Hi, I'm working on remodeling a small rustic cabin in a cold weather climate where temperatures range from the 90s in the summer to 0 or colder in the winter. I plan on not heating it in the winter and have some questions on the interior wall finish. I'm thinking of using pine or cedar 1x6 siding (sometimes called carsiding) but wonder about what should or shouldn't be done to finish it in order to minimize cracking and other problems.
Since I like the natural look of the wood would it be OK to not finish it at all? Are the benefits/drawbacks different for pine vs. cedar?
If I do decide to finish it with a light stain should both sides of each plank be stained/finished or can just the interior side be finished? I heard from one source that if one side is stained that both should so that the wood dries more evenly and this would minize cracking...but this was with exterior wood siding. I have about 2000 square feet (including ceiling) so finishing 2 sides vs 1 is alot more work.
Any other comments?
Thanks a bunch!