DIY Network

Log Cabin Bedroom: Outlet Replacement and Log Siding Installation From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-311

With all of the trim work in place, the outlets are raised to surface level with the siding and the log siding is installed.

On a 1-5 intermediate remodeling scale, this project ranks 1 in difficulty.
This project can be completed in 16 hours over 2 days.

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	This basic blue boy's room will become ...
	... a log cabin retreat!

Materials:

Log siding
1 x 6 pine lumber
1 x 4 fluted casing
4 x 4 pine post
Pry bar
Tape measure
Level
Chalk line
Large felt tip marker
Reciprocating saw
Hammer
Utility knife
Circular saw
Chop saw
Table saw
Drill
Framing square
Framing nailer
1" Forstner bit
Trim nailer
Safety glasses
Polyurethane
Trim nails
Wood screws
Wood bit
Stud finder
Torpedo level

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

1. The light switch and power outlets need to be raised from the wall surface to match the thickness of the siding. To do this, create small 1-1/4" thick frames to box-in each outlet. First, rip 2 x 4s down to 1" x 1-1/4". Next, cut the pieces to form a frame measuring 4" x 5-3/4". Assemble with a trim nailer (figure A).

2. Next, turn off power at the breaker box. Remove the cover plate from the light switch, then back out the two screws that secure it to the electrical box. In this example, the switch covers are also being replaced. Cut the first wire, strip and push into the same location on the new switch's quick-connect slot. Do the same for the other wire.

3. Slip the frame over the switch, followed by an electrical box extender (figure B). Remove the original screws on top and bottom of switch, then use 2" screws to attach frame to the box. Add new cover plate (figure C). Continue process for other outlets, then turn power on at breaker box.

4. Now it's time to begin the log siding installation. Begin by measuring the length of the first couple of logs and note the location of each outlet. Work from floor to ceiling to attach the tongue of each board directly to the wall.

5. Cut the first two boards to length. In this example, the boards also must be notched for the three wall outlets using a jig saw.

6. Set first log in place, resting atop the 1 x 6 baseboard (figure D). Align trim nailer to stud lines drawn on wall and attach the log with 8-penny nails.

7. Measure for height of outlet box in second board and notch. Set board atop first one (figure E), overlapping the tongue, and nail in place.

8. From this point upward, the logs are only cut to length, set into place and secured.

9. The last board near the ceiling won't have the tongue to nail into, so it can be secured to the wall at the thinner part of the bottom of the log.