Living in a home or cabin clad with real wood on the outside and inside walls is a rustic and charming experience. We see many different products on homes and cabins as we travel from state to state. Two of the favorites are log siding and board and batten stained in an array of colors.
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What Is Board and Batten Siding
Board and batten siding ranges in size from 1”x6” to 1”x12” boards mounted vertically with 1”x2” boards called “battens” that cover the seams. Some people mount the boards horizontally but they catch some rain and snow and will show deterioration in time.
The typical board and batten approach requires placing horizontal boards between the wall framing for places to nail or screw the siding. The 1”x2” or similar size pieces are nailed or screwed into the wider boards. Battens stop the elements from going through the board seams and into the house.
The aesthetic of this type of siding is that it shows strong vertical lines that provide shadows and textures to the walls. It shows a clean modern texture with character and warmth to the exterior and interior of homes and cabins. Some common layout options include:
- Narrow or wide battens
- Thick or thin battens
- Place narrow battens on wider ones
- Use it on the second story only
- Mix siding with brick walls
- Mix siding with metal roofing
Although this type of siding looks great, it has some drawbacks.
Cons of Board and Batten Siding
There are some practical reasons you should choose wood log siding over board and batten siding. The cons of board and batten have been gleaned from many home and cabin owners:
- It can take a long time to install due to the large number of boards
- B&B siding can be expensive because of materials and a lot of labor
- It may be challenging to find exactly what you want, depending on where you live
- Some of the boards may warp over time due to the climate
- B&B siding may be difficult to repair with matching boards
- The maintenance may be more than you bargain for
Board and batten siding has some advantages over other types of siding but it is not right for every home or cabin owner. That is why you should consider wood log siding.
What Is Wood Log Siding
The difference between log siding and board and batten siding is the former looks like logs. The most popular wood log siding is made from knotty pine and cedar trees for their beauty and durability. It is made by cutting out the center of a log length-wise that leaves two “D” shaped pieces of siding. The logs and siding pieces are precisely milled with modern processing techniques that produce look-alike logs. The center pieces are used for other purposes.
Each piece of siding is milled with a tongue and groove/end-matching design that fits snugly together on the sides and ends. The siding is attached to conventional wall framing OSB boards with long galvanized screws. Insulation is placed in the walls and more siding is installed on the interior wall framing.
This amazing product is next stained/sealed with a color of your choice to retain its beauty and protect it from the elements. The stain can be applied with a brush or paint sprayer. Another option is ordering pre-finished siding that saves a lot of time and effort. Either way, you end up with the full-log look without the full-log price.
Pros of Wood Log Siding
Wood log siding carries many reasons that provide a rustic and cozy home. Home and cabin owners report the following benefits you will also appreciate:
- Wood log siding is virtually a ‘no-waste’ product. The piece you saw off starts the next row, and you proceed this way all the way up the wall.
- It is easy and fast to install compared to board and batten siding.
- The tongue and groove/end-matching design provides a tight seal.
- Siding is available in an unfinished and pre-finished condition.
- It is affordable enough for almost any homeowner.
- Log siding can be installed by homeowners with basic woodworking skills.
Log siding does not warp or cup like some boards do with the board and batten approach. A log home is also a more natural structure that brings nature into every room in the house. Add corner logs and log window and door trims and you have a dream-come-true home or cabin.
