When it comes to designing your dream cabin home, there are many different things you have to consider. With cabins, one of the first things you need to consider is the kind of siding you want it to have. You can go more modern with concrete siding or you can stick with a traditional look and go with something like cedar log siding. however, when it comes to cedar siding, there are some things you should consider.
1. The Cost
Cost is one of the first things you should look at when deciding what siding is best for your home. Cedar log siding is considered a premium siding, meaning you will pay more for the initial installation compared to pine and other types of siding. Any required maintenance over the lifetime of the siding will also add to the overall costs. Additionally, you need to keep in mind the location of your home. While cedar trees are common in the United States, the number of places where they grow big enough for use of cedar log siding are limited. The farther you are from these areas, the more you will have to pay so they can be brought over to you.
2. The Maintenance
Although cedar log siding is considered to require less maintenance than some siding options, it is not maintenance-free. To keep cedar log siding in top condition, you need to clean it with a pressure washer and a mild bleach every 2 or 4 years, and depending on where you live, you may need to do it more often. This is to help remove any dust or mildew that may have begun to develop over time. You also will have to repaint or restain the siding every 3 to 5 years, depending on where you live. If you live in an area where the siding is exposed to a lot of sun and extreme heat, you may have to do this more often. On top of that, you may have to replace rotted pieces of log, which is an even bigger maintenance expense.
3. Grade of Cedar
Not all cedar log siding options are equal. When looking for cedar siding for your home, you want to be aware of the cedar grading scale. The absolute best option you can go with is cedar siding with a “Clear Hear Cedar” grade, which will have very few growth characteristics, such as knots, visible. As you work your way down the grading scale, the cedar will contain more and more signs of growth, Quality Knotty Cedar having the most. Knotty cedar is a good option for someone who wants their home to have a more rustic look.
Steel Log Siding: A Better Option
Although cedar log siding is considered to be fairly durable and energy efficient, it still has a number of shortcomings, particularly in regards to the overall cost and maintenance. Fortunately, there is a better option for those that insist on a classic log cabin look: steel log siding. Steel log siding mimics that real wood log cabin look, but uses high-quality steel at a fraction of the price of cedar log siding. This siding is extremely durable and resistant to cracking, fading, and chipping, which also helps to make it virtually maintenance free, you just have to wash it off every so often.
Due to its ability to keep heat from escaping, you will end up spending less on heating bills over time, which makes steel log siding a very energy-efficient option. Additionally, the fact that it uses high-quality steel rather than real wood means it is also a more eco-friendly material. Adding to the eco-friendly factor is the fact that steel log siding does not require any special chemical treatments to help protect it. All you have to do is install it properly and nothing more.
While cedar log siding can create an authentic cabin look and and feel, it is important to consider it carefully. The list above are just a few of the factors to keep in mind when looking at different siding options. Steel log siding can provide an equally authentic look to your home, at a fraction of the price and with virtually no maintenance required. As you look at the siding options for your home, do not rule out steel log siding; it is one of the best options available today.
