Log Homes - Pros and Cons ? (refinish, color, stain, insulation)

[Darlynn0217]

I would like to hear from Log Home owners who can tell me if they are happy with their homes. How did the building process go for you? Did you do it yourself, or hire a contractor? Is there a lot of maintenance involved in keeping them up? What about staining/sealing the logs? Would you go with a Log Home again, if you had it to do over? Did Anyone use "e-logs" or split log siding? Any input will be appreciated!

[BITTER_SC]

I live in a log cabin built in the 1930's.

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[missyM]

My in-laws built a cedar log home a long time ago and lived in it for many years. I can't recommend staining the logs, that would ruin the look. They used a clear Behr product on the exterior and oiled the interior once a year with orange oil.

I had other friends that had a whole-log home, 10-12" logs. IMO, there is nothing like the feeling of being inside one of them. They are so soundproof and solid, and warm, you'll never want another material.

[Darlynn0217]

[quote=BITTER_SC;2071137]I live in a log cabin built in the 1930's.



Do you have to do any regular maintenance to the logs? I was under the impression that they had to be re-done every couple of years due to settling and or cracking... We are thinking of using log siding, for ease of construction and, hopefully, less maintenance. Do you know if that is true, or should we use whole logs, for the insulation factor? Thanks for the feedback!

[WeLovePainting]

Say you own a log home or cabin but the color is very daunting, over the years you’ve always been told the only way to change the color of the existing color is to remove the current finish with a chemical striper, or other means of time consuming and labor intensive processes. Nothing could further from the truth now designers and refinishers can apply a new simplified color scheme / finish throughout the interior of any log home siding, or surface.

First off decide on a color of stain you ultimately desire, by picking out a graining base color and a gel stain topcoat color. After you decide your color prep the log home surfaces by sanding lightly and washing to remove oils and or grease. After all areas have been prepared apply a consistent coat of the graining base apply the product as if you where painting the siding. After the graining base is complete the next step is to apply the gel stain by using an ox hair paint brush and by dry brushing the stain onto the surface graining tool may be required to achieve wood grain. After you achieve the look you desire seal the surface with a sanding sealer and apply 2 or 3 coats of varnish.

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[ESFP]

Been there, done that! I had my last home built that way. It was 8X12 square logs with 4" of chinking between. Very expensive hand-hewn hemlock wood. My only problem was that the logs creaked with temperature changes, and caulking was necessary all the time. Sometimes the door wouldn't close, sometimes it wouldn't open. The walls swell and contract, leaving air leaks. It was beautiful, but maintenance was a factor. I wouldn't do it again.

[Darlynn0217]

Thanks for all your feedback! Will probably stick with log siding....sounds like it will be less maintenance and worry.