"Because of the overwhelming

success of last years Expo we had to increase the size of the show dramatically

for this year," said Jason Goodman, publisher of Log Home Illustrated.

"Log and timber-frame

home construction has increased steadily since the mid-1880s, when these

traditional homes returned to popularity," according to Roland Sweet,

editor of Log Homes Illustrated and Timber Homes Illustrated magazines.

"At least 35,000 new log and timber-frame homes were built last year.

Their appeal reaches all ages and income levels."

These distinctive wood homes

enjoy a special place in American history. Log and timber-frame homes

were the first dwellings built by European settlers. Later regarded as

rustic vacation getaways, today nearly nine out of 10 log and timber-frame

homes are used as primary residences.

From their humble origins,

these custom homes have also become the choice of growing numbers of America's

elite, from corporate moguls to celebrities from the world of sports and

entertainment, such as Ted Turner, Charles Schwab, Michael Eisner, Jimmy

Carter, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Cruise, Jesse Ventura, Oprah Winfrey,

Steve Young, Karl Malone, Jack Nicklaus, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn.

Even England's Queen Elizabeth II and former Russian President Boris

Yelsin own log homes.

In addition to their aesthetic

and romantic attributes, log and timber-frame homes are a wise investment.

"They are designed and built to last for hundreds of years,"

Sweet said. "What's more, their value increases steadily. Over

the long term, these homes yield a far greater return than the stock market."

Attractive mortgage and construction

loan interest rates have also made these custom homes affordable to more

and more people at all income levels. In addition, lenders are more willing

than ever before to work with log and timber-home buyers. "People

who appreciate the quality of solid-wood and big-timber homes now can

realize their dream of living in one," Sweet said.

The Atlanta Expo will feature

more than 100 exhibitors from all over North America as well as several

fully constructed walk-through homes. Show-goers will be able to see various

log and framing styles, both milled and handcrafted, from top producers

in the United States and Canada.

"Homeowners who have successfully

bought and built their homes all stress the importance of doing your homework

before embarking on this exciting adventure," Sweet said. "Normally,

this would mean spending a lot of time traveling to different locations

to meet with producers and their representatives, discuss designs and

compare the many different styles of homes that companies offer. This

show saves people the time and trouble by letting them do a lot of homework

all at once under one roof. This convenience can enable people to realize

their dream of living in a log or timber-frame home much sooner than ever

before."

Whether visitors are considering

building or buying a new home, or want to add distinctive touches to existing

ones, they will be able to collect decorating and design ideas from the

industry's leading companies and craftsmen. Each of the Expo's

three days will include free seminars on all aspects of log and timber-frame

construction, plus exhibits of handcrafted furniture, alternative energy,

maintenance and restoration products, financing, building products, outdoor

furniture and pools and much more.

The Log Home & Timber Frame

Expo opens at Georgia International Convention Center Friday, Jan. 16

(11 a.m. to 8 p.m.). It will continue Jan. 17 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) Jan. 18

(10 a.m.-5 p.m.). For more information, log on to www.logexpo.com.

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