Log Home Renovation: From Design to Finish

Renovating a log home can be a thrilling project, but it requires careful planning. The process typically starts with a thorough inspection of the home's structure and systems to identify any potential issues.

Log home renovations often involve replacing old or damaged logs, which can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. This is especially true for homes with a large number of logs, such as those built with a traditional post-and-beam frame.

The average cost of replacing a single log can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the size and type of log. This cost can add up quickly, especially for larger homes.

A well-planned renovation can not only restore the home's original charm but also increase its value and functionality.

If this caught your attention, see: Renovation Home Plans

Before diving into the renovation process, it's essential to conduct some pre-renovation checks to ensure the log home is structurally sound and safe to work on. Logs stacked on the ground should be a deal breaker. A poured concrete foundation is ideal, but rock foundations have kept log walls dry and structurally sound for centuries.

The foundation should be at least 8 inches from the finished grade, and a few hairline cracks in a foundation wall are expected over time. However, cracks spreading more than one-quarter inch wide and extending several feet or more should be inspected by a structural engineer. This is especially true for older homes where the logs likely weren’t structurally graded.

Look for signs of moisture, which is the lifeblood of decay-seeking organisms. Discoloration between the logs, softness, evidence of fungus, and obvious decay are all warning signs that moisture is present. In some cases, the log can be saved, but in others, it has to be replaced, which can get expensive.

Checking, or splitting, is a natural part of the log-drying process and is not a structural defect as long as the check is not through the log. This creates unique character in a log home, but it's essential to inspect the logs carefully to ensure they are not compromised.

Design and style are highly personal preferences, but it's essential to consider the log style and species when evaluating a log home renovation. Log style is mostly a matter of personal taste, but proper maintenance is crucial.

Some log species are naturally more resistant to decay, such as Western red cedar, Port Orford cedar, and Alaskan yellow cedar. These species tend to grow in wetter regions and have a natural moisture resistance.

Log style can also impact the home's energy efficiency and structural integrity. Larger log diameters have higher R-values, increased thermal mass, and more structural capacity, making them a better choice for colder climates or larger homes.

Renovating a historic log cabin requires a thoughtful approach to preserve its timeless charm. This was the case for a 1801 cabin that was renovated with the help of eDesign.

The color palette is a crucial aspect of any design project, and in this case, the homeowners relied heavily on eDesign's color advice. They brought large color boards to meetings with architects and builders, insisting on using Benjamin Moore paint to match the exact colors suggested.

A historic home's original features can be a challenge to incorporate into modern designs, but this cabin's classic charm made it an exciting project. The redesign of the kitchen and dining area is a testament to the success of the renovation.

The importance of using the right materials was demonstrated when the contractor brought samples of stone that didn't match the cabin's original style. The homeowners insisted on finding a better option, which paid off in the end.

The result of this renovation is a beautifully preserved historic cabin that showcases the perfect blend of old and new.

Additional reading: Historic Home Renovation

When choosing a log home, the species of wood used can make a big difference in its durability. Western red cedar, Port Orford cedar, Alaskan yellow cedar, redwood, cypress, and white oak are a few examples of decay-resistant species.

Some decay-resistant species tend to grow in wetter regions and need to be naturally moisture-resistant to thrive. This means they're not always the strongest wood options.

Larger log diameters have higher R-values, increased thermal mass, more structural capacity, and take longer to deteriorate. This is because they're bigger, so if any decay is present, it might be shallow enough not to affect their structural integrity.

The style of log home you choose is mostly a matter of personal preference. However, proper maintenance is crucial, regardless of the style.

Before starting your log home renovation, it's essential to have a clear plan in place. This includes determining your budget and timeline, as well as prioritizing the projects that need to be done.

A typical log home renovation can take anywhere from 6-12 months to complete, depending on the scope of the project. Log home owners should also consider hiring a professional contractor who has experience with log home renovations.

You'll want to start by assessing the condition of your home's logs and structural integrity. This will help you identify areas that need repair or replacement. The average log home has a lifespan of 50-75 years, so it's essential to address any issues early on.

Log home owners should also plan for potential setbacks, such as weather delays or material shortages. Having a contingency plan in place can help you stay on track and avoid costly mistakes.

The key to a successful log home renovation is understanding the unique characteristics of log homes. They are made from natural, porous materials that can be prone to warping and cracking over time.

A well-designed renovation plan should take into account the natural beauty of the logs, rather than trying to hide or cover them up. This can be achieved by using materials that complement the logs, such as wood accents and stone features.

Incorporating large windows and skylights can also help to bring in natural light and emphasize the unique texture of the logs. As seen in the example of the rustic cabin, large windows can also provide a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.

A solid mantel is a great choice for a rustic cabin property.

Knotty eastern white pine is a popular option.

Hickory is another great choice.

Adding shiplap paneling to interior rooms can be a great way to refresh the space, especially if you're working with drywall that looks out of place.

Using high-quality materials in a species that matches the cabin's design can turn any space into a great room.

Shiplap paneling can protect walls in high-traffic spots like dining areas and living rooms.

It's also a fantastic DIY project that can be done easily, as long as you take some time to learn about the process.

Adding lighting and furniture to your log home renovation can make a huge impact on the overall feel and functionality of the space. Beautiful lighting combinations can elevate the look of your home, and I recommend opting for updated transitional brass lighting over overly rustic or farmhouse style fixtures.

Floor-to-ceiling windows can bring in a lot of natural light, but if you're short on natural light, consider adding copper sconces or rustic chandeliers. These can add charm and character to your cabin.

