don’t stress

Since the pandemic took hold of the United States a year ago, my family and I have gone next to nowhere. Masked trips to the grocery store and nature hikes have been our only outings. We haven’t seen our friends; barely visited with relatives. My husband and I both work out of the house now, and our daughter, a high school sophomore, takes class from her room. Like so many Americans wanting to do their part to stop this virus, we have been voluntary shut-ins … until recently. To give my 16-year-old some sense of a normal teenage life, we allowed her to play volleyball. As her travel team started preparing for its first tournament since March 2020, you’d think we’d be elated to get out of the house; but a…

feeling blue

For more design ideas, log on to loghome.com and timberhomeliving.com…

building in resiliency

The word “resilient” means “to withstand, adapt and recover,” and we all strive to live up to these terms. So how can we apply the idea of resiliency to log and timber homes? I believe there are two primary areas of focus that will help achieve this goal. Build to Withstand Natural Disasters The possibility of hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other calamities is a real concern for the majority of American homeowners. There may be nothing we can do to prevent these disasters, but there are things we can do to enable our homes to bounce back, if catastrophe should strike. Resilience starts with the materials you choose and how they are constructed on the job site, and logs and timbers have an edge. The typical log or timber house doesn’t simply last…

dan’s pro tips

Install solid-core interior doors. They will impede the spread of fire inside your home, giving you more time to escape safely. Plus, they dampen sound, making for a quieter, more tranquil home. (Get more soundproofing tips on page 24.) Upgrade your roof. Metal roofs don’t catch on fire and stand up to hurricane-force winds better than shingles (either cedar shake or asphalt), but if you prefer shingle-style roofing, make sure you use high-windrated materials. Add impact-resistant windows. Not just for houses in tornadoor hurricane-prone areas; if your house is built on a mountainside, it could face strong winds and potential projectiles, like tree limbs, too. Consider low-maintenance decking materials. Composite decking with metal railings have longer lifespans and less maintenance than pressure-treated wood does. Composite costs more upfront, but saves…

dealing with deer and other critters

Part of the appeal of a log or timber home in a woodsy spot is spying on the abundant wildlife scampering about the grounds: turkeys, grouse, deer — even wolves and bears. But when it comes to the impact these creatures can have on your landscape, sharing your yard with them becomes much less charming. Unless you want to build a castleworthy wall around your property (not ideal for enjoying the woods) you’ll need to make peace with the locals. That doesn’t mean you need to surrender your garden, though. Here are some compassionate strategies to consider: Motion-activated floodlights and sprinklers: Deer usually prefer to eat at night, which is why you might notice your shrubs are nibbled down in the morning. If you’re seeing initial damage, install floodlights and/or sprinklers…

outdoor oasis

TO SEE FLOOR PLANS OF THIS HOME flip to page 40 For the past 12 months, home has meant everything to us. But it’s not just the rooms inside the walls that have been our source of sanctuary. We realize now, more than ever, the vital role our outdoor living spaces play in our daily lives. Fresh air and beautiful scenery are just the start — you need to design spots that take full advantage of their environment; areas that fit your family, satisfy your needs and play to your interests. We share our four favorite outdoor oases that showcase the natural log and timber home lifestyle we all love. MAKE A CONNECTION Today’s exceptional outdoor oases start with seamless transitions from indoors to out. This timber home blends wood and steel to support…