Guidelines to Follow When Log Home Chinking

Do you own a log cabin? If not, do you have any plans of building one? Do you know anything about chinking? Do you have any idea of certain things that every log owner must know before and after owning log cabins?

Indeed, there are a couple of things you can try to learn but one thing’s for sure, you need to realize that log homes need attention. Though it does not mean you have to spend all of your time in log cabin chinking, staining, caulking, re-chinking, re-caulking and more.

Five Guidelines on How to Take Care of Your Log Homes

Listed below are some helpful guidelines you can follow in taking care of your log home cabins:

1. Set up and follow a schedule in maintaining your log homes.
2. Apply log home stain as often as your log cabins need one. Log stain mixtures are quite costly; but in the long run you will realize it helps you save more in preserving the beauty of your log cabins.
3. At some point, you must re-caulk or re-chink your log cabins.
4. There are certain log homes that require more caulking, staining or chinking than others.
5. The log chinking mixture must be compatible with the log staining and the log caulking mixtures. It is better to purchase all the materials from one supplier to make sure you’ll get compatible products.

The best time to perform chinking maintenance is during summer. At least there is one season in every year that you can pamper your dream homes. If you want your log home to serve you well, you also need to treat it well.

Two Considerations before Planning your Chinking

Learning the basic application of chinking does not require any particular experience. Anybody can chink his log cabin as long as he has the ability to seal in any crack on the wood with the chinking mixture. It can be made out of mud combined with some chemical compositions.



As a basic rule, all chinking mixtures must achieve the correct level of softness. This certain quality cannot be attained in freezing temperatures. On the other hand, especially during monsoon weather, too much rainfall during application may also cause frustration. Basically, you should be mindful of the weather before continuing your project and you must also know how to blend and choose the perfect materials for your mixture.



Durability of the Chinking Mixture

Modern acrylic and any foam substance will most likely outlast all natural materials. The elasticity and smoothness of the ready-made mixtures are already proven of good quality. Aside from that, natural materials require intensive labor because they are difficult to maintain.
Cost of Chinking

Materials for log home chinking may cost almost nothing, unlike what a DIY is ready to pay for natural materials. But remember, construction of log homes requires conformity with the law. You must secure a building code number and you will also need a big capital investment.
Nevertheless, chinking is significant in log homes. It brings style, comfort and dependability to every log home owner and his family. So if you are planning to build your log home, learn ahead these two important considerations before doing so.

Chinking: an Art for Your Log Homes

In modern terminology, chinking is commonly referred as the method of covering the walls of log homes in order to protect the inner portion from undesirable environmental conditions. There are various materials that can be used to seal the spaces between the logs. Some are made ready for purchase, while some are from raw materials available for your own mixing. That is why it is better to understand some concept before doing this process.

Let us look into a brief history of chinking

Chinking comes from the old English term “chink” which is related to “crack”. To chink on something simply means to fill in a cracked space. It also aims to protect the walls against any damage that might be caused by extreme weather conditions.

During the past years, log chinking mixtures included materials such as dung, hair, earth, rice, and pine sap. There are also some mixtures that include cement mortar, polystyrene foam and acrylic materials.

The art of chinking

In these days, if chinking log homes is not needed for any weatherproofing purposes, it can still be done as an accent. Thus, it will bring a dramatic visual effect to your log homes. Indeed, there is more use to chink your homes other than protecting the logs.

As you can see, in most log homes or log cabins, precision style is combined with state of the art design. That is how DIY chinking enthusiasts and conventional builders appreciate and respect the importance of doing a good log chink.

Log Chinking 101: What are Backer Rods?

Care for your log house is the major concern that you should be dealing with if you do own one. Just like any other houses, log cabins should be taken care of so that it will last for years. Log chinking is one the basic things that you can do to make your house beautiful and preserve its aesthetic beauty. There are lots of chinking materials readily available in the market, manufactured by different sealant manufacturers.



Backer rods are synthetic foams used as bond breakers so that there would be spaces that chinking won’t stick to. These are placed between logs prior to chinking or caulking. In the long run, chinking will free itself from the backer rods as the logs shrink or expand. It can also be used as insulation.

Backer rods comes in various sizes and types to suit particular needs. There are round, triangle and trapezoid shapes. Generally, there are two kinds of backer rods available in the market – the closed cell and the open cell types.


