Log home construction has evolved from simple, hand-hewn logs to today’s full log, timber frame, and log siding homes. Log siding is made from a variety of materials ranging from real wood to various synthetic materials. Pine log siding homes and cabins have emerged as favorites for their cost-effectiveness, full log look, and ease of construction

How Log Home Siding Has Evolved

Real wood log siding has evolved from flat boards to “D-shaped” pieces cut from logs. Over time, these “D” logs were milled with tongue and groove or lap joints to make secure joining of boards. The WoodWorkers Shoppe in Michigan perfected the tongue and groove siding further by adding an end-matching design. This innovative idea allows joining the ends of the siding anywhere between the wall framing as well as on the framing.

Real wood log siding is copied by some manufacturers with synthetic materials that compete with wood. Although they have their good points, none can compare to the look and feel of real pine or cedar wood. Wood log siding can be installed by conventional carpenters and contractors as opposed to some synthetic materials that need specialized installers.

Corner notching has evolved from a skilled labor intense project to being milled in our log siding facility. Pine log siding and its installation costs are much lower than full log construction that stands out as one of its greatest appeals. It has also evolved from an unfinished condition only to a pre-finished stained condition for the builders’ convenience.

Veneer Used For Patching Logs

Another limited approach to log siding is replacing the front of some old damaged logs with a thin veneer also called “skins.” The part of the damaged log may be chiseled out or cut out with a saw. A long piece of an older log that closely matches a damaged log is sawn off, glued, and screwed into the damaged log. Once the piece is installed, you have an improved log appearance without replacing the entire log.

”Pine log siding homes and cabins have emerged as favorites for their cost-effectiveness, full log look, and easy of construction.”

Pine Log Siding Is A Favorite

Of the several wood species used for log siding, such as oak, cypress, cedar, and pine, red pine also known as Norwegian pine is the runaway favorite for these reasons:

  • It is the most cost-effective wood for log siding, corner systems, and trims.
  • Pine siding is sustainable because many trees are planted each year.
  • Because pine trees are plentiful, pine siding is available year-round.
  • Pine is easy to work when sawing, sanding, drilling, or chiseling.
  • You save money because this product is virtually a “no-waste” item.
  • Homeowners with woodworking knowledge and skills can install it.
  • Pine log siding provides the full log look without the full log price and drawbacks.

When properly stained and caulked during construction, pine log siding will remain beautiful and durable with simple maintenance. Pine log homes can last for many generations when professionally maintained. They are preferred over buying a log home kit.

Log Home Siding Has Evolved Further With Profile Choices

Tongue and groove end-matching pine log siding is available in several popular styles called “D” profiles. They vary in thickness, width, type of surface, and unfinished or pre-finished.

  • Quarter Log is made in 2”x 6” and 2”x 8” sizes
  • Half Log is made in 3”x 6” and 3”x 8” sizes
  • Premier D Log is made in 3”x 8” and 3”x 10” sizes
  • Hand-Hewn Log is made in all profiles
  • Unfinished log siding has a smooth surface in all profiles
  • Pre-Finished Log has a smooth stained surface in all profiles

Each piece of log siding is no longer shaped by hand with an axe or adze tool. It is milled with precision on our state-of-the-art equipment and finished by skilled craftsmen. Log siding has evolved from drying out in the sun exposed to the elements to being dried in a controlled atmosphere in a modern kiln. Each piece is dried for correct moisture content and staining.

Corner And Trim Construction Have Also Evolved

In olden times, log corners were notched by chopping or sawing into dovetailed shapes or rounded half circle notches to fit together. This laborious process has evolved in our facility by running logs through our advanced woodworking machinery. The result is the choice of vertical, butt-n-pass, and saddle notch corner shapes.

The corners are attached to wall framing followed by the log window and door trims of your choice and the log siding. The corners and trims for the exterior of your log home are available in sizes and shapes to match your choice of log siding. Matching trims are also available for the interior walls of your home or cabin.

In conclusion, log siding has evolved from a lot of hand work to buying it for fast and easy installation. Here’s to your successful log home or cabin build!

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