Four Favorite Log Siding Profiles

Modern log homes and cabins can be constructed faster, easier, and with less cost by using log siding instead of whole logs. You get the same rustic and solid-looking appearance to enjoy. Four favourite siding profiles are available to meet your preferences and budget.

You can choose smooth or hand-hewn surfaces depending on the specific profile. Each can be purchased in either an unfinished or pre-finished surface. They have the advantages of:

• Defect-free pieces correctly kiln-dried for moisture content and stain application
• Tongue and groove boards with an end-matching design for ease of installation
• Virtually waste-free products that save time measuring and sawing
• No splicing on studs because pieces secure together anywhere between studs

These profiles are a joy to work with, and one will be within your price range. Real wood log siding can even be installed on existing homes.

Log Siding Profiles: Quarter Log

If you are on a tight budget, quarter-log siding is a great choice. It is the most economical way to build a log home or cabin. It is installed on both the outside and inside walls with insulation between them. Quarter log siding provides these features:

• Available in 2”x6” and 2”x8” sizes
• Made with a ¼” tongue and groove for a solid fit
• Tongues and grooves on both sides and ends of each piece
• The siding is 1 ½” thick at the centre

This siding profile is available in pine and cedar with smooth or hand-hewn surfaces. This profile is easy to work with and goes up amazingly fast.

Log Siding Profiles: Half Log 

Half-log siding is the most popular in today’s log home market. This profile is thicker and wider than a quarter log for a fuller look. Like a quarter log, it can be installed on exterior and interior walls. Half-log siding gives these features:

• Available in 3”x6” and 3”x8” sizes in pine and cedar
• Also comes in 3”x7” cedar
• Tongues and grooves on both sides and ends of pieces
• Made with a strong ½” tongue and groove for a superior fit
• Available in smooth and hand-hewn
• The siding is 2 ½” thick at the centre

“Modern log homes and log cabins can be constructed faster, easier, and with less cost by using log siding instead of full logs. You get the same rustic and solid-looking appearance to enjoy.”

Log Siding Profiles: Premier Log

Premier log siding is the fullest profile and more fully simulates full logs with its character and charm. The premier log has these features:

• Available in 3”x8” and 3”x10” sizes
• Available in hand-hewn only
• Choices of knotty pine and cedar
• Great for both exterior and interior applications
• Tongues and grooves on both sides and ends of pieces
• Made with a strong ½” tongue and groove for a superior fit
• The siding is 2 ½” thick at the centre

Premier log siding is the ultimate width and thickness to achieve an authentic log home look. You will enjoy all three of these profiles for a lifetime.

Log Siding Profiles: Hand-Hewn Log Siding 

Hand-hewn log siding gives the appearance of logs hewn with an axe or adze tool. Its authentic look takes us back to the old days when the home building was all handwork. Today’s hand-hewn realistic look is created with a particular manufacturing technique that creates tighter joints.

Choose from various stains to color the siding that brings out its beauty and charm. All three profiles – quarter log, half log, and premier log are available in hand-hewn. You can determine the amount of log siding needed with a quick siding estimator tool.

Corner Systems and Log Trims

All log homes and log cabins need log corners and log trims for a complete job. The log corners are installed first, followed by the trims and the wall siding. 6” vertical inside corners and 8” outside vertical corners are available for any log siding profile. They are fast and easy to install with simple hand tools.

After the log corners are installed, the log trim is installed around the door and window openings. The recommended sizes for each profile include the following:

• Quarter Log - 3×4 log trim
• Half Log - 4×4 log trim
• Premier Log – 4x4 or 4x6 log trim

Once you install the corners and trim with screws, it is time to install the siding. Next, stain and seal them, and your job is done! Enjoy viewing these log-siding photos.

References and Resources

• Log Siding Photos
• Siding Quantity Estimator