Log Homes in Florida

[skidadl]

Is this a good idea?

I live in the Tampa Bay area.

Just getting started with my interest in this.

[Mark OBrien]

I live in Daytona Beach and I know of 10 log homes in my area alone. One kit home (Boo, Hiss!) Sold for $330,000.00 just 3 weeks ago! It sits on 3 acres of land and isn't even near the beach. I know of another log home that is for sale here for $400,000.00 and they are probably going to get it! There is an insurance company in Port Orange that is housed in a log home and a security company in Holly Hill, FL that also resides in a log structure. Land prices have gone psychotic here in Volusia County so you might want to look in a more rural area there on the West Coast of FL.

[skidadl]

I was thinking about buying enough land to build several log homes on.

I know it wouls cost a pretty big price but it would be well worth the money.

I could definatley pay for my chunk with the profits!

[skidadl]

What type of logs can you get in the Florida area?

Anyone know?

[rreidnauer]

I know from driving through Florida many times, that the Northern part of the state has alot of longleaf pine. You might find older growth longleaf in the North-Western and panhandle area. Mid-state, I think you get more into oak. It's too developed in that area anyhow to find any old growth. (unless you sneak onto Disney's property :wink: )

[NordicPrincess]

Hi skidadl,
Welcome to the forum! Western red cedar and cypress are two hardwoods used here in Florida for building log homes. As a matter of fact, the oldest log structure in the US is built of cypress. It is over 400 years old and you can see it in St. Augustine. Both of these woods are naturally resistant to decay and insect infestation.
I have seen some magnificent homes built of these woods. But, as you are finding out, in this area, to buy a log home, the cost is prohibitive unless you are sitting on a pot of gold. :)
A better choice, attend the seminar & learn to build them yourself!
Best wishes to you.
Shanara

[flcowgirl]

I plan to use either longleaf pine (preferably) or poplar :)

[skidadl]

I found an awesome piece of land in a very nice area.

It has huge trees on it for this area of the state.

13.4 acres with 4 of the acres being cleared.

I'm not sure but, I think that there is enough timber to build a few homes on this property.

I need a tree expert.

Man, I wish I would have alreadt taken the class...

[charner]

skidadl, buying land with the trees you can use
is definitely the way to go. Heck you may even be
able to sell some logs to folks around you if you are
interested. You really don't need a tree expert so
much as you want large trees relatively straight and
around the deep south it usually means longleaf.

Take a look at this link for wood characteristics and
their appropriateness for a log home. Scour the internet
for other sources of info as well.

http://www.loghomeliving.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=86

[flcowgirl]

Hey Skidadl, if you want to learn how to calculate what you have while the trees are still standing, just get yourself a Biltmore Stick and do a search on the internet on how to use it. The stick runs about $50, here's a link that may be useful. :)

http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/view_catalog_page.asp?id=1443

[skidadl]

Wow, thanks guys. I really appreciate the help.