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Ultimate Guide To Selecting Log Cabin Siding
Log home construction has skyrocketed over the last few decades. Thousands of homeowners have discovered the benefits of living in log cabins with real wood siding. Although synthetic materials are available, pine log siding is the favorite choice.
Selecting Log Cabin Siding Starts With The Wood
Your selection of wood is a significant factor in your cabin’s construction. Pine, cedar, cypress, spruce, fir, and oak are the most common species. Each has its characteristics and pros but the standout is pine because it is appropriate in any climate. Here is why pine is a great choice:
- Cost-effective: Pine log siding is more cost-effective than the other options.
- Easy to Install: Pine siding goes up fast and easy with its unique design.
- Zero Waste: This product is installed in a continuous pattern from bottom to top.
- Stable and Durable: Pine siding creates a strong cabin framework and is very durable.
- Availability: This material is readily available year-round with no shortages.
- Tongue and Groove: This design creates snug joints that do not require chinking.
- End-Matching: You can end-butt two pieces anywhere between the wall framing.
- Sustainability: Many pine trees are replanted each year for future use.
- Pre-Finished: Pine log siding is available in unfinished and pre-finished conditions.
Selecting Log Cabin Siding: Why Synthetic Log Siding Isn’t The Best Choice
A few companies stress building with log siding made from their synthetic materials. Let’s face it, they are not real wood and you can spot them from a distance. They carry these flaws:
- Aesthetics: Synthetic materials lack the look and feel of real wood siding.
- Durability: These materials can be less durable in some conditions.
- Cost: A few types of synthetic materials are very expensive compared to pine wood.
- Sustainability: They are not sustainable or organic, and the waste ends up in landfills.
- Insulation: Some types of synthetics lack the insulation value of real wood.
- Installation: Fiber cement requires specially-trained contractors to install it.
- Weather: Some synthetic materials are subject to fading, cracking, and hail damage.
“Thousands of homeowners have discovered the benefits of living in log cabins with real wood siding.”
Next: Select Your Log Profile
Once you have selected pine log siding, it’s time to pick the profile that best fits your needs. A profile is a shape or design that varies in thickness and width. The favorite “D-shaped” ones are quarter log, half log, premier log, and hand-hewn log (as shown here).
- Quarter Log: This is the most economical profile milled in 2x6 and 2x8 sizes.
- Half Log: This profile is the most popular because it presents a fuller log appearance. It is milled in 3x6 and 3x8 sizes.
- Premier Log: Premier log is the deepest profile and most authentic-looking profile available in 3x8 and 3x10.
- Hand-hewn Log: You get log siding that looks like it was shaped by hand by an experienced craftsman using an axe or adze tool.
If you are still unsure about your selection, order a sample box from us at a nominal cost. You will get a piece of each profile to hold in your hand to help make the difference.
Log Corners and Log Trims
Log cabins and homes need a corner system and log trims to go around doors and windows. Leaving the corners unfinished does not present quality construction and is unattractive. These corner and trim options are available to match the siding profile you prefer:
- Vertical corners are simple and fit quarter log or half log
- Butt-N-Pass corners are traditional log construction
- Saddle Notch corners provide an unmistakable full log look
- Quarter Log trim comes in 2x6 and 3x4 sizes
- Half Log trim is available in 3x6 and 4x4 sizes
- Premier Log trim comes in 3x6 and 4x4 sizes
- Electrical outlet and light boxes look neat
- Arched trim for installing above windows and doors
When building your log cabin, install the corners first, log trims second, and the siding last. After installation, carefully caulk the corners and any gaps or openings where moisture could seep in.
Selecting Log Cabin Siding: Use High-Quality Siding
To obtain the best results, use only high-quality pine log siding. Low-quality siding will not provide what you want over the long run. Our siding is properly kiln-dried for moisture content and staining. Each piece of siding, corners, and trims is hand-inspected to be free of defects. We provide a warranty on our wood products for your protection.
High-quality siding provides the durability and stability to last a lifetime. Stain it as necessary to keep it looking fresh and you will have a log cabin to be proud of for many years.