Closed cell backer rods are polyethylene round foam commonly used for smaller joints range, and have higher insulation capacities compared to that of open cell backer rods. Chinking compounds will not stick to closed cell backer rods, thus allowing free movements in logs and chinks.


Open cell backer rods are softer and more pliable types compared to closed cell backer rods, and can be compressed to fit various diameters of gaps. These are much easier to install, and are breathable thus requiring less time for curing. These are generally designed for interior use. However, these types do not possess good insulation properties compared to closed cell backer rods.


Knowing the right type of backer rods to use is one of the keys in achieving the success of log chinking. If you want to gain more knowledge regarding excellent log house care and which chinking materials are best to use, you can check out several sites in the Internet.

Why Must Chinking Be Done?

Log cabins offer a very homely and relaxed atmosphere. Do you wonder why they last for so a long time looking unworn and shiny throughout many years from it being built? Chinking does it, you know. It’s the process where the crevices and the gaps that are in between the logs are properly filled with elastic material to make sure they’re sealed from many unwanted natural elements. You wouldn’t want moisture, air, and water seep through the wooden material. Just imagine how weather changes overtime and how it affects the log cabin’s materials of such house type.

Why do we have to do some log cabin chinking? It’s just very simple. A log cabin wouldn’t be one without the right protection and structure that it needs. It is just like concrete houses which are built with cement. Log cabins cannot be made and left just as that. If it is painting for the concrete house, it is chinking and finishing with the log cabin.

Chinking has to be done to make sure that spots are carefully sealed so the house won’t be in danger of natural element infiltration. This is because further damage on the material will be caused by such elements. The insulation of the cabin will also be affected.

Nobody wants such damages to happen, right? Not only would it mean maintenance, it would also mean that there will be more expenses in the future! So if you want to own a log cabin, never miss out the chinking part!

Chinking matters big time

Chinking may be such a strange word for some. But this is an important process needed to be done with log cabins. It’s actually the way to seal and fill the gaps in between logs that make up one’s home. Various unwanted natural elements may go through the gaps of the logs and owners would not want to see and feel that. Eventually, if insects continue to go through, as well as moisture, dust and water, the organic material will be damaged. The maintenance is pretty expensive so it will be best to start up with chinking while the house is being polished and finished.

There are a lot of means of applying the chinking material. It can be scooped from the container and then it can be applied with the use of a spatula or metal. But if it is very inconvenient for you to do it yourself, do not worry. Other ways to chink your log cabin are certainly available.

Chinking guns and other machines can be of good use. In fact, the work could be easier with them! They can also be found in many home depots and not only those depots over simple chinking materials. They come in a variety of permanent ones and finishing materials also. The paint that can be applied for the chinking material also comes in many colors. So there goes what chinking does and how much it matters.

For those who want to get themselves a cozy and relaxing log cabin in the future, arm yourselves with the right information about it!

Chinking Recipe: A Do It Yourself (DIY) Homemade Mixture

Chinking products can be made from a solution similar to a cement mixture. In fact, it can be done on your own provided you have the proper tools and materials. In this way, saves your time from going to the stores and money in paying for the mixtures.

What are the benefits of creating a homemade chinking? First, it costs lesser than buying ready made mixtures. It also has a better quality performance compared to synthetic mixtures. You can keep the remaining mixture and use it for restoration purposes because it can last all year round.Recipe for Homemade Chinking

These are the ingredients and materials which you will need:

• First mixture: water, cement supply, masonry lime and sand
• Second mixture: water, stock of ashes, clay and silt
• Materials: large size wheelbarrow, shovel, working gloves, heavy duty boots, and putty knife.

There are two mixtures which you can follow. The second one is a more historic or authentic recipe used for log cabins that was built many years ago. Both offer a stable commercial like mixture and a cost effective homemade like substance.

1. Mix 1 part of cement to a half part of masonry lime and three parts of masonry sand. Pour in enough amount of water; combine the mixture until you can attain a consistency similar to cookie dough. It must not be too wet as not to slide through the chinks during application.
2. Mix two parts clay, a half part of silt and one part of ash. You need to sift the ashes to get rid of rock-solid pieces. Pour enough amount of water to create a thick solution. Combine until you can attain a consistency similar to wet cement.

