenance. White cedar logs are creamy white, similar in color to white pine logs. However, the white cedar has more coloration, knots, and character, making it a truly beautiful wood. by: Log Cabin Rustics
Friday, May 16, 2008
Aspen log furniture is one of the most popular home décor items we sell, and many of our customers want to know more about the properties of aspen wood. The following information about the aspen tree and wood should help fill that void.
The aspen tree, which is also known as “Quaking Aspen” and “Bigtooth Aspen”, is a lustrous wood which, in addition to being used to construct log furniture, is used in decorative veneer and in marquetry, among other uses. The botanical name for the aspen tree is “Populus tremuloides”. The color of aspen wood is a creamy light brown, and when finished with a clear laquer, it is truly beautiful. The aspen tree has a straight grain, is easy to carve, and (as in log furniture construction) works very well with glue. In plainsawn aspen, there is a faint growth ring and an indistinct growth ring stripe. Although aspen is considered a hardwood, it is relatively soft. When kiln-dried, aspen wood shrinks only moderately. This non-toxic wood tends to bind or burn when cut, requiring a degree of skill and craftmanship when hand-crafting aspen log furniture. The texture of aspen wood is fine, and when used to construct aspen log furniture, results in a truly beautiful product lines (as many of our customers can testify to). by: Log Cabin Rustics
Thursday, May 15, 2008
When you think of the Amish, a horse-drawn buggy might be the first thing to come to mind and plain clothing might be the second. The Amish are actually known as the "plain people", because of their plain colored clothing.
Believe it or not, the Amish have names for the "rest of us" (non-Amish) as well: to an Amish farmer, the gawkers who drive by in cars trying to get a glimpse of the Amish are Yankees, Englishers, or High People. There are Amish people living in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and quite generally across America. The Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch among themselves, and don't like to mix with outsiders very much. While the Amish avoid most of the conveniences of modern life, some of our Amish log furniture makers do use air compressers (in lieu of electric power). One of them even has a forklift truck (although he was quick to point out that it was propane powered, a feature which apparently made it acceptable.) by: Log Cabin Rustics
Thursday, May 8, 2008
 Here is a picture we just received from one of our many happy customers, John Parker. This picture is of a set of pine log bunk beds finished with Cedar Tone finish. Notice the ladders are built into the ends of the beds. The pine logs are about 3 inches in diameter, and have an even, doweled look. These beds come German-peeled, although the can also be hand-sanded. They are available unfinished or finished in a clear or "Cedar Tone" (as shown). by: Log Cabin Rustics
Monday, May 5, 2008
If you're visiting Amish country, it's natural that you might wonder just how to act. While the Amish are really quite friendly and approachable, there are a few social taboos that could get just about any city slicker in trouble with their simpler-living friends.
Here's a short list of do's and don'ts to watch you for: 1. Careful with the camera The Amish are quiet people, some of them are shy, and some believe cameras to be a positive sin. At the very minimum, they see picture-taking as a show of pride, and do not allow pictures of themselves. They may allow you to photograph their homes, farms or buggies if you ask respectfully. This might be a good time to bring out your telephoto lens, if you have one. Taking pictures of the back of a buggy may also be safe, but overall, be careful with the camera. They generally won't appreciate it if you start snapping pictures of them or their children. 2. Watch out for slow-moving buggies It pays to be especially careful at night. Give the horses and buggies plenty of room when passing, and avoid using your horn (it might spook the horses). Keeping your headlights on low beam is also a good idea. 3. Let them know you respect them This means to avoid staring, gawking, or otherwise being disrespectful. Don't feed or pet their horses, don't enter their property without permission, and if you do approach a group of Amish, speak to a male, if possible, first. If you really want to learn more about the Amish, become a customer of one of their businesses. Over the years, we have enjoyed good conversation and friendship with the Amish craftsmen who build our furniture products. The Amish we have worked with don't mind if we take pictures of log furniture they built, but they themselves do not want to be in the picture. They have been a pleasure to work with. They are hard-working, conscientious, and even have a sense of humor. If you are visiting Amish country, or live near an Amish community, get to know these interesting neighbors. Their friendship will likely be a pleasure to you, and, in the fast-paced life that many of us live, there is much to be learned from the Amish emphasis on family values and the simple life. by: Log Cabin Rustics
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