The Ultimate Guide To Log Cabin Treatment

Log cabins are built from thick, full or half-cut logs, creating strong, insulated outdoor structures often used as summer houses and garden buildings. Like all exterior materials, they need protection to withstand year-round weather.

Most exterior materials, including brick, concrete, stone and wood, are porous mineral surfaces, meaning they absorb water. Wood is especially vulnerable due to its natural structure and high porosity.

How moisture damages exterior wood:

• Swelling and shrinkage – causes warping and splits in the grain
• Rotting – fungal decay that weakens the timber
• Organic growth – mildew, algae and moss that spread across the surface
• Discolouration – darkening and surface damage over time

These issues continue until water ingress is prevented, which is why moisture control is essential for protecting log cabins.

Other weathering damage:

• UV silvering – sunlight bleaches untreated wood, fading its natural colour

The most effective way to protect a log cabin is prevention. Whether the wood is new or already weathered, applying the right protection helps:

• Extend lifespan
• Reduce maintenance
• Keep timber looking its best long-term

What Is The Best Way To Treat A Log Cabin?

The most effective way to protect a log cabin is with a high-quality, water-repellent wood waterproofer. Untreated timber absorbs moisture, which leads to long-term damage such as:

• Cracking and splitting
• Swelling and warping
• Rot and decay

It’s important to note that not all wood treatments are truly waterproof. Many paints, stains and varnishes only offer surface-level protection, allowing moisture to soak into the timber over time.

A highly breathable treatment like Emperor Exterior Wood Waterproofer is ideal. Its super hydrophobic formula repels while still allowing trapped moisture to escape naturally. This keeps timber dry from the inside out and prevents the wood from deteriorating.

The treatment is also UV resistant, helping to reduce silvering, while maintaining the wood’s natural appearance.

The advanced nano technology bonds to the wood at a molecular level rather than forming a surface film. This means it dries completely clear, won’t peel or flake and delivers outstanding durability, independently tested to perform for 25 years without loss of protection or appearance.

Read more: Our lifetime guarantee 

A Guide To Treating Log Cabins

Treating a log cabin is simple if you follow the right steps. The most important part of the process is preparation, as this ensures the treatment performs properly and lasts longer.

1. Clean the wood – Remove surface dirt

• Use a power washer for heavy dirt
• Uses a soft brush and warm, soapy water for light dirt
• Lightly sand stubborn areas if needed

2. Treat fungal growth – wood under 12 months old rarely needs this step. Only treat if you see:

• Lichens
• Moss
• Mildew

Use Emperor Exterior Cleaner and allow it to dry for 2 hours before continuing.

3. Protect surrounding areas – Before applying treatment

• Mask edges with tape
• Cover windows with film
• Lay dust sheets to protect floors

4. Apply the treatment – Apply Emperor Exterior Wood Waterproofer

• Use a brush roller or pump sprayer
• One coat only
• Coverage: 5m² per litre
• Touch dry in 1 hour at 20°C
• Dries completely clear

Once applied, the treatment provides long-lasting protection and won’t need reapplying for in excess of 25 years.