Update for 2019: Best Wood Stains for a Log Cabin
We at Deckstainhelp.com offer tips for more than staining decks. In this article, we offer our insight on which stains are the best for log cabins. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your log cabin stain projects. For 2019, TWP 1500 Series and the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain are two excellent examples of log cabin stains.
Log Cabin Stain
Best Exterior Wood Stains for a Log Cabin and Wood Framed Homes
There is no doubt that a log cabin is a thing of beauty in most any type of landscape. To keep a log cabin looking good and lasting for many years, maintenance is key. Log cabins can be very high maintenance and homeowners know all to well the tedious task of keeping it in good condition.Like any other wood structure, a log cabin needs to have a protective finish. This keeps water and UV damage from rotting the logs and causing damage to the structure. Determining the best wood stain for a log cabin takes many factors into account. The texture of the wood, age, log moisture content, and climate are just a few. So while there may be many wood stains best for a log cabin there are a few that stand out.
Considering that most log cabins are constructed with rough textured porous wood that eliminates using any type of stain made for dense smooth woods. A wood stain that is uniquely designed for rough sawn and porous wood is ideal.
Wood stains such as TWP 1500 Series and the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain are two good examples of log cabin stains. These penetrating stains help prevent the damage caused by water, fungi, and UV radiation. They will allow the natural beauty of the wood to show through while providing maximum protection.
For extra dry logs, a stain like Armstrong Oil Based Stain can be a great choice. In addition to enhanced beauty and weather protection, Armstrong utilizes nondrying conditioning oils to replace the wood’s natural oils that have since evaporated. The nondrying oils separate from the drying side of the formula that remains at the surface to lock in the conditioning oils providing a dry to the touch barrier.
Try to stay away from wood stains designed for smooth hardwoods and also film forming or acrylic based stains. These types of stains are not best used on the rough sawn cut texture of log cabins and can cause a whole host of problems.
If you Have Questions on Staining Your Home, Please Ask Below
Is there an advantage over corn cob blasting and/or walnut media blasting?
Sorry, no idea. Never used either.
we have a home with log cabin siding..right now we have sickens on it and it is not holding up. what is the best product to use on the siding? we live in Missouri and have sun, heat . we plan on power washing the sickens off but need a great product to replace it with.
Try TWP stains. You will need to strip off the Sikkens.
What about Outlast Q8 Log Oil for log cabin stain It says it is EPA registered. Any experience or comments?
Sorry but never heard of it.
I have a spa room. We installed a tongue & groove ceiling. Can I use Thompson Water sealer on it?
No, I do not thank that is a good idea.
can you use cabot austrailin oil on a pine log house
Yes but there are much better brands out there: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I have a Lincoln log house I built in 1985 always have used cwf cedar stain would like try something different as far as color its held up ok after about 6 applications over years
You will have to remove the CWF fully if switching brands. You cannot apply a different semi-transparent brand of stain over it. Once removed, try TWP 1500 Series.
Don’t build layers (multiple coats) with semi or solid stains, it’s not like a paint that builds durability and life by applying multiple coats. Multiple coats of solid or semi stains will peel, one coat with a thin second coat is the max or it WILL peel.
I used Behr Deck Plus Solid stain 12 years ago on our cabin and it still looks like we just stained it yesterday.. Solid stains don’t typically peel like paint, just slowly fade away. But the Behr still looks like new. So good we used it on our main home in New England and it is holding up unbelievably. I do see it rated #1 in Consumer Reports all the time so it has an excellent rating from them also. I would never use semi or clear oil stains, they attract mold since it is a natural food for mold spores. They look nice and natural but the constant maintenance is not worth it for me. I’m hoping for 20 years out of my solid stain, so far so good. If you pick the right color the solid looks beautiful.
Solid stains are basically thin paints. If you want that look then go ahead and paint your log cabin but you will be stuck with the painted look.
The point of this article is to show advice for using a semi-transparent stain so you can see the natural beauty of the wood. Your comments about attracting mildew are not accurate for all oil-based brands. Some like the TWP brand, will not attract mildew due to it being an EPA registered wood preservative for preventing mold and mildew.
Is TWP a linseed based product??? If it is, linseed is a natural food for mold.
It does have some but as mentioned before, TWP brand, will not attract mildew due to it being an EPA registered wood preservative for preventing mold and mildew.
