Log home refinishing

The story behind restoring a 130-year-old Colorado mountain cabin.

High in the mountains near Nederland, Colorado, sits a small log cabin with a long memory. Built sometime around 1890, the cabin originally belonged to a mining family named Barkeen. For decades, it stood high on the mountain while the family worked the nearby mines. Then, in 1950, the structure was moved down the mountain and rebuilt on a new site in 1953.

Seventy-five years later, time had taken its toll.

That’s when the log experts at Colorado Finish, LLC were called in.

What followed wasn’t just another log home restoration job. It became a two-month effort to preserve a piece of local history and, in the process, add a new chapter to the cabin’s story.

*The Barkeen Cabin Before Restoration Work.*

A Cabin Built for Mining, Preserved for History

Today, the cabin belongs to a man named Rich, whose family inherited the property through generations. Although the last name in the family line no longer matches the original Barkeen name on the cabin, the property has stayed within the extended family.

Rich has approached the entire property with a simple philosophy, preserving as much of the original character as possible. Inside the cabin, artifacts from the past fill the space, everything from historical pieces hanging on the walls to a vintage wood-burning stove that still carries its original crest and dates.

If something needs replacing, it gets replaced, but only with careful thought. Many of the people he hired to work on the cabin he describes not just as contractors, but as artists. One welder, for example, built a completely custom handrail for the flagstone path leading from the cabin to the road, something that simply couldn’t be bought in a store.

When Colorado Finish, LLC came in to restore the logs, the goal was the same: protect the structure while respecting its history. For the exterior finish, Rich chose Transformation Stain in Gold Tone Light, intentionally selecting a color that would bring the logs as close as possible to their younger appearance while still allowing the natural character of the aged wood to show through.

Inside, the logs received a coat of Symphony Interior Clear Coat to preserve their natural look.

The goal was never to make the cabin look brand new. Instead, the aim was to honor the structure’s age while protecting it for decades to come.

Digging Out the Past, Literally

The restoration focused heavily on the cabin’s chinking, the material between the logs that seals the structure. Originally, the cabin used concrete chinking. After decades of weather and movement in the logs, much of it had begun to crack and crumble. Removing it was no small task.

The crew spent weeks carefully chiseling the old material out of the logs. In several places, they discovered something incredibly cool and unexpected, handwritten signatures embedded in the original chinking from when the cabin had been rebuilt in 1953 (Goosebumps? Us, too!).

Pat, who owns Colorado Finish, LLC, understood the resonance it carried. He told us, “I had my pick and chisel, and I was trying to shape around the signatures,” he explained. “But the concrete was so old that a lot of it just crumbled away.” Still, he managed to recover fragments. At one point, he even assembled the broken pieces on a workbench like a puzzle, so the names could still be read.

Those signatures were a small reminder of the people who had worked on the cabin decades earlier, workers whose efforts were now being revisited generations later.

*Tools used to carefully work around the original signatures.*

When Snow Becomes a Work Tool

The restoration happened in late fall, and the timing turned the project into a well-planned and thought-out winter adventure.

Pat and his crew finished the exterior just before the first snowfall. But when they returned the following week to begin work inside, the mountains had other plans. Two feet of snow had fallen. The cabin was buried.

The crew shoveled their way inside and got to work, but another challenge quickly appeared. They needed to remove piles of old concrete from the cabin interior. Normally, that kind of debris gets hauled away in wheelbarrows or tarps. Not this time. Instead, Pat improvised.

“We actually brought toboggan sleds,” he said. “There was so much snow outside that we were sledding loads of concrete down to the truck.” Chunk by chunk, the old material slid down the hill on sleds before being loaded into the truck and hauled away. It wasn’t the most traditional construction method, but it worked.

And it added a memorable moment to an already unusual job.

The Cabin Earns Its Place in History

After the restoration was complete, the cabin reached an important milestone; it officially received historic landmark status. For Rich, that meant the preservation effort had succeeded.

For Colorado Finish, LLC, it meant something else as well. This was the first officially registered historic landmark they had restored, a personal milestone in a career spent working on log homes.

