“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better,” Albert Einstein said. There is nothing like a walk in the woods or a stroll by a clear stream to clear the mind and bring clarity to one’s thoughts. Many people take time off of work to spend a few days in the mountains, away from the stress of life. Time in nature is not time wasted.
Cabins are growing increasingly popular as people are trying to find more ways to get away from the buzz of the city. There are many designs of cabins, from large log cabins to small hunting cabins. The demand for cabins is growing. With numerous such types of cabins available, it’s difficult to know which one is the best choice for you. In this blog, we’ve created a list of 6 popular types of cabins and their construction styles.
Despite the many types of cabins available, this construction method is one of the most traditional methods, using standard framing techniques and materials like wood framing, insulation, and siding. Log cabins are built using logs for both the interior and exterior, but these cabins are usually constructed using conventional building materials.
The cabin’s framing is built using lumber like 2x4s or 2x6s, and the walls use siding like wood and vinyl. The roof is covered with standard roofing materials like metal panels or asphalt shingles.
Pros Of Stick Built
Cost Effective: These types of cabins are generally cost-effective because they require standard building materials and don’t require as much labor to build.
Flexibility in Design: Stick Built Cabins offer a large range of design options and styles and therefore are more customizable to the owner’s needs and preferences.
Low Maintenance: Stick Built Cabins tend to be low maintenance due to the fact that they are less susceptible to rotting and decay and are easier to repair and replace than most types of cabins.
Cons of Stick Built
Fire Risk: Stick Built Cabins can tend to be a fire risk because they are generally made of more combustible materials than most cabins.
Resale Value: Stick Built Cabins tend to have a lower resale value than other types of cabins due to the fact that they don’t have the aesthetic or durability of some other construction styles, especially log cabins.
Appearance: This style of the cabin doesn’t have the rustic or natural look of some other styles and can appear less attractive to some people.
Post and beam construction is a rustic and attractive construction style, using large, exposed posts that connect to horizontal beams to form the structure of the cabin. These beams are made of solid wood and are usually connected using traditional joinery techniques. This construction style is ideal for those who want a large open space with plenty of natural light.
Strength and Durability: This method of construction is known for it’s durability. The large wooden posts and beams can support a large amount of weight and can withstand strong winds and earthquakes.
Aesthetic Appeal: Post and Beam Construction is known for its rustic aesthetic, and the exposed beams give it an attractive and timeless appearance.
Natural Materials: Because of the natural materials used in the construction, like the wooden beams, this style of cabin tends to be more eco friendly
Cost: While these cabins may be very attractive, they also come with a higher cost, considering that they are built with high-quality materials like wooden beams and posts.
Maintenance: These cabins tend to be high maintenance and require regular care, especially treatment of the wood to prevent rotting and insect damage, as well as regular tightening of the joints and connections.
Building Codes and Regulations: Sometimes this construction style may require additional engineering or support for the beams, which can add to the cost and complexity of the construction.
Types of Cabins: Log Cabin Construction
Of the many types of cabins, this particular style is one of the most well-known. Log cabin construction is a very old building technique that was created centuries ago. This particular construction involves round logs that are peeled and notched together tightly at the ends. They are stacked horizontally and secured in place. The gaps are filled with chinking, sealing the cabin from moisture and air.
Nowadays, log cabin construction is combined with modern building techniques to provide cabins with plumbing, insulation, and electrical systems. This creates comfortable and energy-efficient cabins with the timeless attraction of traditional log cabins.
Pros of Log Cabin Construction
Natural Aesthetic: Log Cabins have a unique and distinguishable appearance and a natural aesthetic, giving them a sense of comfort and tranquility.
Sustainability: Log Cabin Construction is a sustainable method, considering that logs are generally a renewable resource and can always be harvested and used for construction.
Energy Efficient: Logs have natural insulating properties and help to keep the log cabin cool in the summer and warm in the winter, saving on heat and increasing energy efficiency.
Cost: A big thing to consider when it comes to log cabins is cost. The cost of logs and labor may make this type of construction more costly than standard stick built construction.
Settling: Settling is another potential problem that may arise with log cabin construction. This may occur over time when the logs “settle” or shrink, causing gaps to form between them.
