Log homes stand out in the housing world because of their gorgeous natural beauty and cozy atmospheres. Who doesn’t appreciate a well-maintained beautiful log cabin? If you’re a proud log homeowner, you probably understand that while log homes are amazing, they require a certain level of maintenance. The question often arises, “How often should I stain my log home?” Staining your log home is no easy feat, especially when it remains unclear how often you should do it. But don’t worry, this is why we are here to help. We’ll give you the answers to 10 important questions when considering all the factors involved in re-staining your log home, from considering types of wood and stain, to climate and maintenance. Let’s dive right in!
How Often Do Experts Recommend Staining a Log Home?
How Often Should I Stain My Log Cabin or Wood Sided Home?
Starting off strong, what do the experts say about how often to stain a log home? With 46 years of experience under our belts, we recommend generally every 3-5 years, although this can vary significantly based on climate, sun exposure, stain type, and maintenance practices, which we’ll dive into more later. If your log home is freshly built, it will need a new coat of stain sooner, probably within the first 2-3 years. This is due to the wood still adjusting and absorbing the original products.
The key is to regularly inspect your log home. If you notice fading, water absorption, or surface degradation, it may be time to re-stain sooner than the recommended time period. Consistency is more important than frequency. With that said, let’s dive right into signs that show it’s time to stain again!
What Are the Signs That It’s Time to Re-stain My Log Home?
Time isn’t the only factor involved in knowing when you need to stain your log home. Three additional yet major signs you should look for are peeling and fading, failed water tests, and surface cracking.
Fading and Peeling Logs
It is natural and expected that logs will start to lose a little of their natural luster as the years go by. However, if your log home starts to become extremely discolored or the logs start to peel, it’s time to call in the log staining company. Peeling logs are a warning sign of stain deterioration and loss of effectiveness which means it’s time to take action before it gets worse.
Failed Water Tests
Maintaining Your Dream Home – When It’s Time to Re-Stain
What’s a water test you may ask? A water test is a simple, yet tried and true method that can indicate a need for re-staining. Simply spray or pour a little water onto the outside of your log home. If the water seeps in instead of beading on the surface, you will know that the stain has lost its ability to properly protect against the elements and that it is time to re-stain. Doing regular water tests is a free yet powerful indicator of needed maintenance. This small step, as shown in the video above, could potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs for log rot.
Surface Cracking On The Logs
Just like fading and peeling, some surface cracking is normal and to be expected. The most common cracks are called “checks” and they are simply indicators of log settling and the natural cracking that happens as logs shrink and age and move. However, if the cracks are larger than ¼ in wide or they are on the top surface of rounded logs, these are key signs that it is time to fix the cracks and stain the log home again. This is because those larger cracks can allow water in which rots the logs.
How Does My Climate Affect How Often I Need to Stain?
Many people don’t stop to consider that climate is actually a major factor in how long your stain lasts. Homes in humid or rainy regions like the Pacific Northwest may need to be stained more often due to higher moisture levels. Meanwhile, arid regions with intense UV exposure, like the Southwest, cause stains to dry out, fade, and crack. Freezing winters can also wreak havoc on improperly sealed logs, making cold-weather states another high-maintenance zone. In general, the more extreme your weather, the shorter your stain’s life span. Even within the same region, homes with more sun exposure or wind can age faster than those nestled in shaded woods.
The climate influence simply means you need to be aware and vigilant of your climate’s implications for the log home stain. If you live in a very humid area, choose high-quality stain that protects against moisture. If your climate makes your log home prone to cracking and drying out, ensure that your stain of choice protects against the elements.
Does the Type of Wood in My Log Home Matter?
Absolutely. Different log species have different densities, grain structures, and absorption rates. All that translates into varying levels of impact upon log home stain which influences how often you will need to stain a log home. Let’s talk about the most popular woods for log homes and see what kind of stains are best for them.
Pine Log Homes
Pine is one of the most common and affordable choices for log homes, but it also requires the most frequent maintenance. It’s relatively soft and porous, which means it absorbs stains deeply but also weathers quickly, especially under intense sun or moisture. You’ll likely need to stain a pine log home every 3–5 years. To assist in the process, be sure to use a very high-quality oil-based stain that has a strong UV inhibitor.
Cedar Log Homes
Cedar, particularly Western Red Cedar, contains natural oils and resins that resist decay and insects, making it more durable and lower-maintenance than pine. One of its downsides is the tendency to weather to a silver-gray if left untreated. If you don’t find this attractive you should stain it every 5-7 years to maintain its original color. When staining cedar, be sure to not apply overly thick coats of stain which lead to blotchiness. For maximum perfection, use a penetrating, semi-transparent stain and apply it when the moisture content is below 20% to ensure good absorption.