But the most meaningful moment came when the final work was finished. When Pat discovered the signatures of the workers who rebuilt the cabin in 1953, names that had lasted for generations hidden inside the walls, he added something of his own. He added his own signature.

“I think it’s pretty cool how you can do a job like that,” he said, “where you’re trying to preserve someone’s signature from decades ago, but then you leave your own behind for the future. My signature will be on that wall for at least another 50+years to come and won’t have to be touched.”

Placed on the interior where it will remain protected, his name now joins the earlier builders as part of the cabin’s continuing story.

Some jobs are just construction projects. Others become something more. For Pat, restoring the little Barkeen family cabin wasn’t just about repairing logs and sealing gaps. It was about helping preserve a place that holds generations of memories and leaving a small mark of his own in its long history.

Learn more about Colorado Finish, LLC, on their website, or follow along on Instagram and Facebook. 

Ready to stain? Don’t guess! Sample. Testing stain colors on your actual logs before committing ensures that you get the exact look you want and helps prevent “oops” moments later. Snag your free samples here.

*_About_{Sashco Log Home Products}***

_{When it comes to protecting and beautifying your log home, Sashco isn’t just another stain on the market — it’s the high-performance} _{choice for serious log lovers. With industry-leading products like Capture, Cascade, and Transformation, Sashco combines cutting-edge technology and rugged durability to keep your logs looking stunning and standing strong year after year. Whether you’re chasing that perfect finish or just want to avoid the heartbreak of costly repairs, Sashco’s got your back. Because your log home deserves more than “good enough,” it deserves Sashco. Made for logs. Made to last. Made to make your neighbors jealous.}

If you hang around the log and timber frame restoration world long enough, you start to notice a pattern. The most successful contractors aren’t the loudest marketers or the cheapest bids. They’re the ones who quietly, consistently do the hard things the right way, even when it’s inconvenient, expensive, or takes longer to explain to a homeowner.

That pretty much sums up the BTi Log Home Care crew.

On paper, they’re known for handling some seriously large, complex projects across Montana and beyond. We’re talking about 10,000-20,000 square feet of wall space, two-tone finishes, brutal weather windows, historical cabins miles from the nearest hotel. But when you sit down and talk with them, the reason for their success has very little to do with square footage and everything to do with how they run the business.

They Don’t Sell Jobs. They Sell Long-Term Relationships.

We recently talked to the leadership team at BTi Log Home Care, and one thing came up again and again. They are fully committed to relationships with their clients long after the project is done.

That sounds simple, but it’s a radical mindset shift in an industry where plenty of contractors hope they never hear from a homeowner again once the final invoice is paid. These guys are the opposite.

They actively design their process around maintenance, education, and repeat interaction. In fact, they’ve started including the first year of maintenance directly into their restoration project, not as a sales gimmick, but as a way to remove friction and reset expectations.

The message to homeowners is clear, “We’re not disappearing. We’re coming back. And that’s a good thing.”

That approach does two important things for business. First, it builds trust, because maintenance conversations stop sounding like upsells. And second, it protects the original restoration work (and their reputation).

As Cal Arnold, owner of BTi Log Home care said, “We don’t want to be the contractor who stains your house and hopes we never have to talk to you again.” That mindset alone explains a lot about their longevity.

Prep Is Non-Negotiable (Even When It Costs Them Jobs)

To someone new to the industry, it might look like BTi Log Home Care makes success effortless. It would be easy to assume their advice would center on building a massive team, pouring money into flashy marketing, or chasing the latest business buzzwords. But that’s not their approach. Ask BTi Log Home Care what matters most for someone starting out, and you won’t get a glossy answer. You’ll get one word: Prep.

Surface prep, process discipline, and refusing to cut corners (even when, ahem, especially when homeowners ask for it). They were blunt about this part. Not knowing any better, clients will encourage shortcuts. They’ll ask for wash-and-recoat jobs. They’ll compare cheaper bids. But BTi made a deliberate business decision to walk away from jobs that don’t align with their process. Not because they don’t need the work, but because they understand the downstream cost of a compromised reputation. That discipline has paid off.

Today, they maintain client relationships that stretch back decades. Homes they restored 20 years ago are still on their schedule. That kind of continuity doesn’t come from shortcuts. It comes from holding the line when it would be easier not to.

