Step-by-Step Home Construction Guide - Part VI

From Dream to Done: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building

Part 6: Exterior Finishes

Building a log or timber home from the ground up is a lot like running a marathon: You need a plan; you need to pace yourself; and you need to keep your eyes on the prize. Now, in this last installment of our six-part homebuilding series, the finish line — and the celebration of your new, complete home — is just ahead. 

Post five detailed the various options for customizing the interiors of your log cabin or timber hybrid home. This time, we’re laying out the materials and products that can add curb appeal to the exterior of your home.

Whether you’re building a full log cabin or a log or timber hybrid, the ultimate look of your home will depend on the finish options you choose during this final phase of construction. And, because we know you want your logs to shine, keep in mind that pairing various materials on your home’s exterior can help enhance the beauty of your logs, rather than overshadowing them.

Here is a rundown of a few popular material and product options you may want to mix and match in your new Ward home:

Rock Out

Adding stone to the exterior of your log home or timber hybrid is a smart way to add even more character to your build. Go big by cladding a bump-out in stone for a castle-like effect, use rock to accent a walk-out basement, or take a more minimal approach with a rock chimney, steps, stone-clad pillars or stone skirting around your foundation. There are various rock styles to suit your unique design goals. If it’s a classic log cabin you’re after, a round river rock will give off a natural, organic vibe, while a dry-stack ledgestone would pair well with the clean lines of a modern timber hybrid.

Shake It

You already know that cedar is the right wood for the job for building a log or timber home that lasts. The same goes if you’re including textural heavy hitters like shakes or shingles in your design. Cedar shakes or shingles can stand up to extreme weather and create a cohesive look when paired with your northern white cedar logs and timbers. While shakes and shingles can be added as an accent to any part of your home, they are often used to bring attention to gable ends or dormers.

Side with Style

If you’re building a conventional home, Ward cedar log siding applied with caulking and a backer rod will allow your home to mimic the look of a classic log home without the cost of a full log wall system. Or, if you’re building a log or timber hybrid, adding vertical or horizontal shiplap elements will create another layer of visual interest. (Be sure to apply Q8 Log Oil to any and all cedar features to ensure a protective barrier against the elements.)

Beyond the Basics

If you’re seeking something outside the ordinary for your log or timber home, there are an abundance of finish selections that can add unique character to your new build. A few possible accent options include reclaimed barn wood, unique wood finishes (like shou sugi ban), or corrugated metal siding — all of which have grown in popularity in recent years.

With the finishing touches added to your home’s exterior, the only thing left to plan is the ultimate housewarming party to show off your dream home to your family and friends and celebrate the completion of your building journey and the beginning of a wonderful life of log home living.

Contact us today to begin your log home journey.

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