How To Hang Things In A Log Cabin (Easy, Right?)

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There is just something about log cabins that brings us back to simpler times.

Their warm, cozy, and rustic vibes offer the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern luxury.

If you have been thinking of adding some decor to your log cabin walls, you may be wondering how to hang things in a log cabin.

This can be both challenging and intimidating, especially if you have rounded interior log walls, but don’t fret we’re here to help!

This article will cover how to hang a variety of items and what hardware you’ll need.

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Table of Contents

Can You Hang Things On Log Cabin Walls?

You can hang everything from pictures to TVs to wall art on your log home’s walls. The hanging process is actually quite simple and comparable to hanging on other material types. The most important thing to remember is to choose the right hardware to drill into the wood and support the weight of your item.

There are actually several advantages of hanging things from log walls instead of traditional drywall or plaster.

For instance, you never need to worry about finding a stud, using anchors or molly bolts, or spackling and painting over large holes.

How To Hang Things In A Log Cabin

How To Hang Pictures In A Log Home

There are several methods that can be used to hang pictures in your log home. You can opt for a traditional hammer and nails and picture hanging hardware or implement a picture rail, picture shelves, or use picture wire to hang your artwork from a hook.

Hanging items in a log cabin is basically the same as it would be for drywall or plaster, only you don’t have to find a stud. 

The first step to hanging pictures in your log home is to ensure you are choosing the appropriate hardware.

You will need to select a set of hangers that are suitable to nail into wood and can support the weight of the object. You’ll also need some wood nails rather than finishing nails.

It is important to keep in mind that wood expands and shrinks with weather changes.

This means that each individual log can change in size and height, depending on the moisture content of the wood (especially if your cabin was built with green logs).

The hardware you choose must account for this expansion and contraction. Incorrect fitting hardware can lead to gaps in the wood or cause permanent damage. Expansion slats can be used to allow for the movement of the logs.

Next, you need to find choose a hanging location and measure the appropriate height for your artwork. Measure the position and mark your measurements on the wall on both sides of the artwork for reference.

To ensure your pictures are hung at the preferred height you can use wire on the back of the frame. The wire can then be lengthened or shortened, as needed, to adjust to your desired height.

Wall Art Hanging Inside Cabin

Picture rails also allow you to hang artwork from wire, allowing you to make adjustments as necessary. Picture rails are a great option if you can’t commit to nailing into your beautiful cedar walls.

When you want to move or change your art you will be left with no holes or mess to fix up afterward! Score!

If you do have a wire on the back of your picture, draw it up and measure where it sits. This is where your picture will hang. Pictures should be hung from the high spots or the “crest” of the log.

Meaning once you have established the horizontal positioning, the vertical position of your nail should be placed at the highest point on the log.

Next, drive the nail into the crest of the log through the hanger hook (if your picture has a wire on the back) or through a picture bracket, and then hang the picture.

Can You Mount A TV In A Log Cabin?

Now that you’ve got the artwork sorted, it’s time to move on to the big stuff.

TVs and other heavy items can be mounted on cabin walls, and it actually might be easier than mounting a TV on any other type of wall. The important thing is to ensure that the wall the TV will be mounted on can hold at least 5 times the weight of the TV. Check with the contractor who built the cabin if you are unsure about the structural requirements.

The crest rule applies to TVs as well. Be sure to mount the TV to the center of the logs.

Pre-drill the necessary holes you will need and then use lag bolts to mount the TV as you would on any other type of wall.

It is also important that you use washers with the lag bolts. Not only to spread out the load but also to prevent the bolts from crushing the wood fibers of the logs.

Can You Put Shelves Up In A Log Cabin?

Like with mounting a TV, installing shelves in your log home isn’t much different than installing them on traditional walls. 

There is one major difference, however. Unlike a traditional home, the walls of a log cabin will continuously expand and contract, so you need to plan for that. 

Using normal shelving brackets, mark the logs where you want to attach the brackets. Remember, to only attach brackets to the crest of the log using wood screws. Also, make sure the brackets don’t cross more than one or two logs.

If the brackets span too many logs, then the wall won’t be able to expand and contract as needed and cracks or gaps can form. 

Once you have attached the brackets, simply attach the shelf and then add your favorite decor.

How To Repair Holes In An Interior Wall Of A Log Home

If you’re hanging pictures and mounting TVs, chances are that at some point you’ll have a small to a medium-size hole to fill.

Repairing holes in the walls of your log home is very easy and quick.

The easiest repair method is to use simple wood putty to fill in the hole. To patch the hole, apply a small amount of wood putty with a putty knife and remove any excess putty and clean up the edges with a damp cloth. Allow the putty to dry fully, which should take between 2-8 hours depending on the putty used and the temperature and humidity in the environment.

Wood putty is great, in that it doesn’t crack or contract once it’s dried, so you won’t find yourself refilling holes later like with typical wood fillers.

The downside though, is that you can’t sand or stain it. 

Related: Oil vs Water Based Stain For Log Homes (Pros & Cons)

However, most putty brands come in a variety of colors to match different wood tones, so staining shouldn’t be necessary.

Conclusion

Hanging things in a log home, whether it’s a picture or shelving, isn’t that much different than hanging something in a regular house with drywall or plaster.

The critical thing is to only hang things from the center or “crest” of the log and be mindful of the moisture content of your wood.

Now go get decorating!

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