Chinking log homes can be made during the construction or few years after. It does the finishing touches to your log cabins. It can also warm your homes and protect from harm against any bugs and strong weather conditions.

What Could Chinking Be?

Chinking. Ever wonder why it’s called such? You can try to look it up on some ordinary dictionary and yet confusion still settles into your mind. Oh well, to clear it all up, it is filling the gaps in between log materials that make up a log cabin. Imagine the piles of log that make up the whole building? They have gaps in between them. To secure that those gaps aren’t infiltrated with insects, moisture, atmosphere, unwanted air, dust and of course water, chinking must be done.

Various chinking materials are available in the market. They can be found in home depots and come in forms of liquid and elastic liquid. They come in containers and if you are a log cabin owner, you should know about that too. The kind of log cabin chinking materials depends on the owner’s choice. If you’re curious enough, you can go ahead and check on many chinking tools at the home depot, or if you want to stay at home, do so online!

It is no doubt that chinking is the way to make the log cabin look very nice and neat. If you want to get yourself one in the future, it’s just as easy. You only have to remember that maintenance is essential and never forget to make sure that the right chinking materials with the right quality are used!

Chinking does Your Home Some Favor

Log cabins render a very relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Wonder why they last for so long a time looking neat and unworn throughout many years from it being built? Chinking does the job. It’s the process wherein the crevices and the lines that are open in between the logs are filled to make sure they’re sealed from unwanted elements. You wouldn’t want insects, moisture and water seep through the wooden material. You can imagine how weather changes and how it affects the organic materials of such type of house.

Why is it necessary to do log cabin chinking? Well. It’s just simple. Because you wouldn’t want to own a log cabin without the proper protection that it needs. Just like a concrete house built with cement, the log cabin cannot stand as it is with the same materials. Chinking has to be done to seal the spots that are in danger of infiltration of natural elements. This causes further damage on the material. It will affect the insulation and the interior of the cabin also. Who would want that to happen? Not only would it mean replacement and maintenance, it would mean more expenses on your part!

Out there in the good view of the woody countryside, you can get a log cabin built. You just have to make sure everything that’s needed to maintain its appearance is done. So never miss out on the chinking part. You wouldn’t want to spend more money on rebuilding your home!

Why is Chinking Important?

Log cabins are very nice to look at. They’re posh and classic. But what makes you think that they last for so long a time given that wooden materials can easily wear out compared to cement? Chinking does the job. It makes sure that the logs covering the house are well in tact. It seals the crevices and gaps between logs to prevent it from cracking and wearing out.

Why is it important to make sure that log cabin chinking is done when constructing your home? Well. Simply because a log cabin wouldn’t look as good as it is without it. Apart from that it won’t even be as close to a clean and posh house once it becomes infested with insects, when dust and moisture enters the openings of the material and what could be worse, when water seeps through. You can imagine what happens when a wooden material becomes wet. Bad weather really is a big threat to that cozy home so you’ve got to make sure it’s well protected.

There are various kinds of chinking tools sold in depots and log home stores. You can choose from a variety of basic fixes like the ones applied in-between logs and through crevices. After the chinking material is applied, a smooth finish has to be brushed through in order to carefully seal the material.


These two have to be compatible to make sure that water, unwanted air, moisture, dust and insect infiltration does not happen soon. Maintenance will be minimal if the finish is good. What must be the best producer of chinking products and finishes? You better check the nearest depot now and make sure that your log cabin stays posh and cozy!

Tips in Picking the Best Chinking for Your Home

Chinking or otherwise known as caulking is a type of sealant used for homes that are primarily made out of logs. This is to give the home a more traditional feel. Nowadays it is commercially prepared but some are still using the traditional ones that are home made.


In the old days, it is composed mostly of lime, clay and sand. But now, the more modernized ones use acrylic compounds that are found to be more elastic, flexible and more durable than the older type which are found to be not that effective. These materials loosen up once the log moves in time. it eventually looses its grip due to lack of elasticity while the modernized ones prove to be more effective because of its flexibility. As the wood moves over time, so does the adhesive compound maintaining its grip.

