How are Log Cabins Built? Log Cabin Kits Can Help You

Drawbacks of Building with Kits

Any product, and any home-buying decision, comes with risks. Here, we'll examine some drawbacks of log cabin kits.

Some kit suppliers smooth logs to a uniform size by rotating them on a lathe. This method is sometimes called "machine peeling." At least one member of the Log Homes Builders Association laments that this method turns logs into "giant dowels." While uniformity may make logs easier to fit together, or at least more predictable, it might not lead to long-term stability. Stripping bark and surface irregularities strips logs of their natural defense against decay, making cabins more vulnerable to termites and other issues.