They Match Products to People (Not Just to Wood)

Here’s where their operational maturity really shows. They don’t just evaluate wood species, exposure, or climate. They evaluate people.

If a homeowner is honest about not wanting (or not being able) to maintain the home annually, they adjust product choices accordingly. If someone is detail-oriented and committed to upkeep, they’ll lean into systems that reward that discipline. That means fewer failures, fewer uncomfortable conversations, and fewer unrealistic expectations.

It’s also why their projects age so well. Cal told us that, “Even when homeowners push maintenance longer than recommended. The prep, application, and product selection are dialed enough that five years later, the home still looks “pretty darn good.” Even if it’s filthy.”

And yes, they’ll still gently remind you that paying for maintenance now beats paying for refinishing later. Let’s just say that root canals were mentioned. We’ll spare the analogy> Let’s just say, brush your teeth. 

Big Jobs, Small Jobs. Same Emotional Buy-In

While they’re known for massive, high-profile projects, some of the work they’re most proud of is far smaller. They reminisced about historic cabins, family properties, and places with emotional weight.

In one case, they restored a 1913 Forest Service cabin covered in dust from the Mount St. Helens eruption still clinging to the walls. The job required travel, camping, and working during the early uncertainty of COVID. Not glamorous. Very meaningful. The result? Tearful voicemails from homeowners. Relief. Gratitude. And a structure preserved for future generations.

What matters from a business perspective is this, their entire team understands that they’re not just fixing logs, they’re protecting family legacies. That belief shows up on large modern builds, too. Even when the project doesn’t scream “sentimental,” there’s always a person behind it. A family. A future burden removed.

That kind of emotional buy-in is hard to fake and impossible to scale unless it’s baked into company culture.

Trusted by Builders When It Actually Matters

One of the strongest indicators of their success isn’t a logo or an award, it’s who calls them when the stakes are high.

On a recent large-scale project in Big Sky, the homeowner was prepared to remove and replace all exterior siding. Instead, this crew stepped in with a restoration plan that saved the structure and delivered a standout two-tone finish with Capture Log Stain in Weathered Wood on the body and Capture in Aspen Bark for crisp white accents.

The general contractor backed them fully. In fact, the contractor made it clear they’d charge more if they had to use anyone else. That’s not about price. That’s about trust.

When builders know a contractor will follow process, protect the homeowner’s investment, and execute under pressure and weather constraints, they stop shopping bids. They pick the team that won’t create problems. Pretty cool stuff. 

Why They Align with Sashco (And Why That Actually Matters)

Partnerships get thrown around a lot in this industry. Usually what that means is a logo on a website and a discount sheet in a folder. That’s not what’s happening here.

The alignment with Sashco works because it mirrors how these guys already run their business.

First, the obvious one reason is that process matters. Sashco systems reward contractors who prep correctly, apply correctly, and follow the rules. If you’re looking to cut corners, the products will absolutely let you know. That accountability fits a company that has zero interest in fast, cheap wins.

Second, maintenance is engrained into their philosophy. These restorations don’t look good just on the day they’re finished, they look good years later because the system is designed to be maintained, not ignored. That supports the exact conversations they’re already having with homeowners about long-term care, realistic expectations, and avoiding the dreaded full refinish.

Third, education trumps hype. Sashco’s approach, especially in pro-to-pro environments like Zero Failures, matches how this team operates internally. They don’t pretend problems don’t exist. They talk about them, study them, and build systems to avoid repeating them. That’s why they’re bringing entire crews to training instead of just sending one manager and hoping the message trickles down.

Finally, there’s the durability factor. When a home can go longer than it should without maintenance and still hold together, it’s proof that the prep, products, and application were right from day one (obligatory statement: don’t neglect it, it’s still not worth it). That kind of real-world performance protects everyone involved: homeowner, contractor, and manufacturer.

Why They’re Still Winning

Strip away the job sizes, the colors, the equipment, and the square footage, and the reason for their success is refreshingly straightforward:

They protect their reputation aggressively

They educate instead of overselling

They build systems that support maintenance, not neglect

They care deeply about the people behind the projects

BTi Log Home Care is built on principles that don’t go out of style. And in an industry where failures are loud and success is often quiet, that might be the highest compliment you can give a contractor.

