Frame vs. Log Wooden Houses: What’s the difference?
- 1. What is a frame system?
- 1.1. CARA – classic frame system
- 1.2. CARA Easy – frame system with prefabricated infills
- 1.3. Advantages of houses in the frame system
- 2. What is profiled log construction?
- 2.1. What does the construction look like?
- 2.2. Tyrolean lock – aesthetics and precision
- 2.3. Advantages of profiled log cabins
- 3. How do the frame system and log system differ at BHB?
- 3.1. Which system should you choose?
- 4. What does BHB’s range of wooden houses look like?
- 4.1. Frame system houses:
- 4.2. Profiled log cabins
- 4.3. Ready-made solutions and custom designs
Which garden house should you choose? This is a question asked by many people who are planning to buy a wooden structure for their garden, plot or as a year-round residence. One of the main dilemmas is the choice between a frame house and a profiled log house. Each of these technologies has its strengths and works best in specific conditions. In this article, we will look at whether a frame house or a log house is better, compare the advantages of both solutions, so if you are looking for reliable information, you are in the right place.
What is a frame system?
A frame system is a lightweight but durable structure based on a wooden load-bearing frame made of vertical posts and horizontal beams. The spaces between the frame elements are filled with insulation materials and finishing layers — internal and external. This approach allows for high energy efficiency while maintaining a low total weight.
BHB offers this system in two variants: CARA and CARA Easy.
CARA – classic frame system
In this version, the external façade is mounted directly to the wooden frame of the house. The customer has a lot of freedom in choosing the type and thickness of cladding, available in versions known from PREMIUM modular houses, as well as in the form of profiled boards with thicknesses of 33, 45, 58, 70 and 94 mm. This system is ideal for projects requiring individual adaptation of aesthetics and technical parameters – both modern and traditional.
CARA Easy – frame system with prefabricated infills
CARA Easy is a simplified frame system in which the walls are prefabricated in the factory and then mounted between the posts of the finished frame. It is this feature – prefabrication and ease of assembly – that has earned it the name ‘Easy’. As a result, the investor receives a quick-to-build, aesthetic and solid house, the assembly of which often does not require heavy equipment or a long stay by the assembly team.
The CARA Easy system also offers the same range of façade finishes as the classic CARA version, including profiles up to 94 mm thick, which allows for high aesthetic and functional quality even in a simplified form of construction.
In addition, the CARA system also includes:
- HELENA – a line of stylish canopies and verandas,
- CARPORT – modern carports that can be adapted to any architectural style.
Thanks to these subcategories, the CARA system becomes a versatile building platform – from residential houses to functional garden canopies and parking spaces.
BHB expert emphasises:
The CARA Easy system is ideal where time and simplicity of assembly are important – e.g. in the construction of recreational houses or garden offices. Thanks to prefabrication, the customer can have a ready-made house in just 1–2 days after delivery to the plot.
Advantages of houses in the frame system
Quick assembly and prefabrication
Thanks to the CARA Easy system, it is possible to build a house in just a few days – without the need for complicated construction work or large teams. Prefabricated walls guarantee simplicity and cleanliness of assembly, which will be particularly appreciated by individual investors.
Design flexibility and customisation
The frame system allows for almost unlimited design possibilities: choice of number of rooms, roof shape (gable, flat, tent), type of façade and additional elements such as terraces, verandas or carports (HELENA, CARPORT).
Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation
The walls can be filled with modern insulation materials, ensuring high comfort of use throughout the year – both in summer and winter. An ideal solution for year-round houses, garden offices or recreational houses.
Lightweight construction, lower foundation requirements
Thanks to the low weight of frame houses, they can be installed even on simple foundations, e.g. concrete blocks. This reduces investment costs and allows construction in areas with limited ground bearing capacity.
What is profiled log construction?
Construction using profiled logs is one of the oldest and most traditional methods of building wooden houses. In this technology, the walls are made of solid wooden logs of a specific cross-section, which are laid in layers and joined together with tongue and groove joints or special locks. At BHB, this style means naturalness, solidity and elegance enclosed in wood.
What does the construction look like?
Unlike the frame system, where the wall fillings are light and frame-based, here the logs themselves constitute both the load-bearing and visual part of the structure. The logs are profiled, i.e. they have milled shapes that allow for precise fitting. This creates tight, solid walls that do not require additional grilles or facades.
Different log thicknesses are available, allowing the structure to be adapted to its intended function:
| Log thickness | Example of house size | Surface |
| 28 mm | 300 x 300 cm | 9 m² |
| 33 mm | 300 x 350 cm | 12,5 m² |
| 45 mm | 400 x 400 cm | 16 m² |
| 58 mm | 450 x 450 cm | 21 m² |
| 70 mm | 500 x 500 cm | 25 m² |
| 94 mm | 550 x 550 cm | 31 m² |
| 112 mm | 700 x 700 cm | 49 m² |
The greater the thickness, the better the insulation parameters and the greater the strength of the structure.
