FAQ

You Have Questions. We Have Answers.

Q:  Why do you claim that your wood is the best?

A:  Most all of our wood comes directly out of Northern Michigan and The Upper Peninsula. Since the state was founded in 1837, Michigan has had a reputation for the best in quality wood products.  

A:  Our products are kiln dried to a minimum moisture content to prevent shrinking and cracking.  Each board is thoroughly inspected and if any defects are found, they are removed to assure the best quality possible. All of our products are tongue-n-groove and end-matched.  We perform each stage of the milling process ourselves, everything from sawing the log, kiln drying, and precise milling to ensure that you are buying the best in quality and design available.  

 

Q:  What advantage does your end-match design give?

A:  Big savings on materials and labor, by not having to measure and cut every board to fall on a stud. You measure and cut only once per row.  The piece you cut off  is the starter piece on next row.  It’s what we call “no-waste”, so there’s no need to purchase extra material for waste.

 

Q:  What lengths does your log siding and paneling come in?

A:  Since our products are all end-matched we can inspect for defects as the boards are milled. If any defects are found, they are removed to ensure that the customer receives all usable products and the best quality wood available.  Since we are cutting out any defects in the wood the finish product comes in 8′ random lengths.  The majority of the product is 8′ with some random pieces mixed in.  These 8′ random lengths allow for an easy installation process:  the shorter lengths are easier for the installer to handle, the boards are straighter and have less variance, and the random boards help break up the joint pattern on the wall and/or ceiling giving a superior end result.   

 

Q:  What type of screws or nails are used to fasten the log siding and wood products?

A:  For exterior quarter log siding we recommend the use of galvanized siding nails (8 penny ring shank framing nail).  For exterior half log siding we recommend the use of galvanized decking screws (3″) or galvanized siding nails (14 penny ring shank framing nail). For interior products like Knotty Pine Paneling any finish nails or brads would suffice (16 gauge 1 3/4 inch).

 

Q:  Are these logs plastic, synthetic, veneer or treated in any way?

A:  All of our wood products are made of solid-untreated wood.  The only way to achieve an eco-friendly authentic ‘Log Home Look’ is with the natural beauty of solid-untreated wood.  

 

Q:  What exterior finish do you recommend?

A:  We recommend Sikkens brand wood finishes.  Over the years we have tried and tested several different brands of finish.  None of them look as nice and perform as long as Sikkens Exterior Wood Finishes specifically their Cetol Log & Siding products.  If a water-borne finish is your desire, we carry many of Perma-chink’s Ultra 1 & 2 finishes. Ultra 2 carries a 5 year warranty which is unheard of in water-borne finishes!

 

Q: How much maintenance do your logs require? How many years does the Sikkens last?

A:  The Sikkens Cetol Log & Siding is a two coat process. Depending on the amount of sun your home is exposed to the finish will last 3-6 years in between coats.  If the home is highly exposed to the sun (especially on the South side) you can expect to reapply every 3-4 years. If the home is well shaded or protected by covered porch, then 5-6 years is the general life expectancy.  

 

Q:  What’s the difference between Quarter log, Half log siding, and Premier log siding?

A:  Simply the different profiles/design of the log…  Quarter log siding is 1 1/2 inches thick and has a slightly rounded face, giving it the appearance of a quarter log. Half log siding is 2 1/2 inches thick and has a well rounded face, giving it the appearance of a half log. Both sidings are available in widths of 6 and 8 inches in smooth or hand-hewn. Premier log siding is a full 3 inches thick and has a deep log profile. It is available in widths of 8 and 10 inches in hand-hewn only.  

 

Q:  Will your wood products shrink or crack over time?

A:  Our wood products are kiln dried to a very low moisture content.  This helps prevent shrinking and cracking and keep it to a minimum. 

    

Q:  Do you offer any house plans or log home kits?

A:  Over the years our customers have been more satisfied by coming up with their own dream home,  instead of settling for a limited floor plan.  This way you can plan your home to fit your unique personality.  Our products can be used with any conventional stick built home.  So you come up with plans and we’ll provide the materials to make it happen.     

 

Q: Where is your company located, and do you have dealers in our area?

A: We are located in northern Michigan where we have more trees then people.  We have many dealers in the surrounding areas, but everything is originally shipped out of our home base in Comins. Our company is setup to supply large amounts of quality wood products to anywhere in the world.  Just let us know where you want it and we can usually get it to you. 

 

Q: What are the shipping costs and methods?

A: We have three methods for shipping our products within the 48 contingent states and Canada.

1.) The first and preferred method is by our own trucks.  Charged by the mile (one-way), with 3 trailer sizes that can haul up to 8 units of product, up to 12 units or up to 16 units. 2.) For larger loads, we have full semi truck teams that we arrange for delivery to your destination. This way we can guarantee that our wood products will arrive un-damaged by weather or common shipping abuse.

3.) The third method is by common carrier (Fed-Ex Freight, Con-way, etc.).  Because of our frequency in using these carriers, our highly discounted rates are based on weight and distance.  For smaller orders, the use of Fed-Ex or Con-way Freight are the economical choice.  Check out our shipping policy

International orders overseas are not a problem either. We’ve made many shipments by qualified international boat carriers or by small package & freight shipments through our common carriers. Each and every international order is quoted on an individual basis.

 

Q: How do I measure my home for paneling or log siding?

A: The easiest way to measure your walls for our paneling or siding is using the square foot method. To figure the square foot wall coverage simply measure the length of the wall and multiply it by the height of the wall. Each wall should be measured and calculated individually deducting the window and door openings for an exact square footage figure.