Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Old Kentucky Logs siding?
It is hand-poured concrete log siding. Every piece is cast in molds taken from 150-year-old reclaimed Appalachian timber, so the grain, knots and hand-hewn marks are those of a real log rather than a repeating stamped pattern.
A standard flat log is approximately 1¾” thick × 10¾” tall × 7′ long, with two embedded ¼” fiberglass rebars for strength and six galvanized wall ties cast in. It meets ASTM lightweight concrete specifications.
Will it really look like logs, or will I see the pattern repeat?
Because the molds are taken from genuine antique logs, the face carries the same irregularities the original timber had — including worm holes and axe marks. People who see it in person routinely knock on it before they believe it is concrete.
If you want to judge it yourself, ask us where the nearest finished project is. We would rather you see a real wall than a photo.
What can it be installed over?
Most standard building surfaces: OSB, plywood, Tyvek-wrapped framing, brick, block and concrete. That makes it suitable both for new construction and for re-cladding a house that is already standing.
Do I need a moisture barrier or house wrap behind it?
Yes. The wall is prepared in two layers before any log goes up: a moisture barrier such as plastic sheeting or asphalt paper, and then metal lath fastened securely over it. The lath is what the mortar keys into.
If you already have house wrap on the framing, the siding installs over it.
How is it actually attached to the wall?
Every log has six galvanized wall ties cast directly into it. Those are screwed to the wall, so the siding is mechanically fastened rather than relying on adhesive alone. Logs are buttered and the joints chinked with Type S mortar.
Can I stain it — and can I put a clear coat over the stain?
Yes. The siding is stained on site using masonry-compatible concrete stains, which is how custom color matching is done. After staining, a clear sealer is applied to bring out the color and protect it from fading.
If you have a particular sheen in mind, such as a semi-gloss, call us before you buy it. The right product depends on the stain you used, and we would rather advise on your specific combination than have you guess.
Concrete sounds cold. Will my house be colder?
No, because the siding is not what insulates your house. It is an exterior cladding that goes on the outside of your wall, the same way brick or wood siding does. The insulation in your wall assembly is what determines how warm the house is, and that does not change.
Put another way: a wall insulated to the same standard performs the same whether it is finished in wood, brick or our siding.
Will water sit in the notches or get behind the siding?
The joints between logs are chinked with Type S mortar, so they are closed rather than left as an open ledge, and the moisture barrier and metal lath sit behind everything as a second line of defense.
Detailing around windows, doors and transitions is where this matters most — talk to us about your specific elevations and we will walk you through it.
Do I have to stain and seal it every year, like a log home?
No, and this is the main reason people move to it from real logs. It does not warp, shrink, rot, chip or twist, and there is no annual checklist. Once it is up, it stays up.
Re-sealing is a long-interval job to maintain color, not a yearly maintenance chore.
Will carpenter bees get into it?
No. The siding is immune to insects, rot, mold and carpenter bees. If you have owned a real log home in this region you already know why that question comes up first — carpenter bees will drill a wood log wall and keep coming back. There is nothing in concrete for them.
Is it fire resistant?
Yes. It is fire resistant, which is a meaningful difference from a wood log or wood-sided exterior.
How heavy is it? Will my framing need reinforcing?
A flat log weighs approximately 10 lbs per linear foot, and the product meets ASTM lightweight concrete specifications — it is engineered to be a cladding, not a structural wall.
For an existing building, or anything unusual, send us your wall construction and we will confirm before you order.
What are the dovetail corners?
They are our patented corner pieces, molded from authentic antique dovetail logs. Corners are where most log-look products give themselves away, because they get finished with a plain trim board. Ours reproduce the notched joinery of a real hand-built cabin instead.
What else is available besides the flat logs?
The system is designed so the whole exterior matches:
- Door & window trim — 2″ × 4″ × 8′
- Window sills — 3½” × 4″ × 8′
- Foundation rock — 8″ × 12″ and 12″ × 12″
- Columns and column wraps, caps and corbels
- Round spindles — 24″ and 30″
- Decorative hardware — faux hinges, locks and bolts
Do you ship outside Kentucky?
Yes. We ship nationwide. Your project does not need to be near Kentucky to use Old Kentucky Logs — we work with homeowners and builders across the country.
How much does it cost?
Siding and foundation rock are priced per square foot; trim, columns, spindles and hardware are priced per piece. Cost depends on how much wall you are covering and which accessories you use.
Request the current price list and we will send it, or send us your square footage for a custom quote.