There are two primary types of log homes: handcrafted and milled log. The difference is that handcrafted, because they are as the name implies, peeled and notched by hand, are much more expensive. They are also more “individualized,” as no two logs are exactly the same.
Conversely, milled log homes are much more uniform in style and size. They are cut so that they stack evenly and go together with ease. Because the process of getting milled logs is mechanized, the option of building a milled log home is less costly than using handcrafted logs.
Since it is time intensive to handcraft logs (not to mention that these logs can be pricey), most log homes are milled log homes, made of pine logs. While you can choose almost any wood-cedar, oak, cypress, spruce, etc.-the higher the grade of wood, the higher your costs.
Most log home builders recommend that you use a log that is native to your building site, so that your log home blends into the surroundings more naturally and so that the logs adapt to the environment more readily.
A log home is a major investment, although some upgrades (like using cedar wood logs) can make that investment even greater. Talk with your log home builder about which log types and styles will best suit your needs.