Cladding can have an impressive visual impact on the exterior of a log cabin. This contemporary home utilizes different installation styles for its wood cladding to draw the eye towards different planes of its building for an interesting aesthetic design.
There are various techniques you can employ to increase the aesthetics and insulating abilities of a log cabin, as well as create something truly memorable and exceptional for yourself and others who visit. Selecting appropriate materials will make sure your property stands out.
Western Red Cedar
Cedar (Thuja Plicata) is one of North America’s great renewable resources and an ideal timber solution for cladding applications. Slow growing, naturally durable and easily worked with, it provides easy cladding installation while its lightweight nature enables staining to achieve various aesthetics while its low density provides excellent insulation value.
Western Red Cedar is an extremely durable and adaptable species, making it an excellent cladding material. Boasting stunning colour variations as well as resistance against moisture, pests, and decay resistance, Western Red Cedar timber is highly valued by both design-focused homeowners and self-builders.
Thujaplicins, which naturally prevent the spread of wood-destructing organisms, give this softwood an advantage over others that do not naturally produce these protective substances. This makes Thujaplicins highly durable and highly rot resistant compared to other softwoods which do not naturally contain these protections.
Fungicidal activity not only ensures longevity for cedar trees but is essential in preserving the stunning colors found within. Ranging from rich chocolate browns and salmon pinks, salmon pinks and orange hues are accentuated with various cladding profiles for architects and designers to craft buildings that truly stand out.
As with any exterior timber, cedar cladding must be maintained properly to preserve both its lifespan and appearance. Regular stain applications will protect against UV degradation and general weathering; while periodic inspections ensure its structural integrity while safeguarding against damage or wear.
As with many softwoods, Western Red Cedar is easy to work with both hand and power tools and nails easily and glues well. Its straight grain helps reduce splitting when cutting while its dent-resistant nature means it dents reasonably easily while not steam bending easily. Due to its acidic properties however, copper or galvanized fixings should be preferred due to corrosion risk.
Western Red Cedar stands out from other timbers because it can be kiln-dried at the point of manufacture instead of air drying, achieving between 12-15% moisture content at this stage of its drying. Knotty cedar may require longer to be fully dried depending on its level of knots.
Shake Panels & Shingles
Be it when building or renovating an existing cabin home, adding unique accents can truly set it apart from others. There are various ways you can do this including:
Cladding options such as hewn beams and log siding provide plenty of character; but to add even more variety and individuality to your cabin home you can use natural materials to add flair. Wood columns, for instance, can bring nature indoors while adding definition to living areas while adding dimension. You’re sure to find one suitable for your cabin home!
Wood foundations for log cabins can also make an important statement about their appearance, with their contrast between log colors and foundation colors creating an eye-catching contrast that keeps guests interested.
Log cabin exterior ideas that emphasize rustic charm often take an unfinished, rough approach, drawing upon natural materials like dark brown (cinder) colors. When combined with slate stone work, this creates an incredible aesthetic that feels authentically rustic.
Just one way cedar shake siding can add rustic charm is through its use on all or just certain areas of a log home’s exterior. With its rough sawn texture that holds onto stains and finishes well, cedar shake siding is easily customizable to meet the aesthetic you are going for.
Interested in adding rustic charm without going all-out? Consider opting for a hybrid design instead. This type of cabin combines elements from both traditional cabins with modern amenities to create an accessible, warm, and functional living space.
Hybrid log homes typically boast an open floor plan with large windows to maximize natural lighting in living spaces and take full advantage of panoramic views. They can be built either on a log basement or concrete foundation for maximum flexibility in designing custom floor plans that suit any lifestyle imaginable. They’re particularly popular in mountainous regions for taking full advantage of beautiful surroundings while offering relaxing respites from hectic city living.
Painted Wood
Make the interior of your log cabin inviting by selecting the ideal colors to complement its wood elements. From earthy hues that echo nature to vibrant greens and deep blues, there are various palettes available that can add depth and warmth to the space. Incorporate them throughout your home for a unified design that showcases your personal taste.
Paint offers an easy and cost-effective solution for updating the aesthetics of your log home cladding as well as other surfaces around your home. When used on thermally modified wood suitable for painting, you can achieve desired aesthetics while protecting your home long term.
Brushing and rolling are among the many techniques for applying paint. Brushing is best used on smaller areas or intricate details; rollers are better suited to covering large surface areas and provide a smoother finish. When choosing to use rollers instead, look for high quality rollers that complement your cladding while having the appropriate nap lengths for each type of paint used.
Log homes are built specifically to withstand winter weather, featuring steep roof pitches and insulated walls to keep heat inside while cold out – an energy-saving strategy, while sound-reducing insulation makes these houses quieter too.
Boulders and rocks often form part of log cabin interior design, providing both texture and durability in terms of walls or columns for foundation walls or columns. Furthermore, natural stone features add rustic charm that enhances natural landscapes.
Rustic home interiors often incorporate natural materials, including wood paneling, reclaimed wood furniture and stone accents – elements which combine comfort with elegance for the ideal living environment. When selecting lighting fixtures to set the ambiance or highlight natural textures of a space, consider classic options like wrought iron chandeliers or lantern-style chandeliers to enhance rustic decor in any space.
CeDUR Shakes
CeDUR synthetic shakes offer an ideal alternative to natural wood cladding that is vulnerable to splitting, rotting and fire hazards. Their durable yet low maintenance design replicates the aesthetic beauty of real wood without the expense and upkeep associated with real wood; furthermore they’re weather and fire resistant and come in various colors that blend in well with most log home color schemes.
CeDU synthetic shakes utilize Closed Cell Technology, meaning each individual shake is constructed from top to bottom and front to back of solid material, unlike many fake shake products with hollow spaces for structural strength. This design allows each shake to be walkable, easily inspectable and work on, capable of supporting roofers’ weight as they install or remove roof panels, inspectors or smaller wind driven branches – and is capable of bearing the weight of wind driven or falling branches during installation or removal processes.
These engineered shakes are specially designed and engineered to mimic the look of heavy hand split natural cedar shakes with thick 3/4″ butt ends, adding an incredible sense of realism. Available in multiple colors like Golden Cedar, Shiloh, Walden and Live Oak allowing you to select one that complements the surrounding landscape seamlessly.
CeDUR shakes’ innovative design enables them to be installed staggered for increased realism and visual impact, helping create an authentic roof design and saving on energy costs during winter. Staggered installation methods should be utilized as this will prevent thermal bridging while increasing R-Value effectiveness, saving money in energy costs.
Like real wood, CeDUR shake will adapt its color with exposure to sun light over time, usually within 90 days of installation. After that point it stabilizes and maintains an aged wood color throughout its lifespan.
These shakes aesthetically resemble wood shakes in every way imaginable, from their distinctive grain patterns and shadow lines to being certified ICC Certified and QAI lab tested. Furthermore, they’re Class A fire rated without needing additional fire retardant underlays – something which traditional wood shakes require in order to meet this rating.
