Is kiln dried better than air dried? Are tru bolts better than nails or spikes?
Which log wood is best in the SE?
Can chinking be eliminated?
Do you know how good the quality is for Lodge Logs, Wahconah Logs, Heritage Logs? Do you have a favorite manufacturer?
I think air dried is best. You will get less checking. (cracks)
We are not manufacturers, but bolts seem to make more sense for a good solid home. I have worked on both, and to be honest, cannot tell the difference.
Cypress would be best in south, but expensive I’m sure. Yellow Pine or some other good solid pine would work if maintained properly. Avoid White Pine.
There are a lot of home builders who say their models do not need chinking or caulk, but over time my experience is that the home will need to be sealedwith caulk or chink eventually.
All of these manufacturers are good. The actual contractor that constructs the home is the key to this. Be sure to get 3-4 references and look at his/her work.