Log Home Living – The Perfect Backdrop for Sustainable Choices

For many modern homeowners, sustainable living is an important part of how their homes are constructed. Real Log Homes are an excellent starting point for a sustainable home, since the wood used in our logs is a renewable and recyclable resource. To reduce energy use, our homes can even be constructed to meet Energy Star requirements. While being environmentally responsible is important, there is no reason why it can’t be fun and fashionable at the same time. Reusing materials and items, like antique furniture, can be both environmentally friendly and stylish but there are also many more permanent additions to your log home that can provide style and be sustainable. Here are some of the best ways to combine the two in the interior of your home.

Flooring

If you wish to have a hardwood floor, then it is possible to used reclaimed flooring. While this reuse of material is of course a green building technique, the unique look of this type of flooring is also desired by many homeowners. Bamboo flooring is also a very sustainable flooring material, since it is a fast-growing grass plant. Even though it is not a hardwood, it has similar hardness to oak flooring. Cork flooring is another sound choice, since it is constructed from scrap material from processes like wine stopper production.

Countertops

While a granite countertop may be a highly desired feature in a home, it is also highly energy intensive to produce. The process of quarrying, cutting, finishing and transporting heavy granite countertops consumes a lot of energy. One alternative surface that is very popular now is recycled glass countertops. These countertops use glass from curbside recycling and recycled windows to comprise up to eighty-five percent of the finished countertop. The recycled glass is held together by a cement or petroleum-based binder. It can withstand high temperatures just like granite and can often cost much less.  Since these countertops are heavy like natural stone, you should choose a local manufacturer for the lowest transportation energy cost.

Cabinet Hardware

While cabinet pulls and hardware are a small detail, they can provide enormous visual impact. Antique handles can provide a nice visual touch in the log home. Some modern hardware pieces are also made from recycled glass and provide a pop of color on your furniture and cupboards.  The example seen at the left here is a cabinet pull made from an old railroad spike.  It definitely adds a rustic look with its re-purposed charm.

Clawfoot Tubs

While modern fiberglass or acrylic bathtubs are typically destroyed when a bathroom is renovated, a cast-iron clawfoot tub makes a great item for reuse. They are relatively easy to refinish and will provide a great, classic feel to the bathroom. Especially in the winter months, soaking in a hot clawfoot tub can be a great respite from the cold outside! Is sustainable decor something you’d like to bring to your log home?  Do you enjoy the concept because it’s eco-friendly, or do you just love the idea of bringing some history and charm into your log home?  Either way, a log home is a great choice to fill with a myriad of design treasures both old and new.  If you’d like to learn more about building a log home of your own, please call Real Log Homes today or fill out the form below for more information.