Chinking these days uses many tools and they are mainly: foam brushes, towels or rags, loading gun of different sizes, utility knife, and water container with water, spray bottle, Mylar tape and metal spatula. Ones you complete all the tools you are now ready for the next step. There is also called a chink paint, it’s used for stains in your chink and like caulking it is also available in a wide variety of colors depending on your preference. It is water and moist resistant and is applicable in any climate conditions.

Chinking is simply a home remedy to fix the problems of your log home and it’s good to know that these days it has evolved to be more reliable and durable. It doesn’t just protect your house through time but also preserves its beauty for years to come .

3 Log Home Chinking Don’ts

Log home chinking is not as easy as 123. Every log home builder must know the basic of this craft, because it will mean the make or break of keeping your log home sturdy and weather-resistant.

As defined, chinking is the art and science of applying chinking compounds to log houses. Old fashioned chinking compounds are composed of a mixture of different compositions of lime, clay, and sand. However, these types of mixtures do not last very long because of it lacks elasticity. Today, chinking mixtures are made up of elastic acrylic compounds that are more resilient and can last for years.

Let us take a deeper view on the don’ts of log chinking.

First, do not apply chinking materials less than ¼ inch thick. Ideally, chinking needs to be applied about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Making it too thin will cause it to adhere loosely to logs. On the other hand, making it too thick would cause the chinking to take longer time to cure.

Secondly, do not apply chinking materials in direct sunlight. Chinking material should be best applied between 40-90 degrees. Temperature should be carefully monitored because it can cause negative effects on the compound.

Finally, refrain from opting for stains that are not compatible with your chinking materials. To make sure that these two are compatible, look for stains and chinking compounds that are manufactured by the same company. If you fail to do so, chances are, chinking materials will not firmly adhere to the logs, wasting all your money, time, and effort.

The success of chinking projects is based on how long it will last. Stick to these three log home chinking don’ts and be assured that you log homes will stand both the tests of time and weather.

The Necessities of Log Chinking

Professional log home builders should know best that log chinking is one of the basic elements in log home building. Chinking is practically filling in the gaps in between the log walls. It also serves as a barrier that keeps the warm air inside and the cold air outside.

Log home chinking comes with many advantages. Aside from the aforementioned, it can also improve the insulation of one's house, particularly when used with a backer rod. It can as well prevent insects like flies and other wood-boring insects from penetrating the house. Good chinks prevent dust, wind, moisture and the like from entering indoors.

Before you start the ball rolling, be wise to the three necessities of log home chinking.
First and foremost, wood preservatives. Wood preservatives can prevent insects like termites and ants from hovering in your logs. This can assure you that the logs will last.
Second, stains. Log stain not only modifies your logs to appear more attractive, but it also serves as base for the chinking materials to stick on. But you should consider buying stains that will match your chinking compound so that both will bond together firmly.
Finally, the backer rods. Backer rods are used as bond breakers. These bond breakers prevent the unnecessary sticking of chinking materials to the logs. It also allows the sealant to contract and expand freely.

Be sure to buy high quality chink materials. Look for latex based ones because these are highly elastic, therefore minimizes the chances of early cracking or peeling. Consider buying Weather all 1010 chinking and Sashco Chinkers Edge Chinking. These are just some of the good chinking compounds that are log home builders’ approved.

See more log home maintenance supplies at Western Log Home Supply. They carry a wide array of chinking and everything else that log home builders will need.

How to Find Log Cabin Kits that’s Right for You

Log cabin kits are getting more popular these days because of the many advantages it offers to those who want to have their dream log houses fast and easy. For the uninformed, the first question, for sure, is where to find these log cabin/home building kits.

The best place to look for is the internet. You can find lots of cabin kit providers and manufacturers on the worldwide web. There is a plethora of it actually and you can certainly find something that will suit your need and design preference. I suggest that you consider 3 – 4 websites that offer nice designs and services.

Remember that you are making a considerable amount of investment here so be sure that you will purchase from a reputable company. Check on each of the companies you have considered if they are duly registered with the Better Business Bureau. See if they do not have pending complaints or if there is no record of charges filed against them. Read also testimonials from clients they have served and if possible you can contact these persons if they are not bogus personalities.

Once you are sure that the companies you have chosen are all of good reputation and in good standing with the authorities, choose the specific kits that interest you. Check what is included in the kit and what is not. You should secure one with chinking and log home stains already available in them to ensure convenience. It would also be good to contact via phone the companies to get more details about the kit you have in mind. This is also a way of checking how they treat their clients. It is highly possible that after calling your prospective manufacturers, your list will be cut down to one or two companies.

