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Pine Log Siding Versus Sheets Of Vertical Wood Siding
Many wood siding products are available for cabins, cottages, and larger homes. Two popular choices are pine log siding and sheets of vertical wood siding. Pine log siding is a favorite because it can be installed on the external and internal walls to create a full log look without the full log price.
What Is Pine Log Siding
Pine log siding is real wood milled in a “D” shape from red pine logs. The flat side is secured to the wall framing with weatherproof fasteners, and the curved side is exposed for view. This remarkable siding is available in 2” and 3” thicknesses, 6”, 8”, and 10” widths, and in various lengths. Pine log corners are installed first to the wall framing, followed by log trims, and the siding.
Pine log siding is found with smooth and hand-hewn surfaces, unfinished and pre-finished conditions. You or a painter can stain the siding or let the supplier stain it a color that meets your preferences. Some caulking is needed in the corner joints and anywhere small gaps exist. A light color chinking product is also available if you want that appearance.
This type of siding has the tongue and groove, end-matching design that provides tight-fitting joints. Two pieces can be end-butted anywhere between the wall framing because the tongue and groove is found on both sides and ends. To start, level and install the bottom row first, and proceed up the rest of the wall. Refer to this helpful installation article.
Vertical Wood Siding Applications
Sheets of vertical wood siding are seen on cabins and homes in rural and suburban settings. They are typically 4’x8’x11/32” or 4’x8’x15/32” thick in unfinished or primed conditions. They can be installed showing the vertical grooves or covering the grooves with narrow batten boards. This type of siding is an option to solid ¾” thick pine boards that are 8” or 10” wide and 8’ long. The unfinished siding comes in rough and sanded options, and either may be sanded to a smoother surface, if desired.
Sheets of wood siding can be stained or painted the color of your choice. Installation requires nailing or screwing short wood blocks between the wall framing for places to nail the siding. Priming raw wood is preferable to painting raw wood because the primer sticks to raw wood better than paint, and paint sticks better to primer.
“Pine log siding is a favorite because it can be installed on the external and internal walls to create a full log look without the full log price.”
Pros of Pine Log Siding
Pine log siding has many features that make it an attractive product for cabins, cottages, and larger homes. If you want a cost-effective log home look, consider these advantages:
- Pine log siding is fast and easy to install with simple woodworking tools.
- The tight-fitting tongue and groove siding joints do not require caulking.
- One person can install this product, reducing the amount of labor.
- Pre-finished siding is available that is professionally crafted to save installation time.
- Pine log siding is a sustainable product because thousands of trees are planted each year on tree farms for future supplies of wood.
- Log siding is virtually a “no-waste” product that is eco-friendly.
- Homeowners with woodworking knowledge and skills can install the siding.
Issues With Vertical Sheets Of Wood Siding
Vertical sheets of wood siding can be attractive, shed water well, and are available at home improvement stores and lumber yards. This product has some downsides you should consider before buying it, including:
- More Labor Intensive: Wood blocks are required between wall framing for support.
- May Require Furring Strips: The project may require an underlayer of furring strips.
- Warping and Buckling: Thin siding is susceptible to warping and buckling.
- Awkward to Handle: 4’x8’ sheets may require 2 people to install them.
- May Require Sanding: Sanding may be required to achieve the surface you desire.
- May Require Priming: The siding may need priming and staining.
- Heavy Staining or Painting: Rough-surface siding needs more stain and paint than smooth surfaces.
- Less Traditional Appearance: Vertical siding’s unconventional look may not appeal to all homebuyers, potentially impacting resale value.
Log Siding Versus Sheet Siding: Who Wins?
When you consider the pros and cons of these two siding products, it’s easy to see who wins. Although both provide a rustic appearance, pine log siding is the only choice for a traditional log home look. This siding generates higher resale values if you plan to sell in the near or distant future. It also provides a calm and homey atmosphere that makes coming home a joy. Enjoy your building project, and remember to purchase high-quality building products for the best long-term results!
