I would definitely go with Cedar logs. And large diameter logs! Other wise you don't get the "R"value of insulation.
There are many log kits out there, check them out. Some like above, have a ridge, some have a groove, into which you put a two by six, or eight. Some are round, some are square, with various notching. Round, saddle, etc. But know that the kits, are only the shell! No interior rooms. That is all up to you. So if the price seems OK, remember it's for the shell only. So you need to add the cost of the interior. Material, labor, etc. . They are a lot of maintenance , Also I would strongly recommend you go with a metal roof, on whatever type of house you decide on. That being said, they are beautiful, and just go well with a wooded area. But the key, is large diameter logs, ten inch diameter at least. But they are also expensive, for just a shell.
There is a beautiful log cabin across and not too far down the road from my house in Montana. It is large diameter logs. BUT, again it was just the shell, and it cost him almost $three hundred thousand, if not more!
I never got an exact price, but it was in that ball park. You would be better off to go with a frame with cedar siding, and use two by six studs, and insulate the snot out of it, including the walls, floor joists, as well as the ceiling. Also get the insulated windows. They ain't cheap.
But neither are the heating and cooling bills. It will pay for itself the first winter. My house, during the summer, I leave the windows open at night, and close them during the day, and the house stays cool all day, and evening . My Brother and Sister n Law came out one hot July, and she asked me if I had central air. I told her nope, I just insulated the heck out of it, and open the windows at night , and close them during the day. It also helps in winter, and had my one brain cell lit up earlier, I would have saved a lot of logs, by turning on the ceiling fan.
But I will be ready this winter. But think about the costs, and upkeep, and weigh them to other conventional homes. I had thought about building a log home, as I had always wanted one, but for me it just wasn't practical to do. I still have in the back of my mind,the idea of building a small one, and using it for a shop for custom play stuff, like muzzle loaders, horns, leather work, bows, arrows, knapping, and so forth. But if that ever becomes possible, due to finances, it will be far down the road. And..... like any of us, I don't know how much road I have left....
But check out the various companies, and their prices, and shipping, etc. . Ease o difficulty in assembly, will you need a crane, etc. There are a lot of companies, just do a search, and you will come up a bunch.
Think also where you will store the kit, when it comes.
This is just my humble opinion, from what I have found out on my own, and deciding not to go with a Log house. It may suit you just fine, and since you are the one living in it, go with what makes YOU happy. If you can find someone living in a log house, especially an older log house, ask them, about initial expenses, and upkeep, insurance, heating, and cooling etc.
But what ever you go with, the one thing you do not want to skimp on is "INSULATION"!!
Good luck with your decision, and home.
Wayne
