It’s time to revisit one of our favourite topics here at lake mountain cabin – log cabin flooring!
Why do we love log cabin flooring?
Log cabin flooring is a versatile and aesthetically-pleasing option for any log home, cabin or other structure. Plus, it’s easy to install and maintain, making it a popular choice for homebuilders and DIY enthusiasts alike.
If you’re thinking of installing flooring in your log cabin home or another space, there are a few things to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to buy log cabin flooring and what type of flooring is best for log homes.
Essential considerations
Whether you’re a first-time buyer of flooring or a seasoned pro it’s always useful to brush up on the essentials as things can change! Here’s our list of essentials to keep in mind when going through the flooring process.
Size of the room/rooms you’re covering
Firstly, you’ll need to know the size of the room or rooms you’re hoping to cover with log cabin flooring. This will determine how much flooring you’ll need to buy and also give you a good idea of what type of log cabin flooring would be most suitable.
For example, if you’re covering a small space then laminate log cabin flooring may be a good choice, while if you’re covering a large space then hardwood log cabin flooring may be more suitable.
The load capacity of the floor
You’ll also need to consider the load capacity of the log cabin flooring you’re thinking of buying. This is particularly important if you’re hoping to install log cabin flooring in a high-traffic area such as a hallway or kitchen.
The good news is that most log cabin flooring options are designed to be durable and long-lasting, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding an option that can stand up to heavy traffic.
Heat retention and cooling
If you’re installing log cabin flooring in a log home or other space with high levels of heat, it’s also important to consider how well the flooring material can retain and distribute that heat.
Likewise, if you’re installing log cabin flooring in an area where cooling is more important than heating, you’ll need to look for a material that can help to cool the space down.
One of the best options for log homes is bamboo flooring as it’s an excellent conductor of both heat and cold.
Use of underfloor heating
Following on from the above point, you need to choose a log cabin flooring that is designed to work well with underfloor heating can be another great choice. This will ensure that your log home stays nice and warm during the winter months.
Flooring grip
It’s also worth considering the grip of your flooring when buying. This is especially important if you have young children or pets that may slip on the log home flooring.
There is a range of log cabin flooring options available that are designed to provide good traction and grip no matter what weather conditions you’re experiencing, so you should have no trouble finding log cabin flooring that’s suitable for your needs.
Cost
Finally, when buying log cabin flooring you will also need to think about your budget. There is a wide range of log cabin flooring options available at different price points, so it’s always worth doing some research before making a purchase.
Log Cabin Flooring Materials
So, with all of these considerations in mind, how can you go about choosing log cabin flooring for your log cabin living room, bathroom and kitchen? Here are options to inspire some inspiration.
Real Wooden Flooring
One of the most popular choices for log cabin flooring is real wooden flooring. This type of flooring has a classic look that never goes out of style and it can also add value to your log home.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of installing real wooden flooring in your log cabin. First, wood is a durable material but it does need to be properly maintained in order to stay looking its best.
Second, real wooden log cabin flooring can be expensive and also requires proper installation in order to ensure that the floor is level and secure.
However, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort then real wooden log cabin flooring can give your home a beautiful and timeless look.
Wooden Laminate Flooring
If you love the look of real wood but you’re not sure if you’re ready to commit to the maintenance and cost then wooden laminate log cabin flooring could be a good choice for you.
Laminate log cabin flooring is made to look like real wood but it’s actually made from a composite material. This makes it more durable and easier to care for than real wood, as well as being more budget-friendly.
Tile Flooring
Other log cabin flooring options to consider include tile flooring. This can be a great choice if you want something that is easy to clean and will work well with underfloor heating.
However, keep in mind that tile log cabin flooring tends to get slippery when wet, so it may not be the best option for log homes with young children or pets.
Concrete Flooring
If you’re looking for something a bit different, log cabin flooring made from concrete can be an interesting choice. This material is durable and can even withstand being submerged underwater at times, making it a great choice for log homes that are located near lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water.
Polished concrete log cabin flooring can also give your log home a modern and stylish look.
Cork Flooring
Another log cabin flooring material that is becoming increasingly popular is cork. Cork is made from the bark of cork trees and it has a number of excellent features that make it ideal for log homes.
