How to Cut Electrical Outlets in Log Siding

New Construction

• 1

  Lay the first two courses of logs for the walls. Mark the location of electrical outlets on these walls. Drill down through the logs to the sill plate. Wire can be run from underneath the house through these holes.

• 2

  Lay the third course of log walls. At each location you previously marked, mark the location of the electrical outlet boxes. A standard outlet box measures 2 3/8 inches by 4 1/2 inches.

• 3

  Use the router to route out the space for the outlet box.

• 4

  Insert the electrical box in the space you've routed out. Use a metal file to smooth any rough edges.

Existing Home

• 5

  Choose the location for your outlet near a door or window. This will allow you to hide the wiring behind the door or window trim.

• 6

  Mark the location of the outlet box. Route out the log to make room for the outlet box.

• 7

  Route a thin channel along the side of the door or window trim next to the wall. The channel should be just wide enough and deep enough to conceal your electrical wire.

• 8

  Insert the electrical box in the space you've routed out. Once you've wired the box, staple the wires into the channel on the door or window trim to hide them.