The REAL LOG HOMES® log "package" could best be described as a structural shell. It is comprised of log components unique to the REAL LOG HOMES® building system, its patented joinery system, and items like doors, windows and frame-stock that require special accommodation to provide you with a sound log home. Having serviced more than 23,000 customers since 1963, we know that one of the biggest pitfalls in choosing a log home supplier is just comparing "kits.” As with any product or service, making comparisons on price or quantity alone can be a mistake resulting in an unhappy experience.

When comparing a REAL LOG HOMES® package with a competing package, you may find similar items like windows, floor joists and roof rafters.  But just knowing that these items are included isn’t enough. It's important to ask additional questions that will help you uncover important details about those items: What brand of window is included? What does the roof system consist of?

A closer inspection may reveal that even though rafters are included in both kits, rafters in the REAL LOG HOMES® package are full log, pre-treated, and pre-cut to length and roof pitch. They may also be part of a roof system that includes a Glu-laminated ridge beam. The roof system in the competing package might be merely a supply of 2 x 10 lumber, making it difficult to accurately compare on price alone. In this case, the REAL LOG HOMES® package price would likely be higher, but the superior quality and overall aesthetics of your finished home make the price worthwhile. Flexibility in design however is a hallmark of REAL LOG HOMES® log packages - if you prefer 2 x 10 lumber for roof rafters, a package can be created to accommodate them.

REAL™ Package vs. Complete Kit

Log packages touted as a "complete kit" or marketed with a "no-shop" guarantee, often include standard building materials. But they are not necessarily the best materials for your log home. Your local builder or supplier can better supply these standard items. Buying locally you can choose quality components, you don’t have materials lying unused around the site for lengthy periods (exposing them to weather, damage, or possible pilferage), you won’t pay marked-up prices, and you likely will reduce factory shipping costs.

Even though the lure of a “no-shop" guarantee or a "complete kit" is tempting, it's to your advantage to purchase standard construction materials locally if they are not an integral part of your log system.

REAL™ Package vs. Logs Only

A REAL LOG HOMES® log "package" includes more than just log walls – it comes with pre-cut and graded logs, pre-cut heavy timber floor joists and log rafter system—per plan—as well as PVC Lockspline, Oly-fasteners®, Andersen® windows and patio doors, and Therma-Tru® entry doors, with their specially-designed, pre-fabricated frame stock. Preparing these items under factory-controlled conditions helps to create a more precise and weather-tight fit.

Unlike a REAL LOG HOMES® package, a “logs-only” package includes logs for your log walls, but generally won't include windows and doors or the frame-stock. If the window and door frames are not designed as part of an integrated joinery system, less desirable caulking or chinking is necessary for an airtight fit.

Additionally, in a logs-only package, the desirable heavy timber floor-joists, log rafters, and log gable ends are often available only at additional cost from the attractive base price, or, they’re simply not available. With a REAL LOG HOMES® brand log package, these items come standard (per plan), but can be substituted with other materials to allow budget flexibility.

The best way to compare REAL LOG HOMES® brand log packages with other brands is with professional help from your local REAL LOG HOMES® Independent Representative.

See our Package Options Tool for an overview of components and package options available in a REAL LOG HOMES® log package.