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True North Log Works logo with cabin, trees, and text details on brown.

Log Home Restoration

At True North Log Works, we specialize in revitalizing log homes, cabins, and lodges of every size and condition. Our team provides complete restoration services, including refinishing, refurbishing, and structural repairs, to protect and enhance your property for the long term. Whether your logs are weathered, sun-faded, or simply due for maintenance, we restore their natural beauty and strength. From surface treatments to in-depth restoration, our mission is to preserve the character of your log home and ensure it lasts for years to come.

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Restoring Your Log Home Should Be Simple. We Make It That Way.

At True North Log Works, we believe the restoration or refinishing of your log or timber home should be a smooth, clear, and stress-free experience, from the moment you contact us to the final walkthrough when the job is complete.
Whether you own a log home, timber cabin, panabode, heritage building, cedar-sided house, or resort structure, our team is committed to delivering a process that is straightforward and transparent.
Our skilled restoration crew will guide you through every stage of the project.
You’ll always know:

  • what work is being done

  • when each step will happen

  • what to expect throughout the entire process

We handle the technical work so you can focus on enjoying the renewed beauty, durability, and character of your home.

Restoring Your Log Home Should Be Simple. We Make It That Way.

At True North Log Works, we believe the restoration or refinishing of your log or timber home should be a smooth, clear, and stress-free experience, from the moment you contact us to the final walkthrough when the job is complete.
Whether you own a log home, timber cabin, panabode, heritage building, cedar-sided house, or resort structure, our team is committed to delivering a process that is straightforward and transparent.
Our skilled restoration crew will guide you through every stage of the project.
You’ll always know:

  • what work is being done

  • when each step will happen

  • what to expect throughout the entire process

We handle the technical work so you can focus on enjoying the renewed beauty, durability, and character of your home.

THE TRUE NORTH 7-STEP LOG & TIMBER RESTORATION

Preserving the original character, colour, and craftsmanship of your log home. At True North Log Works, we specialize in log home restoration, refinishing, chinking, rot repair, log replacement, and long-term protection systems. Our process is designed to be straightforward, transparent, and professional from start to finish. We proudly serve Western Canada and select regions of Ontario, working on log homes, timber structures, cabins, heritage buildings, cedar-sided homes, cottages, and resorts.

STEP 1 — Consultation & Structural Assessment


Every restoration begins with understanding your home’s unique condition and history.
We examine:

  • Log species (pine, spruce, cedar, fir, etc.)

  • UV and weather damage

  • Greyed or faded surfaces

  • Mold, mildew, and moisture concerns

  • Rot progression

  • Insect activity (carpenter ants, beetles, borers)

  • Previous coatings or failed stain

  • Structural issues such as checking, settling, or water intrusion

Afterward, we provide an honest, unbiased recommendation tailored to your goals and budget.

STEP 2 — Detailed Quotation & Scope of Work


You receive a clear, simple quote with no hidden fees.
Your quote includes:

  • Full project scope and plan

  • Interior & exterior preparation

  • Preservative treatments

  • Stain products and application

  • Chinking (if required)

  • Log repair or replacement (if needed)

  • Cleanup & waste removal

  • Warranty and maintenance documentation

Once approved, we schedule a start date based on weather and project timing.

STEP 3 — Full Site Preparation


Thorough preparation ensures a clean, safe, controlled restoration environment.
Exterior Preparation

  • Move/cover furniture, plants, BBQs, décor

  • Remove downspouts, lights, fixtures

  • Mask windows, doors, flashing, outlets, gutters

  • Protect decks, gardens, trim, and concrete surfaces

  • Install 6 mm poly with non-residue tape

Interior Preparation
(If interior log walls or chinking are being restored)​

  • Cover all furniture and flooring

This step prevents dust contamination and keeps your home protected.

STEP 4 — Media Blasting or Sanding (Old Finish Removal)


Removing the existing finish is essential for proper stain adhesion and long-lasting protection.
Media Blasting (Recommended for Most Homes)
We use crushed-glass blasting to remove:
 

  • Old or failed stain

  • UV-damaged grey wood

  • Surface mold staining

  • Weathered, degraded coatings

Crushed glass is:

  • Very fine (like table salt)

  • Silica-free and eco-friendly

  • Gentle on the wood grain

  • Able to reach cracks, corners, log ends, and notches

Sanding (Used When Appropriate)
We may sand:

  • Interior walls

  • Flat timbers

  • Small touch-up areas

  • Sections that need smoothing after blasting

Blasting and sanding may be combined to achieve a perfect, even finish.
After removal, logs are brushed clean and returned to their natural, fresh wood colour perfect for staining.