For example, cork log cabin flooring is very durable and also resists moisture, making it a great choice for log cabins that are located near water. Plus, its natural insulation properties mean that it can help keep your log home nice and warm in the winter months.
Bamboo Flooring
As we’ve mentioned earlier in the post, log cabins are often found in locations that can be quite cold and it’s important to stay warm when you’re living or working there.
One log cabin flooring option worth considering is bamboo log cabin flooring. This material has excellent insulating properties, making it a great choice for log homes that tend to get very cold in the winter.
In addition to being warm, log cabin flooring made from bamboo is also durable and easy to maintain. So if you’re looking for log cabin flooring that will keep your home comfortable year-round, then it’s worth considering adding some bamboo log cabin flooring to your space.
While there are many different log cabin flooring options to choose from, ultimately the right choice for you will depend on your log home’s specific needs and preferences.
So take some time to consider what you really want out of your log cabin flooring and be sure to do your research before making any final decisions.
Maintaining a Log Cabin Floor
A quick note of log cabin flooring maintenance, log cabins in general requires more flooring upkeep than the average home. That’s because a log cabin is generally located in a remote, rural area where there is no one to regularly clean up debris that can track in on shoes and clothing.
This means that log cabin owners need to be extra vigilant about sweeping and mopping their floors on a regular basis.
In addition, log cabins are often located in areas where there is a lot of dust, pollen, and other allergens floating around in the air. So if you have allergies, it’s important to make sure that your log cabin’s flooring is made from materials that won’t aggravate your symptoms.
Cleaning A Log Cabin Floor
Similarly, we’ll keep this short and sweet and each flooring will have its own cleaning recommendations. Generally speaking, log cabin flooring made from wood should be swept or vacuumed regularly and mopped with water on a weekly basis at the very least.
Tile log cabin flooring can be cleaned using a mild detergent and either a mop or sponge. For concrete log cabin flooring, you will likely want to use a wet mop as well, but this type of log cabin flooring may also require a sealant to prevent staining.
Log Cabin Floor Coverings
The final area we want to take you though when it comes to buying log cabin flooring isn’t about the flooring but rather what you’ll be putting on top of it!
Yes, log cabin floor coverings are just as important as the flooring itself and there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re choosing them.
For example, log cabin floor coverings should be durable and able to withstand high traffic areas. They should also be easy to clean and maintain so you won’t have to spend a lot of time and effort keeping them looking good.
Floor coverings should also be stylish and complement the overall look and feel of your log home.
With all that in mind, let’s take a look at some popular log cabin floor covering options that you may want to consider for your own cabin.
Faux animal skins
One log cabin floor covering option that can add a bit of fun and flair to your space is faux animal skins. These are usually made from synthetic materials but they can still give your log home a touch of wilderness.
Plus, they’re relatively easy to clean and maintain so you won’t have to spend a lot of time worrying about them.
Real animal skins
If you really want to go all out, then you could consider using real animal skins as log cabin floor coverings. These will usually be more expensive than faux animal skins but they’ll also be more durable and longer-lasting.
Plus, they can add a bit of authenticity to your log home that faux animal skins just can’t match.
Log cabin area rugs
If you’re looking for a log cabin floor covering that is both stylish and functional, then a log cabin area rug may be the perfect choice for you. These can help to add some color and texture to your log home while also providing warmth underfoot.
There are many different types of area rugs available, so you’ll be sure to find one that fits your log cabin’s specific style. Plus, they’re relatively easy to clean and maintain so you won’t have to spend a lot of time worrying about them.
Log cabin mats
Another log cabin floor covering option that can be both stylish and functional is a log cabin mat. These are usually made from natural materials like wool or jute and they can help to add some warmth and texture to your log home.
Bristle mats should be placed at doors and entryways to help keep your log cabin flooring clean and in good shape.
Summary
Whether you’re looking to choose log cabin flooring or log cabin floor coverings, there are many different options available. Be sure to consider your needs and budget when making your purchasing decisions, as well as the style and feel of your log home so that you can find the perfect flooring or floor covering for you!
If you’re building a log cabin or renovating an existing log home make sure you take a look at the other articles on our website, so be sure to check out our blog regularly for the latest tips and advice!
