VIDEO: How to Chink a Round Log

Chinking is a critical aspect of maintaining your log home. Knowing the right technique for chinking between round logs will save you time and money on your next chinking job.

Watch the video below to learn how to properly chink between round logs so you can approach your next chinking project like a pro.

Backer Rod                                  

The first step to chinking round logs is choosing the right shape of backer rod to fit the joint. Backer rods are often sold in either triangular or trapezoidal shape.

If the rod doesn’t fit right, you may use too much material, and the material won’t sit where it should to bond the two logs together properly.      

It’s important to keep the backer rod in place while chinking. If you don’t, you’ll have an uneven amount of chinking on the top and bottom log.

If your backer rod won’t stay snugly in place, you can add a few galvanized nails to secure it.

Apply Chinking

Just like with the back rod, it’s important to use a trowel that fits when applying chinking. A trowel that’s too small for the joint (or too large) will waste time and efficiency.

When you’re ready to chink, hold the chinking gun perpendicular to the joint. Carefully apply the chinking material steadily and evenly across the joint before troweling, as demonstrated in the video above.

Weather is also an important aspect of a good chinking job. If you’re working outside in the hot sun or when it’s windy, it’s more challenging to apply chinking material without it skinning quickly before you can trowel.

Apply a small amount of chinking at a time and trowel each section after application to maintain optimal control over the chinking.

Along with chinking corners and the occasional oddly angled areas of your log cabin may be more difficult to seal than others.