Expert: Ted Barnhill (Principal, Design45 LLC) - 2/9/2008

Question
We are building at cabin (28'x38')north of Park Rapids, MN. It will be seasonal but built and insulated so that we could use it year-round eventually.

The old cabin we are replacing had half-log, shiplap siding. We love the look but half-log siding generally seems expensive, although I've heard it may be more reasonable locally because of mills in the area. Could you suggest other siding options that might be more economical and perhaps require less maintenance? I have looked at fiber cement shingle panels but have not been able to calculate cost comparisons. We are having a local builder shell in the cabin and probably do the siding, if that makes a difference in your recommendations. Thanks so much for your advice.

Answer
Vicki,

Siding can be a complicated decision, due to the often-conflicting requirements of cost, maintenance, aesthetics, and perhaps environmental impact.  Fiber-cement is often a good balance of these factors, as it requires less maintenance than wood, at lower initial cost and a similar aesthetic.  Shingle panels are the most expensive fiber-cement profile, but still reasonable.  Steel, aluminum and vinyl siding are often billed as maintenance-free, but have their own drawbacks, not the least of which is aesthetics.

Wood siding can range from high-end cedar profiles, to plywood panels, with a large variability in look and cost.  Typically, a good paint finish will provide many years of service, while transparent or semi-transparent stains and sealers can be more "rustic" or natural feeling but require additional maintenance.  You should have your contractor provide an estimate of the initial cost of half-log siding; it is not normally a jaw-dropping upcharge from other wood options.  

For a more authentic feel using half-log siding, you can specify full-log corner extensions rather than corner boards.  While there will be additional cost, the overall expression will be more heavy and permanent feeling.

If half-log is out of your budget, a batten-on-board or board-on-board look with fiber-cement or plywood panels is a popular cabin alternative to consider.

Good luck, and enjoy your new cabin!  -Ted