Building a log cabin? You’ll want to incorporate authentic log components beyond just the walls to embrace the rustic style. Log accents add beautiful natural texture and showcase fine woodworking. Consider using these log details in your cozy cabin plans when working with a builder, such as Frontier Log Homes.
Inviting Porches and Decks
You can’t have a proper log cabin without a sweet front porch made from log beams, railings, and decking. Opt for a wraparound porch to take in mountain views from every angle. Or build a grand two-story covered porch as the focal point out front, with rocking chairs ready for relaxing. For the backyard, build out a log-framed deck perfect for grilling. Maintain the woodsy vibe by using natural stone or exposed aggregate concrete as the porch and deck foundation instead of a plain concrete slab.
Woodsy Railings and Supports
Accent vertical elements like railings, columns, and supports with horizontal log cross pieces. This adds a striking visual design element on porches, balconies, and outdoor staircases. For a grand cabin staircase indoors, decorate the open side with a log railing. Or flank an elevated back deck with log posts and cross beam supports. Upgrading from plain wood posts to full-log components makes a statement. Notch the log ends for a seamless fit.
Statement Windows and Doors
Trade generic doors and windows for custom log elements that blend right into your cabin’s wood siding. Log rafters used as header beams over doors and windows tie in nicely. For window frames, use precisely joined half-logs or cut full logs to fit. Add chunky log trim to surround standard doors and windows. Opt for a heavy wood front door made from full logs with iron straps. The more log details the better on windows/doors to play up the rustic ambiance.
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Rugged Log Fencing
Mark property lines or grazing pastures with traditional log fences. These can be simple log rails stacked between posts, or more complex interlocking log designs. For garden beds, a short decorative log border adds texture. Gates can be created from vertical log planks or poles. Alternatively, wire fencing with unpeeled log posts has a rustic vibe too. This is great for enclosing horses or dogs while allowing views. Log fencing adds natural character in every direction.
Cozy Log Furnishings
Log accents aren’t just for permanent structures. Incorporate movable log furniture like benches, chairs or bar stools to carry the theme inside. A wooden trestle table made from logs adds a bold centerpiece in the dining room. Smaller log accent tables scattered around make great rustic surfaces for displaying cabin décor. For sleeping areas, choose log platform beds. Even wood slab nightstands count. Layer in log furniture touches to really achieve that wilderness retreat feel indoors and out.
By incorporating log components beyond just the exterior walls, you can surround yourself in the beauty of wood’s natural grain, texture and color. Log accents add so much aesthetic appeal and give an authentic nod to traditional log construction techniques. Anywhere you can switch plain wood for full logs, do it! Then sit back on the porch of your log masterpiece and enjoy the mountain views.