Insects and Pests: Though logs are naturally resistant to pests and insects, they are not completely immune. It is important to be especially aware of this problem when deciding on a cabin construction method.
SIP Construction, or Structual Insulated Panel construction, is a modern building method using pre-insulated panels made from foam insulation and structural panels. These premade panels are used to construct the walls, roof, and floor of the cabin. On-site, they are assembled together, using a special method called the tongue-groove system, which creates an air-tight and energy-efficient building.
Energy Efficiency: These insulated panels provide thermal resistance and reduce energy costs for the cabin.
Quick Construction: Because these panels are premade, construction is quick and therefore reduces time and labor costs.
High Quality: The SIP panels are manufactured in a controlled environment to precise specifications, making them high quality and providing consistent results in the construction process.
Limited Availability: Depending where you are, these structural insulated panels may not be readily available or may cost extra to have them shipped to your construction site.
Moisture Issues: Though they are designed to be air-tight and well-insulated, these SIPs can also be vulnerable to moisture problems if not sealed and protected properly.
Cost: This method of construction does tend to be more expensive than traditional building methods like wood framing.
Modular Construction is a method of construction where each module is pre-manufactured and then transported to the building site for assembly. The modules are fit together and a complete cabin structure is assembled.
Speed of Construction: One advantage of modular construction is quick construction time. Since most of the heavy work is done in the factory environment, this method tends to be done more quickly than other construction methods.
Reduced Costs: Since modular construction is more efficient, the cost tends to be lower as well.
Flexibility in Design: These types of cabins are customizable and provide flexibility in terms of layout and special features.
Transportation Costs: Since these cabins are built off-site, there can be extra costs for transportation, especially if the site is remote or difficult to access.
Site Preparation: Modular cabins require a stable foundation in order to be installed correctly. This may require additional prep work and increase overall costs.
Permits and Regulations: Sometimes modular cabins may be subject to specific building codes and regulations of the area, and may require extra research to meet all necessary standards.
Our last type of cabin construction is prefab construction. This method involves building off-site in a factory and transporting the components to the site for assembly. These homes can be built using a large variety of materials and construction techniques, like panelized construction, and modular construction.
Prefabricated Cabin Construction is similar to modular construction in that both are mostly built off-site in a factory. The main difference between prefab cabins and modular cabins is the level of customization. Prefab cabins are built using a variety of materials and can be customized to meet specific requirements. Modular cabins, on the other hand, are limited to the modules available from the manufacturer and while customization is possible, it does tend to be more limited.
Faster Construction: Because these cabins are built in a factory, the process can be more efficient and completed more quickly on site.
Cost Effective: These cabins tend to save on costs, due to the fact that the pre-manufactured components reduce labor costs and waste.
Easy Installation: Prefabricated cabins are designed to be easy to install and pre-built., making them ready to assemble on-site. This also saves time and money.
Quality Control: The controlled factory environment ensures that the finished product is high quality and meets all codes and regulations.
Limited Customization: While prefab cabins are customizable to some extent, they don’t offer the variety of customization that some other types of cabins would.
Limited Availability: Depending on your location, there may be limited availability for prefabricated cabins or limited manufacturers available.
Transportation Costs: Prefab cabins are built off-site and transported to the building site, resulting in extra transportation costs.
Types of Cabins: Gold Star Cabins
At Gold Star Buildings, we build quality prefabricated cabins for our customers! We offer prefab cabins and lofted cabins that offer more overhead space. Our cabins are customizable and you can design your cabin to your tastes! Choose from our large variety of colors for your roofing and siding for your cabin, or check out our Rent-to-Own plan!
Special Features of our Prefab Cabins:
Galvanized nails to prevent rust
Exposed lumber is pressure treated to prevent damage
Air vents for optimal air circulation
Will match any competitor’s price on equal quality buildings with official proof of competitor prices and matching features.
Click here for a full list of features
Cabins are a significant investment and may be just the thing you need to immerse yourself in nature more. We’re here to help you do that! We offer free delivery within 25 miles of an authorized Gold Star Buildings Dealer. Get your prefab cabin today!
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