Log siding can be added to either the exterior or the interior of your home and can add warmth and rustic charm to almost any home.Modern log siding comes in either half round logs or quarter round logs, with tongue and groove edges for fast, easy, and air-tight installation.Log siding can be installed over wood studs or sheeting that has been applied over wood studs. Most interior and many exterior applications are easily accomplished by one or, at most, two people.
Instructions
1. Cut and install the specially-designed corner (vertical) logs as per the manufacturer's instructions. Leave the proper spacing between the floor and your corner piece as well as the proper space between the corner piece and the ceiling, as per the manufacturer's instructions (usually 1/2 inch). Use 3-inch or longer lag screws to attach the corner pieces to your studs and/or sheeting. Whenever possible screw through the log into a stud.
2. Cut the foundation log to the proper length so it fits snugly between the corner logs which have already been installed. Lay the foundation log along the bottom of your wall. Make certain it is level. Use shims if necessary to keep it approximately 1/2 inch off the floor and perfectly level. Make sure the "tongue" of the tongue and groove is running the length of the top of the log. Use 3-inch or longer lag screws to hold this bottom log to the wall. Screws should be spaced every 24 inches or per manufacturer's instructions. When possible screw through the log and into a stud.
3. Cut the next log to the proper length and lay it on top of the foundation log. Use your hammer and a wooden block to carefully tap the tongue of the lower log into the groove of the log you are now adding. make sure the fit is tight. If the original foundation log was perfectly level than all additional logs should be level, but it is still a good idea to check this every couple of rows. Use a hammer or a nail gun to drive a 2.5-inch nail into either end of the log. Nails should be driven at a 45 degree angle just under the tongue so that the next level of log will hide the nail heads from view. Continue adding nails every 24 inches or as per manufacturer's suggestion. Whenever possible, nails should be driven into studs.
4. Continue adding rows of new logs until you reach the top of the wall. The top log may need to be ripped using a table saw depending on the height of your wall. Each new level of wall needs to be tapped into place using your hammer and a wooden block to make sure that they seat firmly into their tongue and groove before being nailed to the wall as described in the previous step..
5. If wall is longer than the length of your logs, be sure to cut your logs so that the seams are staggered. A random pattern is often most pleasing.Fill screw holes in foundation piece and corner pieces with wood putty and allow to dry. Continue with next wall.
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