A log that is wider than it is tall provides more load-bearing surface for the log above. This adds stability to your home. In addition, natural characteristics of wood dictate that if a log is going to check, or crack, it typically will do so from the pith, or heart, to the outside surface of the wood, taking the path of least resistance. This means that the log tends to check on the side where the radius from the pith is shorter. Competing packages often contain logs that are taller than they are wide. One reason why manufacturers do this is to keep package prices down (sometimes, taller logs can eliminate the need for one or two courses per floor). But if the logs are taller than they are wide, the exposed surface of the logs could tend to check first.

REAL LOG HOMES® standard logs are manufactured from the heart of the log, and are designed to be wider than they are tall. Why is this better?  You get the dual benefits of increased stability and reduced checking on the logs’ exposed sides. To further reduce checking on the exposed sides, a “check-groove” is designed into the bottom of each log profile (except Swedish Cope) to help relieve stress. By placing the check-groove at the bottom of the log, checks that might occur will often start at the check-groove, remaining more “inside”, and less exposed.