They are the only stain on the market that is considered a wood preservative by the EPA for its ability to prevent mildew/mold.
We had a sunroom completed last November. It is Douglas fir post and bean construction. The weather was too cold to apply a finish so we are waiting for Spring.
What one step product do you recommend (exterior finish on new wood)?
We would like to keep the natural wood look (stain and seal)
Thanks,
Wayne
Horseshoe, Ontario Canada
See this for tips on new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Try Restore A Deck Wood Stain or Armstrong Clark.
Can this stain & protectant be used on pressure treated wood decks
What stain brand are you asking about?
We have a 30 year old log home currently stained with Cabot solid stain acrylic. Would it be advisable to remove by corn blasting and starting over with product specifically made for logs? (ours are pine)
You could do that if you desire a more natural appearance.
We have a log cabin that is 30 years old. The south side of the cabin really get beat up by the sun. I looked at it and many of the logs have the normal cracks from the sun and heat but the wood is really dry and needs a finish. I am looking for a clear type of finish that preserves and protects from the UV rays of the sun. Currently it has had oil based stains on it in the past, (Clear wood Finish UV and Cabot australian timber oil and others over the years).
After proper prep to clean and remove any remnants of the old coatings, use one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Would Olympic stains be ok for a log cabin. Is there any way to figure out what kind of stain that’s already on it because it seems to be a very good product and I like the color.
No way to determine what you currently have. Olympic is no the best option. There are better ones.
We are in the process of picking a stain for our log cabin. It is old and the old stain is not coming ff completely. Can I use a sold stain such as Solid Matte – Rubbol® Solid Wood Finish?
You can cover the wood/old stain if you like with a solid stain but that is not the best stain option type. Solid stains can peel and are harder to maintain.
Hello, I am in the process of stripping the old stain and putting on new, my question is I bought 5 gallons of TWP 200, but everywhere I look I see that people are using TWP 100, can you tell me your opinion on this? My house is red oak, and the stain is old and failing bad, thank you Scott.
The TWP 200 Series will work very well for you as long as you remove all of the old stain. No reason to switch series.
Finally about to stain my log cabin with TWP 100. First step your stripper, wait 45 minutes then wash off. Apply brightner. How long before the stain is applied?
The stripper will dry within 45 minutes. More like 10-15 minutes than pressure wash off. After all the prep is done, wait 48 hours before staining.
Do I wash off the stripper then apply the brightner. Do I have to wash off the brightner then allow the 48 hours of drying.
Rinse well and then apply the brightener right away. Rinse that and let dry.
What if the TWP stain is applied and it rains in 12 hours (or 24)
Should be fine.
Can the Flood semitransparent stains be used on logs, and if so, which type? Will be used in Montana.
Yes you can use any of the Flood wood stains.
Hello!
Can you recommend a stain product for rough cut pine siding? The cabin is one year old.
Thank you for the help.
TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark.
I have log railings for our deck that I need to re-stain. They are presently a golden oak looking stain and we want to keep that same look. Any recommendations? My wife wants to see a stain chart to do a comparison before we buy. Thanks!
If switching brands, you will need to remove the current stain. Once removed, try the TWP 1500 Series or the Restore A Deck Wood Stains.
Here is a picture.
Hi, I am going to restain a cabin I just bought and I am not sure the last time that it was stained. I have presure washed the entire home and would like to go a shade or two darker a nd wanted to get some ideas on good stain and or if I will need a sealer as well. It is in Nothern MN.
Thanks,
When switching brands of wood stain you will need to remove the current coating. This will ensure the new stain will be able to soak into the wood correctly and adhere to the wood. Strip and sand to do this. Brighten all wood after. Try the Armstrong Clark in Rustic Brown or TWP 103 Dark Oak for your stain.
Hi Rick, we have a log home looks alot like yours in color. We live in Grand Rapids, MN. Looking at staining it and have a new deck that had say a year and needs staining. Curious what did you end up doing?
We have purchased a 25 yr old log cabin sitting at 9000 ft in CO. the logs have the pine bark on the exterior so scrubbing is going to be almost impossible without messing up the bark covering. We do not know what brand of the semi-transparent stain that has been put on the cabin, so what do you suggest on preparation and then type of stain? Also, back brushing is going to be impossible! Thanks
Pictures, please.