Tyrolean lock – aesthetics and precision
One of the distinguishing features of our products is the Tyrolean lock we use – a modern technique of joining logs, which eliminates protruding ends of wood, creating clean, compact corners. The result? A rustic yet minimalist look that combines the charm of tradition with the elegance of modern design.
BHB expert explains:
The Tyrolean lock is our original way of creating a structure that fits both a classic garden and a modern recreational space. This makes our log cabins stand out from standard offers.
Advantages of profiled log cabins
Stable, durable construction
Solid logs made of solid wood ensure high rigidity and durability of the structure. This technology is highly resistant to the passage of time and weather conditions.
Natural thermal insulation and microclimate
Wood, as a natural material, regulates the humidity level inside the room, ensuring a healthier microclimate than typical brick buildings. Thicker logs (from 58 mm upwards) also allow for year-round use, especially when an internal insulation layer is added.
Quick assembly
Prefabricated elements with milled joints can be assembled in a single weekend, even by 2–3 people. Ideal for allotment holders or as a quick recreational solution.
Minimalist form, maximum effect
Thanks to the natural charm of wood and modern corner finishes, log cabins do not require additional facades or exterior finishes, which reduces overall costs.
How do the frame system and log system differ at BHB?
| Feature | Frame system (CARA / CARA Easy) | Profiled log cabins |
| Design | Frame + exterior cladding | Solid wood logs |
| Appearance | Modern or traditional | Rustic, natural |
| Wall thickness | 25-94 mm + Structure | 28-112 mm + insulation possibility |
| Assembly time | Shorter (especially prefabricated) | Longer in larger projects |
| Possibility of personalisation | Very large (size, roof, room layout) | High, depending on the system |
Which system should you choose?
The choice between a frame house and a log house should be based on your individual needs and lifestyle. Here is a brief decision-making guide:
Choose a frame house if:
- You want a modern, aesthetic look,
- You want to assemble the structure quickly — e.g. CARA Easy from prefabricated elements,
- You need a house tailored to a specific function: office, workshop, gym or year-round house,
- The possibility of personalising the interior layout, roof and façade is important to you.
Choose a profiled log house if:
- You like a classic, rustic style,
- You are looking for a structure with high thermal mass and stability that keeps the heat in during winter,
- You need a compact but durable house for relaxation, storage or recreation,
- You want a quick build without complicated assembly.
What does BHB’s range of wooden houses look like?
For years, we have been building wooden houses using two proven systems: frame (CARA and CARA Easy) and profiled logs. Each of these systems has its advantages and offers great freedom in adapting the design to specific needs — regardless of whether it is to be a summer house, a work space, a storage space or a year-round residence.
The choice of technology is often a matter of lifestyle, expectations in terms of functionality and aesthetics. That is why we have compiled a brief overview of our offer in both systems below — to make it easier for you to assess which solution will best suit your plans.
Frame system houses:
Year-round houses
Designed for permanent living, made of high-quality Scandinavian wood. Fully customisable – from wall thickness and roof type to the number of rooms.
➡ See year-round houses
Garden houses
Functional and aesthetic structures for relaxation, work or social gatherings. The CARA system allows for the use of large glazing and modern architectural forms.
➡ See garden houses
HELENA – gazebos and canopies
Stylish pergolas, verandas and gazebos, created in a lightweight frame system. Perfect for arranging a relaxation area in the garden.
➡ See gazebos
CARPORT – carports
Modern wooden carports for one or more vehicles, with the option of a shed or utility module.
➡ See carports
Profiled log cabins
Tool sheds
Aesthetic and practical structures for storing garden tools, bicycles, equipment or as a workshop or studio.
➡ See tool sheds
Log cabins (residential)
Cabins with thicker logs, which, with the right equipment, can be used all year round. Often used as holiday homes, offices, guest rooms or small residential houses.
➡ See log houses
Ready-made solutions and custom designs
In addition to ready-made models, we also carry out individual designs — regardless of whether you choose a frame system or profiled logs. Sometimes someone needs a smaller house with a large roof, someone else — a version with an attic, an unusual window layout or additional utility rooms.
What can we influence when personalising?
- the size of the house — from compact sheds to spacious residential houses,
- the number of rooms, floors or glazing,
- the type of roof: gable, hipped, flat, tent,
- the type and layout of windows and doors (including glued wood),
- additional options: insulation, more secure locks, pre-impregnation
At every stage — from the initial enquiry to installation — we are at your disposal to help you choose the best technical solutions and tailor the design to your needs.
