FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. How much do your log homes cost?
  2. What do I get in a log package?
  3. Are log homes energy efficient?
  4. How do you address the settling issue?
  5. How do you seal the logs, and how often do they require recoating?
  6. Is insurance hard to find?
  7. How do I get financing?
  8. What is that stuff between the logs, and is it necessary?
  9. Are round logs better than square?
  10. How do you run the electrical?
  11. Who erects the timbers, and how long does it take?
  12. What is unique about Pioneer Log Systems, Inc.?
  13. What is the lead time for delivery?
  14. Can I use my own plans?
  15. What do I do to get started?

1) How much do your log homes cost?

Log homes are not necessarily less or more expensive than conventional homes. The log portion of your home is one of the best values to be found in the housing industry. The final cost of finishing your home will vary according to the building location and the types of finish materials you choose to use. Our log package prices average $22.00 and up per square foot, erected on your foundation. (Please refer to question 2 for a list of included materials.) For a turn key average price use $85.00 to $120.00 per square foot, of course depending on many factors.

2) What do I get in a log package?

The standard log package consists of all of the structural timbers to construct your home.


Log Package Details

Many options and variations are possible. Listed below are the standard materials supplied. Sizes are subject to engineering. Please call for more information.

  • All exterior wall logs pre cut to openings and labeled
  • Detailed wall layout and drawings
  • Three sets of blueprints (includes foundation plan, elevation, and floor plans)
  • Construction manual
  • Second floor beams and girders
  • Porch posts, plates and rafters
  • ”Chinkatex” wall insulation (in dovetail log only)
  • Roof rafters, ridge, posts etc.
  • Window and door bucks
  • All necessary fasteners (“Blue Ox Screws”, lag bolts, rods for anchoring, etc.)
  • All adhesives, caulks, (Log Builder / Conceal by “Sashco”)
  • Exterior fungicide / insecticide ( Penetreat by “Sashco”)
  • Exterior stain / sealer (choice of color “Sashco” or “Cabot’s”)
  • Chinking material (where applicable Log Jam by “Sashco”)
  • There are several options of finish texture, planed, rough sawn, hand hew, machine hewn, and draw knifed.

Optional Materials Include:

  • Second floor tongue and groove decking
  • Gable siding
  • Tongue and groove roof decking
  • R-30 roof insulation panels, including western cedar fascia
  • Windows and doors
  • Metal roofing material
  • Railings in several styles (by “Green’s Mill”)

3) Are log homes energy efficient?

Wood is a natural insulator. It is made up of thousands of tiny air cells, bonded together by lignin. This structure is very similar to that of polystyrene foam, a modern product which mocks the cellular structure of wood to provide an insulating material of increased efficiency. When compared to brick, concrete or steel, wood is astonishingly more efficient. Many comparisons of log and conventional structures have been made to determine the relative energy consumption of the two types of construction. The bottom line is that log homes will out perform conventionally framed homes, when it comes to heating and cooling. Most studies show it takes 20 to 30 % less energy to heat and cool a log home.

4) How do you address the settling issue?

All structures built of wood settle a certain amount over a period of time. Log homes do settle more depending on the style of logs you use and the moisture content of the log. Typically the larger the material the more it will settle simply because it takes longer to dry a large log and when the home is erected the logs will have a higher moisture content. In choosing a log style the moisture content is considered. All of our log on log style log systems are kiln dried so the moisture is removed from the wood down to 20% at 2 “ inside. Therefore these style wall systems will have the least settling. The standard square log style is not kiln dried and has a "chinkatex" spline between the logs to help allow for the shrinkage. The very large handcrafted logs from Canada will settle in the neighborhood of 3 to 4 inches. The thing to remember is that each of our wall systems have been proven over the years and we make the necessary allowances for each log style.

5) How do you seal the logs, and how often do they require recoating?

Log homes do require some exterior maintenance. There is an excellent range of products available to the homebuilder in the way of stains, borate treatments and clear finishes. Most coatings will last anywhere from 3 to 5 years depending on the conditions. We recommend and supply “Sashco” and “Cabot’s” Stains with our packages.

6) Is insurance hard to find?

No, insurance is not hard to secure for log homes. We have heard this comment over the years that some company’s frown on insuring log homes, but 9 times out of 10 the real reason is because there is no fire service in the area, not because it is log construction.

7) How do I get financing?

Any conventional lending institution will be happy to help you obtain financing for your Pioneer Log home. We have several links on our web site that you may want to contact.

8) What is that stuff between the logs, and is it necessary?

Chinking is the material you see between the logs of the square dovetail style and is true to the Appalachian style log home. This material in the early pioneer days consisted of mud and horse hair or whatever was available. Over the years we progressed to concrete, which was not ideal because of the shrinkage factor it has as it dries. Now we have a synthetic material that has a latex base called Log Jam. This material actually adheres to the wood and will expand and contract with any movement or shrinkage that occurs. When combined with our Chinkatex spline insulation system this guarantees your log wall to be air tight.

9) Are round logs better than square?

The shape you choose for your log home is clearly a personal preference. There are some advantages to the both styles. Most D log styles don’t require chinking so that saves some money, however the chinking is a great benefit to the square log wall because it acts as an expansion joint. Every one has their preference and I would suggest you go with the style you feel most comfortable with. The trade offs are going to equal out in the end which ever log you choose.

10) How do you run the electrical?

When planning your log home it is recommended that you have an electrical plan drawn. No matter which style of logs you choose some of the wiring will need to be installed as the logs are erected. Be sure to have your electrician on site as the logs go up to insure all your electrical needs are met during construction.

11) Who erects the timbers, and how long does it take?

Pioneer Log Systems, Inc. will be happy to send an experienced crew and the necessary equipment to erect your log package anywhere in the world. The erection time will vary depending on the size and location of course, but most log packages can be assembled in 4 to 10 days. We have homes all over the U.S and Canada. The delivery cost usually adds $1.75 per loaded mile per truck. Most homes will require 2 loads. Our customers are welcome to arrange their own transportation if desired.

12) What is unique about Pioneer Log Systems, Inc.?

We offer the home builder / buyer many choices of types of construction. Choose from either our hewn square logs, our half round- log , our hand crafted round or square logs, our beautiful post and beam homes, or maybe you need some architectural beams or timber trusses to add that finishing touch to your conventional home. Whatever your needs are that relates to wood, Pioneer Log Systems is your best choice.

13) What is the lead time for delivery?

Most packages can be shipped within six to eight weeks of the contract date. However special order materials may take longer, we will advise you in advance if there is any anticipated delay.

14) Can I use my own plans?

We welcome the use of customer drawings or sketches. We will be happy to provide you with custom blueprints at a reasonable cost. If you cannot find one of our standard plans that suits your needs please let us create your dream home for you. The cost for custom plans is sixty cents per square foot. A deposit of thirty cents per square foot is required to create the preliminary drawings.

15) What do I do to get started?

After choosing a floor plan and settling on a site and contractor, we require a 30% deposit at the time of signing a contract. This will put your home in our production schedule. We then schedule a site visit to determine the conditions of set up and delivery.