Stewardship is more than a buzzword – it’s how we do business.
At Carolina Log Homes, every log cabin, timber frame house or custom home we help create begins with respect for the land. From forest to finished home, sustainability is built into every step.
A Commitment to Sustainability
At Carolina Log Homes, we’re proud to represent a manufacturer that has built sustainability into every part of its process — long before it became an industry standard.
Our manufacturing partner, Honest Abe Log Homes, is part of a family of companies dedicated to responsible resource management. Their founder, the late Doug Smith, believed that if you make your living from wood, you also bear the responsibility to protect and renew it. That philosophy continues to guide their work today.
From maximizing the use of every part of each log to ensuring long-term forest health through responsible harvesting, Honest Abe takes stewardship seriously. Their operations are designed to reduce waste, promote renewal, and encourage all partners — from suppliers to homeowners — to think and act with the environment in mind.
Being green isn’t a tagline — it’s a mindset that shapes every decision, and it’s one of the many reasons we chose to partner with them. When you build with Carolina Log Homes, you’re not just choosing a more natural way to live — you’re supporting a smarter, more sustainable future.
Eastern White Pine, which is used for Honest Abe’s log homes, is a major species for reforestation, making it a plentiful and renewable resource. Here’s an article by Jeff Clements, Vice President of Honest Abe Log Homes, explaining measures taken to ensure that this resource is renewable.
Excellence in Planning, Products, Manufacturing and Efficiency.
At Carolina Log Homes, we partner with a manufacturer committed to resourceful and responsible practices. Honest Abe Log Homes and its sister companies make use of every part of a harvested log or purchased timber, resulting in an almost zero-waste operation.
By-products like pine sawdust and shavings are sold to Barky Beaver, a sister company that packages them for animal bedding and soil blends. Cutoffs are repurposed as kiln-dried firewood for local retailers, including park-approved use. Even waste materials are used for heating the plant during colder months — a smart, efficient approach that supports sustainability at every level.
Truly Green Finishes That Perform
At Carolina Log Homes, we understand that sustainability is a top priority for many of our customers. Log homes themselves are inherently green — built from renewable materials that reflect a respect for nature. But what about the finishes used to protect and beautify those homes? Can they be environmentally friendly, too?
The answer lies in how we define “green.”
A Closer Look at What Makes a Finish “Green”
Some oil-based finish manufacturers claim their products are environmentally sound because they contain renewable ingredients like linseed or soybean oil. But those same finishes also rely heavily on petroleum-based solvents, requiring harsh chemicals like turpentine or mineral spirits for cleanup. These substances fall under strict environmental regulations due to their toxicity and lasting impact.
One of the most reliable standards for determining environmental responsibility is a product’s level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs have been linked to ozone depletion and climate change, and both state and federal agencies now limit their presence in paints and coatings. As a result, many traditional finishes have reduced solvent content by adding fillers — a trade-off that often reduces performance and visual appeal.
Why We Choose Perma-Chink Finishes
Carolina Log Homes is proud to include Perma-Chink finishes in our log and timber home packages. Honest Abe Log Homes, our manufacturing partner, has trusted Perma-Chink Systems since 1981 for their innovation and environmental commitment.
All of Perma-Chink’s LIFELINE stains are water-based and completely free of petroleum distillates. They comply with all VOC regulations and are formulated to have minimal environmental impact — without sacrificing performance or beauty. Cleanup is as simple as soap and water, which means no added pollutants during or after application.
Safe for Your Home and Family
Perma-Chink also places a high priority on indoor air quality. Their interior finishes are specially formulated to meet the highest safety standards, making them safe to apply and live with. In fact, their testing has shown that petroleum-based finishes don’t match the longevity or durability of LIFELINE finishes when exposed to real-world conditions.
Every component in a Perma-Chink product is carefully evaluated for safety — not just for the environment, but for the people who live in the homes as well as those applying the finishes. Their sealants are 100% petroleum-free, improving performance and peace of mind.
For Honest Abe and Carolina Log Homes, using truly green finishes isn’t just a marketing choice — it’s a reflection of our values. Environmental stewardship isn’t a trend. It’s the foundation of everything we build.
We encourage new homeowners to join the Arbor Day Foundation, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.
Along with membership, customers receive 10 free tree seedlings to plant around their new log home.