Here are some close ups
Not much you can do for prep but maybe a light clean or rinse with deck cleaner and rinse with a pressure washer. Do you want it to stay a medium to darker brown? If so, look at TWP Dark Oak or Armstrong Clark in Rustic brown.
We have always used TWP on our twenty yr old log home.My husband always did it but now he is unable. What do we prep it with to remove the mold/mildew? Is there an additive to prevent the mold?
Use their Gemini Restore Kit for the prep to reapply. The TWP already contains an EPA registered mildewcide.
I have used Woodguard for the past 25 years. What do think of this product? If I would switch products would I have to remove the Woodguard?
Yes, you would have to remove it. We have never used it so no experience.
my log home in NE has had Rawhide Behr product on it since 2000. It has done an excellent job of protecting the logs however the black mold under the rawhide has turned the entire house black.
Behr tells me I either need to sand blast or use chemical stripper to remove the rawhide and then remove the mode and start over with a stain.
How about a product that would adhere to the rawhide – a stain with a walnut or darker color? Do you know of any? I will not blast or strip these logs – not possible and not affordable.
Help!
Sorry but nothing will adhere. You will need to remove and start over.
Ok here are pics after just power washing, trying a citrus stripper, and trying a deck wash and scrubbing. Logs getting fuzzy from the power wash. Help. Tell me 1-2-3 the easiest way to remove this Behr Rawhide. I am okay in the end with a dark translucent stain. I am not okay with a solid stain or paint. No!
Help! So glad you are oout there. Sally
To remove this you will need to sand or corn cob blasting.
I have a log home finished with Behr rawhide. I had it hand sanded and it looked beautiful. It was then oiled with Fargo Oil which brought out the beautiful colours of the different logs. However, the sun has now bleached out all of the colour and I am now looking to find something with UV protection. Thought I would answer your question and ask my question at the same time!!
Try TWP 1500 Series.
Thank you. I shall try to find it here in Western Canada, Alberta.
I am preparing to restain our logs and plan to power wash the logs with a stripping product. Is there one you recommend. I hope to lighten the logs and restaiN with semi-transparent oil based stain.
Do you know what brand and type of stain you are removing? Please post a picture.
I do not know what kind of stain it is. It is the original stain used, I’m embarrassed to say, almost 30 years ago.
Here are some picture. Hoping to lighten the tone.
Thanks.
You will need to strip and brighten this for the prep. Try the Restore-A-Deck Stripper Kits. Once removed, use the TWP 1500 Series.
do exterior log stain have insect repellent?
No but you can add insect repellent additives to the stains.
Which additives could you use for carpenter bees?
Try Bug Juice.
Is Sikkens a good stain for a log home?
Average at best.
We have deck rails that are in need of staining. We initially used Sikkens, then used Structures. We are north facing and endure northern MN winters. The rails needed attention after 2 years. We only used the base coat without the recoater. I would consider Defy due to the good reviews but hesitate due to prepping the surface and removing the Structures product. Any thought on Structures?
Never heard of structures. Can you post a picture?
http://structureswoodcare.com/products.html
We used the basecoat.
2.5 years into the Log Cabin in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, one wall has faded. Cabin was built in 2000 Didn’t know about cleaning every year – hiring a company to clean – and then re stain the faded wall – figure to re do the whole house in two years. Found a can of Olympic Elite Stain/Sealant in one in the garage- and read your reviews of stains. Read some of the questions below and you talk about not switching stains without removing the old stain – which is something I don’t want to do – couldn’t believe the cost of the stripping off the old stain. Finally my question – what happens if you change stains without stripping off the old stain?
It will most likely fail prematurely. Best to strip and honestly is not much harder than cleaning: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-deck-stain-stripping-can-be-easier-than-deck-cleaning/
what about using Sherwin Williams SuperDeck on log home…should cabots be removed first?
Hi Kelly,
Always remove previous coatings when switching brands. As for the Super Deck, we are not fans. It has a tendency to turn dark or black in color after a few years.
