1. The character of the log utilized

Contrary to what you might think, logs do not come solely in straight shapes. They might be D-shaped, round, square, rectangular, or Swedish cope style. These are the basic shapes that will be used to build your log home. The D-shaped logs have three sides that are rounded and one side is flattened. The Swedish cope log has a bit of the lower portion of the log chiseled out so that it can be set properly.

2. The type of the log utilized

You should know about the pros and cons of all the wood types you wish to use for your home designs. Rest assured you wont be able to choose something thats all be perfect. Instead, you must realize that every species of wood has something going for it. You could choose cedar, cypress, hemlock, Douglas fir, spruce, oak, yellow pine and white pine. If the building and maintenance processes are done correctly, then you would be able to enjoy the comforts of your log home for a long time without any doubt.

3. Milled or Peeled logs

The logs that have their bark and sapwood removed are called peeled logs. This task can be done manually or in a mill. On the other hand, milled logs are smoother and more consistent. Once they are passed through the machines, they are carved into the shape that is required for construction.

4. Corner system

This can again be subdivided into four categories

a. Dovetail corners- rectangular or square logs are cut so that there is a fan shaped wedge produced. When the logs are stacked together, the ends of two logs are locked perpendicularly.
b. Butt and Pass- here one log is cut when it is joined by the next log, whereas the other continues beyond the corner. Most often, the butt log fits into a cutout space that is provided in the passing logs.
c. Notched- a saddle shaped notch is dug into the bottom side of a round shaped log. The notch on the underside of the top log straddles the top side of the log that arrives from the perpendicular wall. Then both of these logs continue beyond the corner. Such corners are easier to fasten and are more traditional.
d. Post corners- the end of the logs are cut off perpendicularly with respect to its length and then sealed at the corners. This makes it a vertical post. Since vertical posts do not fit in with horizontal logs, such constructions do not have the look of the regular log homes and they need a different kind of engineering.

If you decide to devote more time to learning about various designs, get hold of home plans of houses that have already been built with the help of logs. Reviewing a few of these plans will provide you with interesting ideas. You could also chance upon a plan that details what you have actually been looking for!