The choice to forgo upper cabinets can lend an open feel to your space, but if you want to add some visual interest, consider building a unique piece of furniture like a coffee table.

Contrast in color can completely transform a log cabin, like the one in East Jackson. The designer, John Martin, wanted to give the honey-colored logs a fresh, new look and lighten the room.

To achieve this, he ground the stain and clear coat off the logs, bleaching out the pink and yellow tones. He then tested the color by thinning down the alabaster stain to see the grain.

A whitewashed look was the goal, and Martin succeeded by using a guest bedroom as his laboratory to get it just right. The result was opaque logs that showcased the grain.

For the floors, Martin chose a porcelain faux wood tile from Italy because the existing frame couldn't support concrete floors. This choice added a sleek, modern touch to the traditional log cabin.

The designer's focus was on creating a few showstoppers, rather than a busy, cluttered space. The windows, steel, Italian tile, and white logs were the chosen elements to draw attention.

Related reading: Designer for Home Renovation

Material changes can make a big impact on the look and feel of your log home. Using modern materials may be necessary for safety reasons, like updating wiring and plumbing to meet building codes.

Reclaimed materials can add a unique and historic look to your home, and simple improvements like repurposing old hand tools as cabinet pulls can make a powerful statement. For example, taking wood from a collapsing barn and turning it into wainscoting for an accent wall can be a great way to add character.

Experimentation with stains and finishes can also bring out the richness of the wood grain, as seen in the Indian Paintbrush project where the architect opted for a bold black color to contrast with the logs.

Using modern or period-original materials can be a tough decision when restoring a log home. Modern materials may be mandated by code, especially for safety concerns like wiring and plumbing.

Traditional wood roof shingles, like cedar shakes, are banned in many forest-fire-prone areas. This is a common issue in areas prone to wildfires.

Reclaimed materials can add a unique and historic look to your log home. This style is popular right now.

Simple improvements, like making cabinet pulls out of old hand tools, can make a powerful and affordable statement.

Updating your log cabin with wood floors is a game-changer. It can add a wow factor that elevates the entire space.

Wood floors can make a significant difference, especially if the old floors are compromised or if previous owners installed cheap replacements. Installing new wood floors can increase the value of your log cabin by about 2.5%.

Material Changes can be a great way to update a log home without losing its character. Using reclaimed materials can add a unique and historic look to your space.

You can repurpose old materials, like taking wood from a collapsing barn and turning it into wainscoting for an accent wall. This can make a simple, powerful, and affordable statement.

Experimenting with stains and finishes can bring out the richness of the wood grain while omitting unwanted colors. Historically, chinking between logs was often a contrasting color, which can be distracting.

Updating your space with wood floors can add a wow factor and increase the value of your log cabin. Homeowners who install new wood floors can see about a 2.5% increase in property value.

Using modern materials is often mandated by code, especially for safety concerns like wiring and plumbing. However, other items like flooring and cabinets can stay true to the period of the house.

The kitchen and finishing touches can make or break the look and feel of a log home. A well-designed kitchen can be a game-changer, especially when it's done on a budget.

One creative solution is to reuse materials and build one-of-a-kind furniture and cabinetry, like in our log cabin renovation. We used recycled wood, old louvered closet doors, and various paints to create a unique, "cottage" style look that fits perfectly with the cabin's heritage.

The total cost for this project was around $1600, including Mitch's labor, which we traded for a few months' free rent. This is a great example of thinking outside the box and finding ways to save money without sacrificing style.

To add a modern touch to the cabin, we chose a bold color scheme of black, white, and red. This was achieved by painting most of the furniture and trim white, and adding black accents to the woodstove and metal finishings.

Some of the finishing touches included making curtain rods from cheap wooden dowelling, painting them black to match the woodstove, and installing white curtains. We also refinished the fir plank floors using a rented floor sander and finishing oil.

Here's a breakdown of the costs for the finishing touches:

Total cost for finishing touches: $490, plus labor.

The kitchen is a crucial part of any home, and it's especially important when it comes to a heritage building like a log cabin. The original kitchen in this cabin was rough and not very serviceable, with virtually no counter space.

To give the kitchen a makeover without breaking the bank, the owner enlisted the help of a talented carpenter and craftsman who rents a space on the property. He designed the cabinets to look like they'd been there all along, in a "cottage" style.

The carpenter built the cabinets from recycled materials, including old louvered closet doors, and applied multiple layers of paint in different colors. He finished the cabinets with a rough sanding to give them an aged look.

The total cost of the kitchen makeover was around $1600, which is a pretty good deal considering the materials used were mostly recycled and sourced for free. The only costs were about $1500 for the carpenter's labor and around $100 worth of spruce lumber for the countertop.

Here's a breakdown of the costs:

The result is a kitchen that looks perfect for the heritage building, and it was achieved without spending a fortune.

When decorating a cabin, it's essential to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. I wanted my cabin to look modern, yet warm and cozy, so I opted for a bold color scheme.

Black, white, and red were the chosen colors, with black adding a touch of drama and masculinity. White was used to offset the darkness of the logs and highlight the white chinking between them. Red brought a much-needed punch of color and warmth to the space.

To achieve the desired look, I repurposed existing furniture and found new pieces at garage sales and thrift shops. A few coats of white paint and some sanding gave the wood furniture a well-worn look.

Curtain rods made from wooden dowelling and caps were a cost-effective solution, and I found the necessary hardware at a local building supply store. The rods were painted black to match the woodstove and metal finishings.

Here's a breakdown of the costs involved: