Log Siding
Your rustic retreat
The industrious Germans and Scandinavians who settled in the Delaware Bay region in 1638 built the first American log structures; 370 years later log homes are still as popular. Many homeowners are opting for a warm and cozy log home as their primary residence – and they get the extra benefit of feeling like they’re on vacation year round.
If you want your home to look like a true log home then log siding is an effective alternative to a log structured home without the high cost and difficulty of erecting full diameter logs, which can shrink, shift and settle. There are different types of log siding – some are so convincing that even professionals can’t tell the difference. Quality log home siding products include various types of corner options such as the classic look of crisscrossing logs and log trims to make your home look like a real log home.
Log siding is efficiently produced and easy to use. It is properly kiln dried to reduce moisture and minimize shrinkage. The drying process also kills insect larva and fungus. It’s energy efficient. It’s well milled, clean and smooth. You really get the best of both worlds; the charm that full logs offer and the cost effectiveness of a traditional frame structure.
What is log siding?
Log siding installs just like any other siding product. It is made from natural wood logs. Most log siding is made from pine, cypress, redwood and cedar. These logs are treated, dried, and then cut for siding. There are a variety of textures and colors available, though most log siding is installed in its natural color. It comes in standard rectangular shapes and can be installed using nails and interlocking. Log siding can be installed in both inside and outside of the house for a fully natural appearance. It comes in half log siding, giving you the look and feel of rustic logs at a much lower price, and quarter log siding which gives you the same rustic appearance, saves on labor and materials, and at a fraction of the cost of full logs.
Swedish Cope
Swedish Cope is a design style that uses round logs that have a concave groove removed from the bottom of each log to allow the logs to stack on each other while creating an evenly spread, load-bearing, weather-tight seal. Because the logs are cut in half vertically they can be applied to any walled structure to give the look of full logs.
If you want the log home look without the high cost you can convert your existing siding to Swedish Cope log siding. Your local saw mill may be able to produce the log siding for you however it is recommended that you deal with a company that has experience milling log home materials. Your experienced contractor will know who specializes in milling log homes and custom design capabilities.
The hybrid log home
A hybrid log home is an evolving design concept that consists of log siding and natural textures such as stone, wood shake, brick, or any related natural construction material. It’s a beautiful look that offers a toned-down rustic appearance without losing the naturalness that a full log structure provides.
Advantages of log siding
- Get the rustic look of full logs at a substantially lower price
- Can be applied to your existing home, modular home, or mobile home
- Kiln dried to enhance dimensional stability and reduce shrinkage
- More versatile than full log construction
- Energy efficient and extra sturdy
Disadvantages
- It needs more maintenance than other types of siding such as vinyl, stucco, or aluminum
- Rotten logs must be immediately removed to prevent further damage
- Regular treatment against insect infestation is essential
- Cracks in siding must be repaired quickly to stop seepage of moisture and pests
Log Siding Costs
Log siding is much cheaper than full logs because it’s mass produced. Depending on the type of wood and style you choose prices can range from $3 to $8 per linear foot (not including false corners) and, because it’s easier to install than full logs, the labor costs will be dramatically lower.
Bottom line
Log siding is attractive, rustic, warm, inviting, and it will increase your property’s value. It is environmentally friendly since it doesn’t use the whole log; one tree goes a lot further which helps in conservation by limiting wood waste. And, it’s nice on the pocket book for anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning a log home but could never afford it.
And one additional resource for log siding
Hardwood Siding / Vinyl Siding / Solid Board Siding / Fiber Cement Siding / Exterior Plywood Siding / Shingle and Shake Siding / Brick and Stone Veneer Siding / Cypress Siding / Clapboard Siding / Gingerbread Siding and Trim / Brownstone Siding / Stucco Siding / Cedar Siding / Cement Makes Durable Siding / Limestone Siding / Log Siding