Barna Log Homes of Oneida, Tenn., says an appreciation for the beauty of nature has been passed down through the generations of the Jim Barna family, and for decades in the company itself.

“Our passion for the outdoor way of life is our family tradition,” the company says. “It is only natural that our corporate headquarters is nestled just outside of The Big South Fork National Park. We have built upon the pioneering spirit of America’s past to bring [customers] the best log home available today – one that will last through generations of [their] family.”

Barna Log Homes says it is one of the largest and most innovative log home manufacturers in the United States. “Founder Jim Barna began changing the industry by changing the logs,” the company says. “He started the trend of milling the logs to specific, uniform tolerances and joining them together with interlocking saddle-notch corners and tongue-and-groove walls.

“The techniques kept the structures air- and water-tight and maintained the straight lines of the logs. Since then, Barna Log Homes has developed multiple log systems that provide innovation, integrity and ease of construction.” The company says it has been dedicated to the art of crafting log homes for three decades.

“Log homes combine construction techniques and materials from hundreds of years ago with modern innovation to provide a structure of enduring strength and beauty,” Barna Log Homes says. “Our innovative milling techniques and advancements in joinery design and construction engineering have become industry standards.”

Graded logs, kiln drying, pre-cutting, pre-drilling, profiled corner notches, log adhesive, lag-bolt assembly and pre-manufactured window and door jambs make Barna log homes substantially stronger and more energy efficient than other types of log systems on the market, the company says.

“The result is a home that will remain comfortable and beautiful throughout the years,” Barna Log Homes adds. “[We have] guided thousands of people through the process of creating their log homes. Our log homes stand the test of time because our attention to detail applies to the homes we create, as well as to the homeowners who dream them. A well-crafted Barna log home is an heirloom [a customer’s] family will hand down for generations.”

Building the Homes
Barna Log Homes says its standard construction method is known as the settling system, where logs are pre-drilled for lag bolts or through bolts. Great care is taken in planning for the settling of the log walls. The company says it prefers this method to the rigid system because it ensures that the structure settles evenly.

The company offers nine log systems, three optional building packages and two building systems, standard or precut. In the standard building system, rafters and upper floor beams are not pre-cut. The classic pre-cut building system combines precision engineering with ease of construction, according to Barna Log Homes.

“All Barna log homes are available in both the standard and the classic building systems,” the company says. “We code each element in our structural packages and label its exact position to eliminate guesswork and to expedite the building process.”

The company also has added its own innovation in its interlocking corner joinery systems, it says. Barna Log Homes uses a double tongue-and-groove building system with a saddle-notch corner to lock the logs into place.

“This gives Barna log homes unmatched structural integrity and strength,” the company adds. “We even designed and built the precision equipment required to execute this configuration. It is the most copied joinery system in the log home industry.”

Design Options
Barna Log Homes says every unit is crafted to suit each customer’s style. “Starting with [a customer’s] budget and list of needs and wants, we help [them] select the floor plan that is right for [them] and [their] family,” the company adds. “Barna Log Homes offers a wide range of plans to suit [a customer’s] needs, from simple cottages to elaborate dwellings. We can even expand [a customer’s] existing log home with an addition. Our plans reflect years of experience and have been designed to include the best features and layouts for the most affordable price.”

The company adds that its in-house design team and design partners provide consultation services to help customers reach the right balance between form and function.

“If a plan meets [a customer’s] basic requirements but needs to be tweaked to make a perfect fit, we are happy to collaborate on customizing the design to create the blueprint of [their] dreams,” Barna Log Homes says. “We offer a wide range of log species, log profiles, materials packages, pre-cut roof packages, building systems, handcrafted building systems and log accents. The options [customers] choose and the way [they] put them together are all up to [them].

“Our design experts are here to help [customers] create a home that is totally distinctive.”