Log siding is one option for those who want the look and feel of an authentic log cabin without the costs and scale of whole logs. Log-like wood siding is also desirable for many homeowners because it can fit conventional house frames, adding rustic warmth to an existing home.
But just what are your wood siding options? And how do they compare with alternatives like vinyl log siding, concrete log siding and TruLog™ steel log siding?
Log Siding Types and Sizes
While different species of wood offer different levels of protection from moisture, rot, pests and shrinking, all log siding requires maintenance and should be inspected regularly, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Woods commonly used for log siding include:
- Pine: A cost-efficient wood, pine has long been among the most popular choices for wood siding. A relatively soft wood, pine holds finishes well for those who wish to stain or paint. Pine is not among the more rot-resistant woods, however, and it requires regular sealing and other maintenance.
- Cedar: More costly than pine, cedar is also more resistant to rot, pests and splitting than pine. Cedar is also receptive to staining and painting, and it does require routine inspections and servicing to maintain its integrity.
- Redwood: Resistant to insects, moisture and shrinkage, redwood tends to hold its joints and profile better than other woods. Redwood also holds external finishes well. Though it generally requires less maintenance than other log sidings, redwood must still be regularly inspected and occasionally sealed.
- Spruce: Pine’s East Coast-friendly cousin, spruce shares many characteristics with pine. Spruce can be knotty, and it is more often used for board siding. As with pine, spruce is cheaper than other woods but is also more susceptible to rot and must be regularly sealed.
Log siding is further available in cuts of varying sizes, most popularly quarter-log and half-log. Wood siding also comes in different styles, including clapboard and plank. In recent years, concrete log siding, vinyl log siding and steel log siding have become increasingly popular for their ability to replicate the look of timber without the maintenance worries.
Benefits of TruLog™ Steel Siding
As discussed in a previous post about the advantages and disadvantages of concrete log siding, steel siding like TruLog is more cost-effective and structurally stable than concrete log siding. Although concrete log siding is resistant to rot, it must be regularly resealed every few years, which can cost thousands of dollars.
Unlike logs and concrete siding, TruLog steel siding is truly maintenance free. It also won’t buckle or warp like vinyl log siding, and it has a higher fire-resistance rating than log siding, wood siding and vinyl siding.
If you’re considering a log home, re-siding an existing home or updating a rental cabin and would like to learn more about the TruLog system, please contact TruLog online or call us at 970-646-4490. TruLog is based in Loveland, Colorado, but we ship nationwide and work with installers in many states, including Colorado, Wyoming and Missouri.
