We have come a long way from the stereotypical mobile homes that we are used to seeing on television. They are no longer considered cheaper than a house but more permanent than an apartment. We don’t see them as swellings of last resort. These houses offer us the best in portability and style, and the most modern examples are proof of that.
Many trends have come and gone over the years in the mobile home business. But one has really turned heads and completely changed the way they look and feel. Those are those houses made of wood and they are amazing.
Why is wood in fashion?
You may be wondering what it is about wood that is so impressive and elegant. A lot of this has to do with the overall look. Wood frames have a classic element that is difficult to achieve with metal frames. Instead of having a traditional trailer, you can have a miniature cabin that is a joy to look at.
There are also environmental factors in the word. Many wooden mobile homes are made from reused or recycled wood, using eco-friendly stumps and sealants. This adds another dimension for those who want to lower their carbon footprint, while being a little closer to nature. It’s not so easy to feel that connection to the Earth when you live in a metal box.
On the downside, a log home will often be more expensive due to materials and maintenance cost. But those who have them agree that it is worth the investment.
Maintenance of a wooden mobile home
While it requires more maintenance than its metal cousin, that house doesn’t cost as much or require as much effort as you may fear. On the contrary, they only need to be maintained every three to five years, and the rest of the time they are usually maintained under all weather conditions.
When the three to five years are up, you will need to retain and reseal the wood. This prevents it from shrinking from moisture and heat, cracking from cold, or fading from the sun. It will also prevent breaks in the seal that can lead to drafts, rot, or even insect and rodent infestations.
Because the square footage tends to be smaller in a wooden mobile home, the price rarely exceeds $1,500. That may sound like a lot, but spread out over the years it’s $300 to $500 a year, and it’s worth every penny to keep your home beautiful.
What to look for in a wooden mobile home
Now that you know some of the reasons to buy such a log home, here are a few things to consider when looking for the one that is perfect for you and your family:
Space – How much space will you need? This is one of the most important questions to ask yourself, because these houses are so customizable. Increasingly, the tiny house option is becoming popular, but you can build something as big as you want. You can also find decent manufactured homes in all sizes.
Cost – Cost will be a major factor in making a decision for most. Generally speaking, you’ll see tens of thousands, depending on size and features. That’s far less than you’d pay for a metal mobile home and millions of thousands less than if you chose a regular home.
Ease of portability: Some of these log homes come with wheels, but others don’t have foundations, so they can be placed on a trailer hitch and pulled. Larger options may need a portable platform to move it.
Land: Will you buy the land your house sits on? Or will you be traveling a lot and therefore just hooking it up to take it wherever you need it (a common thing with tiny homes that are mobile)? You can often find cheap land that is worth buying to move back into or to keep your home on permanently. This also increases the value of your property.
Peripheral Features – Do you want a deck? Additional floors or extensions? A Jacuzzi? loft? Your options are endless, so don’t hesitate to plan your dream home.
Examples of beautiful wooden mobile homes
The Log Cabin: Have you ever dreamed of having a log cabin but didn’t have the money to buy it? Now you can, with all the rustic charm you crave. As you can see, this version is larger, similar to a farmhouse and beautiful inside.
The Chalet – The actual structure itself is very expensive, but it gives you an idea of what layouts are possible with this model. You can create a similar log house for a fraction of the cost and place it anywhere.
The Traveler – This adorable tiny house is reminiscent of old-school travel vans, escorted carnivals, and caravan convoys from turn-of-the-century America. Bright, cheery and well done, it shows how imagination is as important in crafting your new home as anything else.
The Tiny Cabin – Another log cabin option, this is the tiny house version. It shows how much can be done in a compact space, using reclaimed wood and simple items that the couple who own this cabin were able to use in the construction.
The Eco-lodge – Is budget less of an issue? This is proof of the incredible things that can be done with wooden mobile homes. You wouldn’t even know these are considered “temporary” housing for so many.
The Family Home – This was a custom built home by a construction company for a family who wanted something really special. Just looking at the beautiful wood outside and inside, as well as the overall fascinating design with its windows and terraces, is impressive. It would be hard to find anything that could match it.
As you can see, wooden mobile homes are trending for good reason.