Log and timber homes are one of the most popular home styles. They offer a unique design and a strong emotional component that appeals to many people.
Besides their great looks, both types of homes can be built with superior energy efficiency. They also help protect the environment.
Exceptional Craftsmanship
Wood is a versatile material when it’s crafted by exceptional craftsmen. It can be transformed into a variety of styles, with its beauty reflected through texture and depth.
For centuries, artisan woodworkers have created bridges, churches, barns, log homes, timber frame homes, taverns, courthouses, inns, and sailing vessels that provide shelter to the people of the world. These structures have lasted through the ages, with their durability and natural aesthetics making them a legacy to be passed on to future generations.
When handcrafted, these structures are true works of art. Each notch and groove displays the skill of experienced log craftsmen, and each drawknife cut represents a time-honored tradition.
These traditional skills and techniques have been carried over into modern construction, allowing us to construct timber frames that maximize energy efficiency without compromising the unique character of timber. We use Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) for your basement and SIP insulation in the outer walls to create a tight energy envelope that will allow you to comfortably live within your new home.
In addition, we use only the best building materials and methods to ensure that your new home is as beautiful and functional as possible. This includes handcrafted log walls that have chinking to seal the gaps between each log. We also incorporate Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) in the roof and walls for optimal energy efficiency.
We pride ourselves on our outstanding service before, during and after your log or timber home is built. Our dedicated team will help you throughout the process and make sure your home is constructed to your exact specifications.
As one of the largest log and timber home manufacturers in the country, we have the ability to provide you with the highest quality craftsmanship available. Our 57 years of experience, quality workmanship, and exceptional personal service have earned Golden Eagle Log & Timber Homes the reputation as a premier log and timber home manufacturer.
A family business, Golden Eagle Log & Timber Homes was founded in 1966 by Wally and Marlace Parmeter in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc. The Parmeters were able to grow the company from a building supply center to a premier log and timber home manufacturer because of their commitment to their employees and their love of the craft.
Rugged Appearance
A rustic home’s aesthetic is rooted in natural materials. This is especially true of log homes, which naturally integrate into the landscape and are not awkwardly imposed on it like some other types of homes.
A wide range of styles and stains make it possible to create a log or timber look that suits your personal style. You can choose to leave the natural appearance of the logs on the exterior or cover them with drywall, plywood or siding for a more finished look.
While some homeowners prefer the rustic appeal of logs, others want a more finished and refined look to their home. A variety of interior finishes are available, including wood paneling and tongue-and-groove ceilings.
Many log home owners also choose to add decorative accents that bring out the beauty of the logs. These can include hand-carved woods, sconces and other ornamental features. Some log homes even feature custom light fixtures and staircases fashioned from large timbers.
For a more refined look, you can choose a more modern finish, such as a painted exterior or a clear coat. This allows you to match the exterior of your log or timber home to your landscaping or other design elements.
You can also enhance the rugged appearance of your log or timber home by choosing a unique color scheme. This can help you stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of those who might otherwise pass you by.
Another way to get the rugged appearance you’re after is by wearing clothing that is traditionally masculine and comfortable. This means wearing clothing that is sturdy and edgy, such as bomber jackets or biker coats. You can also choose to wear leather boots that are either brown or black in color.
In addition, you can also choose to grow facial hair or a beard to give off the rugged vibe. It’s important to note, however, that a small beard is best as it can easily look masculine and will help you get the rugged look you want without making it appear unkempt.
Lastly, you can also opt to wear a shirt that is either dark or very dark in color, such as navy blue, black, brown or gray. This is a great option for those who want to dress in a traditional manner but still want to feel confident and fashionable.
Optimal Energy Efficiency
Optimal energy efficiency requires a comprehensive heating and cooling strategy that begins well before construction. The orientation of a home, the number and size of windows and doors, and the overall volume of the home all play a role in its ability to heat and cool.
Solid log walls are able to store a significant amount of heat, which helps keep your home warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. This is due to a feature called thermal mass, the ability of wood to slow down the transfer of heat.
Another way that solid log homes are more energy efficient than other home construction methods is that they interact with their surroundings more efficiently. Logs act like thermal batteries, storing heat during the day and releasing it slowly at night.
In addition, log walls are naturally airtight and help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Unlike conventional stud walls, which tend to have gaps and holes where air can leak, solid logs don’t have these issues.
A major problem with log homes is that they tend to shrink and contract as they age. This makes them more susceptible to air leaks and can cause a higher energy bill. Fortunately, most log producers and builders use kiln drying processes to dry the logs before construction to avoid this issue.
Additionally, log home manufacturers and builders employ expanded foam sealants to keep the logs tightly together. These sealants can be inspected and replaced as necessary to reduce the likelihood of air leaks.
As a result, log homes are typically 30% to 40% more energy efficient than stick-framed homes with similar construction. This is because the R-value of solid log walls is significantly lower than a stick-framed wall.
The R-value of a wood wall ranges between 1.41 per inch for softwoods and 0.71 for hardwoods. It is important to consider this when designing a new home.
Ultimately, it’s best to build your log or timber home with insulation in mind, as this will improve the overall energy efficiency of your cabin. According to a study by the Log and Timber Homes Council, an additional insulation layer can reduce annual heating costs by as much as 30%.
A Home for the Whole Family
Log and timber homes are the perfect place for a family to create a legacy, grow closer together, and share time with those who matter most. This type of home can be a good investment, too, as it’s been shown to hold its value over the long term, and it’s also an ideal property to sell as a short-term rental when you need extra income.
When a family decides to move into a log or timber home, it’s often because of a personal feeling of wanting something different. They want a place that’s more suited to their needs, a home that feels like theirs, and one that they can build to reflect their own unique personality and sense of style.
Many people find that these type of homes are easy on the eyes and can be a great place to bring the family together. They have open layouts, large cathedral ceilings and walls of windows that showcase the natural beauty outside.
They are also known to promote better indoor air quality (no off-gassing from artificial materials) and lower stress levels, making them a great option for those who enjoy a calm and relaxing lifestyle. This is especially true if you live in an area that’s more geared toward nature-centric activities like hiking and biking.
It is important to keep your log or timber home looking its best by doing a regular maintenance schedule and taking care of any damage that may occur. This will help to avoid costly repairs down the road and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your home.
Keeping your home free from rot and mold is important to keep it looking its best and protecting the wood that’s inside it. With a walk around your home and a quick glance at the logs, you can easily spot any areas that need to be repaired or inspected. This is a great way to make sure that your home stays safe and pristine for years to come!
The design phase can take a similar amount of time regardless of which building method you choose. However, if you’re going with a log home, it can be built much quicker than a timber frame home because it involves less components.