How to Restore Your Log Cabin

If you’re a log cabin owner, then you know how important it is to maintain and uphold the quality of the timber. If you’re looking to become a new log cabin owner, perhaps even restoring an old log cabin to look brand new, there are plenty of methods to restoring a log cabin. Whether your log cabin is made with full log siding or half & quarter log siding, restoration is a process that can be done. If done carefully and correctly, the wood can come out looking really nice once the restoration process is complete.

Before moving forward with the restoration, the key is to inspect the structural integrity from the corners of the cabin. This can show the amount of degradation and allow you insight to how much restoration is actually needed. According to the National Park Service, if the log has been partially damaged by decay or insects, it’s beneficial to replace, however, retaining the log rather than substituting adds to the structural integrity and history of the home.

Two basic methods, splicing in new or old wood or through the use of epoxies, repairs these decayed logs.

Wood Splicing
Wood splicing is the process of treating a central area of decay in the wood by cutting out that portion of the log and then replacing that piece with a carved or matched plug or splice of new wood. If you choose the wood splicing route, the direction and pattern of the grain should match that of the original wood.

Epoxy and Repair
Epoxies can be used to stabilize wood or return wood to its natural strength. Epoxy repairs are most beneficial in areas that are prone to moisture damage. While epoxies are resistent to moisture, this technique can still cause moisture damage in surrounding logs. Epoxies will ultimately strengthen decayed wood by removing  the damaged wood and filling the void with the epoxy filler.

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