14 Sep

Posted at 17:27h in Blog

One of the first questions people ask when they start thinking seriously about building a custom log home is: Do I need to own the property before I start designing the home? The short answer is no. You can start exploring ideas, gathering inspiration and even working through preliminary design concepts before you own the land. In fact, understanding what you want from your future home can help you recognize the right property when you find it. But when it comes time to finalize the design, the land should become an important part of...

07 Sep

Posted at 12:28h in Blog

Cottage. Cabin. Camp. Chalet. Lake house. Mountain home. Ask people what they call their place away from it all and you'll get very different answers. Where you grew up often has a lot to do with it. So does the landscape around you. For some, “the cottage” immediately brings to mind summer days on the water. For others, it's the cabin in the woods, camp on the lake, a mountain retreat or simply the lake house. At True North Log & Timber Homes, we design custom homes for people across Canada, the United States...

07 Aug

Posted at 15:56h in Blog

https://youtu.be/cD_5hRVeQAk?si=TwbSu2s807NWAHNo Some homes begin with a blueprint. A True North Log & Timber Home begins with a tree. Long before the first foundation is poured or the first log is placed, a journey begins—one rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to creating homes that will stand for generations. Whether it's a cozy lakeside retreat or a custom estate designed around a family's vision, every True North home follows a carefully refined process that transforms raw timber into a one-of-a-kind home. Want to see more? Check out our YouTube Channel! It Starts in the Forest Every log...

04 Aug

Posted at 14:38h in Blog

Some homes are built to meet expectations. Others are designed to redefine them. Nestled along the shoreline of a pristine Northern Ontario lake, this extraordinary 14,000-square-foot custom residence represents what is possible when exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and a clear vision come together. Created specifically for the homeowners' lifestyle, this lake house was never intended to follow trends or fit within a predetermined floor plan. Every room, every sightline, and every architectural detail was thoughtfully designed to create an experience that feels as remarkable today as it will for generations to come. This is...

02 Apr

Posted at 13:43h in Blog

Is a Log Home Right for You? How to Decide if Log Home Living Fits Your Lifestyle    The Dream of Log Home Living   A log home isn’t just a house—it’s a lifestyle. The warmth of natural wood, the architectural character, the connection to nature, and the sense of retreat make log homes one of the most desirable dwelling styles in North America.  But is a log home right for you? From budget to design expectations to long-term plans, there are several key considerations to explore before beginning your build. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to...

16 Mar

Posted at 11:43h in Blog

Healthy Homes: How Log Homes Help Your Family Stay Healthy The Windsong Estate’s lakeside exterior showcases timeless log cabin charm, expansive glass views, and thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath living.   A Home That Supports Your Well-Being  Today’s homeowners aren’t just searching for beauty and energy efficiency - they’re searching for healthier living spaces. While conventional homes rely heavily on synthetic materials, chemicals, and airtight construction, log homes are built from natural, breathable wood that actively contributes to better indoor health.  From superior air quality to stress-reducing natural materials, log homes offer wellness benefits that traditional construction simply can’t replicate.  The Windsong...

11 Feb

Posted at 20:41h in Blog

This image captures the top of a log wall during a True North Log & Timber Homes log stacking process. The red springs at the top of the wall are True North's LogLock® Compression System, which is a self-adjusting locking mechanism. No maintenance or adjustments are required to achieve an air-tight log wall system. Introduction: A Log Home Without the Typical Log Home Maintenance  Traditional log homes are beautiful, but they’re also known for constant upkeep. Caulking, chinking, and adjusting for settlement are commonly required with most manufacturers. For many homeowners, the charm...

19 Jan

Posted at 18:55h in Blog

True North Quality: Why We Don’t Kiln-Dry Our Logs An in-progress image of a 10,000 sq. ft. log and timber home under construction in Sudbury, Ontario. Introduction In the world of log and timber home construction, few topics generate more discussion than kiln-dried logs. Kiln drying is often promoted as the gold standard for controlling moisture, minimizing settling, and speeding up the building process. While kiln-dried logs can be appropriate in certain construction methods, at True North Log & Timber Homes we have intentionally chosen a different path.  Our decision not to use kiln-dried logs is...

26 Nov

Posted at 19:38h in Blog

How-To: Design a Log or Timber Home with a Modern Feel This is the great room of True North Log & Timber Homes’s award-winning Colantonio Residence. This home celebrates clean lines, natural textures, and sunlight to create a grand space defined by timeless sophistication. Introduction Log homes have long been admired for their cozy ambiance, and deep connection to nature. But today’s homeowners often look to blend that traditional warmth with sleek, modern aesthetics. The result? A fresh take on log home design that offers the best of both worlds.  Whether you're building from the...

16 Oct

Posted at 19:50h in Blog

How-To: Designing Your Home or Cottage with True North Log & Timber Homes This is the Northern Escape, one of True North Log & Timber Homes' award-winning designs. Introduction Designing a custom log home is about more than building a house—it’s about bringing your lifestyle, dreams, and vision to life. At True North Log & Timber Homes, the process is as rewarding as the final result. With decades of expertise and industry-leading technology, True North makes it easy to turn your ideas into a stunning log home.  Whether you’re dreaming of a charming log cabin...

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