Answers

Why put board and batten on the outside and still have the same maintenance? If you are going to cover it then go with Hardy Plank siding on the exterior for ease of maintenance. Yes on the fur stripping.

I have never seen the bees cause structural damage, they are just dirty and annoying. having your exterminator spray regularly is the best option to slow them down. Some say that a fresh finish stops them, but I have had them drilling into fresh stain the next day.

I suppose you could stucco over it, but all rot must be fixed first or it will continue to rot under the stucco and cause structural failure eventually. This true if it is siding or stucco. And siding could be used. The walls would need to be furred out first.

You should replace logs even if you put siding on the house. If you do not repair it will continue to rot under the siding and could cause a structural issue over time.

Yes, you should remove the paint first before covering with siding. The logs will continue to rot under the siding if you don’t remove it. You shouldn’t have to remove the chinking, although the better shape that it is in the better your home will be sealed against the elements.

Cutting that way would only be good for log siding. To make full log walls cut a flat on top and bottom. Be sure to dry for as close to a year as possible. You should also apply stacker caulk between courses.

You can cover them, but they must be fixed first or it will become a structural issue in time since the logs will continue to rot. Call Ryan at 877-788-5647 for help.

No matter what you use it is all wood and needs constant maintenance. Cedar is less susceptible to rot, but also has more tannins that make it more likely to peel. Bottom line..they all require maintenance.

It would be best to just leave the cedar bare. It will darken a little over time but would be fine. I have used it in a sauna like this before and it work out well.

You should have it corn cob or glass blasted then replace any bad pieces of siding. Apply a borate treatment then stain with Life Line stain. Call Dave at 800-564-2987 for help and materials.