In addition to the logs that make up the walls of your home, a REAL LOG HOMES^® log "package" includes pre-cut and graded logs, pre-cut heavy timber floor joists and log rafter system—per plan—as well as PVC Lockspline, OlyLog^® fasteners, and windows and doors with their required pre-fabricated frame stock. Preparing these items under factory-controlled conditions for accommodation into your home helps to create a more precise and weather-tight fit.

We provide you with what is best described as a structural shell comprised of those components that are unique to our REAL LOG HOMES^® building system and that require precision pre-cutting and accommodation for an ideal fit and a sound log home.

Unlike a REAL LOG HOMES^® package, a logs-only package includes logs for your log walls, but generally won't include windows and doors as part of your log package. If the window and door frames are not designed as part of an integrated joinery system, then less desirable means such as caulking or chinking must be relied on to provide an airtight fit around them.

The heavy timber floor-joists, log rafters, and log gable ends desired by many log home enthusiasts are often unavailable in a logs-only package, or available with an increase in price from a base price. These items are part of a standard REAL LOG HOMES^® brand log package (per plan), but can be substituted with other materials to allow budget flexibility. Contact your Independent Representative for help with questions about log home packages.

As we’ve stated in an earlier section, one of the biggest pitfalls of determining a log home supplier is to compare "kits" alone, especially from the standpoint of price and quantity. When comparing packages, it’s a good idea to find out what's included for the price.

For example, all packages include roof rafters. In the REAL LOG HOMES^® package, the roof system (per plan) may include rafters that are full log, pre-treated and pre-cut to length and roof pitch, and also may include a Glu-laminated ridge beam, depending on application. The roof system in the competing package, however, might be a supply of 2 x 10 lumber. In this case, the REAL LOG HOMES^® package price would likely be higher, but the differences in materials and in the subsequent superior quality and aesthetics of your finished home make the price worthwhile.

Flexibility in design, however, is a hallmark of REAL LOG HOMES^® log packages. For example, if you prefer 2x 10 lumber roof rafters, a package can be created to accommodate them. Once again, your Independent Representative can help you in this area.