About

What started as a passion project by a lumberman in 1923 became the foundation of an entire industry. Bruce Ward, a man who loved the warmth and charm of log cabins, unknowingly sparked a legacy that would shape the future of American homebuilding. In the heart of Northern Maine, Ward built his first cabin - not out of foresight, but out of a deep love for the snugness and simplicity of log homes.

Bruce Ward’s journey began when a telegraph company contracted him to provide cedar utility poles, valued for their strength and resistance to decay. Drawn to the beauty and resilience of Northern White Cedar, Bruce selected the finest poles, cut them into manageable lengths, notched them, and assembled a cozy lakeside cabin for himself. This simple project soon attracted the attention of neighbors and friends, who asked Bruce if he could build one for them. Bruce had just created the first log home package in history without knowing it.

As demand grew, Bruce’s ingenuity shone through. He developed a revolutionary interlocking milling technique that would later be known as the tongue-and-groove method of log joinery. With this advancement, the log home industry was born. The company, originally named Northern Cedar Company which started in Presque Isle, ME, was later rebranded as Ward Cabin Company and eventually moved to Houlton, Maine in 1955, where Ward Cedar Log Homes is headquartered to this day.

Through decades of innovation and craftsmanship, Ward Cedar Log Homes transitioned from building seasonal cabins to crafting year-round homes that families could rely on for generations. Our pioneering advancements in log home technology, such as the Comfort System-5™ log wall system, ensure that every home is built to stand the test of time, carrying with it the stories, traditions, and memories that make a house a home.

Your Legacy Starts Here - Our Past, Your Future
Ready to build a home that will be part of your family's story for generations? Let's craft something that will stand the test of time, together. Get started.

Nestled in Houlton, Maine our corporate offices and manufacturing plant are in the heart of white cedar country. Since 1923, Ward Cedar Log Homes has been a pioneer in the log home industry, proudly holding the title of the nation's first log home manufacturer. Our committment to excellence remains as strong today as it was over a century ago, reflecting our rich legacy and continuous innovation.

Superior Customer Service Is One of Our Highest Priorities.

With over 40 dedicated Ward Representatives across the United States — many of whom bring 25+ years of experience, we ensure that every customer received exceptional support. Find your local Ward Representative.

Professional Affiliations

Ward participates in setting building code standards with the International Code Council (formerly the Building Officials and Code Administration International [BOCA]), and all of our homes are designed in accordance with International Residential Codes.

Join the Ward Family

We invite you to become a part of Ward. Sales representative opportunities are available nationwide and beyond, offering benefits such as free custom design services, exceptional commission rates, co-op advertising program, and a 20-year manufacturer's product warranty.  Become a Ward Representative today.

Manufacturing Facilities

The great North Woods of Maine is one of the few places east of the Mississippi River where Northern White Cedar grows in abundance, in the heart of which is Houlton, home to our 35-acre manufacturing facility, which includes a specialized sawmill and planing mill. Our skilled and dedicated team controls every step of the process. And our round wood procurement practices and stringent specifications allow Ward to offer a higher grade of log than most other manufacturers.

Selected logs first pass through Ward's state-of-the-art sawmill, which has been designed specifically to handle Northern White Cedar. Each log is cut into a "cant" a rough-sawn square timber consisting only of cedar's jewel — its heartwood. Remaining wood is repurposed for various uses, including trim, railings, and paneling, with any wood not meeting grade being sold as mulch. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that nothing is wasted.

Our Commitment to You

A company should always put the customer first. After all, you are entrusting them with one of the biggest investments of your life. At Ward Cedar Log Homes it is about who would recommend us to their family and friends, not the number of homes shipped. We are with you through the entire process making sure no small detail goes unnoticed.

Throughout the construction process on your Ward home, our sales reps go through 6 quality control reports to ensure the building process is going smoothly. Ward will even follow up with a call 1 year after your home is complete to see how you are enjoying your new log home and to be sure of your satisfaction. Ward Cedar Log Homes thrives on happy homeowners. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone is with you every step of the way. Customer satisfaction has been a key component to our successful 100+ years of being in the log home business. 

We are committed to...

• Giving you a pleasant and memorable experience.
• Providing you with a quality log home.
• Working together to provide you with the home you want.
• Always treating you with respect, honesty, and integrity.