Despite the hardships and trials of pioneer life that few of us would willingly endure, there’s one image of long-ago homesteading that evokes feelings of contentment and oneness with nature.

It’s the sight of a cozy log house.

With today’s knowledge and methods of construction – including improved insulation methods – the classic log house is available to virtually anybody planning their dream home.

And if they wanted the expertise of a company that’s been building log homes for more than half a century, they should talk to Canadian Cedar Log.

Canadian Cedar Log homes last longer than conventional homes. Designs range from 600 sq. ft. to 9,000 sq. ft.

The company is a world leader in crafting custom log homes. Since 1952, it has designed and produced thousands of log home packages for customers across North America, Asia and Europe. It has extensive experience with residential, recreational and commercial log buildings.

Canadian Cedar Log’s package contains all structural components, which are typically assembled on a foundation by a third-party contractor. No need to deal with subcontractors and trades yourself.

Collin Kostichuk, manager of marketing and business development, says beauty and durability are among the attractions of a log house.

“A log home lasts forever,” he says.

“We look at the houses we built in the 1950s, and as long as they’ve been fairly well maintained, they look like new.”

Owners generally keep the exteriors maintained with the proper stains, but it’s no calamity if they don’t.

“Even if people slack off, the look can be recovered,” Kostichuk explains. “There are ways to make the wood look like new again.”

As the company’s name implies, most of its structures are made of milled western red cedar, but some clients opt for hand-peeled logs from other species, including Alberta white pine.

Building a log home usually requires a slightly bigger budget than for many conventional houses, but in the long run the milled-cedar home might work out to be cheaper.

“It is a little bit more expensive than a conventional house, but you’re looking at a better-quality home,” Kostichuk says. “The log home will last forever and you’re not going to lose any of its insulating or structural qualities, or the function of it. That’s especially true with cedar, because cedar preserves itself naturally.”

A tour of the company’s website (www.cancedarlog.ca) reveals a gallery of photos showcasing an amazing variety of designs, both for exteriors and interiors of log homes. Some retain a classic look with modest windows, while others showcase acres of glass.

Expansive decks are a popular feature, not surprisingly for homeowners with a respect for the great outdoors.

One plan called Mt. Resthaven, for example, is an open, functional home measuring 1680 square feet. It’s ideal for any location with a view, as a residence or cottage. Like other plans, it can be customized as desired.

The Regal is a striking two-storey home that offers numerous features, including a formal dining room, central foyer and a two-car garage. Like all log homes, it has a dramatic look both inside and out, yet it was designed with economical use of space in every room.

A smaller choice would be the two-bedroom Okanagan. At 713 square feet, it’s a perfect little weekend getaway, whether built in the mountains, the woods, or on a lake. The size of a log home is limited only by the customer’s taste and budget.

“We’ve done everything from 600 square feet right up to 9,000 square feet,” Kostichuk says.

While Canadian Cedar Log has an extensive selection of designs, they are typically not needed when clients arrive with clear visions of their dream home.

“Most of the time, our customers come to us with a design in mind. Most of those people have been planning their log home anywhere from two to 20 years, so they’ve got a pretty good idea of what they want.”

Canadian Cedar Log, of course, doesn’t limit its market to residential contracts.

“We do commercial as well. You’ll find that in our 51-year history we’ve done many restaurants, golf and country clubhouses and several hotels and motels.

“We’re in the process of completing a hall for the Edmonton Police Association. We’ve also done several churches and community buildings.”

Such clients appreciate the majestic presence of a large, cedar-log building. Homeowners usually have a different feeling in mind.

“A cedar log home has a cozy and warm feeling,” Kostichuk says. “It all seems very natural, and a lot of people find the natural look extremely relaxing.”

For more information, call toll-free: 1-800-346-9291 from Calgary or 1-888-707-5510 from Edmonton. E-mail info@cancedarlog.ca or visit www.cancedarlog.ca