Table of Contents

  1. 7 Reasons to Use Log Cabin Siding Instead of Full Logs
  2. How Log Siding Is Made
  3. The Advantages Over Full Logs Are Exceptional
  4. Use It for Both the Exterior and Interior
  5. The Highest Quality Materials Are Available At Your Fingertips
  6. Resources and References:
Cabin Siding

An Ideal Cabin Setting

Log cabin living is so popular today that prospective builders should be aware of the advantages of log siding over full logs before starting their projects. Too many people rush to buy land and build their cabins without thoroughly researching materials and construction methods. Full logs, both round and squared off, are traditional but carry with them some disadvantages. Take a closer look at tongue and groove log siding for your cabin project and why you should use it.

How Log Siding Is Made

High-quality log siding is milled from select Pine and Cedar trees and each piece is hand-inspected to ensure it’s free from defects. We kiln dry every piece to the correct moisture content for stability and to accept stain and finishes. We warranty every log siding plank to give you peace of mind to know you are getting the best materials. Read on to find out the 7 reasons to use log cabin siding instead of full logs for cabins.

The Advantages Over Full Logs Are Exceptional

A Gorgeous Log Home

  1. Less Expensive Than Full Logs – Save money in five ways: materials, labor, shipping, no crane is needed, and buy it on sale (20% -25% off). You will come out hundreds and even thousands of dollars ahead by using siding instead of full logs. Inclement weather can slow down installing full logs and cost even more in lost time and wages. Hiring a crane and operator can cost hundreds of dollars per hour, and you can eliminate this unnecessary cost.
  2. Tongue and Groove with End-Matching – Even though full logs are notched or grooved for tight-fitting joints, they require strips of insulation between them to prevent air leaks. They also are not stable that causes joints to gap open. Log siding locks together tightly on both sides and ends to prevent joint spreading and air leaks. You will spend less time measuring and cutting and save a lot of material waste.
  3. Receive Orders In Two Weeks or Less – Once your order is placed with us, it will typically arrive in 2 weeks or less. You are never sure when full logs will arrive from a mill, and that’s why it’s a safe bet to use Pine or Cedar log siding for both exterior and interior use. Learn more about our shipping terms, free freight, and discounted freight from our Michigan office. We want you to know that delivery costs are down, buy now and save. 
  4. Lightweight Compared to Full Logs – If you’ve ever experienced working with full logs or watched the television show “Off the Grid,” you see what builders are up against. Logs are very heavy, can strain your back, and can cause serious injuries. Log siding can easily be stacked, carried, and installed by one person or two when necessary.Full Log homes usually settle when the logs dry over the course of 5-10 years. Doors and windows tend to open and close much harder after the walls start to settle.
  5. Homeowners Can Install Log Siding – Hire a contractor if you choose, but it’s not necessary if you, family, or friends have essential woodworking skills and tools. The work is not rocket science, and you can grasp the trim, molding, and siding concepts rather quickly. Save a ton of money by doing the work yourself. Log Siding is applied directly over conventional house framing like 2×4 or 2×6 studs. Heating and air conditioning (HVAC) duct work is never a problem, as well as plumbing and electrical lines.
  6. Matching Trim and Corner Systems – Complete the siding project by installing the trim, molding, and corner systems of your choice. Remember: the trim and molding go up first, followed by the siding. Enjoy the fruits of your labor by doing some of the work yourself. Watch this installation video to make the work go smoother.
  7. Materials Arrive Defect-Free – Our technicians hand inspect each piece of siding to ensure you get the highest quality material available. The siding has no loose knots, cracks, cupping, or other defects when it leaves our plant. There’s no need to sort through the boards when they arrive on your job site. All of our siding products – Cedar, Pine, unfinished, and pre-finished planks arrive ready to install. See why pre-finished log siding is a win-win idea!

Use It for Both the Exterior and Interior

Cabin Siding

Warm and Comfortable Den

Cabin owners typically install log siding, paneling, or drywall or a combination of them on their interior walls. We recommend using siding or paneling to give an authentic and rustic look throughout your cabin.
Interior siding is installed the same way as its exterior counterpart. View our gallery of photos to glean more log siding ideas for all your rooms. See more cabin decorating ideas here.

The Highest Quality Materials Are Available At Your Fingertips

The WoodWorkers Shoppe mills and stocks log siding and many associated building materials for your online shopping convenience. Add any of the following to your siding order:

Exterior Products   Interior Products
Log Siding and Log Trim   Paneling: Knotty Pine, Barnwood, Cedar
Pre-finished Log Siding   Pre-finished Paneling
Corner Systems   Knotty Pine Flooring & Decking
Hand-hewn (Peeled Logs)   Wood Doors & Log Mantels
Log Railing & Stairs   Trim, Molding & Corners
Sikkens & Caulk   Stairways & Railings & Rustic Lighting
WeatherSeal Stain   Beam Covers and Log Trusses
Perma-Chink Lifeline Stain   Cabinetry – Kitchens & Baths

Contact us today at (800) 818-9971 for cabin ideas and ordering your log siding and other building products.

Resources and References: