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Please browse the category questions and answers as a form of your question has likely been asked in the past.  If you can't find your answer, The Log Doctor is here to answer any question you may have regarding the repair and restoration of your log home or cabin.  If you are not a do-it-yourself kind of person, please contact us and put all our knowledge and experience to work for you!

Half Log Siding

  Question: I have a log home with lots of rot. I was thinking about siding over the whole cabin-there are so many choices-would you recommend t111 or smart siding over vinyl?
  Question: When using new pine half log siding, does the back (non exposed side) need to be stained to "seal" the half logs? Using a solid brown stain.
  Question: I have a Pan abode cottage with a few knots that have shrunk and are leaking water through the walls. What do you recommend to repair? I'd like to be able to keep the current finish, if possible! Thanks!
  Question: I am installing 8' cedar v-plank panaling in my family room, the walls have sheet rock on them now, can I just use glue to attach them to the wall without using furring strips?
  Question: We're considering installing quarterround log siding in our basement on the walls. We've just started to go about looking into this. How do you attach it to the walls? And do you have anything you can recommend for a basement ceiling to give it a "log cabin-ish" feel?
  Question: How do i remove bear raw hide oil off ceder ciding
  Question: What color of trim should we use to paint trim of windows and deck thanks.we have a cedar camp /cottage white door .
  Question: Do all half logs have a mill glaze on them? Is sanding the most effective way to get it off? What is the most effective stain to use?
  Question: i have hardi plank siding. does it need to be removed prior to half-log application? or can it be placed on top of hardiplank?
  Question: We need to find a place in Florida where we can buy pine logs. We are replacing rotted out logs on our cabin. Can you suggest a company here in Florida. We would like to pick up the logs vs. having them shipped.
  Question: We bought a log house and have a garage with log siding. We had a fire which thankfully only burnt half of the back of the garage. The siding is an odd size - 2" x 7 1/2" finished size. Where can we find this size? We need 40 pieces 12' long.
  Question: Just built a new home and were told not to put any finish on outside of 1/2 logs for 3 months of weather exposure. Is this true.
  Question: we have a few logs that have cracked and caused rotting on our d shaped log ghome i have ordered the replacement facing need better instructions as to how to remove damage and adhere new facing help please!!!!!
  Question: I have installed a 8" pine log sliding 1" thick in the middle with a 1/2" overlap. I used Cetol 1 and put 2 coats on it the first year. I was planning on putting on a third coat last year when I noticed some black spotting ocurring. It would appear most of the spotting is ocurring half way down from the top and arround decks. This pine was kiln dried prior to us milling it into sliding. It also sat in my garage for 4-6 months prior to installing it on our cottage. I have pictures I could email y
  Question: I purchased a semi load of used 4 inch by 8 inch logs that had been removed from a 8 year old log house. The logs have a latex flat appearing stain that has weathered. Can I lightly power wash these logs, prior to install,then restain ? I plan to use Behr stain with Behr gloss coating over the stain .
  Question: I am installing 1/2 log siding over older wood siding. The old siding is in good shape. Do I need to caulk or fill the but ends of the siding between the joints on the ends? Not the top and bottom.
  Question: I am installing pine half logs in my basement. I had a saw mill cut them for me. the wall is sealed with dry lock paint, 1" x 3" boards, insulaton and plastic is up. Do I need to seal the back of the logs before I install the logs?
  Question: Hello. I have a log home in the North Ga.(rains alot) mountains with Half log pine. The origonal stain is sikkens Cetol. The stain is about five years old and looking work in the weather/sun exposed areas. What kind of log wash can i use and what can i do to bring back the original sealed fresh look when is was seales with Sikkens Cetol? Thanks
  Question: the back wall of my log home is bowing out, about 5 inckes now, what is the best way streighten it back. i have put 4x6 post under the main beams inside, to take some of the weight off the wall
  Question: what is some advantages and disavantages of tamarack wood
  Question: I have a 4X6 solid cedar log home and the exterior is finished in a Behr product that makes it look like a gloss varnish.I have resurfaced it once with Behr gloss exterior finish ,this product was clear and went on like water.Now they have discontinued that stuff and went to a thicker creamier hard to apply ,without getting surface bubbles,product.Would you recommend something else that could be used in this situation...Thank You
  Question: How do we attach log siding to sheetmetal that is put on bckwards?
  Question: I have a log home in the northern Catskills, (Shandaken, NY) One of the base logs that sits on the foundation was cut and replaced with lumber. Then the deck was attached to it. With all the weight of the snow on the deck the bottom log rolled causing the logs above to bow out. What do you recommend?
  Question: We built a Coventry Log cabin Home in Moultonboro, NH in January of 2010...working on electricity, plumbing etc now. We need to stain and seal this summer....can you recommend someone in that area with experience with staining log homes?
  Question: Log Doctor,
We have purchased a log home the former owners painted the logs. We are about to start the process of corn balsting the house and staining. Do you think a oil based paint is better then a water ? Also do you have an idea for cheaper option then guard strip ?
  Question: We have a 1/2 of a logged home and the top half is siding, where the dirt i guess from other the siding has ran down the log siding it has cause it to look black, what do you wash this with that wont take the stain off?
  Question: I'm residing my home with 1/2 log siding. Do you have any recommendations on how to flash/trim the areas where the trim and siding will meet my fieldstone chimney? I'm removing the old 1/2 log siding and the original way it was installed allow water to get behind the siding and rotted the framing.
  Question: I have alot of 1" WHITE PINE that has the edges left natural. I want to put it on some interior walls, with chinking in between. My ? is do I put it over drywall, or OSB? What do I use for chinking?
  Question: We're putting on d-side logging on to our new construction home. How can we install that without the nails showing ?? Is there a way ??
  Question: I want to install log siding on 2 walls inside of my new home in the bonus room above the garage. This is to give the 'log cabin' look to the 'man cave'. The siding I plan to use is NOT tongue and grooved, but I will deal with that problem later. I would like to treat the siding with some type of insect treatment to ensure that I don't infect my new house. The siding has been stored in a barn for several years, so it may have been exposed to insects.
  Question: We just moved into our new home (half log siding) 6 months ago. On the south side of the house, the siding is already starting to grey and fade in areas. The contractor applied two coats of a Sherwin Williams stain to the house. Obviously we are not happy that only 6 months in this is happening. Do you have any suggestions on a better, more long-lasting, product to apply?

Thank you
  Question: i have a log home in north east oklahoma and am trying to locate some half logs for repair any place you know
  Question: I am putting yellow pine log siding on my home. I am also putting on a deck of the same pine. My question is...after putting on the ledger board for the deck will I need to go ahead and put on the deck before I finish the siding or can I finish the siding and then do the deck? The depth of the siding and ledger board are about the the same so I was conserned that the ledger board would not stick out enough for the deck to rest on.

Pati
1Corth. 10:31
  Question: We have a cedar sided house in northern Wisconsin. It's about 20 years old, and siding/windows need replacing. We love the log look. With so many products including half logs, e-logs, etc., what product would you recommend? Is there a contractor you would suggest as well?
  Question: cost to install tongue grove 1 by 6 pine
  Question: I have a log home in Northeast, PA, around Lake Wallenpaupak. I need to have it corn cob blasted and caulked and stained. No one in our area seems to do this work. Would appreciate some help. Thanks.
  Question: How do you make a cut for half log if you put a piece on your ceiling and on the wall to make it look clean they would be butted together
  Question: I live in a log home 5yrs old, the logs on my house are starting to get very dark how do i restore them to look new again and keep them looking good again
  Question: log siding our home and trying to choose between smooth or hand hewn. we like the hand hewn look, but although both products are tongue and groove end matched, you can see the joints in the hand hewn siding. is there any thing short of planing each piece before installing to minimize the effect. Or do I have to use the smooth siding for the seams to disappear. We really like the hand hewn. What do we do? Thanks
  Question: We are planning to reside our home with 1/2 log siding. The product we are looking at has two options one has a rough out finish that will show more grain when finished. The other option is a real hand hewn finish which is much smoother. My question is would the smoother finish add to the log or the finishes longevity? Perma chink, right? Thanks for your time. Kelley
  Question: My home has vynal siding in a light gray which showes all the dirt and fly specks. We would very much like to have it painted a darker color. Would you or can you paint vynal sidinga and will dark colors fade rapidly. We are senior citizens and can keep up with the washing of the house all the time. We are tired of the paint,but someone told us the darker the color it will fade out and look terrible. If we can paint it what type name and color would you recommend. Your answer would be appreciate
  Question: I have a cabin with walnut half logs and need about 30' to replace some rotten spots. Do you know anywhere that walnut half logs are available?
And yes it walnut 100% shure
  Question: I need the exterior of my log cabin cleaned and resealed.I have read a lot about cob blasting.Are there other options? Please suggest someone in the Hampton/Newport News, Virginia area that can do the work.
  Question: My 25-year-old cabin in central Florida is 2-story with the 1st story being red cedar logs and the second story being stick-built with red cedar siding. The west first story log wall is stained on the inside from rain and when it rains, it is wet to the touch inside. I think rain may be intruding from the second story log siding and somehow soaking into the first story logs. Any ideas?
  Question: I wrote earlier, but sorry I wasn't clear about "popping". What I meant was the color of the knots is coming through the paint and after putting on the Kilz, they still are coming through. It is worst on the bead board. Any further suggestions? Thanks.
  Question: I need to find 100 linear ft of t&g white cedar 6" half logs in southern new Jersey. Do you know where I can find them?
  Question: We have half log siding and bead board on interior of 3 season porch which has been painted a light color with an interior semi-gloss latex. Porch also has hot tub and has been very humid at times. The knots in the wood have "popped" through the paint. What is the best way to cover? Have tried heavy-duty Kilz and they are coming through that.
  Question: We recently purchased a half log sided home which the previous owners painted grey. We would like to restore the exterior to a traditional log cabin color. Not sure if we want the cost and effort of cob blasting, do you have any recommendations for paint color?
  Question: We are residing our panabode log house. If I want to "shave" the joints back where the logs intersect, (so they are aren't jutting out when we put the siding over it), is there a limit to how much we can shave off? I am just concerned out it will look with the corners jutting out. Any other ideas as how to disguise the corners.
Connie
  Question: I have a panabode log house. We live in the norht and 40 below winters are not uncommon. We want to insulate the outside walls and then put a siding over the insulation. Any suggestions for the best type of siding? Hardy Plank has been suggested, but I am concerned about finding screws that will be long enough to go through the siding, 2 inch insulation and then into the log. Any suggestions?
  Question: can half log exterior siding be painted or doesnitnhave to be stained.
  Question: Great Site!
Q. Half log siding over tyvec and osb. I want to put half log on interior outside walls,That are 2x6 with Fiberglass insulation and plastic vapor barrior. then half inch sheet rock. Will putting the siding over the sheet rock cause the sheet rock to mold?
You have taught me much. Thank you.
  Question: Can log siding be placed over stucco - do you recommend applying tyvek first? Or does stucco need to be removed?
  Question: I have a log caboin built in 1948 and it needs alot of work but I feel that I might be able to handle it. Did you recommend that I try andrestore it?
  Question: We have a BC Red Cedar log home that had a leaky roof for a few years. Ater what seemed like a 2 month cold, my wife has been recently diagnosed with a strong allergy to mold. I was under the impression that Cedar is mold resistant, but could the leaking have created mold in the ceiling? The ceiling is vaulted, with a Cedar interior roof - then 12 inch 'non-cedar' joists - then plywood and shingles (now steel to address the leak). What is the reality of Cedar log homes and Mold?
  Question: I have what I believe is an 1850s era log house in NW Pennsylvania. I would like to insulate the roof and let a portion of the rafters remain exposed. About 15 years ago we had the roof replaced. The contractor removed the old tin roof and discovered the remnants of the wood shingles. They nailed plywood on top of the wood shingles and put down asphalt shingles and installed a roof vent. The roof is supported by about 6-8" pole rafters with 2x2s(?) that go across the poles (that is what the
  Question: I have a project involving the removal and replacement of log siding. My problem is how do I remove the existing siding that is bad as it is nailed at the top with the next log overlaping the fasteners. And second how do I re-fasten the new log as the tongue will be under the log above after installation.
  Question: HI i have a half log siding home and i used bear raw hide #13 stain and now it is pealing off what is the best way to remove the old stain,and install new stain thank you jim baldwin
  Question: We have a cabin with 2 x 8 pine 1/2 log siding which was pre finished with a linseed oil based stain in 2005. We have done nothing to maintain our siding since installation in 2005.
A siding refinisher has come out and power washed a small area and said that there is mold underneath the finish on the siding and that he would need to strip the siding and refinish it. The areas underneath my soffit have no mold growth. Does this seem accutate, he wants $11,000 to refinish.
  Question: we are building a house and there is a pole that can not come out so I was going to put a cedar log around it whis is the best way to do this so that it looks like a cedar tree going through the house
  Question: Which type of stain is better for Northern White Cedar half logs used for siding on a log home in Pennsylvania - oil or water based. Any brands you would recommend or suggest to stay away from?
  Question: For log siding, do you need to caulk between the logs (i.e., between the bottom of a log and the top of the log below it)?
  Question: I want to attach log siding to the concrete foundation wall for my log home. What method is recommended for fastening the log siding to the concrete?
  Question: I am a contractor building a Barnar log home . The corners in this home is full log and 9"3/4" wide. Barnar sup halg log siding is 9" wide.Barnar said that this was normal and that I must make them fit. I have never seen a log stretcher and am at a loss as to what I should do. I am now trying to fit the half logs in the center of the larger full log corners . I am then going to try and chenk between the half logs but feel that this is not the way. Help
Mis Matched wood.
  Question: Are hammer marks always expected on log siding? If not, is there a method or special hammer that should be used so hammer marks do not appear on the log siding?
Thank you
  Question: We built a stick frame home with pine log siding in central Illinois in 2006. At the time we stained the siding on both sides before installation. It was never sealed. What do you recommend now for routine maintenance? Washing? Staining? Sealing? From other answers a see that you recommend Timeless wood products - right?
  Question: We have a doublewide trailor house would like to put white cedar log ontop of what it has to make it a log mobile home can we do this and where can we find 1/2 white cedar logs we live in southeast missouri, what is good and bad points? Thank you
  Question: Have knotty pine siding on west side of house, gets lots of sun late afternoon, logs are sapping from sun, have tried scraping off in the fall and sealing it, but by the end of next summer same thing again. Is there some product to put on the knots to make them quit sapping?
  Question: Our house has white vynal, plastic siding can I nail half logs or logs over the vynal siding without taking the siding off? I'm afraid if I take the siding of the insulation will fall of too. What do I need to look for? Thank you for your answer.
  Question: I have a 40 year old Panabode with water damage and rot in one corner. The rot affects the bottom three logs and extends a maximum of one foot back from the corner. How do I cut and insert a corner while accounting for the saddle notch and weight on the corner. Thanks
  Question: Can log siding be installed over stucco? How much, ball park, would it cost to install log siding in this situation, per square? Thanks!
  Question: I have a home that was sided with 3x10 pine half log siding 7 years ago. I am seeing alot of logs that are turning black and have tried various things to clean, bleach, and even sand out the black, but there is so much of it and nothing seems to be working. Can you recommend a product or a suggestion of what the problem might be. I am in Northern Wisconsin if you could recommend a contractor.
  Question: The half log with bark trim was attacked by woodpeckers and is falling off. I want to replace all the trim. What do I have to do to keep the bark from peeling off and the woodpeckers away from boring? Thanks, Leslie
  Question: I AM ERECTING AN ICF HOME, WITH THE INTENTION OF A LOG CABIN LOOK IN THE CATSKILLS (HUNTER, NY). HAVE YOU DEALT WITH THIS SITUATION BEFORE? WILL LOG SIDING AND PANELING BE FEASIBLE FOR THIS TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION? ANY PROBLEMS I AM OVERLOOKING? LOOKING TO DO MOST OF THE WORK MYSELF, EXCEPT THE ICF AND ROOFING. ANY REFERRALS TO PURCHASE THE SIDING, PANELING, DECKING, ETC IN THE AREA? THANKS.
  Question: We have had old outside logs plalnked and want to put on the interior walls with a chinked look. Planks are .75" thick. Would half rods fit? Could we substitute a cheaper product for chinking since it is inside?
  Question: I am looking at buying home in northern Arizona. The appraiser made a big issue out of several cracks in some of the logs, especially some of the beams. Some were 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches deep. They sugguested that a structual engineer look at the home. How serious is this issue?
  Question: I have a 1918 log cabin with vertical log construction. Some of the logs are beginning to get soft and rot on the bottom end as it sits on the rock/cement foundation. Is there a good way to repair these? Or do the logs need to be replaced. If so, what is the best way to replace one of the logs. And how do I prevent further decay of the existing logs.
  Question: We purchased a home build in 1938 that has wood framing. On the exterior of the walls there is tar paper fastened to the studs and then half log siding nailed directly to the 2 x 4s through the tar paper. There is no plywood sheathing and there is no insulation in the walls. The interior walls are covered with wood planks that are also fastened directly to the 2 x 4s. The logs have never been chinked. You can see daylight where there are tears in the tar paper, and there are several gaps wi
  Question: We have a Real Log home - 17 yrs old. Due to poor maintenance, pretty much the entire back side of our house - the logs have began to rot. We do not have the funds to replace the logs. My brother-in-law is a builder. He has suggested cutting back the rot, sealing and putting on some type of cedar siding. Have you seen this done? Can you give me any other suggestions? We are in great need of help.
  Question: repairing water damage to interior logs
  Question: Local mill cut rough slabs (pine) in 1" to 3" thicknesses to simulate log construction . Plan to apply to sheathing on "exterior" walls of 2nd floor U-shaped barn loft which is actually in the covered bay of the barn. Texas. The barn interior/bay gets hot/humid. Tyvec or Tar paper, stain all sides, attach with screws, grid&chink. Worried that the natural slabs (twisted, bowed, cupped) will have voids between them and the sheathing ...and that moisture might accumulate. Suggestions apprecia
  Question: I've got exposed tails on the support for dormer roofs and the exposed pieces are splitting/discoloring. I'd rather not cut them off but will if I have to. I'm considering re-cleaning, filling cracks then covering with flashing... your advice?
  Question: We are having a cabin built in Minnesota with half log siding, the contractor has nailed it up with some of the seams where two pieces of siding are butted together are without the 22 degree angle and no where near a stud. Will this create problems? Should these seems be caulked? Should anything else be done?
  Question: can you restain over the log siding with a different color and do you have to use a paticular product to clean it first? Also does log siding need any special treatment for termites?
  Question: Hello,

We are putting northern white cedar half log siding on our home. I've stripped the old siding and put Tyvek over the sheathing. My questions are as follows:
1) Do we need to caulk in between each tongue and groove or between logs after install?
2) Should I use a good exterior deck screw to attach the siding or galvanized nails?
3) Is the finishing process: Borate, caulk, stain, then topcoat in that order?

Thank you in advance,
D. Jones
  Question: LOOKING FOR A SUPPLIER OF HALF ROUND 3 X 6 LOGS TO FINISH A WALL IN THE WAKEFIELD NH AREA CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANY LUMBER YARD THAT CARRIES THIS SPECIALTY WOOD
  Question: I have a Panabode log home built in 1975. I am doing an addition to the house and want siding to match. I called Panabode and they offer siding but not the half-round I need. They only have a rectangular type. I've called several places but none has a 5 1/2" stacking height half-round. Does anyone know where I can order this from? Preferably in or near British Columbia? Thanks!
  Question: Will corn blasting our log cabin damage the chinking between the logs?
  Question: Will cornblasting our logs damage our steel roof and steel clad window frames??
  Question: Pine log siding oozing pitch. One board is almost entirely white. What is the best way to get it off? Home is 4 yrs old with Sikkens 3 step finish.
  Question: Can chinking be used with Hardy Plank to give the appearance of Log Home? Plan to use under the front porch only.
  Question: i have a log cabin and part of a log is rotting due to the back splash of water. i need someone to fix this and then stain entire log cabin.also would like a quote on cornblasting. pete 207 893-2095
  Question: I WANT TO LOG SIDE A BRICK HOME> HOW WOULD THE LOG FASTEN TO THE BRICK
  Question: I need to restore cedar siding on a 22 year old cabin. I am looking for a recommended restoration company / individual in the northern Arizona region. Can you locate one for me? I appreciate your help.

Thanx.
  Question: i am going to build a 20x 30 cabin which i plan to use log siding on . do you reccomend any type of insulation over the sheating, i was just thinking of using tyvex. can the siding be installed with a nail gun ant hte last thing is what do you reccomend for a finish, do i have to stain the wood and then seal it . do you know of any instructional videos that would help. i understand the tongue and grove and how to install but im unsure about how to do the outside cornerd and the window trim t
  Question: i recently purchased a log home in the rochester/buffalo ny (pavilion to be specific) area. the home was purchased by foreclosure and was built about 15 years ago. the home appears to have had no maintenance that i can see. the west side of the house gets the wind and snow. a few logs below the windows are rotted quite a bit. the interior portion show no signs other than some water staining from previous leakage. i am looking for someone that can evaluate this and tell me what can be done. i am
  Question: My 1980 log home located in south central Ontario, 12" square pine logs, needs to be cleaned and stained. The gable ends are board and batton with some darkening. What is the difference between glass blasting or corn cob blastings? Which do you recommend? Any recommended contractors? Any recommended stains? Tks.
  Question: We are buying a log home in NH. In some parts of the house the logs have seperated where the two logs butt together and you can see daylight. What is the best solution to this? What kind of caulking should I use and how often does this happen?
  Question: I was looking at buying a 7-8 month old log cabin. It is too small (1200 sq. ft) and we wanted to put on an addition but were told by a builder that we would have to wait 2-3 years for the logs to settle before would could add on. Does this sound correct?
  Question: what is the best caulking to use for the money on log sidding?
  Question: I purchased some property that has an old log home on it with the square logs. I would like to sell it, but have no idea how much it is worth. Do you have any information to head me in the right direction?
  Question: I've been told that half-log is better than full log construction, b/c it's easier to install elec, insulation, and plumbing; right? Also, why do you recommend against white pine? Thanks.
  Question: I Have a local sawmill that can provide white pine rough cut boards, 2x8 for external log siding at a very competitive price.
I am considering installing them flat on an OSB cladded stick built house, with a chinking space. Each course of boards would be separated by a 1x1 wood spacer, allowing the remaing 1x1 void to be used for chinking.
Do you have any experience of such an installation?
  Question: Any log cabin home builders in the KY,WV,OH tri-state area? Need one who dose butt and pass style. Thanks
  Question: Can you recommend anyone in the Morganton, NC area who does log home cleaning and restaining ?
  Question: When installing half log real log siding, should the flat area of the log which is against the sheathing be sealed before being installed? We have tyvek installed over the sheathing.
  Question: I am building a 28x24 colinal barn. 2x6,16 on center. Concrete foundation,stone floor. I want to use 2x6 white cedar log siding end match nailed to studs. Do I need to put a sub-siding?
  Question: We are considering buying a two story log home that has been sided with vinyl siding. Ther second floor has been renovated with a new full bath and two small bedrooms replacing the master bedroom. The owners did the work which included a "flask" placed to support the new bath on the second floor. The house is located near the eastern Atlantic Ocean in NJ. Is there anyone with log cabin experience who could inspect or inform us of what maintanence the house will need in the near future. We w
  Question: I am building a home in NC using log siding (half D). I am confounded as to what type corners to use. Astetically I prefer sadlled but I am now being advised that they will quickly twist loose even if using kiln dried wood (yellow pine in my case). The alternative being proposed is round vertical corners. Do I need to give up on saddled corners and accept the reality of easier maintenance and better life of a vertical corner approach? If so, is there a particular vertical corner that works
  Question: Just bought a log home buitl in 1986. The interior walls have all turned dark and there is also water stains in places dut to a leaking roof an few years ago.
Can you suggest what I can do to fix the problem or recommend anyone who might be able to. live in western maine @ 1 1/2 hours north west of portland.

Thanks
Steve Garbarini
  Question: How often do you have to stain the exterior and interior of a log cabin?
  Question: Our log siding has pulled away from the house in several places. The chinking is also pulled, cracked and separated. The siding was nailed in instead of screws. Do we need to screw all of the boards? Do we need to remove the old chinking before putting on the new chinking? This is all less than 10 months old.
  Question: I have a New England log home. They have been out of business for years. Where can I find suitable replacement logs. I am comfortable doing the work myself if I can simply find the logs. Richmond Va. area.
  Question: I'm interested in making my future home look like a log cabin one day - but I want the half-logs for the exterior, and log panels for the interior. I don't want to deal with bug problems and whatever else comes w/ owning a log home- do they make "artificial" logs? Maybe out of hardi-plank or something really durable? I don't want a house framed out of full logs. I couldn't deal with the maintenance that goes with it. Please let me know if they make artificial logs yet - or something to make
  Question: I have a 1930's log cabin with an addition added on both ends. Both additions are 2x4 construction. The original cabin and both additions were covered with log siding. When investigating the tamarack logs they seem in good condition. If i keep the log siding how would you insulate between the siding and logs? This cabin is on a large lake in MN with strong NW winds.
  Question: We are moving into a cedar home that has unmilled interior walls. The wood has not been cared for and is very rough and difficult to clean because of its roughness. We do not have the time and resources to do an entire sanding of the house. I was wondering if there is any sort of sealer or coating that can be put on before staining that will help smooth and gloss up our walls without sanding. I have heard of sanding sealers, is this something that could be used to coat over the roughness?
T
  Question: I have a log home which was built with pine logs and sealed with Menco stain. The home and coating is 3 years old. This year the surface on all of the exposed sides got a black stain on it which was more predominant the lower down the wall you come. What would be the best way to determine what is causing this stain. I have read about 4 or 5 things already that can cause black stains. Thanks.
  Question: I currently have a vinyl siding home, can you put logs over the vinyl siding to make the outside of the home look like a log home?
  Question: OK, it's early and I posted this question to the wrong area on this site. Oops. We have a cedar sided house that is trimmed in log around the windows, doors, corners and has full logs up along the roof. We are having it restained but don't know if the previous owners used oil or water based stain, although they said they got it from Sherwin Williams. How do we know and what do we do now? Should logs be stained with oil or water based stain - same question for the cedar siding - oil or wate
  Question: I would like to know where I can buy replacement logs for a log home.
Thank you

David Beach
1-502-316-1603

kabeach10@hotmail.com
  Question: We have purchased a home that the previous owners covered a log home with vinyl siding - yuk! What do you recommend to restore it back to a log home?
  Question: I have a log home built withfull 8"X8" "d" logs. I want to close in my garage door and can not find log siding the same height. Any suggestions?
  Question: We will build a log siding garage in Arkansas, with solid sheeting inside. Should we put tyvec behind siding and then put inside sheeting?
  Question: Currently having my log home restored, i.e. cob blast, borate, stain. Upper level is whole log but lower is half log. I was told that the sanding removed the galvanizing from the nails (half logs) and therefore these cannot be borate treated as it will create black blotches. What do you think?
  Question: We are trying to decide between Eastern White Pine, Western Red cedar or Northern White Cedar to use for a log home. The home will be our permanent residence and we live in central North Carolina. What are the differences between the three woods in regard to strength, durability over time, and color over the long run. I am concerned that the red cedar will turn brown and get very dark within a few years. Also I am wondering about the long term effect of using The white pine instead of a ceda
  Question: Historic Society has removed 6 layers of wallcoverings from interior flat cut log room, chinkings covered with flattened tin cans. We'll caulk around windows/doors. Can we also apply some sort of vapor barrier material before applying recreated (expensive) wallpaper?
  Question: We have an existing "Pan Abode" cottage that was erected in the early 60's. We have just completely stripped it of all its coats of stain and the logs now appear a blond colour.
My question is simply this:
1. should a pre treatment of some sort be applied before the stain?
2. What brand name stain is best and what clour of stain should we use in an attempt to keep it to its present blonde clour?

I should mention that the cottage is situated in the Georgian Bay area of Ontario Canada.

T
  Question: Do you know of any log home restoration compamies in Ont Canada. Irequire a few log replacments
  Question: I have a 1948 log sided cabin with reverse board and batten gables. It's a rare find and in great condition. Finish is generally in good shape, but the years of stain, and subsequently surface film finishes are of a bit rough. No blackening from UV or other wood damage, but some peeling of surface film and white opaqueness. I've been advised to (a) powerwash and apply a film coating, (b) cob blast; (c) glass blast; (d) walnut blast; (e) paint or solid stain; and (f) replace the siding. Op
  Question: SHOULD I PUT "TAR PAPER" BETWEEN MY HALF LOG SIDING AND THE SHEATHING? SOME BUILDERS SAY YES. OTHERS SAY, NO, IT CAN TRAP MOISTURE BETWEEN THE SHEATHING AND HALF LOG THEREFORE IT WILL NOT DRY OUT PROPERLY....YOUR OPINION??
  Question: We have started building a 20' by 20' log cabin. It is for occasional use. The logs are approx 5" on three sides and unmilled on the fourth (facing out) side. We are using butt and pass method with 16" rebar spikes, and half inch plywood spacers between logs. We are 4 logs up and I have set a 2 by 6 frame on two walls for windows. All windows and doors will stop at 84" high and then I plan to put 6" by 10" lumber as a tp plate for rafters to sit on.

WILL THIS WORK?!!?

I am worried th
  Question: We just purchased a chestnut log home constructed out of salvaged logs from old homes, barns, etc. The home is about 12 years.
We would like to seal the outside logs, deck and
railing. What product or porducts would you recommend? The house is very sound with no wood damage, decay or rot.
Marti Turner, Roanoke, Virginia
  Question: I have a log house and the inside walls are all pine. The pine is now yellowing and i no longer like the look of it.I was thinking of painting the pine what would this look like and what color would you recommend. The room in question is rather small and dark.
  Question: We have a log siding cabin that we think was stained with a clear Behr product about 20 years ago. Three sides have stood up well and we are wondering if we can use the Behr Log Home Gloss over the old stain on those sides. The south side will be sanded and the stain applied to the bare wood.
  Question: I recently bought a log home that has had a strange treatment done to the exterior. The previous owner painted the logs with a mixture of motor oil! (10w-30 to be exact) and stain with UV/insect killer. The logs look great. But I'm wondering if you know anything about this method.
Thank you.
  Question: We are putting pine half log siding on our cabin and we wanted to stain it a dark brown. We bought a gallon that looked good in the brochure, but when we put it on a sample it was too light. It was like it wouldn't soak in. The guy at the paint store just kept adding pigment to get it dark. Is that OK? Is there a different product or process we should use? Also, is it OK to stain once it's up vs before?
Thanks
  Question: We have a cabin in central MN that has 1/2 log siding. There is an area on the side that is facing north that is green with mold, splitting and cracking away. What is the best way to fix that problem? Also, what would be the best way to clean 1/2 log siding. Thank you!
  Question: We have 1/2 log siding on our house, put on last August, and now have carpenter ants!!!!What do I do now?
  Question: bought a 9 yrs.old log home that had been stained with cwf-uv(redwood) every 3 yrs. and never cleaned or washed. we have owned for 6 yrs. and are going to restain. We appliedbleach and pressure washed. Some natural wood showing most of house still looks stained. Does it matter? What is the best stain?Does it need to be corn blasted?can you use a stripping agent?Can we just restain? Painter wants to strip with pressure washer and just stain over.I need log help in N.C.
  Question: We have a 12x20ft mountain cabin that has shifted sideways from top to bottom (about 2" out of sq). The cabin is a panabode with 2 large screws in each log drilled into the logs below. The cabin gets more snow on one side of the rood, despite being 9 ft of the ground, the roof is largely covered on one side.
How could we best pull her back into square and keep her square. Any advice ??
  Question: I have a log cabin home in Florida. I have several spot on the south and north sides where the logs are rotting it is about 1 1/2 inches deep and I have constant algae on the north side . I have had many different ideas suggested to repair the rotten spots. Wood Bondo, chip out rotten wood and replace with log siding. Please help. Thanks
  Question: What is the best method to make a pocket cut in a 6X8 rectangle log? I need to remove the rot and termite damage from some of my logs. Making many cuts with a circular saw seems to work but my shoulders are giving out.
  Question: I recently bought a log home and found that it needs log replacement, chinking and staining. I cannot find anyone in the Lake Luzerne NY area. Who can I call?
  Question: Do you know if any companies manufacture a chink/log vinyl siding?
  Question: we home a log home in southern illinois carbondale. We need a few logs replaced do you know of anyone in this area to do the job?
  Question: We just built a stick built home with log siding exterior. We heard sikkens is the best, is that true? Also, we need to spray on a solution for the boring bees, what is the best to use before we stain ? Thank You.
  Question: I am getting ready to start repair of my log home built in 1992. I wil be needing 12 in. round milled pine logs. Would you suggest replacing the full logs, or replacing with 1/2 log siding ? What is the best type of sealant/protection for the outside (upstate NY - lots of snow). Do you have any referrals for buying materials for this job ?
  Question: I have a small cabin I use for my shop.One log neededs to be replace. Is there any Web sites or books that shows how this is done.
  Question: I've noticed that most half log siding is manufactured out of 2x dimensional lumber. Is this durable? Should we take any special precausions when using 1/2 logs? And finally, is there a milling machine that will allow us to convert 2x material into our half logs?
  Question: I have a log home in need of repair but can not find someone in my area. I live Martinsburg W.V can you help?
  Question: I have a split sided log home that is in need of residing. I would like to use split log siding again. Do I have to remove the old siding? It is not rotted but the first owners painted it.
  Question: We have a 35 year old Lindol log cabin in Alaska, about 28 by 32 feet, with an original sloping roof. Logs are milled to 2 3/4 inches thick, by 5 inches wide, tongue up, groove down. What are some of the alternatives to improving insulation value, and strengthening/straightening the vertical walls, which are bowing noticeably. It has some insulated siding part way around and a steep metal roof added now. We would like to add on. Is this a practical possibility?
  Question: I have read that you recommend log homes not be pwer washed because too much moisture will stay in the log but what about log slab siding? I have a home with 2x6 framed walls sheathed and covered with log slabs. I have a lot of black stains which i assume is fungus/mold. i need to get rid of that and can't find anyone who does corn-cob blasting.
  Question: I am considering building with 12 x 12 timbers for the wall sections.What should be done to prevent moisture between the timbers.Thanks
  Question: I purchased a home that is partial log and partial log siding (most of it is siding) that has been painted it appears several times. I would like to take it all down to original and then stain. How do you remove the paint? Thanks for any advice you can give.
  Question: We have a 12 year-old wood frame house with pine log slab siding. It has been cleaned and treated twice with CWF-UV Clear Wood Finish. We are not impressed with CWF. Some sun-deprived areas have turned black. I suspect mold but one painting contractor believes its Tannin leaching from the log siding. Your thoughts? Should we wash with TSP/bleach mixture or corn-cob blast? What can we treat siding with to prevent mold re-forming? We like a clean, natural look.
  Question: i have a log home with solid log structure, several logs on one side of the house are rotten and need major attention, we are going to sell, do you have any references in my area .MARION, VA. 24354
  Question: I am repossessing a home that has half logs as siding. The north side has a rotted log and the south side has 3 logs that have pulled loose from the structure. It looks like the house was built in 1979. I am looking for someone to assess the damages and possibly repair. The house is located in Southern Illinois. Do you have any idea who I could contact? Thanks for any help that you may be able to give me.
  Question: I have a log sided home in Payson Arizona. My home faces towards the northeast, and on the southwest side our siding has been weathered pretty bad. The wood is still in good condition, but the surface is rough and checked. I heard somewhere that there is a product that can be applied first to the complete surface of the siding and that would fill/and seal the siding before putting on the finish. Is that possible or is there a better way? Thank you.
  Question: We own a log home building which was a kit from Northeast Log Homes (pine?). The building has not been stained for 7-8 years since it was new. The different weather exposures have weathered the building unevenly. What is the recommended cleaning, treating, staining and caulking procedure in a step by step process to restore the exterior? There is no evident rot so it is simply a maintenance procedure we need. Thanks!
  Question: we just have dormors and a little in the front how much does it cost
  Question: We are considering the purchase of a hand hewn log home built in 1976. I'd like to know what I should do to check it out properly, what kind of maintenance will be required over time, and how are log homes in terms of insulation. Also, the wife would like to know if it's ok to hang pictures into the wood. I figure.... why not?
  Question: We are looking at a log home to buy which was built in 1992. On the interior we see water staining on the walls around butt joints between logs. We also notice a fair amount of rusting of the metal baseboard heaters. Why would so much moisture be getting in? How concerned should we be about the integrity of the logs? How do we go about fixing the staining on the interior? Thank you for your help!
  Question: I was told that we could repair our logs that are rotting by taking out the rot and filling with epoxy? Do you have any advice for small portions of rot on a log where was exposed to too much snow and ice,,?
please let me know
Also do you know who does log home repair in Maine?
  Question: In a previous question about maintenence on a 'full log' home, you gave the following response:

You should plan on budgeting at least $2000 per year for maintenance..... the time will come to strip the old finish off, and that can cost....$10,000 to $20,000....It will need constant inspections......

My question: Is it the same, for a stick built house that just has 'half log' siding on it?
  Question: Hi, I have a log cabin built around 1930 out of chestnut. The logs are obviously hand hewn, uneven, small in diameter - I think the corners are butt and pass. We would like to add an addition to the house and keep it authentic looking. Cost will be a consideration-so I was considering a frame structure. Can you recommend any type of realistic looking siding? Thanks.
  Question: I HAVE DOUBLE WIDE MANUFACTURED HOME. CAN I INSTALL LOG SIDING OVER THE FACTORY SIDING. TO GIVE IT THE LOG CABIN LOOK ??
  Question: i have read that you recommend using a palm sander with 50 rit sandpaper to sand logs. would an orbital palm sander work on half log siding?
  Question: I have a half log sided cabin and am in need of a couple of replacement logs and log ends . I live SW Ohio. Who should I contact.
  Question: Can an existing solid exterior log wall (6"x8" "D" shaped logs) be covered over with siding such as: cedar board, Hardiplank, half-logs, etc. without causing a moisture problem between the logs and the siding. If so, where (in what sequence) would you install vapor and rain barriers(Tyvek) and perhaps a layer of foam insulation? Thanks!
  Question: Is latex caulk from a place like Home Depot a good substitute for something like Permachink's Energy Seal? (the cost is a lot less but I don't want to use latex caulk if it's an inferior product). Thank you!
  Question: Log siding with decaying "tails" or " butt passes", I plan on cutting off and corner boarding, then restaining. Sound reasonable?
  Question: We are in the process of having some decayed logs repaired and the repairer is confident that he can leave some of the logs that are rotted completely through into the inside simply by covering the outside and applying borate to the exposed rot. This rot is substantial some even having the consistency of powdered dirt and as I stated goes much farther into the log than they are repairing. I don't feel comfortable paying for a job that is leaving me with a half rotten log covered with a piece of
  Question: I have a log side home that has been painted
what would you recommend to take the paint off so that it can be properly stained
  Question: I have a doublewide and would like to put log siding on. Is that possible?
  Question: problem with my interior log are that they have alot of grey look to them how do i make them look new..thank tim
  Question: Where can i find artificial log siding? I seen it once and have not been able to find out anything about it. It looks like a beautiful log house after applied but it is artificial half logs. Can you help me locate this type of siding?
  Question: I am building a frame house with half log siding. I am trying to find someone in the kansas city area that could build me a log railing system for a stairway. Any references or suggestions would be appreciated.
thanks
Jon Collum
  Question: We are purchasing a home in northern Minnesota. It has log SIDING on the home and on the garage. Is there anything we should look for to make sure that the SIDING has been kept up over the years? Are we going to have to put special stain on it or anything or is that basically for log homes?
  Question: we have log siding, we just stained one whole side of the house, we do not like the color it is darker than what we had on. is it possible to some how remove this stain and put a lighter stain on?
  Question: We are considering buying an existing 25 year old log home which has been covered with vinyl siding. We would like to restore it back to it's original look. What should we be aware of, any tip would be welcome. Have you ever encountered this before? They said they did this bccause they were never satisfied with the chink.

Thank you
  Question: can you buy pine log faceing to put on a wall to make it look like a log caben inside if so whear and do you no how much
  Question: WE ARE USING PINE LOG TONGUE AND GROVE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE, CAN ENDCAPS BE PURCHASED TO MAKE LOOK MORE RELICICK? THANK YOU
  Question: I've noticed varying gaps between the logs in my home. It appears that the logs are twisting.Where the edge of one log twists up and an adjacent one twists down, the gaps are becoming quite substancial. Is this normal settling? Or is ther cause for concern? Is there any way to minimize this?

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