People are sometimes confused by the distinction between milled and handcrafted logs. A milled log is one that has been put through a saw mill, lathe, or planer and has been cut into a specific shape or profile. When you look at a milled log home all the logs will be uniform size.

Logs may have a flat top and bottom surface, may be coped, or may be tongue-and-grooved. The sides of the log can be sanded smooth, left with a rougher or more rustic look, or hand peeled with a draw knife. Milled logs are usually air and or kiln-dried to a specific moisture content before they are used to build your home.

There is a large variety of logs species, shapes, sizes and styles available and it can be very confusing for the potential home owner. 

• Which species of wood is best suited for your building site?

Traditionally, Pine, Spruce, Fir, Cedar are the most popular species used in milled log construction. Pricing approximately follows the same list with Pine/Spruce being the least expensive and Cedar the most expensive. All species appear to do equally well in drier climates. In wetter climates, care must be taken in the design and exterior maintenance of the log home. 
• Do you prefer the look of a home built with 6" diameter logs or with much larger logs?
• Do you like a flat interior wall or do you prefer the logs to be round on both the interior and exterior of your home?

Double Tongue & Groove Round Notch	Butt & Pass Method

Interlocking Corner Method	Post & Beam Method

Handcrafted log homes are generally most expensive than milled log homes because there is so much more labor involved and often larger material is used.