Explore Six Interior Wall Design Options!


While we’re crazy about our cedar tongue-and-groove interior finishes in Katahdin Cedar Log Homes, not everyone is a fan of the all-wood look. That’s one of the big benefits of our Energy Envelope System—superb energy efficiency and design flexibility. If you’re wondering what might be installed in place of the cedar paneling, we’ve got some ideas!

Drywall — Gypsum board drywall is probably the easiest and most flexible interior wall finish. Drywall can be finished with paint or wallpaper and is easy to update with for a broad array of colors and styles.

Shiplap — A popular trend in many home design television shows, “shiplap” consists of horizontal flat paneling boards that are finished with paint, often a lighter shade. This is an easy alteration to the traditional cedar tongue and groove finish. opt for flat profile boards instead of rounded profile to create a shiplap effect. Many Arborwall Solid Cedar Home owners select for a whitewash shiplap interior finish for extra bright rooms (see right).

Thin Brick — Brick is another one of those traditional finishes that marries well with the contemporary rustic style of Katahdin Cedar Log Homes. One company Brick it offers a broad selection of thin brick sliced from actual rescued bricks so they retain a certain patina and aged authenticity. The bricks are easily applied using a metal panel application system that keeps rows straight and even and allows the thin bricks to be glued to the wall system before grouting. Hard-to-find masons are not required for this brick product. With a wide selection of colors, styles and sources, the possibilities are endless for an amazing feature wall.

Acre — This building material from Modern Mill is crafted from rice hulls to create a seamless wood appearance that is sustainable and durable. One great product style is their edge and center bead [https://modern-mill.com/siding/edge-and-center-bead/] boards that can recreate a cottage ambiance as a wainscoting in a dining room or guest bath. Acre bead boards are paintable and resist water warping, so are a good option for bathrooms.

Corrugated Metal — It’s not just for shed roofing anymore! Corrugated metal is showing up in all sorts of applications including interior feature walls. To install corrugated metal, a wooden frame that is attached to the wall is created to hold the metal sheet. The metal sheet is then attached to the wooden frame. For a farmhouse design look, corrugated metal can add some exciting and attractive dimension to any room. The standard 7/8”corrugated metal sheets can be ordered in a variety of colors from Western States Metal Roofing.

Textured Panels — Enhance standard drywall finishes with a textured panel like this stylized tree form texture made from PVC. These panels can add some visual interest to walls in basements, playrooms, mancaves or media rooms. Installation is made with glue (liquid nail) and cut to fit with a tile saw. It’s still a wood-like finish but offers a different graphic appeal!

 

Back to Basics: Chimneys, Fireplaces & Woodstoves

Updated 2/28/24 Nearly every Katahdin Cedar Log Home features a hearth — from a focal centerpiece in a great room with soaring cathedral ceilings to a cozy master bedroom fireplace. While many dream chimneys and fireplaces feature natural stone, it’s important to understand your options when designing your home’s fireplace. We spoke with retired Katahdin…

Green Tip: Induction Stove Tops Make IAQ Sense

Updated 2/26/24 For years, the top gourmet kitchens have insisted on natural gas or propane stoves, because of the excellent control and powerful BTUs provided by burning these fuels for cooking. But as folks construct well air-sealed homes to increase energy efficiency, removing combustion for heat generation is also getting a second look. Fortunately, there’s…

Back to Basics: Interior & Exterior Finishing

Updated 2/26/24 One important step in completing your Katahdin Cedar Log Home is the interior and exterior finishing. Because most of the surfaces inside and out of your home are bare wood surfaces, it’s essential to treat these surfaces to protect the wood and provide a lasting finish. We spoke with Ricki Shields, a log…

Permeable Driveways Make Even More Sense

Updated 2/26/24 Recently, municipalities began to assess the costs and challenges for coping with storm water runoff from developed areas. Water from rain, snow, melting and flooding can easily overwhelm municipal sewer treatment facilities, so more and more towns and cities are assessing a storm water utility tax. This tax can help the city construct…

Five Plumbing Upgrades You Didn’t Know You Needed

When planning the plumbing fixtures in your new Katahdin Cedar Log Home, you may want to consider some upgrades that are easy to plumb now but can be more costly to retrofit. We selected some of the top plumbing upgrades to check out. Canine Comfort For families with pets some tasks can be made easier…

Smokeless Firepits Make Entertaining Easy

Smokeless firepits are an innovative way to extend the outdoor entertaining season in your Katahdin Cedar Log Home. There are several types on the market, and we’ve got the details to help you decide whether a smokeless fire pit is right for you. How do Smokeless Fire Pits Work? Nearly all smokeless firepits work the…

Septic System Primer

Chances are that your new Katahdin Cedar Log Home will require a septic system be installed to handle your home’s waste, since many log homes are built in rural settings. If you’ve never lived in a home with a septic system, the prospect can be a little daunting, so we’ve created this Septic System Primer…

Garage Designs for Accessory Dwellings

 If you’re looking for a way to maximize your Katahdin Cedar Log Home’s living space, take a second look at your garage. Many homeowners are realizing the benefits of expanding up for living area above the garage space makes a lot of sense. We’ll take a look at whether an accessory dwelling might make sense…

Lock In Your Energy Now

When it comes to powering your new Katahdin Cedar Log Home, it’s important to carefully consider the options available for electricity, heating and cooling. Right now, natural gas, propane and oil pricing —and in some cases availability —are out of our control and heavily influenced by events both on the domestic and international stage. Power…

Five Reasons Why Katahdin Cedar Log Homes is the Smart Choice

There are quite a few log home manufacturers across the country, so it can be a challenge to identify the smart choice to fit your requirements. Building a log home is a little like a marriage — positive collaboration is the key to reaching your goals. With a half century of experience, Katahdin Cedar Log…

Navigating Log Home Financing: Building Your Dream Retreat

Building a log home offers a unique opportunity to create a personalized retreat that blends natural beauty with architectural elegance. However, financing the construction of a log home requires careful consideration and understanding of the specific financing options available. In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of log home financing, providing…

5 Must-Have Features for Your Log Home Outdoor Kitchen

Designing an outdoor kitchen for your log home allows you to embrace the beauty of nature while enjoying the art of cooking and entertaining. To ensure your log home outdoor kitchen is both functional and visually appealing, we have curated a list of five essential features. From top-notch appliances to immersive entertainment and cozy elements,…