About BTi Log Home Care

Since 2002, BTi has been setting the standard in log home care. What started as a soda blasting service evolved when founders Cal and Lee Arnold identified a critical need for superior finishes and lasting protection. Today, our mission remains the same: deliver the highest-quality, most beautiful, and longest-lasting solutions for our clients.

Reach BTi Log Home Care at (406) 581-9983, office@BTiloghomecare.com or Instagram or Facebook.

*_About_{Sashco Log Home Products}***

A weathered log home gets a full structural and aesthetic revival using Sashco’s CPR Cleaner, Capture in Mahogany, Cascade Semi-Gloss, and Conceal in Redwood.

Occasionally, a restoration project comes along that reminds you why wood homes captivate us in the first place: their character, their grain, and the sense that they’re part of a story much bigger than just lumber and nails. That was certainly the case here.

This wasn’t a small facelift or touch-up. This was a total restoration of a weathered log home in Japan. And like so many projects that begin with visible wear and hidden damage, it became a powerful reminder that restoration is possible when you’re willing to do the work the right way.

The project was undertaken by Mr. Murasawa, a contractor who works with Nikken-Sogyo, Ltd., a distributor of Sashco’s products in Japan. What started as a mission to improve aesthetics quickly became a full-blown revival of both structure and testing the soul.

Days of Weather, Wear, and Water

By the time the restoration team arrived, years of exposure had taken their toll. Old coatings had failed. Log connections and notched joints were letting in rainwater. Sealants had deteriorated. Some log sections were so compromised that they needed replacement outright.

This is the moment many owners wonder if a home is simply too far gone. But time and again, we see the same truth play out: with effort and the right techniques, rarely are they beyond hope.

The original caulking had failed, which lead to interior water staining. The exterior stain was faded and there was significant mold growth on the surface. This home needed some SERIOUS TLC.

Deep Surface Prep

The first major task was preparing the wood itself (and this was serious work).

To start, existing coatings were stripped off using a #120 nylon brush with wheel sanders and grinders. But this wasn’t just about removal. By sanding perpendicular to the grain, the team enhanced the natural log texture, removing softer earlywood and revealing the denser latewood beneath. The result? A beautiful uzukuri (means wire-brushed, also, a super cool word) texture that made the grain stand out in a way that typical sanding by hand never could.

Aside from aesthetics, this uzukuri surface also improved the mechanical adhesion of the Capture and Cascade, which is a crucial foundation for any lasting restoration. When the surface is right, everything that follows works better. 

Once the surface was sanded, the team applied CPR Cleaner and a borate-based preservative to clean and stabilize every inch of wood.

Addressing Water Damage Head-On

Over One of the biggest challenges uncovered during the restoration was rainwater intrusion at critical joints, openings, and connections. Instead of patching the symptoms, the team went after the cause (because we’re not into Band-Aids). 

All old sealants were carefully removed, and deteriorated logs were replaced where needed. At the log end grain sections, new wooden backing was installed and wrapped in copper sheeting designed to echo the look of tree bark (off-the-charts cool factor). Not only was that an aesthetic dream, but it was also a solution that improved waterproofing while staying visually true to the surrounding logs.

For the inevitable checks and cracks in the logs, Sashco Conceal in Redwood was used to fill and seal to leave a natural, seamless finish that blended into the wood.

This kind of work isn’t flashy, but it’s exactly what makes long-term success possible. Fix what’s wrong, respect the structure, and move forward knowing restoration really is possible.

The Look and Protection Combo

Now for the part people really notice. The color!

The team chose Sashco’s Capture in Mahogany. The color is a rich, deep tone that highlights the wood’s natural grain while offering excellent UV and weather protection. The color brought warmth and depth back to logs that had seen years of hard exposure.

Once the stain was applied and dried, Cascade Clear Coat in Semi-Gloss was added as the clear topcoat. This final layer enhances color clarity and sheen while providing long-term resistance to moisture and weather, helping ensure this restoration lasts for years to come.

What Happens Next?

True restoration doesn’t end when the last coat dries.

