Installation Tips

How to figure coverage for Log Siding

Walls

Measure and multiply the width times the height of each wall to be covered.  Add the totals to get the square footage that you need.  For 2x6 log siding multiply this number by 2.4 to get the lineal feet that are needed.  For 2x8 log siding multiply by 1.78.

Example

Wall = 9' x 24' = 216 x 2.4 = 518.4 = 519 lineal feet needed

Gables

Measure, take the width times the height and divide by two.  This will give you the square footage.

Log Corners

For each corner, measure the height of the corner from where the siding starts at the bottom.

Installing Log Siding

Recommended tools

Nails 10d - 12d ring or spiral shank hot dipped galvanized

Skill saw

Level

Hammer

Air nailer

Caulk gun

Tape measure

Chalk line

Nail set

Compressor

Miter saw

Utility knife

    Conventional stud frame construction allows log siding to be installed quickly and easily.  Log siding can be installed on the exterior and/or interior of most homes. When installing log siding, center butt joints over studs and use two fasteners for each end.  If you are installing over existing siding at least 3/4" thick, locating studs is not necessary.  Install the log siding so that the lap is upright and the groove is on the bottom.  Use two nails for each stud, galvanized or stainless steel casing nails work best.   Nails must be long enough to penetrate the thickest part of the siding and the sheathing.  The nails or staples should be driven through the front of the siding, do not try to hide them in the lap.  The butt joints need to be staggered for the authentic "log look."  To make the butt joints tight, use square cuts.  A 10% waste factor should be figured in to compensate for squaring ends and trimming siding to end on a stud.  It is important to keep siding level.

    If you choose to install our log siding over existing wood or masonite siding, brick, or stucco you will need to use furring strips. (This is not recommended over vinyl or steel siding.)  Nail these strips vertically into the studs and through the existing siding.  Fasten the log siding to the furring strips and stagger the butt joints.  Wood filler is optional.

Install the log siding trim after the wall has been prepared with moisture barrier (house wrap) and furring if needed.  2 x 2's on the inside corners go up first, this will give you a clean ending line. 

 

 

 

 

 

Windows and doors are trimmed next.  Build a frame with mitered corners using 2 x 4's or 2 x 2's for all windows and doors.  Nail this frame into place and caulk around it. 

Install all vent, light and outlet trim and caulk.

Outside Corner Options

Log corners - this gives the authentic "log home" look.

2 x 6's mitered to form an "L" shape - these are installed before the siding goes on.

Round or square log - routed out to fit vertically over the corner

*Log siding used on exterior surfaces will need to be stained with a water repellent product intended for this purpose.  Please see our Finishing page for our recommendations.