Log cabin siding is a great option if you’re want to give your cabin, country house, or pool house a more rustic and traditional look.
Let’s find out more about the prices of all the materials used for log cabin siding, how to install it, and much more.
What Is Log Cabin Siding?
Log cabin siding is a panel siding used to give your home or cabin the look of natural wood sidings from the past.
It can be made from other materials that provide additional benefits while still maintaining the original look.
There are also various textures, styles, and attachment methods, so you can design your house in many different ways.
Can You Get Siding That Looks Like A Log Cabin?
If you want to stick to the traditional look, you can get siding that looks just like the log cabins you’ve seen in your history books.
Moreover, there are plenty of ways to get this full log look for a much lower price than the original method.
How Much Is Siding That Looks Like A Log Cabin?
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Log cabin siding is relatively cost-effective as it’s easy to install.
The average material and labor cost is typically $6.50-$14 per square foot.
Installation accounts for about $3.25-$6.50 per square foot of the cost.
For a building that requires 1,500 square feet of siding, this price range is between $9,750 and $21,000.
Log Cabin Siding Cost Breakdown
You can find different types of log siding on the market.
The average cost of each depends on the material of the siding, its quality, size, availability, the supplier, location, and other factors.
But to make things easier, this section will review the prices for wood siding.
In later sections, you’ll see how the prices vary according to the siding material.
| Types of Log Cabin Siding | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Half Log Siding | $5.50-$11.50 |
| Log Siding Panels | $2-$5 |
| Quarter Log Siding | $3.50-$8 |
| D Log Siding | $2.50-$5 |
| Chink Joint | $2-$3 |
| Tongue and Groove | $2.50-$7.50 |
| Log Corner System | $100-$200 |
| Log Corner Trim | $10-$40 |
| Hand Hewn Log Cabin Siding | $4-$9 |
| Smooth Round Log Cabin Siding | $4-$6 |
Half Log Siding
Half log siding is a popular choice for cabin siding because it’s more cost-effective than whole logs and gives the building a more uniform surface.
It’s traditionally made by vertically cutting the logs in half and attaching the flat side to the building.
Half log siding is 2-1/2 inches thick, and the price is usually between $5.50 and $11.50 per square foot.
Log Siding Panels
Log siding panels are pre-fabricated panels that mimic the look of traditional full log cabin siding.
They’re typically made of engineered or composite wood material, which makes for easy installation.
For that reason, they’re less expensive than full log siding, but they might not be as durable.
The average price for log siding panels is between $2 and $5 per square foot.
Quarter Log Siding
Quarter log siding has an even thinner profile than half log siding while still giving the illusion of a full log.
It’s made by cutting the log into quarters of 1-3/8 thickness.
It uses less wood and requires less labor for installation, so it’s a more affordable option for those on a tight budget.
The average price range for quarter log siding is between $3.50 and $8 per square foot.
D Log Siding
Another less pricey option compared to full log siding is D log siding.
This type of siding has a distinctive “D” shape that can be seen from the side.
It’s achieved by milling the logs to have a rounded or D-shaped exterior and a flat interior surface for easy attachment to the building.
Depending on the wood used for the siding, the price of D log siding ranges from $2.50 to $5 per square foot.
Chink Joint
Chink joint log siding is made so that there’s a gap between each log, which is later filled with chinking material or a different kind of sealant.
Chinking material is usually made of an acrylic elastic compound, and it has a coarse sanded surface that looks like old-fashioned mortar.
This gives your cabin or home a more rustic appearance.
The chink joint log siding costs between $2 and $3 per square foot.
Pro Tip: When considering chink joint log siding, make sure that you work with a reliable and trustworthy contractor and supplier. This type of log siding installation can be tricky and improper installation can lead to sooner replacement.
In addition, if you want your siding to last longer, chinking should not be used in areas with extreme weather conditions.
On average, it lasts about 20 years, but well-maintained chinking can last even up to 40 years.
Tongue and Groove
Tongue and groove log siding refers to logs that are milled to have a tongue on one side and a groove on the other, so they can connect to each other during installation.
This creates a weather-tight seal that keeps the insects and moisture out.
Tongue and groove log siding comes in different materials, so the price varies significantly, but expect the average range to be between $2.50 and $7.50 per square foot.
Log Corner System
Log corners are finishing products that give your exterior a final touch and make your cabin look even more rustic and natural.
They come in various types, such as V-notch, overlap, and butt and pass corner systems.
The installation process for each type is different.
Depending on the type and size of the log corner system, the price can vary between $100 and $200 per corner.
Log Corner Trim
Log corner trims are another decorative element that gives the corners of your home a more polished and finished look.
They can be butt and pass, saddle notch, vertical log siding, double D, and more.
Although the price depends on many factors, you can expect to pay between $10 and $40 per trim.
Smooth vs Hand Hewn Cost
When choosing a log cabin siding, you will have the option to choose between two different log styles or textures, smooth and hand hewn.
Both have advantages, but the ultimate choice will depend on your preferences, budget, and the final look and aesthetics you’re going for.
Hand Hewn Log Siding
Hand hewn log cabin siding offers a more authentic and rugged look for your cabin.
It was traditionally made by hand with a tool like an axe or adz, which made the manufacturing and installation process more time-consuming and expensive.
Today, it’s machine manufactured, but the price is still higher than smooth siding.
The average cost of hand-hewn log cabin siding can be anywhere from $4 to $9 per linear foot.
Smooth Round Log Siding
Smooth round log cabin siding gives your cabin a more refined and uniform surface.
It’s a great way to give your old cabin a more modern look, and it’s usually an easier and more affordable option.
The average price of smooth round log cabin siding is $4-$6 per linear foot.
