Wake Up to a Log Home: A Conversion Story

Many of us dream of a log home but don’t want to move or think they can’t afford one. There’s a workable way to achieve log home living so you can stay in your current house and afford to make the transition. It’s a matter of replacing the exterior siding and interior wallboards with real wood log siding and maybe adding a new metal roof (optional). 

Start your plans by consulting with a contractor so you know the correct steps to take. Ask the builder how much work you can do to save money. Assuming you have some tools and woodworking skills, you can proceed. Once completed, you will wake up one morning to a ‘new’ log home and enjoy all its benefits.

Before and After Conversion to a Log Home

One of the benefits of converting a house to a log home is you don’t have to change the outside and inside at the same time. Go with one of these options to meet your schedule and budget: 

  • Install pine or cedar siding on the exterior walls and take a break.
  • Install pine or cedar siding on the interior walls and take a break.
  • Do both at the same time.

As you can see, each project is essentially independent of the other.  You may need to wait on the weather to cooperate for the exterior work while working on the interior. The siding, trim, and corner system can be stored in your garage until you are ready to finish the work.

Understanding, Removing or Covering Up Current Siding

Installing Log Siding and Log TrimYour contractor is the best person for advice on removing the current exterior siding versus covering it up. The main factors to consider here are:  

  • Feasibility of the project – Is it worth it, and if so, which option
  • Type of current material – vinyl, aluminum, old wood, other
  • Condition of current siding – good condition or deteriorated sections
  • Level of difficulty of removing it – time-consuming or easy job
  • Working around doors, windows, eaves, and foundations
  • Cost of both options to determine affordability

Watch this craftsman show you how vinyl siding is removed. Once you have the answers to all these considerations, you will know how to proceed.

“There’s a workable way to achieve log home living so you can stay in your current house and afford to make the transition. It’s a matter of  replacing the exterior siding and interior wallboards and maybe adding a new metal roof (optional).”

Log Siding for the Exterior

Once you determine whether to remove or cover up the exterior siding, place an order for either pine or cedar log siding. The three size options are quarter log, half log, and premier log. This is a brief description of each to help you maximize the visual effect desired:

  •   Quarter Log – 2x6 and 2x8 are the most economical
  •   Half Log – 3x6 and 3x8 are the most popular
  •   Premier Log – 3x8 and 3x10 gives more of a full log look

Your order can become maximized for saving money by using a siding estimator. The log siding is easily installed with galvanized screws or nails in a nail gun. A faster way to make the change is by using pre-finished log siding.

Log Siding for the Interior

Log siding can be installed over drywall or sheets of thin paneling by using longer nails. A neater finished appearance around doors, windows, and electrical outlets can be achieved by first removing the drywall. Put down floor protection, remove and discard the drywall, and inspect the insulation. 

Most homeowners use the same profile of log siding for the inside as the exterior. However, you don’t necessarily need to do this. You can save money by using quarter log instead of half log or half log instead of premier log. Order a sample kit to help with this decision. This video shows how to do an expert job yourself.

What Else You Need for a Log Home Build

Log cabin siding for mobile homesYou need to order a few building supplies with the log siding for a complete job, including:

  •   Exterior log trim of the correct size
  •   A corner system to meet your preferences
  •   Lighting outlets
  •   Interior door, window, and baseboard trim
  •   Corner trim and chair railing if needed
  •   Nails and galvanized screws

You can consult with our customer service representative for more detailed information and for advice to do a professional job.

Reference and Resources

How to Install Siding

Siding estimator