When it comes time to build with real wood log siding and wall paneling, you have two choices. One is to purchase unfinished wood, and the second is to purchase pre-finished wood products. Raw or unfinished wood may require sanding and cleaning before staining and finishing. It may save a few dollars over pre-finished wood but it takes a lot of work.
A second option is using pre-finished log siding and paneling for your home or cabin. It speeds up the installation and provides other benefits you will appreciate. These two products are available online in high-quality condition at fair prices. The best wood products are kiln-dried to the correct moisture content. After reading the following, you will agree that pre-finished log siding and paneling make life a lot easier.
Table of Contents
Pre-Finished Log Siding and Paneling Saves Up to 50% in Time and Labor
Time is a precious commodity for all of us, and we come out ahead when we can be more efficient in our efforts. This applies to staining and finishing log siding and paneling. Doing this job yourself or by hiring a painter, you will watch the clock often because it is a slow process.
Log siding and wall paneling typically come in pine and cedar wood. Finishing wood entails:
- Sanding and cleaning the wood if lower quality is purchased
- Purchasing all the materials you will need
- Applying stain and waiting for it to dry
- Applying a second coat of stain if needed
- Applying several coats of a clear finish
- Lightly sanding between coats
It is time-consuming when you follow all these steps. Buying pre-finished siding and paneling can save up to 50% in time and labor because all these steps are done for you.
The Finish Is Applied By Professionals
Unless you are really good at staining and sanding, you know it is hard to do a top notch job. Here is why pre-finished siding and paneling look so good:
- The work is done by professional craftsmen
- It is carried out in a controlled atmosphere
- The temperature and humidity levels are correct
- There are no unsightly runs, sags, or drips
- The wood is finished on all edges, ends, tongues, and grooves
- Applications meet or exceed all manufacturers’ warranties
You will be excited to see how well pre-finished log siding and paneling look on your walls.
No Delays with Weather or Scheduling a Painter
Weather can play a part of finishing log siding and paneling. Pre-finished products get around the obstacles you can encounter when doing the work yourself or by an on-site painter.
- Colder weather can be an issue when you can’t apply finishes indoors
- It takes longer for finishes to dry in rainy and humid areas
- Weather may cause you to reschedule applying the finishes
- A sudden change in weather can cause delays in applying second coats of finish
- Painters may not be available when you want them
- Painters’ labor rates have gone up
- No finishing materials to buy and store
Another issue is when the temperature drops suddenly, dew may form on the surface of the finish. This may cause the moisture to dry too slowly and affects how the finish holds up over time.
No Unwanted Odors with Pre-Finished Log Siding and Paneling
Bothersome odors can be a problem when finishing wood in a closed room. You understand this well if you have allergies or COPD. The odor is heightened if you use an oil-based product with high volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). These finishes can give you a headache and harm your health without proper ventilation.
Some people must vacate their homes or cabins after applying oil-based stains and finishes especially those that are not fast-drying products. This is an annoyance that can be avoided with water-based finishes that are applied in the supplier’s finishing room.
No Mess to Clean Up
Another convenience of ordering pre-finished log siding and paneling is there is no mess to clean up after the job is finished. Sometimes stains, finishes, and brush cleaners are spilled on the floor or on other items that must be cleaned immediately. This slows down the work and wastes materials. There’s no moving saw horses or supporting stands, picking up drop cloths, and storing left-over finishing materials with pre-finished wood.
Using pre-finished log siding and wall paneling is a win-win endeavor. You save a lot of time, effort, inconvenience, some frustration, and you end up with a much better-finished product.
