Roof Systems and Porches

Roof framing.

• Heavy timber, exposed post-and-beam with nail-base insulation panels gives a classic look and continuous insulation.
• A less-expensive approach is conventional rafters or trusses with fiberglass or other cavity insulation. Note: This is not recommended for cathedral ceilings or where you have live valleys, because it’s difficult to maintain the required ventilation for fiberglass.

Porch decks & roofs.

Porch decks can be treated 2×, cedar, composite, or concrete slab on footings. Porch roofs can be heavy timber exposed post-and-beam or a matching roof system to the main cabin.

• All of these material choices can make a big difference in the final cost of your home.

Interior Finishes and Big Choices

Interior materials can be just as expensive as the exterior logs. Match your selections to your material budget and find the right balance. Some configurations mix drywall on interior partitions with the standing log shell to control cost and add contrast.

Stairs.

Enclosed conventional, open tread, or round pole stringers with half-round treads.

Railing.

Commonly log rails, or other choices in wood, glass, metal, or indoor/outdoor half-log side rails.

Fireplace.

True masonry, manufactured zero-clearance with stainless chimney, or framed surrounds and everything in between.

Flooring.

Carpet, hardwood, T&G (e.g., 1×6/1×8). The species and profile you select will affect both cost and character.

Colors.

You’ll choose everything from stone to shingles. Colors don’t usually change cost much, but some manufacturer options do. For windows, for example, certain colors or finishes may only be offered in higher lines; selecting a standard color may allow you to specify a more economical series. Ask your designer to confirm availability so you can compare apples to apples in bids.

Designers don’t need to be involved with construction, but they do need your selections to produce drawings that can be priced consistently by the builder, subs, and log manufacturer.

Use your designer’s creative mind to get your money’s worth. Most truly love what they do and will help beautify your ideas. Don’t be shy about reining things in if selections run past budget; you can always add a few embellishments later.

If you are planning a garage, breezeway, or dormer, decide materials for those as well so the concept drawings reflect the full scope.

Living the Plan: A Practical Lens

Concept drawings are about more than elevations. They’re about how you live. Use everyday routines to test the plan. Below is the original checklist, organized for easy thinking. Keep the language and intent; mark what matters to you.

Morning departures (husband & wife):

Getting up, stretching, shaving, fixing clothes, fixing breakfast/coffee, eating breakfast/coffee, reading the newspaper, chores in nature, leaving, other.

Coming home from work:

Parking car, entry, tools/boots drop zone, shower & clothes, relax.

Visitors & hospitality:

Front door arrival, entertain, eat, overnight stay (bedroom & bathroom), other.

Husband doing chores:

Gardening, lawn care, hobbies, shoveling the stove, firewood, maintenance, recreation, honey-do’s, emailing, other.

Children—daily life:

Homework, doing dishes, chores, practice sports, entertainment, reading, playing with toys, playing with friends, playing outside, snowmen, other.

Children—leaving for school:

Getting up, getting ready, breakfast, fix lunch, homework, chores, bus, other.

Children—coming home:

Bus, entry, change clothes, snacks, homework, relax, other.

Wife doing chores:

Laundry, doing dishes, cooking, hobbies, recreation.

Where do small items go?

Kitchen equipment, pots & pans, clothes, equipment, rec equipment, books, phones, food supply, laundry, firewood, wastebaskets, garbage.

Don’t forget outside:

Cars, campers, boats, barn, basketball court, garden tools, lawn tools, mechanical tools, other.

As you and your designer review the concept set, walk through these patterns. Adjust entries, mudrooms, pantries, closets, porches, and circulation until the drawings match real life.

A Word on Who Draws the Concepts

Choose a designer/architect with log-home experience. They’ll understand log size, roof pitch, beam spacing, posts, and detailing that prevents snow and water problems. Avoid relying solely on a well-meaning friend whose work is mainly conventional homes; log construction has differences that matter.

Sometimes a builder has someone who can help with design. This can be okay, but be careful. You want someone dedicated to the structural integrity and long-term performance of a log home, not just speed and low cost. There’s too much at stake to hand your life-long dream to someone not highly motivated for the right reasons.