Log houses are constructed of logs which have not been milled into lumber. This economical and ecological style of building originated in northern Europe and Russia centuries ago, and was a popular building style in frontier America. In the 1920's log houses made of milled logs (which were cut and shaped uniformly) began to be marketed, and the current vogue for natural, earth-aware living has made log home plans a very popular choice today. Log houses have an earthy, natural feel to them, and are often designed to fit into the environment by taking advantage of scenic vistas, sunsets, and existing topographic site features such as slopes, large trees, and boulders.
The term "log cabin" refers to a small, often one-room, structure which is suitable for a summer camp or hunting lodge. Log cabin house plans are usually more rustic than full-blown log houses designed for family living, which can be quite luxurious and well-appointed. Log cabins are made by stacking hand-dressed logs and notching the ends so that walls interlock at the corners. Log houses can be either handcrafted or milled. Handcrafted logs are usually stripped of bark but otherwise appear in their natural state. Milled log houses are made of logs which have been processed to be uniform in appearance and size, to facilitate the process of construction and to create a less rustic appearance. Nowadays most log houses are milled rather than handcrafted since these have much lower labor costs, and are available in a wider variety of styles and options than handcrafted houses.