Too dark inside

[jkgge]

Im just wondering.....I tend to be one that loves all my curtains pulled open for as much light as possible to come in. My slight concern is that with all the wood on the inside that it is going to be really dark. I plan on using large windows and maybe some sky lights. Are any of you that have built chosen to use sheetrock to cover any of the log interior, outside walls in the smaller spaces to make them not so dark? What about in any of the rooms using sheetrock in between beams on the ceilings to brighten an area up? If so, can you share pictures of how it looks. We have not taken class yet so I dont have access to "the other side" ;)
Thanks
Gina

[Blondie]

Gina,

Big windows really do help AND not staining the logs a dark stain. I plan to build with Engleman Spruce which has the color of ivory when sanded. I will probably seal the logs and call it done.

Blondie

[rocklock]

...........

[rocklock]

Gina;
look at my pictures... I have 21 windows and glass doors. My second floor is bright all day long with 3 sky light (48 sqft) and 4 gable windows (almost 100 sqft) and one other just for drill. The varnished floors reflect much of the light and I have a large pond that also reflects light from the sun in an upward direction. If you find a picture of my ceiling with shadows that is from the reflected pond light. I have many glass pieces that also benefit from the light.

Log homes can be dark because of small window but they can also be very bright depending on orientation, windows, doors and skylights...

My neighbor Pinecone Pan has a very bright living room, kitchen and dining area with gigantic south facing windows. Here home is in the student built log homes... Check it out...
http://www.loghomebuilders.org/student-log-home/pinecone-pam

[Shark]

We added a large window in the dining room area "last minute" (found a smokin deal on it), and it was amazing how much it brightened up the inside of the house.

As noted above, light stained logs, lots of windows it will be decently bright inside. No need to cover log walls with drywall. We did use drywall on the stick-framed interior walls, painted a light color, it was bright inside.

[panderson03]

LOVE Pinecone Pam's place!!!!!

[jkgge]

Panderson.....me too!!!!! I looked at the pictures from the link above....she did an outstanding job......LOVE what she did.

Are you just limited by $$$ as to how big or many windows you can put in?

[TAB]

Gina,

The only limitation to a B&P log home regarding windows is location. You can't have anything in the corners (within 2 ft??) so you don't compromise the structural integrity. Otherwise, you can have as large and as many windows as you want.
Remember, windows are expensive, and inefficient, so many builders keep them to a minimum.

Trevor

[loghousenut]

What they are all saying is that it won't be too dark unless you want it that way. It'll be your home, and you can use as much or as little drywall as you want, and you can paint it anyway you like. No need to cover up the logs unless you really want to... and you won't want to.

LHBA is not a bunch of old, blind, bachelor men who don't care about beauty and art. We are a bunch of folks who want to build our own log home with our own hands. Some of us (present company excepted) are cultured and care about aesthetics and color coordination.

Me??? I just like things that can be built using a chain saw and big hammer.

[jkgge]

awwww...loghousenut........Im sorry.....I never meant to emply that LHBA is not a bunch of old, blind, bachelor men who don't care about beauty and art. Sorry if it came across that way. I am just wanting to know my limitations if any as far as the structure and integrity of the home.

[loghousenut]

awwww...loghousenut........Im sorry.....I never meant to emply that LHBA is not a bunch of old, blind, bachelor men who don't care about beauty and art. Sorry if it came across that way. I am just wanting to know my limitations if any as far as the structure and integrity of the home.

You never came across that way. I was just funnin' with you. The few LHBA homes that I have been in that felt dark, still seemed alive and vibrant. I don't think you have a thing to worry about unless you really like that 1950's hospital look.

Personally, having spent some time in a 1950's hospital, I'd rather have a little less "bleached and sterile" and a little more "living wood". Any way, dank and dark is not a requirement for a LHBA home.