A future-focused maintenance plan was put in place with annual inspections, prioritizing areas previously affected by decay and those most exposed to wind and rain. By watching these areas closely over time, small issues can be addressed early, keeping the home protected and the envy of all the neighbors, year after year.

This project was never just about products. It was about commitment. Commitment to doing the work thoroughly, respecting the original structure, and choosing systems designed to work together over time.

With careful surface preparation, thoughtful structural repairs, and the combined use of Conceal (Redwood), Capture Log Stain in Mahogany, Cascade in Semi-Gloss, and CPR Cleaner, this home didn’t just get a second chance. It became one more real-world example that with the right approach, the right products, and the right people, restoration truly is possible.

*_About_{Sashco Log Home Products}***

Why Your Log Home Isn’t a Canvas

Ok, log home lovers, time to be real. Owning a log home is a dream. Come on, the character, the warmth, the charm, there’s nothing like it. But let’s be honest, maintenance can feel like a full-time job. And at some point, most of us have thought, “Maybe I should just paint it and be done with all this upkeep.” (Ahem. Every professional log applicator likely experienced an eye twitch after reading that.)

(more…)

What do ladders, sandpaper, and love have in common? For Joseph Smidt and his family, they were the unlikely trio behind a complete log home restoration and transformation. Read the full “Restoration Possible” story and hear every step, challenge, and triumph along the way.

(more…)

What do ladders, sandpaper, and love have in common? For Joseph Smidt and his family, they were the unlikely trio behind a complete log home restoration and transformation. Read the full “Restoration Possible” story and hear every step, challenge, and triumph along the way.

(more…)

What do ladders, sandpaper, and love have in common? For Joseph Smidt and his family, they were the unlikely trio behind a complete log home restoration and transformation. Read the full “Restoration Possible” story and hear every step, challenge, and triumph along the way.

(more…)

What do ladders, sandpaper, and love have in common? For Joseph Smidt and his family, they were the unlikely trio behind a complete log home restoration and transformation. Read the full “Restoration Possible” story and hear every step, challenge, and triumph along the way.

(more…)

Meet the Craftsmen Behind Rocky Ridge: Passion, Precision, and Pride in Every Log Home Project

When it comes to restoring log homes, few things are as rewarding as seeing history preserved and beauty brought back to life. That’s exactly what Rocky Ridge Log Restoration is all about. Founded in June 2024, this emerging company has already made a significant impact with its commitment to craftsmanship and quality. We caught up with the team behind Rocky Ridge to learn more about how they got started, what drives their passion, and the tips they have for others in the trade. Here’s what they had to say.

Q: What’s your company’s specialty, and how long have you been in the business?

A: “Rocky Ridge Log Restoration started in June 2024. The venture began with a thought, and then I discovered the Zero Failures course at Sashco’s headquarters. I met a lot of amazing people, and the thought became a reality. At Rocky Ridge, we specialize in all aspects of log homes, but we mainly focus on rot repair, blasting, staining, and some chinking.”

Q: What’s one project you’re especially proud of?

A: “I am proud of all my projects! I take a lot of pride in my work. One of my jobs I take real pride in is the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge job, as it is a massive resort that brings in people from all over the world. I just find it so cool that I was able to work on those 100-year-old buildings (I would’ve never thought that a year ago when I first started this venture).”

Q: What’s your favorite Sashco (or product-specific) tool or material, and why?

A: “I am a big fan of the Sashco Capture/Cascade combination. They have created a variety of nice colors, and by layering them, you can discover even more beautiful combinations. The clear coat is honestly my favorite as it really finishes the whole restoration as the homes really shine and look brand new again!”

Q: Any tips or advice you’d share with other contractors?

A: “A lot of these contractors have a lot more experience than I do, and I have learned a lot from them! One tip I would say, as I have been an employee for longer than I have been an employer, is to treat your employees great and they will put in great effort.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

A: “I really enjoy the transformation part of the house. Taking something that is worn out and needs attention, then transforming it into something beautiful, and ultimately having clients fall in love with their home again. That’s the best part of the job for me, and I get to see some pretty cool country and animals (bears)!”

Follow Rocky Ridge Log Restoration on social media!