Full log homes are a style of property that many people aspire to live in. However the practicalities of finding a location to construct one and the cost involved can be off putting. However even if the option of constructing a full log cabin is something that is beyond you, creating the ambience of a log cabin in your existing home is a possibility. Half log siding is a technique where logs can be added to the interior or exterior of a home to create the effect of a log property and this can be a more affordable option that building a full log home.
Rather than being structural construction, half log siding is a cosmetic technique which adds logs to the walls of an existing property. The technique does not use full size logs, but rather uses logs that have been halved lengthwise to make them lighter and easier to install. They can be used on the exterior walls of a house to provide the appearance of a log property, although can also be used on interior walls so that the residents can create the impression of living in a log cabin.
If you decide to use half log siding there are a few options available. The most realistic looking option tends to be hand crafted logs. These are typically split in two and the bark peeled of by hand to retain the authentic look of the log. Another option is milled logs which have their bark peeled and are shaped by mechanical means. These tend to be smoother and more uniform in look and are a less expensive option that hand crafted logs. If you want the wood log look without the expense and maintenance requirements of real wood, then products such as vinyl log siding are available. These are produced using man-made materials to resemble logs but are generally easier to maintain and look after, as well as being one of the most affordable log siding options.
If you decide to use half log siding on your home there are a number of companies that can produce these. The Woodworkers Shoppe is one and they can produce and deliver log siding to the specifications of your home. They manufacture log siding in pine and cedar which uses a tongue and groove system for installation. They are happy for customers to visit their production facilities for a tour to show them how the log siding is produced and how this will look on their home.
Homestead Timbers is another company that produces and delivers half log siding to customers and they also manufacture pine and cedar log sidings which use a tongue and groove installation method. If your preference is for vinyl log siding then Timbermill is a company to consider. They produce simulated cedar siding which is manufactured with realistic wood grain patterns to give the appearance of real wood.
If you want the log cabin look for your home without going to the expense of having a full log property constructed, half log siding is an option to consider. It is designed to be installed on the walls of an existing property and, used inside or out, can create a traditional log appearance for your home.