STEP 5 — Preservative / Borate Treatment


If needed, we apply a borate-based treatment to protect your logs from:

  • Carpenter ants

  • Wood-boring beetles

  • Termites

  • Mold & mildew

  • Early rot development

This treatment penetrates deep into the wood, greatly extending the lifespan of your home.

STEP 6 — Professional Staining & Chinking


Staining
We apply a premium, breathable stain formulated specifically for log and timber structures.
This includes:

  • On-log colour samples

  • UV-inhibiting protection

  • Spray / brush / back-brush application

  • Even absorption and long-term durability

Chinking (Optional)
If the home requires chinking:

  • Old, cracked, or failing chinking is removed

  • New flexible chinking is installed

  • Colour-matched to your logs

  • Improves energy efficiency and reduces drafts

Log Repairs
We repair or replace damaged logs using matching donor logs and original joinery styles to preserve architectural authenticity.

STEP 7 — Final Cleanup, Finishing Touches & Maintenance PlanWhen the restoration is complete:


Exterior Cleanup
 

  • Remove all tape and poly

  • Reinstall fixtures and downspouts

  • Sweep, bag, and blow remaining dust

  • Clean windows (as needed)

  • Rake and blend landscaping

Interior Cleanup (if applicable)

  • Remove poly

  • Vacuum and wipe surfaces

After a few rainy days, any remaining dust naturally settles and disappears.
You also receive:

  • A maintenance guide

  • Warranty details

  • Recommended care schedule

Your home will look renewed, protected, and true to its original beauty.

FAQ

What types of buildings do you restore?

We restore log homes, timber homes, cabins, panabode homes, heritage buildings, cedar-sided houses, cottages, lodges, and resort structures.

Do you work on residential and commercial properties?

Yes. We work on private homes, cottages, rental properties, resorts, heritage buildings, and commercial structures.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Western Canada and select regions of Ontario.

Can you restore heavily neglected log homes?

Yes. We specialize in restoring log homes in all conditions.

Do you offer inspections before starting work?

Yes. Every project begins with a consultation and structural assessment.

How do I know if my log home needs restoration?

Signs include greyed logs, peeling stain, rot, cracks, moisture intrusion, mold, mildew, or insect activity.

Will you recommend unnecessary work?

No. We provide honest, unbiased recommendations based on your home’s condition and goals.

How do you protect my home during restoration?

We fully mask and protect windows, doors, decks, landscaping, and interiors if applicable.

What is media blasting?

Media blasting uses fine crushed glass to remove old stain and weathered wood safely.

Is media blasting safe for log homes?

Yes. It is silica-free, eco-friendly, and gentle on wood grain.

Do you always use media blasting?

No. Sanding may be used for interiors, flat timbers, or detail areas.

Do you repair rot and damaged logs?

Yes. We repair or replace damaged logs using matching donor logs and original joinery.

Can rot be repaired or does the log need replacement?

Minor to moderate rot can often be repaired. Severe rot may require replacement.

Do you apply preservative treatments?

Yes. We apply borate treatments when needed to protect against insects and rot.

What type of stain do you use?

We use premium, breathable stains designed for log and timber structures.

Can I choose the stain color?

Yes. On-log color samples are provided before final application.

Do you provide chinking services?

Yes. We remove failing chinking and install flexible, color-matched chinking.

How long does a log home restoration take?

Most projects take several days to several weeks depending on scope and weather.

Does weather affect the schedule?

Yes. Proper temperature and dry conditions are required.

Do I need to leave my home during the work?

Usually no for exterior work. Interior work may require limited access.

Do you clean up after the project?

Yes. Full cleanup is included after completion.

Do you provide a warranty?

Yes. Warranty details are provided based on the project scope.

How often does a log home need maintenance?

Maintenance varies. We provide a customized maintenance plan.

What makes True North Log Works different?

Our expertise, transparent process, and focus on preserving original craftsmanship.

How do I get started?

Contact us to schedule a consultation and assessment.

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