Myth #1: Log homes are dark and gloomy
The truth: In Abraham Lincoln's day, yes. Today, no. Log homes today tend to have large expansive windows, skylights, well-designed lighting systems, and optional light-colored interior walls.

Myth #2: Log homes are cold and drafty
The truth: This is another perception that comes from many years ago. Today's log homes are professionally engineered and built to be energy efficient and draft-free. (Strongwood has recently won an environmental award. We will be able to report more completely after it has been officially announced.)

Myth #3: Log homes require a lot of maintenance
The truth: Log homes typically require no more maintenance than any other type of wood-sided and wood-framed home. Maintenance usually means periodic cleaning and application of protectant stains.

Myth #4 Log homes cost more to build
The truth: Log homes are typically custom-built homes, not mass produced conventional spec homes. They should cost more but in fact they are very competitive with conventionally build homes. -- and therefore cost more, but generally no more than other type of custom home.

Myth #5: Log homes are hard to finance
The truth: Some banks don't like to finance log homes because they are unfamiliar with log home construction. However, there is no shortage of other banks and national lending companies who are comfortable with log homes and are eager to loan money.

Myth #6: Log home walls settle and cause problems
The truth: This is dependent on the log home construction company and the techniques they use. Ones that "fully" kiln dry their logs won't have troubles with settling. You need to ask the company what they do to compensate for settling. If they have any system at all, then they are not using fully kiln dried timber. For large full logs found in one-of-a-kind log homes that are made with full logs, there is no way to kiln dry logs that large and so they will settle. I have created some more information at this link.

Myth #7: Log homes are fireproof
The truth: Log homes are made of logs but solid log walls do withstand fire much better than conventional framed walls. One can see this first hand after a forest fire. Typically all that is left unburned is the standing logs. For more information on this go to this link.

Myth #8: Log homes are stronger than conventional homes
The truth: This is almost completely true, because it's actually the massive log walls that provide strength. Even though other parts of a log home may not be as strong as the walls, the walls tend to hold everything together in times of hurricanes, tornados or earthquakes. Check here for more information.

Myth #9: It's difficult to find log home builders
The truth: Not true at all, especially in areas where log homes are common. Many builders specialize in log homes or have log home experience. When a log home builder is not available, conventional builders can learn from seminars and construction manuals provided by log home companies.

Myth #10: Log homes are only for eccentrics/retirees/vacation lovers/empty-nesters
The truth: Modern log homes have grown up and are no more simply small vacation cabins. They are full-time residences for families with children, often in conventional neighborhoods, with all the conveniences and luxuries of any other type of home.