Choosing Doors & Shutters for Your Log Siding Cabin

Owning a log cabin is a dream come true for many of us. Some occupy them full time while others use them for weekend getaways and vacations. Still, other people build them for rental properties. Whatever your reason for owning one, you should create a durable and attractive structure for everyone that occupies it.

Two parts of log siding cabins that many overlook are the right types of doors and shutters. Exterior doors must be weatherproof and sturdy while attractive interior doors close rooms for privacy. All of them should be built with the appropriate materials to fulfill their purposes. Shop around for those that suit your needs to find high quality and fair prices.

Log Cabin Exterior Doors

Log cabin exterior doors tend to make statements about their owners, especially the front doors. Two of the favorite door materials are wood and insulated steel which may be more energy-efficient. Exterior doors should be strong to resist the elements and possible break-ins.

Entrance doors create an impression for all who enter the cabin, and that is why many people go for their visual impact. Here are some pros and cons to help you choose these doors:

Wood Doors

Pros

• Sustainable Natural Materials
• Many Heights and Widths Available
• Custom Doors Look Terrific
• Thick Doors Can Reduce Noise

• May Be More Expensive
• More Maintenance Is Required
  

Steel Doors

Pros

• May Be More Energy Efficient
• More Durable and Rustproof
• May Be Less Expensive Than Wood
• Doors Are Usually In Stock At Dealer

• Suitable Styles May Not Be Available
• Standard Door Sizes May Be Limited

Log Cabin Interior Doors

Interior doors for rooms and closets are less expensive, and that’s good because there are many more than exterior doors. Standard stock doors and specialty doors are both available in varying sizes and costs. Expandable and pocket doors are not popular in log cabins, so let’s look at the pros and cons of solid wood versus those with core.

Pros

• Have a Warm Natural Look
• Made From Sustainable Materials
• Possess Sound Insulating Qualities
• Available In Pine and Cedar Woods
• Can Be Customized In Size and Design

• Can Cost More
• May Require Maintenance

Solid-Core Doors

Pros

• Less Expensive Than Solid Wood
• Similar Sound-Insulating Qualities
• Similar Heat Retention Qualities
• Found In Many Retail Stores
• Made With Plywood or Molded Skin

• Not As Natural-Looking As Wood
• Limited Sizes Available

Hollow-core doors are another option that have a thin wood outside surface and hollow or empty inside. They are lighter and less expensive than solid wood or solid-core doors. Their cons are less durability and noise-blocking qualities. Also, they don’t fit well with a log cabin’s or log home’s décor.

Two parts of log siding cabins that many overlook are the right types of doors and shutters.

Exterior Shutters for Log Cabins

Shutters work on both the insides and outsides of windows and come in many styles, shapes, sizes, and colors. Most people think about them as exterior additions that complement windows. They can be permanently attached to the walls or on hinges so they will close and cover the windows. The most common materials and favorite styles include:

Shutter Materials

• Natural Wood
• Vinyl/Fiberglass
• Fiber Board
• Synthetic Foam
• Faux Wood

• Paneled
• Louvered
• Board & Batten
• Bermuda

Shutters can be purchased in standard sizes and styles as well as in custom sizes and styles. Some cabin owners make their own out of wood such as pine or cedar that holds up to the elements better. Let your tastes determine the colors that fit your décor.

Interior Shutters for Log Cabins

Inside shutters have once again gained popularity and can be opened with hinges or like blinds. Whether you mount them inside or outside your cabin, they provide these benefits:

• Privacy from onlookers
• Protection from the elements
• Add style and beauty to aesthetics
• Control the amount of sunlight into rooms
• Add energy efficiency
• Less outside noises

Interior window shutters provide a quick and easy way to make your home more secure by making it more challenging to enter a home. Medium shades of color fit most any cabin décor.

More Log Cabin Ideas

Window shutters look great on any type of log cabin from round full logs to square logs to wood log siding. They look especially good on cabins constructed of knotty pine or cedar log siding. This type of siding provides a combination look and feel of the old-style logs and modern construction. Both pine and cedar siding are fast and easy to install on conventional framing. You get the full log cabin look without the full log price. Matching corner systems and log trims are available in corresponding sizes and profiles. All are available in high-quality materials at affordable prices at our online store.

Resources and References:

• Solid Wood Door Benefits
• Benefits of Shutters