Oak Log Homes
Another semi-popular wood for log cabins is oak which is incredibly dense and hard. This can be a good thing, but it does make the wood less absorbent and harder to stain evenly. It’s also prone to cracking and checking if not sealed properly. Due to these challenges, oak log homes may need restaining every 4–6 years, though this varies depending on climate and finish quality. Oak’s natural tannins can bleed through water-based stains, so a high-quality oil-based stain is recommended.
Cypress Log Homes
Cypress is extremely popular in the log home world because of its high levels of cypressene (a preservative oil). It’s relatively stable, which means less checking and warping, and it holds finishes well. With proper staining, a cypress log home may only need reapplication every 6–8 years. To highlight the natural beauty of cypress grain, use a semi-transparent, penetrating stain and reapply a water-repellent finish to prevent any mold or mildew. Borate treatment isn’t as critical here but can still be beneficial.
Spruce Log Homes
One of the final popular log home woods is spruce which is light-colored and soft, making it more vulnerable to decay and UV damage. Like pine, it’s highly absorbent, but it tends to degrade faster, particularly in wet or sunny environments. You can expect to need to re-stain a spruce log cabin every 3–4 years, especially on south and west-facing walls. Spruce also tends to crack, so use a stain with elastic properties like Sashco Capture Log Stain to help maintain its structural integrity.
What’s the Difference Between Oil-Based and Water-Based Stains and Which Lasts Longer?
Oil Based Stain or Water Based Stain?
Surprisingly, the type of stain can also make a difference in how often you should stain your log home. Both oil- and water-based stains are good options, but each has strengths and weaknesses. Oil-based stains penetrate deeper into the wood which provides longer-lasting protection and a more natural look. They are also ideal for repelling water and surviving harsh climates. However, they have higher VOCs, take longer to dry, and may be harder to clean up. In general, oil stains tend to last longer (4-5 years).
Water-based stains are quicker to apply, dry faster, and are more eco-friendly with lower VOC emissions. This type of stain can also retain color a bit better, but because they tend to “sit” on the log surfaces more, they need to be reapplied more frequently. Water-based stains may need reapplication every 2–3 years.
If you want to learn more about the different types of stain and which one is best for your log cabin, check out our blog post on log home stains! Or watch the video above for more helpful information. While it addresses staining decks, the same principles of oil vs water-based stains apply to staining your log home.
| Oil vs. Water-Based Log Home Stains | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stain | Composition | Application | Drying | Longevity |
| Oil Based Stains | Usually made up of oils and mineral spirits for solvents. | Can be harder to apply because it can leave patches and it has a stronger odor. | Usually takes longer to dry (anywhere from several hours to a day) | Typically lasts longer and is overall more durable |
| Water Based Stains | Usually made up of water and pigments | Milder smell with easier application. Clean up can be done with soap and water. | Usually dries quickly in 1-3 hours | May require more frequent staining jobs to maintain the best appearance |
Does Sun Exposure on Different Sides of My Log Home Make a Difference?
Yes, and it’s one of the most overlooked factors. South- and west-facing walls get significantly more sun, which causes log home stain to lose its quality faster than shaded north-facing walls. If you notice these south and west walls on your log home looking worse than the others, don’t panic, this is normal. Some homeowners have found success with a rotating staining schedule that catches the south and west walls more often to be a helpful solution. If you prefer to do all the walls at once, ensure that the stain for the south and west walls have a thick coat of high-quality stain to prevent pre-mature fading.
Do I Need to Prep the Logs Before Staining Again?
Absolutely! Proper prep makes or breaks your stain job. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that because it’s a re-stain job, it will require less prep. Re-staining without correct prep work can cause peeling log home stain that doesn’t bond correctly. To prep correctly, you need to start by washing the logs off to remove any dirt, pollen, or mildew. If your log home hasn’t been re-stained in a long time, you might need to sand it down and strip off the old stain before applying new stain. Log homes are unique in that their rounded surfaces can trap debris and absorb stain unevenly, so skipping prep is asking for premature failure.
What Kind of Maintenance Should I Do Between Staining Jobs?
Since no one wants to spend all their time re-staining their log home every home, here are a few maintenance tasks you should be completing regularly. It is easy to convince yourself that the log home looks fine, but if you let these tasks go unfinished, the re-staining process further down the road will be more difficult.
Pressure Wash Your Log Home Regularly
Removing Old Finishes – Pressure Washing Log Walls by Northwest Log Home Care
While there is some debate in the log home world about whether to pressure wash a log home or not, we do recommend it with some conditions. Make sure you are comfortable operating a pressure washer and standing several feet away from the log cabin to avoid any unwanted cracking or damage. Pressure washing is a great way to remove dust, dirt, and pollen that builds over time. You should plan to pressure wash around once per year for the best upkeep of your log home.