We bought a Lincoln Log home in Florida. It was placed in 1986, and we were here renting when they had the logs recaulked and stain/sealed with Sashco Capture three years ago. The Florida sun is merciless, and I noticed the tops of the logs at the corners are taking a beating from the rain/moisture. I pressure washed and scrubbed, then put on a good coat of the Capture stain. The remainder of the sealer says 18 mth shelf life, and I was wondering if there is a better product I can use over the fresh stain. Any advice would be appreciated.
Hello, you cannot apply a different product or brand on top or over this. If you want to switch brands to something better, you will need to 100% remove the Sachco first.
Thank you!
Hello,
I have a 35 year old log cabin (pine D-logs). After I strip/sand off the current layer of paint and stain, I intend on re-staining with the most sun-durable stain I can get. I’m located in Flagstaff, AZ and much of the S/SW sides of the house get the full force of the sun for most of the day year round, with plenty of UV penetration through our high altitude air. Mold/mildew concerns are pretty much nil for me, by the way.
I’d also like to apply caulking or chinking between the logs. I suspect I’m getting more air penetration than I’d like (inside walls are drywalled so it’s hard to tell) but one portion of the house seems to lose heat faster than I’d like. Is this harder or more expensive to accomplish when using an oil based stain?
I see that your review of DEFY Extreme says that it holds up pretty well to UV, but seems like it’s typically used more for decks? (not sure what makes a stain better for decks vs. logs). Thanks for any info!
Any of these brands would work well for log homes: Defy Extreme, TWP 1500 Series, or Armstrong Clark. Darker or more pigment colors will tend to offer longer UV protection.
Hi…
I stained my log cabin 3 years ago with Sikkens..love the product but black came thru just this winter…I know I need to clean and power wash the house before another Sikkens application..what would work best to get rid of the black?
Could you post some pictures, please?
I’m building a log cabin and want to know what is the best stain/seal to use that will last and protect the wood. It is located in Eastern Oklahoma in the Ozark mountains.
Mike, See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
It will also apply to cabins. Wait until Spring, prep well and try the TWP or Armstrong Clark stains.
Owned a log cabin for 10 years, do not believe logs were ever sealed, but on one side of the cabin, the wood is almost black from the weather. I dont want to bring back to natural color. But want to use a solid paint stain. Do I still need to prep the logs if they are dark, in color?
Yes you need to prep. Use a deck cleaner and then pressure wash.
My log home in N Carolina has a stain on it but needs to be redone. It ha sikkins on now. What’s the best new application? Does it have to be same color? Would acrylic be advisable?
Pete, nothing can go over the Sikkens so it will need to be removed if you want to switch brands. Once removed, try the TWP 1500 series.
We have a Satterwhite log home in East Texas that’s about 30+ years old. It has the dark red stain and I’m assuming they used a Satterwhite stain. To my knowledge, it has not had any preservatives applied since new. It has a 8 ft porch all the way around. I am starting to pressure wash the logs to re-apply a clear stain as we don’t want to make it any darker. I am using a hot water pressure washer with commercial soap and bleach to clean. Call you advise a good stain that can be applied after the washing has dried? The Satterwhite stain is over $100.00 per gallon. If that is the only choice then ok. Just was looking for the best to use. Thanks
You cannot apply a clear stain/sealer over top of a tinted stain. Does not work. Best to remove all and start over or stick with what is on there already.
What type of stain should be used to re stain my log cabin? I think it has a semi transparent now. Would like to change to a redwood.
Keep with a semi-transparent color. Prep with Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener Kits. Try the Armstrong Clark in Sierra Redwood or TWP 1502 Redwood colors.
What’s best stain for 1/2 log pine siding in northern Wisconsin? Other than staining, does anything else need to be done?
Always prep first. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Defy Extreme Stains.
Define prep first?
Depends on the condition/age of the wood. Previous coating, new wood, etc?
Brand new…no stain on it yet. Wanted to know best type of stain to apply?
Also, after staining does it require a top coat of something? Or is just one or two coats of stain adequate?
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
You cannot top coat with a sealer over the stain.
Our log home is 2 1/2 years old now, and the vertical Timbers have some UV fading. How can I find which stain of yours would best match for what is there?
You cannot apply a new stain of a different brand on top of an older stain without removing the old caoting first. Strip and pressure wash to remove. Brighten the wood after. Once removed, you can use any brand of stain. See here for the Top 5: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I’m putting log siding on a newly built stick home the siding was milled from 2×8 kiln dried white pine. The home only gets sun in the afternoon due to tree coverage and it is in Western New York. Can. You recommend a semi transparent stain and carpenter bee additive? Thank you
TWP 1500 Series and Bug Juice additive.