Another source is from log home magazines. These mags include advertisements from log cabin kit suppliers and manufacturers which you can also check out. Sometimes these publications also feature log home construction suppliers and manufacturers which could add some helpful data on your company research and background check.

The right log cabin kit is lying somewhere out there waiting for you to come and get it. But you can only find it with the right manufacturers and log home suppliers.

Three Easy-To-Do Chinking Steps for Your Log Homes

Why do you think log cabins need restoration through chinking? If they don’t have proper maintenance, do you think they will last long? Sooner, these things will happen - fading, log rot and joint seal failure; even to the best log homes or luxury lodging houses.

What will you do if the chinking technique was not discovered? You cannot imagine what could possibly happen to your homes after a few years. Now, you don’t have to worry because they can be protected and restored.

Three Steps in Chinking Log Homes

For an easier process, it is broken down into three easy steps:

Step 1: Recipe
1) Mix 1 part of cement with 2 parts of fine masonry sand and ½ part of lime masonry. Pour water to attain a firm consistency, not too wet but not too hard.
2) If you want to stain the mixture, check the stain’s product label for instructions.

Step 2: Preparation
1) Before the application, the logs must be clean, dry and free from dirt.
2) If you can see large cracks, fill these with wood chips, small stones, twigs or moss mixed with mud. Push them into the cracks using a putty knife.

Step 3: Application
1) Apply the chinking product with the use of a trowel or putty knife. You need to fill the large cracks and open spaces in between logs.
2) Smoothen the surface and leave it to dry. If the applied mixture shrinks before it dries up you can apply a second coating, even a third one if required.

After going through the process of log home chinking, the logs will look like brand new. So if anyone else needs a log cabin restoration, try to recommend the three steps.

Advantages of Chinking on Log Homes

Using log homes in making a house is gaining popularity especially because of its advantages. One of the things that you can see when having a log home is the gap between them. That’s where you apply chinking. This can be done by a professional or by yourself. But most homeowners ask for someone since applying it can be a bit tricky.

Log homes are now favored more in building a house since it can give the owners a nice free heating inside. This happens because chinking is applied on both the inside and outside surface of the gaps of your home, blocking any possible means for air ways.

It is also important to have a good sealing process with your log homes to avoid any fungi from entering your house as well as some unwanted insects that could pester your homes. One thing that you can benefit from using log homes is the natural design that you can get without using any artificial element. By simply looking at the log patterns, you can see that there are already log markings that you can use to make your home creatively beautiful. Also, right chinking helps in enhancing such markings.

You can also choose what type of log you want to use for your home. Other logs make your house last for several decades. With the right application of chinking, you can ensure long life for your log homes. Other logs are not that susceptible to insects compared to other logs. It’s really a matter of choosing the right log and making sure that you have appropriately applied a good chinking material.

If you are not sure what chinking and logs to use and what methods you need to do, you can inquire online and make your log home comfortable to live in.

Chinking Details You Ought to Know

Chinking is popularly known as a sealant for houses that are made of logs. It is a synthetic water based sealant that has a mortar like texture, flexible and elastic. Its primary composition includes lime, clay and sand. And nowadays, it is combined with synthetic materials.

These sealants are solely made for the purpose of people with homes made up of logs in any form. Such homes have some known issues regarding gaps, cracks, moisture, not to mention some growing moss, water leak and some insect infestations. It solves those kinds of house problems. Not to mention helping in preserving your home and keeping it together in order to stand the test of time. It is a very good bargain. For people with such problems, you might need to invest than suffer the slow decay without it.

This material protects the gaps of your wood for it not to be infiltrated by moisture that would result to moss fill up. It seals the gap so that water and even insects will not go into your home through the gaps or cracks in your log home.

Chinking is used by applying a moderate amount of sealant into the wood surface. You can apply it thru a metal spatula or by using a grout bag. Now, if you’re having a hard time then you might want to consider hiring some professionals to help you to do it.


Chinking materials are of different assorted colors to choose from to better contrast the color of your log for it to look good and also to give you certain options to personalize the way you caulk your home with it. And it has two types, the homemade and the commercially prepared chinking.

Get Ready for a Chinking Project, Four Hints to Prepare your Log Homes

When and how to know the right time your cabins need chinking? As you’re looking at a tired and worn out log home, you come to realize you have ignored the maintenance for many years now.

Four Hints on How a Log Chink Preparation is Done

Part of your preparation must be the four things listed below. These are hints to help you check on your cabins and to prepare what you need for repairs.

1) All Around Inspection

The first thing to do is to inspect your log cabins. Take a walk around to have a closer look at the logs and watch for checks and large cracks. As the wood gets older it also gets dryer; checks are visible this time. They can be caulked using a good quality caulk. It’s available in different colors so it matches the log stain. For large cracks, they accumulate dust and allow drops of rain to set right in logs.

2) Check for Discolorations

Discolorations are caused by mold or mildew, these can be cleaned using soft scrubs and a cleaning mixture. Wash off with water and let the wood dry before going on with repairs.

3) Check for Stains or Dark Spots

Rain drops that drips or splashes onto your logs will wear the log finish and water will soak in the wood. If this isn’t treated, it will turn to mold and might weaken the wood. Ensure resolution by installing gutters to redirect water away.

4) Check for any other Damages

Visible damages on wood can be cut out and replaced; alternatively you can use a “dutchman”. While damage with the entire log is quite difficult so you need a professional to do the job.

You log home is your legacy, later it will be passed down to the next generation. Not only does it represent an important investment. The commitment in building and the satisfaction in chinking can’t be measured with any amount of money.

Simple Tips to do the Staining Perfectly before Chinking your Log Homes

A perfect way to protect and preserve your wooden homes is by chinking; although it will not be done right away. Prior to this is the application of the log stain. This will help protect the wood by sealing the log so it will not absorb wetness and block harmful sun rays.

Before you start staining the wood surface, get help from these tips to make sure you will be doing the rest of the steps continuously, thus saving your time.


Tips for Staining before Log Chinking

• Once you’ve applied the first coating, you need to do a back-brushing. In this way, it will force the stain inside the cracks and holes of the logs.

• Preferably, you need to stay away from direct sun heat. The stain dries up quickly therefore you’ll not have a wet edge.

• It’s important to keep the edges of the logs wet as these will catch the drips coming from the upper logs. So it’s better to work only with three to four logs at the same time.

• Always start at the bottom so the drips will just blend on the lower log that’s already applied with stain. If you start from the top, the drips will be visible on the lower part.

• Apply two coatings as much as possible; even three coatings are better. You may think once is enough, but it will not give sufficient protection from heat and weather damages.

• You need to remember the first coating must dry up before applying the second one. However, if it dried up too long, it’s also not good because dirt may have come in contact already. Probably, one day is enough for drying.

• It’s also better to be prepared by having enough supply of stain during the process. It would be difficult if you ran out of stock especially if you’re in the midst of doing the job.

If you have started the staining successfully, the next process that follows will also be done smoothly. So you will be able to finish chinking and have a better restored log home.

Checking Weather Conditions When Chinking Log Homes

To those of us completely unfamiliar with the term, chinking is the process of having a narrow space filled, and the first things that come to mind when this is mentioned are log cabin building and maintenance. When chinking log homes, there are several things that you must remember.

The first step would be to check the weather forecast before you apply the chinking. The weather must, as much as possible, be dry in order to allow the chinking to harden. Simply put, what you’re doing is gluing your log cabin together, and the weather conditions affect the quality of your log chink very much.

Those trying to do some log cabin chinking in the tropics are in for a few more difficulties, since chinking does not respond well to high temperatures. Blisters can form on the chinking when it is under direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time. This is definitely something that you would want to avoid, since blister formation can damage your log cabin when left unchecked.

In areas with high humidity, it is best to check the wood you’re going to apply the chinking to. Some types of wood are more susceptible to rot than others, and this can have an adverse effect on your log chink. In this case, use products that can restore your wood, or at the very least hold it together until you can replace it with a new one.

The weather can greatly influence the quality and durability of your chinking. Hence, it is important to make sure that the weather conditions are suitable to your work. Make sure that you do your chinking on a dry day, and not under direct sunlight whenever possible. Also check whenever your wood is damaged from extreme humidity, since this can also determine the quality of your log chink.