In my opinion, one of the best showcase items for your log home is the log staircase.  In fact, I think it's a “must have”.

When we went to visit Hiawatha Log Homes in Munising, Michigan, we were struck by the log staircase they had in their model log home.  It was comprised of half logs for steps and fit perfectly into the home's layout.  I fell in love with it and had to have it. 

We set out to get one just like it. So we researched the cost, and compared the various log staircases that were available. Here's what we've learned about log staircases...

Missy M wrote in recently:

I am remodeling bsmnt I have 2 poles that can't b moved I saw on tv, make the poles look like real trees....they never said how or where they bought the materials Can u help, suggestions?

If log homes are your thing and 'rustic' is your game, then you're going to love these pictures of real tree accents and the use of rustic looking logs (or heavy timber) inside a log home.

You'll also see photos of fun ways to incorporate trees and heavy timber logs into the exterior characteristics of your log home.

Check it out...

People have been asking if we made a decision yet about using composite decking on our new log home. Here are some of the questions we've received from Jim, from Jeffrey, and from Ron.

Well, we've actually decided against composite decking at this time. Here's why...

A Craftsman style log home?... Yep, our "bungalow" will be of the Arts & Crafts variety. Much like the very first Craftsman-style log home built back in 1918.

Arts & Crafts was an artistic and philosophical movement that began in 19th century Britain. Craftsman refers to a specific style of early 20th century American architecture that was part of the Arts & Crafts Movement. So Craftsman is actually a subset of Arts & Crafts." Source

What follows are some of the most interesting things I've learned about composite decks, along with some of the questions I still have about composite decking materials.

Most of my initial questions have been answered by TimberTech reps here and MoistureShield reps here.

Onto the trivial facts about composite decks...

I have met with reps from TimberTech several times now. And they've been wonderful at answering my many questions. I still have a few more... as you can see below.

At this point, I'm leaning heavily toward TimberTech as my composite deck company of choice. (Though I have to say... MoistureShield is a very close second.)

Specifically, I am most intrigued by the Earthwood line, due to its realistic "wood" colors and the degree to which it looks natural even after weathering.

I have thoroughly studied two different composite decking manufacturers at this point:

Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (AERT) -- maker of ChoiceDek and MoistureShield composite decking

Crane Plastics -- maker of TimberTech composite decking

This, as part of my quest to determine whether composite decks make sense or not for our new log home.

What follows are the biggest differences between ChoiceDek (also sold as MoistureShield) and Timber Tech. Those are the brands I like best at this point.

Okay, after a 45-minute conversation with the customer service rep at ChoiceDek's manufacturing plant (and 6 full pages of notes!), I have to say I am quite impressed by what I've learned so far.

Both, about composite decks in general, and the ChoiceDek brand (also sold as MoistureShield), specifically.

Where do I begin???

Our current dilemma: Whether to use composite decking for the porches and decks of our new log home or not.

First thought...
It's a log home/ Why in the world would we want to use non-log products in our all-log dream home? I know. I certainly feel guilty even thinking about using "fake wood" in our log home. But if I can get a similar look and quality product with less maintenance, then I'm all for it.

Second thought...
Composite decking uses recycled materials, is longer lasting, and requires less maintenance & upkeep. I can just look out our back window for a firsthand reminder of the problems we've had with our wood deck, wood railings, wood stairs, and wood fence. (And they're only 5 years old!)

Of course the biggest drawback to using composite decking is that "fake" look that sometimes results. That is the biggest factor holding us back at this point.

So I'm wondering... Have any of you used the newer composite decking materials for decks or porches? Or, perhaps you've seen a completed project (in person) that was built using composite decking?

If so, we welcome your thoughts...