Can I use a solid color stain on a log ccabin?
If you want, yes.
I have been asked to stain a log home ,it has been under construction for the past yr,the home has had not been treated for 30 yr or more,the customer wonts a solid stain,and it has a primer on it I’m assuming grayish, for yes ago,what do u think should be done to this home,,thank u
It already has a primer on it? Not all stain can be applied over a primer. I would check with compatibility first to confirm what will work.
We have a red pine log home built in 2002 originally finished with Menwood 2 coats and additional coat applied in 2005 . This was alight walnut, Extremely satisfied. When needed refinish in 2013 Menwood no longer available . Used Transformation stain. Not pleased with appearance or durability. What is your recommendations for prep and stain. Do not like the surface sheen of many stains. Menwood left no obvious surface film but she’d water as if it was waxed .
All old coatings should be removed by stripping and or sanding. Menwood from what we remember was a TWP blend. The best option for you would be the TWP 100 Series or 1500 Series. This would be almost the same thing as the Menwood.
6 years ago I blasted to strip the paint off my log home.
I stained with a product called lovitts natural gold. I am pretty positive this is a linseed oil based stain.
The stain has performed well on the cabin but it molded quickly on my deck.
I am planning on using twp1500 on my deck(after stripping) and was wondering if this stain would be compatible with my old linseed based log stain on the house? Can I just clean and apply the twp1500 over my old log stain?
No, you should strip the log stain before using the TWP.
We built a home in 2002 and used Woodguard to stain it. It’s in serious need of staining so I’m trying to see if that’s the best brand to use. We live in Michigan. Our home sits in front of the woods so we have woods on the south and east side. It has had some mildew form on the south and west side, just on the top curve of the log. I’m wondering if it’s from the woods sheltering some of the sun? Also, I believe Woodguard used to come with insect repellent but it seems now it has to be purchased separate. Thank you M.J.
Use TWP 100 Series for the stain. Prep to remove the mold and old coating with Restore A Deck Stain Stripper Kits.
Have a 2 story, 4500 sq.ft. log home, plus 2 sheds, gazebo, and 1600 sq.ft of additional decks/steps. 2 contractors I like, one recommending Sikkens and the other Perma Chink. House built in 1999, will be 3rd staining. What would you recommended? Thanks,
Try the TWP or the Armstrong Clark. Prep well first.
These contractors use the two stains mentioned and will prep well first. Between these two products which would you recommend? Thanks,
Sikkens.
I have a log cabin in NC – square log and chinking, right on the Blue Ridge Pkwy that is in serious need of staining! In your opinion, is there a difference between Cabot Australian Timber Oil and Sikkens log and siding? Other ideas? Thanks…
Sikkens is better of the two. also look at TWP stains.
In reference to Isy below, is there a way to fill the carpenter bee and woodpecker holes that will blend in? I noticed you said wood filler will not do the job. Will anything?
Nothing will “tint” when stained with a semi-transparent stain to blend. You could try a pre-tinted caulk that is similar in color to your wood stain.
We recently bought a log home that was stained with Outlast Q8, medium reddish brown, which is way too brown-red for us as we like yellow/ gold /natural. I think Q8 has a VOC of 250. CTA sells a product “clean start” which, they say will remove the surface stain. The home is 8 years old and we do not think the stain has been maintained as it is quite dirty and worn.
We live in Southwest Virginia and the house is surrounded on three sides by a covered deck. The east and south logs are very sheltered with only mild sun and no rain; the west side gets afternoon sun and very little rain; the garage attached to the house on the north has walls which face east and north get blasted by all kinds of weather.When we gently pressure wash the logs are quite beautiful.
We would love your advice.
Thank you for this site
You will need to remove the old stain first. Stripping may rmeove it. If not, you could sand or corn bob blast for removal. Try the TWP 1500 Series for the new wood stain.
Thanks for your response.
Our part of Virginia follows Fed guidelines so we can use a much higher VOC stain;
Would the 100 series be better? Folks seem to think the higher VOC is a better stain.
Either TWP series would work. The TWP 1500 will offer slightly better UV protection.