Annual Inspections
This is free and doesn’t take significant time but can be life-changing. Every year, take some time to thoroughly inspect your log home’s stain for any signs of peeling, fading, or cracking. Note the places where water may be causing damage to your logs and watch out for signs that it is time to re-stain your log home.
Touch up Stain
It is possible to simply stain a problem area without re-doing the whole cabin. This should not be your first choice, but it helps the log home look consistent in its visual appearance. This could be a clear coat every two years on the whole log home (which is easier than doing a whole stain job) or simply sanding problem areas and re-staining just those.
What Are the Common Log Staining Mistakes?
When it does come time to stain your log home again, remember these top mistakes that people often make when staining their log home. While some of them may seem minor, it can actually influence the timeframe for when you need to stain the logs again. Doing a thorough job each time will prevent stain from cracking, peeling, or not permeating the logs. If you are curious to learn more, read our blog post on how to stain a log home.
- Staining in the wrong conditions: Be sure to watch the weather before starting a stain job. Applying stain in direct sunlight or high humidity can lead to poor curing.
- Skipping the prep work: As mentioned earlier, prep is a crucial step of re-staining a log home. Skipping out on this step can lead to issues later down the road and a more frequent re-staining.
- Not following the product’s instructions: Yes, it’s inconvenient to read all the instructions on the back of the can, but manufacturers have different tips for their specific stain. If you aren’t paying attention to the product’s factors like temperature range and drying time, you may end up with an imperfect stain job.
- Using the wrong stain: If you have a water based stain on the logs, you can’t simply stain an oil-based stain over top without properly stripping it down. This will lead to bonding issues, something you really don’t want to deal with.
Should I Hire A Professional Log Home Stainer?
The age old question of “Should I attempt this myself or call in the professionals?” never fails to come up in the discussion surrounding projects like staining a log home. The truth is, there are pros and cons to both options. Keep reading to learn more about this question.
Pros of a Professional Log Home Stainer
Hiring a professional team who knows what they’re doing definitely has its perks. In fact, it has many benefits from streamlining the process to ultimate peace of mind. The top pros of hiring a an experienced company to stain your log home are:
- A job well done-professionals can utilize years of skill and experience that you may not have to stain the log home to perfection. They’ve spent years perfecting their trade so you don’t have to worry about doing the perfect job.
- Specialized tools- DIY projects can be pricy due to the amount of equipment and materials you often have to gather. A professional company already has those tools and they are most likely high-quality specialized tools designed for the best results possible.
- Peace of mind- Let’s face it, very few people really want to spend all their precious free time on the weekends or after work doing a routine, yet demanding task like log home staining. Leaving it to the professionals gives you the peace of mind and rest you need.
Cons of a Professional Log Home Stainer
- Scheduling conflicts- A downside to working with a professional company is that you will have to coordinate times for them to complete the task. While this is not typically a problem, it does add an extra element of inconvenience to work around someone else’s schedule.
- Costs- Due to the factors of time, skill, and tools/materials all being factored into the cost of staining a log home, experts can get pricey. It is important to consider your budget and see what you can afford. And while you’re at it, shop around and get a free quote to consider all your options.
Pros of DIY Log Home Stain
- Cost efficiency- When you DIY, you can work with your budget and choose the methods that are budget-friendly and suitable for you. This may reduce the overall cost of re-staining your log home, but if you are not confident you are getting it done correctly, it may not actually be a real cost saver.
- New skills- Maybe you are already an experienced log home stainer but if you are not, a DIY restaining project will teach you many new skills and experiences.
- Timing- One of the nice things about a DIY project is that you can work at your pace when it suits you. You don’t need to worry about someone else’s availability, you can do what is best for you.
Cons of DIY Log Home Staining
- Labor- While you might be able to save costs when it comes to materials and tools, you definitely won’t save on time. Staining a log home again is a time-intensive project that will demand many hours of your labor, something important to consider when deciding between DIY and a professional.
- Experience- While it can be a benefit to learn new skills, if you lack experience in log home staining, it will take you longer and you may run into potential issues during the process.
- Materials- Professionals have the tools and materials that they need to complete the job but a DIY job requires you to gather everything necessary. This could involve renting tools, researching which materials are the best, and running around to borrow other people’s tools.
Wrapping Up
In summary, how often to stain your log home can vary depending on so many factors, including climate, stain type, and consistent maintenance, plus others. Keep your log home beautiful with consistent restaining and proper maintenance. If you are in need of a professional log home staining company, Fine Line Painting would be thrilled to assist you! With over 46 years of experience, we are experts in our field and guarantee a job well done with prices you can trust. Contact us today or request a free quote to make your log home stand out again!
