How to Choose Between Hand-Hewn or Smooth Log Siding

When you’re upgrading your home with log siding, there are plenty of cosmetic choices to make, including choosing between a hand-hewn or smooth surface. Which style is best for your home is a matter of personal taste, but let’s discuss the differences between the two.

What is Hand-Hewn Log Siding?

“Hewing” timber refers to the act of cutting a rounded log down until it has one or more flat surfaces. This centuries-old process was originally used for creating timber beams to be used in building constructions. Hewing is a hard and manually-intensive process, and was typically performed by workers with handheld axes and tools. This gives each hand-hewn log a unique look, even if they are cut down to uniform sizes.

Picture an old-time log cabin that the early pioneers lived in. The logs they used would have been hewn. That’s why our hand-hewn log siding has a more vintage look and is what most people opt for when trying to recreate a traditional log cabin. The rugged imperfections in the wood add character and authenticity.

What is Smooth Log Siding?

With modern technology, log siding can be cut to have a completely flat surface, while the other side is milled down to become smooth and rounded. This is a cleaner and more modern-looking style than hand-hewn, which may appeal to those who prefer a polished look. Log siding can also be used in the interior of the home to create the full log cabin look, and many of our customers go with smooth siding for their living spaces.

What Are the Differences Between the Two Styles?

There is no functional difference between hand-hewn or smooth log siding. It’s a matter of design aesthetics, so there is no incorrect choice. The real difference between our styles of log siding is the price. As a default, we machine mill all of our wood with a smooth finish at WoodHaven. When a customer wants to opt for hand-hewn log siding, that is considered an extra service and cost. Costs will depend on the size of the order, and what type of wood is being cut.

Each board of our hand-hewn siding is carved down by one of our mill workers on our German peeler, a mechanical cutting machine that helps us achieve the iconic hand-hewn look. Even if we aren’t using actual axes, each log is hewn by hand one at a time. No piece is identical!

In Conclusion

If you’re trying to remain budget-friendly with our log siding order for your home, then our smooth might be a better option. If you have a particular design aesthetic in mind, then you may prefer the look of our hand-hewn log siding. Either style will give you a beautiful, log-cabin-style home that brings natural beauty into your life.