There are numerous ways to save money on your log cabin or home construction, including:

  • Hiring the right priced builder versus doing some of the work yourself
  • Shopping around for the most cost-effective building materials
  • Ordering unfinished siding and paneling versus pre-finished materials
  • Choosing the size home that meets your needs rather than oversizing it

Another cost saver is buying the right amount of log siding and paneling to avoid waste. Two effective ways to achieve this are to use an estimate calculator and double-check with your materials supplier. The following groups of ideas can serve as a simple outline for purchases.

There are numerous ways to save money on your log cabin or home construction, including:

  • Hiring the right priced builder versus doing some of the work yourself
  • Shopping around for the most cost-effective building materials
  • Ordering unfinished siding and paneling versus pre-finished materials
  • Choosing the size home that meets your needs rather than oversizing it

Another cost saver is buying the right amount of log siding and paneling to avoid waste. Two effective ways to achieve this are to use an estimate calculator and double-check with your materials supplier. The following groups of ideas can serve as a simple outline for purchases.

Study Your Cabin or Home Building Plans Carefully

calculate siding

By designing and studying your building plans carefully, you will know the exact exterior and interior measurements. Based on these dimensions, you can begin to total up the quantity of log siding and paneling needed for the project.

Address these areas and add them up:

  • Siding from the foundation up?
  • Start on top of a stone base?
  • First floor only or first and second?
  • Which rooms need paneling?
  • Paneling or drywall ceiling?
  • Panel closets, storage/utility areas?

What about an attached or detached garage, workshop, or tree house? Consider their exterior and interior material needs and add them to your log cabin or log home total. Once the totals are determined, it’s time to choose the type of wood and their profiles.

Choose the Type of Siding and Paneling Wood: Pine or Cedar

Two favorite woods for log cabins and log homes are pine and cedar. Both are beautiful, rustic-looking, and can be purchased at a lower cost than full logs.                                            

You can get the full log effect by using log siding on the exterior and interior walls. A second option is using log siding for the exterior walls and paneling for the interior walls.

Pine is the traditional wood and comes at a lower cost than cedar. If you want a wood that is more moisture and insect resistant, go for cedar.                                                                          

Both can be treated for insect resistance, stained to your choice of colors, and clear coated. Remember: Both log siding and paneling can be ordered in unfinished or pre-finished condition.

“Another cost saver is buying the right amount of log siding and paneling to avoid waste. Two effective ways to achieve this are to use an estimate calculator and double-check with your materials supplier.”

Select the Siding and Paneling Profile Desired

The width of siding and paneling is critical to selecting the correct square footage. This chart shows you what to expect for narrow to wide pieces:


 
NOTE: Choose the lengths of log siding and paneling when placing your order and don’t forget you can use pine and cedar paneling for your ceilings. Use the following material estimator for both of these fine products.

Use This Simple Calculator

The first step is taking accurate measurements for all exterior walls, interior walls, and closets/storage spaces including a garage or workshop. Next, use the estimate calculator by supplying the information required below.

1.) Select your “Material”How much siding do I need

2.) Enter “Wall Height”

3.) Enter “Wall Width”

4.) Enter “Pitch” (only if applies)

After filling in the boxes, click on ‘Email Results’ and you will get a prompt response. Talk to one of our log siding and paneling experts if you have any questions.

An Outstanding Mill That Meets Your Needs

Use the convenience of online shopping with the WoodWorkers Shoppe for your log siding and paneling needs. We offer the highest quality wood products at the fairest prices.

References and Resources: