Timber Frame Home vs. Log Home

A Side-by-Side Comparison

Log Cabin Home
TRADITIONAL LOG CABINS
Timber Frame Home Kit
TIMBER FRAME HOMES

When you’re exploring log cabin living, two popular styles stand out: timber frame homes and traditional log homes. At first glance, they may look similar, but their construction is different.
Here’s a snapshot of the main differences:

  • Timber frame homes use a skeleton of large wooden beams to support the structure. The walls are filled in around the frame. The timbers are joined using mortise-and-tenon joints and wooden pegs. The walls aren’t structural, they’re infilled, meaning you can use various materials (like structural insulated panels, straw bales, or even glass) to fill the spaces between the frames.
  • Traditional log cabins are built by stacking milled or whole logs horizontally, with the walls doing all the structural work. The logs are often notched at the corners to fit together securely, and the entire building relies on the logs for support.

Both styles offer rustic charm and timeless appeal. But depending on your design preferences, one may suit you better than the other.

Timber Frame Home vs. Log Home Comparison

This chart below breaks down some key differences between timber frame and log home construction. Understanding these two construction methods will help you in the decision-making process.

Feature Timber Frame Cabins Traditional Log Cabins
Construction
Construction

Built with a frame of heavy timber joined by precision-cut joints. Walls are non-structural and can be made from a variety of materials.

Constructed by stacking logs horizontally, with the logs forming both the walls and the structure.

Appearance
Appearance

Exposed interior beams offer a dramatic, open look. The exterior can be finished in wood, stone, or other materials.

Features full log walls inside and out, offering a classic log cabin aesthetic. Interior spaces (like the kitchen, bathrooms, etc.) are fully customizable.

Insulation
Insulation

Can be highly energy efficient when combined with modern insulation methods like structural insulated panels (SIPs).

Solid logs provide natural thermal mass, helping to maintain a steady indoor temperature through all seasons. Structural insulated panels (SIPs) on upper exterior walls, roofing, and gable ends can boost energy efficiency even more.

Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency

Sealed wall systems minimize air leaks and offer consistent performance.

Logs naturally insulate and can be very efficient when properly sealed and maintained. When combined with SIPS on second-floor exterior walls, upper walls of the gable ends, and roofing, log homes are even more energy efficient.

Design
Design Flexibility

Wide open interiors are easy to customize. Load-bearing frame allows for creative layouts.

Interior walls are structural. While in the past this may have limited layout changes, with different approaches to supporting the roof system, you can create wide open interiors, just like with timber frame homes. And log home kits come in hundreds of fully customizable floor plan options, so you can create exactly the design you want.

Maintenance
Maintenance

Less exposed wood means fewer issues with weathering and insects. Maintenance focuses on roofing and siding.

Logs require periodic sealing and inspection, but many owners enjoy the hands-on upkeep as part of the experience.

Timeline
Build Timeline

A typical build takes 6-12 months, but it depends on the level of customization. A pre-cut timber frame kit may streamline the process.

A typical build takes 6-9 months. Log home kits streamline the process even more, especially when combined with the log home manufacturer’s construction services.

Log Cabin Kit

Why Choose eLoghomes?

If you decide to go with a log cabin kit, eLoghomes is here to help you build your dream home. We offer over 200 fully customizable log home models, ranging in size from 400 to 4,000+ square feet. Whether you’re building a weekend retreat or a full-time residence, you’ll find a design in our portfolio that fits your lifestyle and vision.

Our homes are crafted for beauty, durability, and energy efficiency. We also offer optional construction services to assemble the shell of your home. This can help streamline the process, so you can start enjoying your new home sooner.

With our team of experts by your side, you’ll experience a smoother, more efficient building process from start to finish. At eLoghomes, our mission is simple: to help you build a log home you’ll enjoy for generations.

FAQs About Timber Frame Homes

  • What’s the difference between a timber frame home and a traditional log cabin?

    A timber frame home is built with a structural framework of heavy beams, while a traditional log cabin relies on stacked logs for both structure and style. Both offer rustic charm, but the building methods and materials are different.

  • Are timber frame home prices higher than log cabin prices?

    Timber frame home prices and log home prices are often comparable, but it depends on the design, materials, and location. Regardless of which construction method you choose, using a timber home kit—or alternatively, a log cabin kit—may help reduce costs by eliminating the need for an architect.

  • What’s included in timber frame home kits?

    Timber frame home kits typically include pre-cut beams, connectors, and detailed plans to build the entire structural frame, but this can vary widely depending on the provider.

  • Can I customize a timber frame home?

    Many timber frame house kits are customizable, allowing you to choose layouts, finishes, and design features that match your vision, whether you want a modern timber frame home or something more traditional.

    Similarly, many log cabin kits are also fully customizable, depending on the provider. eLoghomes’ models can be customized down to the last detail. Work with your provider to find the best timber frame home plans for your needs.