By Alan Knight
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| Photo Credit: pinterest.com |
Today there are tens of thousands of log cabins and log homes
in the United States alone. Additionally, here are many more log home lovers who are considering building their dream home
based on this revered material and design structure. There are about 400 companies in the U.S. and
Canada vying for your business, ranging from small mom-and-pop shops to large-scale,
multi-state operations
For those who’ve never researched or have been introduced to
it before, the history of log home building is fascinating.
History of Log Cabins
In some of the earliest writings, construction of abodes and structures using logs was described by Roman architect Vitruvius Pollio as laying logs horizontally over top of each other and filling in the gaps with “chips and mud.” Earlier precursors to the log cabin of olden time construction has its roots in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Although their exact origin is uncertain, the first log structures were probably built in Northern Europe in the Bronze Age (about 3500 BC). Even before Europeans began to settle in North America, they had a long tradition of using logs for houses, barns, and other outbuildings in the Scandinavian countries as well as Germany, Northern Russia, and Ukraine.
According to noted historian C. Weslager, the Finns had a “close attunement” with
forests. He states: "By stacking tree
trunks on top of one another and overlapping the logs at the corners, people
made the ‘log cabin.’ They developed interlocking
corners by notching the logs at the ends, resulting in strong structures that were
easier to make weather-tight by inserting moss or other soft material into the joints. As the original coniferous forest extended over
the coldest parts of the world, there was a prime need to keep these houses warm. The insulating properties of the solid wood were
a great advantage over a timber frame construction covered with animal skins, felt,
boards or shingles. Over the decades, increasingly
complex joints were developed to ensure more weather tight joints between the logs,
but the profiles were still largely based on the round log.”
Back to the Present
Though log home construction features some classic, “Daniel Boone”
and “Davey Crockett-type” models as often seen on TV and in motion pictures, the
log homes of today can be quite different than their earlier American counterparts. Today's log homes often feature innovative designs
that, unlike their smaller predecessors, feel modern, open, and upscale. Many contemporary builders include large windows
with outstanding views of the outdoor landscape, cathedral ceilings for a light
and airy feel, and modern kitchens that are perfect for entertaining the scores
of guests who always flock to any cozy log home.
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| Photo Credit: pinterest.com |
Many residents or landlords of these homey dwellings today decorate
their homes with stylish, contemporary furnishings and accents. Although the outside looks rustic, the inside
looks much like any other home in the 21st century. However, there are still various elements that
are commonly maintained in many of the current log homes, such as solid wood construction,
not just in the logs, but even the furniture.
Exposed solid wood beams that stretch across the expanse of the vaulted ceiling
are common. Bedrooms enjoy exposed wood,
or box-and-tray ceilings, giving each bedroom a more spacious feeling. Many tables
are made of solid oak, hickory or cedar.
Even chairs have the touch of the outdoors, with impressive carvings. Wall hangings of antlers and animal skins are
not uncommon.
The Rub on Bathtubs
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| Photo Credit: pinterest.com |
In the younger years of our own country, if a log cabin had an
indoor bathroom (most didn't), it would be very small. Inside the small bathroom, there would be a basin
for washing, possibly a hand-pump, and a bathtub. Water would be heated on a wood stove and brought
in for the tub. The bathtub would be made
of wood or metal (zinc was popular), or later,
porcelain and cast iron. The tub
would typically be about 54 inches long, which is small by today’s standards.
Today's log homes’ bathrooms are usually enormous by comparison. An abundance of ceramic tile and stone tile line
the floors and walls. The indoor toilet is
oftentimes hidden in its own private room, allowing the separate area containing
the sink and bathtub to make a statement of classic elegance. Today, there are many refinished (restored) antique
Clawfoot tubs in log cabins, but something has changed in the market. No longer do you have to go out in search of
an old porcelain tub that has been discarded, with all the problems of chips,
broken porcelain, scratches, and fading porcelain. Over the last several years, many American companies
(such as Tub King, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida) have begun to import impressive,
newly cast porcelain tubs from foundries all over the world. In addition to being built using time-honored
materials with the latest technologies and equipment, they come in many sizes, designs
and colors. The old Roll Top rim traditional
tubs have given way to many handsome, and popular styles:
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| Photo Credit: homeaway.com |
The Dual-ended Tub has a gentle slope on each end of the tub
for perfect balance and symmetry. The faucet
and drain are located in the center of the tub, which allows for two bathers at
once in the larger 68- or 75-inch versions.
The Double Slipper has the high back on both ends of the tub
and is designed for the home that is looking for the very best in glamour and elegance. Since the modern log homes have opted for larger
bathroom space, this tub will fit in almost any bathroom.
And for someone who really wants to display their bathtub, the
Pedestal Tub is the ultimate. The tub, regardless
of size, sits on a cast iron/porecelain skirt or base, instead of clawfoot-sculpted legs that
actually place it on a pedestal. It is ideal
for the homeowner that wants to feature their tub as a highlight of their home.
Victorian Pedestal sinks are also popular with the more modern
log home designs, taking advantage of the precious space in even the smallest bathrooms.
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| Photo Credit: pinterest.com |
Log homes may have changed in some aspects over the years, and
the new improvements are certainly welcome. Designing your log home’s bathroom(s) to show
off your beautiful, porcelain and cast iron bathtub makes for great décor as well
as ensuring many wonderfully relaxing moments in your own, private provincial palace.
In this article, I shared information about the historic and
contemporary build/design features of log homes, and also highlighted the various
types of porcelain/cast iron tubs that have frequently complement their bathrooms.
I pointed out that various types of porcelain/cast iron tubs are available today,
and that will add a rustic, and memorable bathing experience.
Customer Testimonial for Double Slipper Pedestal Tub
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Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the
number or email listed below and I’ll personally get back to you. Thanks
for reading; it’s been my pleasure to share this information with you.
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