Listed below are some questions frequently asked about Montana Log Home construction. If you have other questions that we have not answered here, please call us at 406-752-2992 or click here to contact us.

What species of logs do you use?
Lodgepole Pine and Englemann Spruce are the most common. Our logs are dry seasoned logs, which means they have been air-dried to a moisture content of less than 19%, before they are crafted into your log home. This results in very tight fitting log joints that stay that way. Our logs are handpeeled with a draw knife to retain the protective insulating layer just under the bark, and to preserve the natural color, taper and character of each log.
What is your construction method?
We use the Swedish cope full scribe method. The corners are saddle notched and the full log length has a V-trough cut out and filled with fiberglass insulation. We also build in Chink style construction which consists of saddle notched corners only.
How energy efficient are Montana Log Homes?
Our log homes are some of the most thermally efficient homes being built today. Because of their thermal mass and the cellular structure of the wood fibre, our homes are more energy efficient to heat and cool than a conventional frame home built with 2x6 construction and R19 insulated walls.
Do you build custom log homes?
Since 1975 when Montana Log Homes began, we have not crafted two identical homes. Every home we do is a custom, one-of-a-kind log home. The beautifully crafted homes we have built over the years reflect a variety of architectural styles, such as ranches, chalets, victorians and contemporaries ranging from 500 square feet to 10,000 square feet.
How far do you ship?
Our homes are shipped worldwide. We have homes in 42 states and have shipped our homes to Japan. Our experienced re-set crew travels to all home destinations to re-assemble your log shell. Our homes are shipped on flatbed trucks operated by interstate carriers.
What comes with your package?
Our log work consists of all exterior log walls, loft floor support system, roof support system, porch roof support system and any interior log walls a home owner desires. Optional log features include log gable ends, log staircases, log railings, log archways, etc.
Who re-assembles the log work on the home site?
We send two experienced men to your home site to re-assemble your log shell. After re-setting the log shell we will cut all the door and window openings and any other necessary log trimming. We usually spend four to five days at your home site depending on the size of the project.
Can they be put on basements?
Yes. About half of the homes we build go on basements. The rest are built on 4' high foundations or slabs depending on the area of the nation they are being built in.
What type of sealants or preservatives are used?
We offer several brands of log preservatives. The exterior should be done with a penetrating oil which protects against ultra-violet rays and adds water resistance to the logs as well. The interior can be done in a penetrating oil finish or a satin finish polyurethane. The interior only needs to be done one time. The exterior will need a fresh application every three to four years.
What brands of doors and windows do you recommend?
We handle a line of quality, solid wood doors. They are available in a blue stain pine or knotty pine. You can use any window manufacturer you choose. They will all fit nicely into your log home. Since your log walls are much thicker than a frame wall, they will have to be installed, then custom trimmed by your local builder. Our fully illustrated construction manual covers the proper installation technique for doors and windows.
What roof system do you recommend for your homes?
Our roof support system consists of log ridgepole & purlins. The most common roof system is a 2" x 6" tongue and groove, 2" x 12" rafters with 10" of fiberglass insulation, 5/8" plywood, then the finished roofing. Any finish roofing material can be used such as metal, cedar shakes, asphalt roofing, tile, etc.
How much do your homes cost?
Our log homes are priced using a number of factors including; lineal feet of log walls, number of saddlenotched corners, log species, log size, complexity of the roof system, desired options and the location of the homesite. The most economical log shell is a simple four corner rectangle, with costs starting roughly at $30.00 per square foot. Every log home plan is different in its log package requirements. A log shell design with many more corners and several roof lines could cost $40.00 to $100.00 per sq. ft. depending on the options desired.

A 'finished' log home, can range from $125.00 to over $300.00 per square foot. Building materials, labor rates, and the homeowners' choice of design and finishes are additional variables in calculating the cost of a log home.
How much lead time is needed?
We are often booked many months in advance. The sooner we receive your order, the more likely we will be able to meet your expected delivery date. We build all year round. Please check with our office for production availability. Please allow ample time for the design phase of a custom log home.
How is the electrical wiring done?
The wiring runs under the sub-floor system. Most all electrical work can be done after the log shell is re-set. By using a 2' long drill bit, you can drill for the electrical outlets through the lowest log round into the sub-floor chamber, then router out for the receptacle box and feed the wire up. For electrical switches at your entry doors you would router a channel up from the floor to switch height then drill over about 1' and router for your switch box.
How do I get a price quotation from Montana Log Homes?
Send us a sketch of the floor plan you have in mind. Be sure to give us the exterior wall lengths and the delivery location of the log home. Also jot down any comments or special features you may want done in log. From this sketch we can prepare a preliminary cost estimate for your log shell.