By Mikael Maynard

One of the coolest aspects about the climate cabin has to be the collection of stories behind many of its components — deep-rooted stories that intrinsically tie this structure to the very place it rests. The forest and swamplands that surround the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge are rich in Native American history, folklore stemming back to the first pioneers and land intensive industries such as logging and farming — not to mention the famous Savannah, Florida and Western Railroads, all of which have carved out the landscape and affected those who inhabit it, shaping what it is today.

The wood siding and soffit that embellishes the cabin's exterior, lending so much to the character and charm, is a great representation of the stories that define the roots of this place.

The wood came from a man named Randy Nance, who owned a prosperous milling company in the heart of downtown Folkston called South Georgia Timber Co. When someone in the area wanted a particularly special tree milled, they would bring it to Randy.

Over 30 years ago, he personally milled the red cedar, heart of pine and cypress that comprise the exterior of the climate cabin today. Coincidentally, his plan at the time was to build a cabin for himself! Fortunately for us, he never got around to it — and, long story short, the barn full of specialty-milled wood became ours years later.

I’ve mentioned this before, but the logging and timber industry really define the landscape and the people of this area. It is one of the main economic powerhouses at play here. Many families have been involved in this industry for multiple generations, and it’s a way of life and source of livelihood in which the people of this area take a lot of pride.

Using wood that was hand selected, harvested, and milled from this area is the epitome of a superior climate-friendly option for exterior siding. Wood is a carbon sink by nature, and as a natural material, it will eventually decompose harmoniously back into the earth from whence it came.

Of course, with the proper care, it can also remain durable and stand strong for generations. So what do I mean by “proper care?” 

As I mentioned before, a house made out of wood will gradually show its age over time as the wind, rain and sun interact with it, causing it to gray and weather naturally. Many people try to prevent this natural graying process, but there are some people who pay top dollar for gray aged wood! 

Personally, I think it is counterproductive to try and stop the natural process of aging, so I have chosen to embrace it by protecting and waterproofing the exterior with a juniper infused penetrating exterior waterproofer by Vermont Natural Coatings. It is clear and leaves no topcoat, allowing the wood’s color to age naturally. It will also help to keep mold and mildew at bay. 

This waterproofer is something that we will apply regularly, probably once or twice a year. It is very simple to apply as well. Mike applied it using a handheld lawn sprayer.

Another way we plan to protect the exterior wood is by installing drip mitigation along the gable ends of the house. This will consist of a sand and rock-filled trench that diverts water away from the foundation and prevents muddy splashback on the wood when it rains.

Wet and rotting wood is an inviting snack for wood boring pests like termites. This is usually where infestations start, so preventing damp wood also keeps those pests at bay. Not to mention that the trench is a natural barrier for wood boring pests when paired with a natural termiticide. We are hoping to use diatomaceous earth and/or agricultural vinegar for this purpose. 

Although it’s available, we declined an exterior perimeter ground injection due to its main ingredient, fipronil, which has a negative impact on aquatic life. We are now left to our own devices to figure out a natural solution for exterior termite prevention, so if you have suggestions, don’t hesitate to share them with us on social media!

I will keep you updated as to how that all turns out because I know it is a topic that interests a lot of people. Termites are so prevalent and many people — myself included — have had personal experience with the destruction they can cause.

That’s it for now, so until next time — happy gardening!