How To Select Pine Log Siding Stain Colors

Pine log siding can be enhanced with a variety of stain colors that come mixed in with wood sealant. Using high-quality stain performs double duty by providing the right color for your home’s décor and protecting the wood from the elements. Both the exterior of a log home and its interior can be stained the same color or two different colors – the choice is yours.

Test Log Siding Stain Colors Before You Stain

The log siding’s stain color helps set the tone of your home. The typical way to plan your staining projects is to look at color charts to select the shade and type of stain for your climate and ease of application. Another way when ordering online is to ask the supplier for a sample piece of log siding stained with the color you choose. Then you will know what to expect from the product.

If your testing is not what you expect, you can try another color. It’s worth noting that most experts recommend you stay away from clear coat stains for the following reasons:

• The wood’s natural color will begin to darken in a few months in a highly sunny area
• It’s impossible to load enough UV absorbers in any clean coat stain to protect wood
• Dark yellow and gray discolorations show the UV absorbers don’t work well

For the best results, use high-quality UV-absorbing stains with high levels of pigment. The pigment provides most of the UV protection you need over the years.

More Things To Consider

Sometimes our first thought about a stain color may not be the best for our all-around situation. You should consider several components in your selection. They include the colors of the roofing, doors, windows, porches, trims, decks, porch and deck floors, and steps. You may also want to think about a patio, permanent barbecue setup, or swimming pool that might influence your decision. Other consideration can include:

• Coordinating with the house’s interior décor
• Coordinating with chinking or caulking color
• Blending in with the neighbors’ color schemes
• If you have complete or partial shade
• A homeowner’s association rules if you live in one

You may want to consider what takes priority in your choice of colors, such as the color of the log walls, furniture, appliances, floors, or ceilings. Another option is ordering pre-finished pine log siding based on the supplier’s sample pieces. This way you get to see the finished product before you buy it. The follow colors show how they look in the shade at the top and in the sun at the bottom. They are discussed in the following three sections.

1. Panel Perma-Chink Ultra-2 Natural #880 – w/Lifeline Advance Satin Top Coat
2. Panel Perma-Chink Ultra-2 Sequoia #835 – w/Lifeline Advance Satin Top Coat
3. Panel Perma-Chink Ultra-2 Stone Gray #863 – w/Lifeline Advance Satin Top Coat
4. Panel Perma-Chink Ultra-2 Chestnut #868 – w/Lifeline Advance Satin Top Coat
5. Panel Perma-Chink Ultra-2 Bronze #874- w/Lifeline Advance Satin Top Coat
6. Panel Perma-Chink Ultra-2 Walnut #865 – w/Lifeline Advance Satin Top Coat

Light Log Siding Stain Colors

A popular pine log siding stain choice is Perma-Chink’s Lifeline Ultra-2 product. It is available in light, medium, and darker shades of color. Two of the favorites for light hues are #880 natural and #863 stone gray. The manufacturer recommends applying Lifeline Advance Satin Top Coat after staining the wood.

Lighter color stain hues are ideal when your log home is in the shade much of the time. It will help lighten up the appearance when shaded by leaves on trees or by a hill or mountain. Light shades coordinate well with medium-color shingle or metal roofing.

“Using high-quality stain performs double duty by providing the right color for your home’s décor and protecting the wood from the elements.”

Medium Log Siding Stain Colors

Two winners for medium log siding stain colors are #874 bronze and #835 sequoia. These two are compromises between lighter and darker colors when your home gets an even amount of sunlight and shade during the day.

Medium color logs go well with medium to darker shades of shingle or metal roofing. Bronze and sequoia remind us of the beautiful fall color of leaves falling to the ground. They are gorgeous colors that work well with any house or cabin in virtually all natural surroundings, especially earth tones.

Darker Log Siding Stain Colors

Two popular darker stain colors are #868 chestnut and #865 walnut. Many homeowners prefer them because their homes are in the sunlight much of the day that tones down the color. Darker logs coordinate well with darker shingle or metal roofing. They also create a sleek and sophisticated appearance that complements natural settings.

Darker stains give log homes a lot of rustic appeal, protect the wood more from UV rays, help extend the wood’s life, and provide a modern look. Many homeowners like them because they also provide a natural earthy tone.

You want to get the right stain color the first time you apply it. Consider all the variables discussed in this article to help make this decision. Be sure to clean all log siding and trims before applying the stain. For the best results, follow the stain manufacturer’s recommendations.

References and Resources:

• Selecting Stain Colors
• Staining Log Homes