David Murphy, Author at

davidmurphy

About David Murphy

David Murphy is a content writer who specialized in business articles and blogs. He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and Murray State University where he studied industrial technology and business administration. David is a retired community college professor and author of 12 books. He and his wife Linda reside in Saratoga Springs, Utah.

How To Stain New Wood Log Siding

To successfully stain wood log siding, you must thoroughly prep the bare wood, apply a specialized breathable log stain, and vigorously back-brush the finish to ensure deep penetration. Unlike standard dimensional lumber or painted siding, logs naturally trap and release moisture. Using the wrong product or applying it like regular paint will trap this […]

By |May 23rd, 2026|Blog|Comments Off on How To Stain New Wood Log Siding

Advantages Of Log Roof Trusses Over Rafters

Log roof trusses offer significant advantages over traditional wood rafters, particularly in log homes and custom builds, by providing superior structural strength, faster installation, and greater design flexibility for open, vaulted spaces. Engineered to handle heavy loads, they reduce the need for interior load-bearing walls and arrive ready to install, saving labor costs and […]

By |May 20th, 2026|Blog|Comments Off on Advantages Of Log Roof Trusses Over Rafters

6 Pros of Pre-Finished Knotty Pine Paneling

Pre-finished knotty pine paneling offers a warm, rustic aesthetic with significant time-saving benefits, reducing installation time by 15-20% by eliminating on-site sanding, staining, and finishing. It provides a durable, consistent, and professional-grade finish that is free from streaks and other imperfections.

This paneling product is ideal when you don’t want to finish it yourself or […]

By |May 19th, 2026|Blog|Comments Off on 6 Pros of Pre-Finished Knotty Pine Paneling

Features Of The Best Pine Log Siding

For anyone contemplating building a log siding home or cabin, you should consider using pine. Pine log siding is the most economical way to build compared to cedar or hardwoods. The best pine log siding features kiln-dried, hand-inspected wood with tongue-and-groove and end-matching technology for a tight, stable, and easy-to-install finish. High-quality pine siding […]

By |May 15th, 2026|Blog|Comments Off on Features Of The Best Pine Log Siding

Build A Livable Tiny Log Home

Building a livable tiny log home involves creating a simple, durable, and cozy structure, typically 400-500 square feet, using traditional techniques, such as log siding secured to conventional framing or interlocking full logs. Key elements include selecting appropriate materials, such as red (Norway) pine, employing proper caulking and chinking for insulation, and utilizing a […]

By |April 25th, 2026|Blog|Comments Off on Build A Livable Tiny Log Home

Log Siding Home Styles From Around The World

Pine log siding offers a versatile, durable, and cost-effective way to achieve the traditional log home aesthetic, ranging from rustic hand-hewn to modern, minimalist designs around the world. Key global styles include Scandinavian light-wood minimalism, Russian “Dacha” folk designs, French Country with stone accents, and Mediterranean.

These homes allow homeowners to achieve the charm of […]

By |April 20th, 2026|Blog|Comments Off on Log Siding Home Styles From Around The World

Projects You Can Make From Knotty Pine Wood

Knotty pine wood is ideal for rustic, DIY projects due to its soft nature, affordability, and distinct dark knots. Popular applications include tongue-and-groove wall paneling, flooring, and ceilings completed by a contractor, carpenter, or yourself. You can make furniture like farmhouse tables, bookshelves, toy chests, and home decor items, such as cabinets, shelves, picture […]

By |April 17th, 2026|Blog|Comments Off on Projects You Can Make From Knotty Pine Wood

7 Things To Know About Building A Pine Log Siding Home

Each year, thousands of people dream about building a log home. The major decision is whether to build the home or cabin with log siding, full logs, or timber frames. Pine log siding offers the rustic aesthetic of a full-log home with significantly lower costs, easier installation, and better energy efficiency. It features tongue-and-groove, […]

By |April 14th, 2026|Blog|Comments Off on 7 Things To Know About Building A Pine Log Siding Home

Pine Versus Hardwood Log Siding

Pine log siding offers a cost-effective, durable, and easily installed alternative to full log construction, often costing 50%–75% less than woods like cedar or oak. While cedar or oak provides superior natural decay resistance, pine is lighter, generally sustainably sourced, and, when properly stained and sealed, provides a similar rustic aesthetic and durability with […]

By |March 26th, 2026|Blog|Comments Off on Pine Versus Hardwood Log Siding

6 Favorite Knotty Pine Flooring Patterns

Knotty pine is a perennial favorite for log cabins, log homes, and conventional homes because it is just as beautiful as hardwoods and costs much less. Pine is lightweight and easy to saw, sand, stain, and install.

Popular knotty pine flooring patterns include traditional straight planks, rustic random widths, elegant diagonal, herringbone, chevron, and parquet […]

By |March 23rd, 2026|Blog|Comments Off on 6 Favorite Knotty Pine Flooring Patterns