Have you always dreamed of living in a log cabin in the woods? Log homes have a very rustic, earthy vibe that is hard to replicate with any other design. Thankfully, there are now companies that specialize in making and selling log home materials. So, you can purchase the materials to either build your own log home or have a contractor build it for you. As you embark on this endeavor, though, you may find yourself with a big question: which woods work best? Here are a few top options to consider. 

Cedar

Cedar is a good go-to option for a log cabin. It is not a hardwood, so it is quite easy to mill and work with. It's also quite abundant in the US, so it tends to be priced affordably. While you might assume a softwood would not be durable enough for a log cabin, this is not really the case with cedar. Although it is not much harder than pine, it is far more resistant to rot because it contains natural cedar oils that rot-causing bacteria find unappealing. Cedar is not attractive to termites or other wood-eating insects, either, which is a huge advantage if you're building your log home in the woods where these insects are commonplace.

Oak

A log cabin built from oak will last ages. Oak is very hard, which does make it a bit tougher to mill. However, once it is milled, it is so remarkably resistant to rot, cracking, and other forms of deterioration. Building a log cabin from oak is a bit of an investment. You pay more at the onset, but you save yourself time and money over the years because you don't have to do much maintenance. Oak is usually left natural, and it weathers to a grayish tone that a lot of people like for their cabins.

Cypress

Cypress is a lot like cedar, but sometimes a little softer. Like cedar, it is resistant to rot and insects, easy to mill, and quite affordable in areas where it is grown. Its grain is not as straight as that of cedar, so it can have a more rustic appeal. One downfall to cypress is that its dust can be irritating, so you need to wear a mask if you're cutting or sanding it.

All three of these woods work well for building log cabins. Contact a local log home material supplier to learn more.