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Are you still dreaming of that log cabin you’ve always wanted but never built because you thought it would cost too much? There is a simple and cost-effective solution to owning your own cabin by constructing it with pine or cedar log siding.
There are two directions you can take. Use quarter log siding on the exterior and interior walls or build with log siding on the exterior and paneling on the interior walls. Both methods are much less expensive than using full logs and you can move into your log cabin sooner.
Quarter Log Siding Is the Most Economical Profile for a Full Log Loo
Quarter log siding is designed to provide an authentic log home appearance at the most affordable price. Each piece comes standard with a ¼” tongue and groove, end-matched, lock-tite system. This system covers all nails or screws locking the boards into place for maximum structural strength and durability.
You’ll be happy to know this log siding system saves 15% – 20% in labor. It also saves 15% – 20% in material waste over other ship-laps and tongue and groove siding that must be end-butted on studs. Quarter logs are available in 2”x 6” and 2”x 8” Pine and Cedar in a smooth or hand-hewn finish. The hand-hewn surface looks like a pioneer did the work with a draw knife to peel away the bark. This size log siding comes in convenient lengths for fast and easy installation and costs less than half the price of full logs.
“There is a simple and cost-effective solution to owning your own cabin by constructing it with pine or cedar log siding”.
How Log Siding Is Installed and Finished
This functional cabin shows how easily log siding is attached to exterior walls. The log trim is first secured with long galvanized screws. After the windows, doors, and log trim are installed, the bottom row is put in place with a nail gun.
The ends of each piece fit snugly together to eliminate end-butting between studs. This approach requires less measuring and sawing to length than conventional shiplap or tongue and groove siding. Instructions that come with your siding order show how to leave room for the corner log system.
TIP: It’s best to stack your siding for a few days before application to let it acclimate to the humidity level in your area. One of the benefits of log siding is that homeowners and friends with woodworking skills can install it – either pine or cedar.
Log siding can be ordered in an unfinished form for you to finish or a pre-finished condition that makes the job easier and faster. If you finish the logs yourself, be sure to seal them from the elements and then stain or apply a clear coat of finish.
Create the Full Log Rustic Look with Interior Siding
If you want the full log look on the inside of your cabin, install the same profile and size of log siding on the interior walls. It will be difficult to tell if siding was used instead of full logs.
Another benefit of using interior siding is the extra insulation R-value between the walls. If you live in a colder climate, try using 2×6 studs instead of 2x4s because more insulation can be installed in all the walls. It will cost more but you can recoup much of the cost with lower power bills.
The interior log siding is installed in essentially the same way as the exterior siding. Watch this video a couple of times to be more confident in installing the trim and siding. Your cabin will not only be rustic and relaxing, but it will also be naturally beautiful.
Finish the Project with Log Trim and Corners
Homeowners can vary the external appearance of their log cabins with a variety of log corner systems. The choices from most suppliers include:
- Vertical corner logs
- Butt-n-Pass logs
- Double-D corners
- Saddle notch
Log corner systems come in several sizes to match the profile and side of log siding. They come pre-shaped from the wood mill and are attached to a house with simple tools and supplies. For your information, log siding is also available in half log and premier logs for a thicker and fuller log cabin appearance.
Another way to save money is by selecting the most cost-effective rafter and roofing system. This guide will provide many valuable tips for working with your contractor.
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