Log Cabin Kits at a Glance

A log cabin kit is a pre-cut and packaged set of materials used to build a log home. It includes the components you need to assemble the structure, such as the logs, framing materials, and building plans, all delivered to your building site.

If building a log home is something you're considering, there's a bit more to it than just picking a floor plan and placing an order. You'll want to understand what comes with a log cabin kit, what's not included, and how it all fits together. 

We will walk you through it so you can get a better picture and decide if this kind of package is the right approach for your log home.

What Exactly Comes in a Log Cabin Kit?

Not all log home kits are the same. Every company does things a little differently. At Ward Cedar Log Homes, we offer more than a weather-tight shell, meaning your log cabin kit will include everything needed to get your home dried in, interior walls with coverings, and ready for finish work. 

Here's what's typically included in Ward's materials package:

• Pre-cut and numbered cedar logs with hardware
• Subfloor system
• Rough bucks and trim for windows and doors
• Andersen windows and Therma-Tru exterior doors 
• Roof system materials including shingles
• Interior framing lumber
• Porch or deck components
• T&G Pine for interior walls and ceilings
• 6-Panel interior Pine doors with knobsets
• Exposed ceiling joists
• Detailed construction drawings and plans

Everything is pre-engineered and ready to go. Each log is labeled, each step has a purpose, and each part fits where it's supposed to. That's part of the advantage; you're not starting from scratch, and you're not figuring it out as you go. For a full complete breakdown, view our materials list. 

What's Not Included in Your Log Home Kit?

It's important to understand that a log cabin kit doesn't include everything. There are a few key items you or your builder will need to source separately:

• Foundations
• Fireplaces and all masonry materials
• Insulation for floors, basement, and roofs
• Finished flooring
• House wrap
• Kitchen cabinets and counters
• Roof vents
• Plumbing, heating, and electrical
• Appliances
• Paints and varnishes 
• Miscellaneous nails and fasteners
• Garage overhead doors
• Transportation costs
• Construction and sales tax costs

In other words, the kit is the "bones" of the home. You'll still need to plan and budget for the rest, but the kit gets you off to a strong, efficient start. 

What Are the Benefits of Using a Kit?

For many people, a log cabin kit makes a big project feel more manageable. Here's why:

• Saves you time: Materials show up ready to go. No waiting for deliveries or searching for lumber
• It cuts down on waste: Because the logs and other items are pre-cut, there's less guesswork, and fewer leftovers
• It lowers the stress: You've got a system to follow and a team behind you. That kind of support goes a log way when you are building something big. 
• It's flexible: Just because it's a kit doesn't mean it's set in stone. At Ward, we'll adjust the layout, tweak the plan, and help make it your own. You may also propose a plan to us. 

And there's someting special about it too. Watching your home take shape is a pretty great feeling. Especially when those first logs go up and it all starts to feel real.

Who is a Log Cabin Kit Right For?

A log home kit can be a great fit if you:

• Have your land and are ready to build
• Want to be involved in the process (even if you're not swinging the hammer)
• Like the idea of a home that's made from natural durable materials
• Are looking for a more efficient path to building your dream home
• Want a structure that will stand the test of time (especially with cedar)

Some of our clients are experienced builders. Others have never built a thing in their lives. We work with both, and our team helps guide you through the process so you're not guessing what comes next.

Still Have Questions?

Building a log home is a big decision, and knowing what's in the kit is only the beginning.

If you are just starting to explore your options, we recommend downloading the Getting Started Guide - The Ward Way or checking out some of our most popular floor plans to see what speaks to you.

Here at Ward, we've been producing customized log homes for more than 100 years. We've seen it all and are well-prepared to help you through options and decisions. Reach out today to see how we can help. 

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