Frequently asked questions
These are some of the most common questions we are asked. If you would like to know more, don’t hesitate to ask from your local Honka representative.
Where do the products come from?
Honka log houses are manufactured in Finland, from Finnish pine that comes from PEFC-certified Finnish forests. One of the greatest things about Finland is its abundance of trees. In fact, more wood grows in Finnish forests than is harvested.We never buy wood from protected regions.
Have forests been sustainably managed?
Yes. The PEFC certification guarantees that for each tree felled to build the house, a new sapling was planted, and in time these saplings will grow into a new forest. In Finland, the natural growth of forests far exceeds the number of trees cut down.
How long will my building take to arrive after I place an order?
In general, a log house package is ready to be delivered within 6-10 weeks from the order date. The transport time of course depends on the distance and delivery method. The house package is delivered to the customer by truck, trailer or sea container – whichever is the optimal delivery method for the customer.
What does it mean, when you say that the wood breathes?
Solid wood or log has the ability to absorb moisture and release it back into the air in the room when it has dried. This so called ‘breathing‘ means that the water vapor can move freely between the wall and the air. This moisture buffering effect helps to keep the indoor conditions in the comfortable zone by cutting down the incidence of high and very low relative humidity conditions.
Are log homes airtight?
We have been working with the airtightness and moisturetightness of our homes for a long time in co-operation with a global network of leading experts. We are proud to say that we deliver some of the most airtight and moisture tight houses on the market. Our precision-machined timber with built-in seals yields very tight fitting joints, and hence airtight walls. All Honka houses are insulated with double seals at the factory. This keeps them well insulated, decreases the possibility of on-site sealing errors and helps speed up construction.
How much does a log home cost?
In general, log homes are more expensive than frame homes but they last for generations. Honka log homes are crafted from a high-quality solid wood that originates from PEFC-certified Finnish forests. They are desined and built to create an ideal environment for healthy living.
In general, a turn-key delivery for our house (excluding the ground work) varies from 2700$ to 4000$ per square meter, of course depending on the complexity of house, level of equipment and product choices. Each and every house is different, but we can work carefully to your budget. Ask for further information from your local Honka representative.
Are log homes energy-efficient?
Solid logs are natural energy conservationists. Unlike a timber frame wall, a log wall is a massive structure that is capable of storing heat. We also supply houses with additional thermal insulation. Honka low-energy walls enable us to build houses that are extremely energy-efficient and can achieve any given energy class.
What kind of heating is recommended for a log home?
You can choose practically any feasible energy solution for your log home. Solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, air source heat pumps, fireplaces and combinations of these are some of the popular choices by our customers. Just ask for further information from your local Honka representative.
Is there a choice of external finishes?
Yes. The logs can be stained with almost any colour and a variety of claddings can be used as an external finish. We can also use brick, render or stone.
How long will the log home last?
There are examples of log homes around the world that are hundreds of years old. Provided that they are well maintained, the Honka log homes are designed to last for generations.
Is there more risk of fire with timber buildings?
Log buildings perform well in a fire due to the natural charring of the surface of the wood which protects it. In the event of a fire, a log house will not burn like a timber frame house, but will in fact only char due to the sheer mass of the logs themselves. In direct comparison with steel, wood can cope much longer in a fire before collapsing.
What does Honka Fusion mean? Why would I choose it?
Honka Fusion™ is our very own state-of-the-art concept for the urban, minimalistic architecture. Because of the non-settling Honka Fusion wall structure, logs can easily be combined with other materials, free of the wide architraves and settling spaces required in traditional log construction. Compared to traditional log technology, this gives architects and designers more room to design architecturally unique, modern buildings. Still maintaining all the benefits of natural, solid wood.
Can I build a log house in an urban environment?
If you want to create a contemporary design with urban, minimalistic details, then your choice is the non-settling Honka Fusion log. Cross corners are characteristic to log houses, but many people feel they are a feature of rural landscapes. Our clearly defined, minimalistic Honka Zero Corner™ concept produces log houses that are at ease even in the most urban environments.
