A Century of Craftsmanship
Ward Cedar Log Homes holds a unique distinction in the log home industry: they were the first. Founded in 1923 by Maine lumberman Bruce Ward, this company pioneered the pre-packaged log home concept that would eventually spawn an entire industry. More than 100 years later, they’re still operating from their 35-acre manufacturing facility in Houlton, Maine, producing homes from the same Northern White Cedar that inspired their founder.
The company’s origin story begins with a telegraph pole contract. Bruce Ward was supplying cedar utility poles when he became captivated by the material’s natural beauty and durability. He built himself a lakeside cabin using Northern White Cedar, and when neighbors started asking for similar structures, an industry was born.
What Sets Ward Cedar Apart
Three factors distinguish Ward Cedar from competitors:
Northern White Cedar Exclusivity: While many log home manufacturers use pine, spruce, or various cedar species, Ward exclusively uses Northern White Cedar heartwood sourced from Maine’s forests. This wood naturally resists rot, insects, and decay without chemical treatments. It’s also one of the lightest softwoods available, making it easier to work with during construction.
The Comfort System-5 Technology: Ward developed their proprietary wall system to address the traditional weaknesses of log construction. This includes their interlocking tongue-and-groove joinery method—an innovation Bruce Ward created in 1923 that revolutionized how log homes were assembled.
Hybrid Building Options: Recognizing that not every buyer wants a full log home, Ward offers hybrid systems. These combine the aesthetic appeal of log construction on the exterior with conventional framing and modern insulation on interior walls. You get the cabin look without sacrificing energy efficiency.
Available Models and Floor Plans
Ward offers over 53 pre-engineered floor plans ranging from small hunting cabins to expansive family homes. Their catalog includes:
- Camp Series: Compact designs ideal for weekend getaways and hunting camps
- Cottage Collection: Mid-sized homes suited for seasonal or year-round living
- Estate Homes: Larger designs with multiple bedrooms and generous living spaces
- Hybrid Homes: Log-based exteriors with conventional interior construction
Every plan can be modified. Their in-house design team works with customers to adjust layouts, add rooms, change rooflines, or create entirely custom designs from scratch.
Pricing: What to Expect
Ward Cedar homes typically cost between $120 and $325+ per square foot for the complete package. This range reflects several variables:
- Home size and complexity
- Log profile selection
- Customization level
- Shipping distance from Maine
The company has noted price increases in 2024 for windows, doors, hardware, and cedar materials. They periodically offer promotions allowing buyers to lock in current-year pricing for future builds with a deposit.
Important: Ward’s quoted prices cover the manufactured kit only. Foundation work, site preparation, and construction labor are separate costs you’ll need to budget for locally.
What’s Included in a Ward Cedar Package
A typical Ward Cedar log home package includes:
- Pre-cut Northern White Cedar logs with interlocking joints
- Roof system components
- Windows and exterior doors
- Interior tongue-and-groove paneling (or drywall-ready framing)
- Hardware and fasteners
- Detailed assembly instructions
Ward handles design and manufacturing but does not provide construction services. You’ll need to hire a local builder familiar with log home assembly, or tackle it yourself if you have the skills.
The Building Process
Here’s what purchasing a Ward Cedar home typically looks like:
- Design Phase: Select a floor plan or work with their team on a custom design
- Quoting: Receive detailed pricing based on your specifications
- Deposit: Secure your order and lock in pricing
- Manufacturing: Your home is cut and prepared at the Houlton facility
- Shipping: Components are trucked to your building site
- Construction: Your builder assembles the structure using Ward’s materials and instructions
The company ships worldwide, though most of their 10,000+ completed projects are in North America.
Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Century of manufacturing experience
- Premium Northern White Cedar material
- Extensive customization options
- Hybrid systems available for better energy efficiency
- Strong reputation with 5-star Yelp rating
- ICC member adhering to International Residential Codes
Considerations:
- Kit-only manufacturer—you must arrange construction separately
- Traditional aesthetic focus may not suit modern tastes
- Multi-party coordination required (designer, manufacturer, builder)
- Shipping costs increase significantly for distant locations
Who Should Consider Ward Cedar?
Ward Cedar Log Homes makes sense for buyers who:
- Value heritage and proven craftsmanship over newer manufacturers
- Specifically want Northern White Cedar construction
- Have a reliable local builder lined up for assembly
- Prefer traditional log home aesthetics
- Want customization flexibility within a kit-home framework
If you’re looking for a turnkey solution where one company handles everything from design through move-in, Ward may not be the right fit. But for buyers willing to manage the building process, their century of expertise in cedar log home manufacturing is hard to match.
How to Get Started
Ward Cedar offers free information packets and can provide preliminary pricing quotes based on your needs. Contact them through their website or call their Houlton, Maine headquarters to discuss your project. They can ship floor plan catalogs and connect you with their design team to begin customizing your dream log home.
Given their legacy—America’s first log home company, still family-oriented after 100 years—Ward Cedar represents a safe choice for buyers prioritizing quality materials and manufacturing experience over convenience.