Did you know? The hewing process originated in Europe in the 1100s and came to America during the 18th and 19th centuries with the settlers. The wood that was typically used was maple, oak, and hickory, and since the siding was created by hand, each log was unique.
Log Siding Cost Based On Material
Although traditional cabins are made of wood, today, you can achieve this unique look with various other materials.
As a result, the cost of log cabin siding greatly depends on the material it’s made of.
You can choose between wood, vinyl, steel, and concrete log cabin siding, depending on your preferences and budget.
| Log Cabin Siding Material | Average Cost of Material per Sq. Ft. | Average Cost of Material and Installation per Sq. Ft. | Average Cost per 1,500 Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | $6.50-$9.50 | $11-$18 | $16,500-$27,000 |
| Vinyl | $3-$5 | $5-$10 | $7,500-$15,000 |
| Cement | $7-$16 | $12-$28 | $18,000-$42,000 |
| Steel | $4-$8 | $11-$17 | $16,500-$25,500 |
Wood Log Siding Cost
Natural wood log siding is the best siding to achieve the old-world cabin look.
The average price range for this type of siding is $11-$18 per square foot including installation, which is slightly more expensive than other materials.
For 1,500 square feet of siding, this price is $16,500-$27,000.
The installation cost alone can be as low as $4 and as high as $9 per square foot, which leaves the cost of material between $6.50 and $9.50 per square foot.
Of course, this price also depends on the type of wood you choose. For example, pine is typically less expensive than cedar.
Vinyl Log Siding Cost
On average, the material and installation for vinyl log siding cost $5-$10 per square foot.
For an average home that requires 1,500 square feet of siding, this price is around $7,500-$15,000.
The price of the material is usually between $3 and $5 per square foot, while the installation by professional contractors runs from $2.25 to $5.25 per square foot.
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Cement Log Siding Cost
Cement log siding is more expensive, and you’ll pay between $12 and $28 per square foot for materials and installation.
For an average house that has around 1,500 square feet of siding, this price is between $18,000 and $42,000.
The material alone can cost between $7 and $16 per square foot, so if you choose to install the siding by yourself, you will save around $5-$12 per square foot on installation.
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Steel Log Siding Cost
On average, steel log siding can cost between $11 and $17 per square foot, including installation.
For 1,500 square feet of siding, this price is $16,500-$25,500.
The material alone is between $4 and $8, and professional installation is around $6-$10 per square foot.
Cladding vs Solid Logs
Cladding refers to the exterior finish formed by attaching thin, flat pieces of wood or other material like PVC, metal, stone, etc.
On the other hand, solid logs only involve thick and large pieces of wood that can form the actual structure of the building.
Cladding generally requires less material than solid logs, so it can be significantly less expensive.
Moreover, the installation process is quick and easy, especially for vinyl cladding.
With cladding, you’ll spend less on labor and installation, and you might even be able to do it yourself.
Depending on the material you choose, cladding can also be extremely low-maintenance compared to solid logs, which are more susceptible to damage from the elements.
However, solid logs offer natural insulation, while with cladding, you might need to spend money on an additional barrier.
Where To Buy Log Cabin Siding
Log cabin siding is available from a variety of sources, including home improvement stores like Lowe’s, Menards, and Home Depot.
These stores often offer installation services, so you don’t have to worry about finding a contractor.
You can also find log cabin siding from specialty lumber yards that might even offer custom sizing and milling services. They will surely offer a variety of wood species, so if you opt for wood siding, make sure to check out lumber yards.
Lastly, log cabin siding is available at online retailers like Amazon and Log Home Shoppe.
Here you can look at reviews and experiences from previous customers to ensure that your product is of good quality and exactly what you need for your cabin.
When To Replace Log Cabin Siding?
A key to maintaining any type of house exterior is knowing when to repair or replace it. When it comes to wood log cabin siding, this is crucial in the prevention of greater damage.
Fortunately, you can easily spot signs that indicate the need for replacement.
The most obvious reasons for replacement include rotting and decay in the form of soft spots, discoloration, and fungal growth.
Another reason might be cracks and splits caused by frequent freezing and thawing.
If you notice small holes in the wood, chances are that there’s an insect infestation.
It’s a good idea to have a professional inspection of the wood before replacing it, but don’t wait too long. A delay could result in greater damage.
Fading isn’t necessarily a reason for replacement, but it can be an important factor for those who value the aesthetics of their home.
Log Cabin Siding For Mobile Homes
If you have a mobile home, log cabin siding is a great choice to give it a more adventurous appearance.
While wood is the most authentic material, vinyl log cabin siding might be the best choice in terms of maintenance, weight, and resistance to weather elements.
Is Log Siding Expensive?
Log cabin siding doesn’t have to be expensive, but its cost depends on many factors.
The price will vary based on your location, house size, the climate, and what you opt for in terms of material, material availability, manufacturer, and installation.
In addition, there are also maintenance and repair costs aside from what you pay upfront, so make sure to know what you’re getting into before planning your log siding project.
Is Log Siding Cheaper Than Logs?
Log siding is typically less pricy than logs for several reasons.
For starters, log siding uses less material than full logs and requires less labor, both for manufacturing and for installation.
Furthermore, you can choose between different types of materials for log siding, such as vinyl, which is generally less expensive than wood.
Other materials might also be more durable than wood, so you’ll save money on damage, replacements, and maintenance in the long run.
Conclusion
Log cabin siding gives your home the rustic charm of a log home while protecting the interior.
It can be installed on a variety of structures, such as houses, barns, sheds, and, of course, cabins.
Even if natural wood is not to your taste, worry not because log cabin siding comes in different materials that will still give your home a unique appearance.
