Building a Log Cabin Is Easy!
Jan 22nd, 2010 by Storage Shed Plans
Most of us would love to have a log cabin in our garden, but is it really possible to achieve? Many kits are available, but the best and most satisfying way is to build a log cabin yourself. Here is how to do it.
A traditional log cabin is a simple square or rectangle, with only four sides. Other shapes are more complicated to build, and therefore more costly.
Although easy to build, log cabins must be designed thoroughly from the start and you are strongly advised to seek expert help and professional plans before you begin. It helps to have the all-important material list done for you as well – this is a tricky job which is easy to get wrong if you choose to do it yourself. Good quality plans are well worth the small investment involved, and will save you doing all the tedious design calculations.
Log cabin homes should be at least 20 x 30 ft for proper enjoyment. Select a part of the garden that is slightly raised to avoid damp and prepare a reasonably level area a bit larger than the proposed building.
Traditional garden log cabins either have a hard-packed earthen floor or wooden planked flooring. The latter would be better and more hygenic.
Your plans will specify the size of logs to be used, and these might be quite rough and ready. Don’t be alarmed – all log cabins get their charm from this! The method for joining logs at each corner is called the lock-joint. This is a notch cut about one foot in from each end of the log. The notch is cut nearly halfway through the log, joining with a similar notch in the mating log to produce that famous log cabin appearance.
If you have built a proper foundation, such as a concrete base, fix the first course of logs to it using anchor bolts and ensure these logs are levelled properly. Set joists for the wooden floor into the longer side logs at about two-foot intervals. Then add log courses up to the intended height of the door (about 80 inches). At this stage cut out openings for the door and windows – fastening wood battens to the logs to ensure stability – and fit the jambs for each opening. Finish the log courses until the final wall height has been reached.
Shorter logs will now be laid at each end, still mated to side logs, to produce the roof pitch specified in the blueprints. Top off with the ridge pole. You can use planks or shingles, typically, to make the roof of the log cabin. The plans will have various options and how to build them. The gaps between the logs should be caulked using a mud and moss mix – you might find your kids eager to help at this stage!
Now finish building your log cabin by fitting the floor, windows and door. You could make your own door from old planks and battens, but these often distort badly in time and it is much better to find an old door in a salvage yard or disused barn and customize your log cabin to fit it. You could decide to have unglazed windows since many garden log cabins merely have shutters but, if not, your plans should indicate the proper style and type of windows to fit.
Building a log cabin interior is very much a personal choice. Part of the dream is to have a fire or stove to sit in front of during those stormy winters!. You should be careful about installing one, however, because there is a real risk of fire or heat damage to the surroundings. Usually there are very specific local regulations about fitting and operating fires in wooden buildings, and you are the one responsible for complying with these. Good plans should include proper advice and guidance on this subject.
Also, it is worth considering making and fitting solar electricity panels and solar hot water heaters to give your cabin a zero environmental impact.
Remember to plan ahead when building a log cabin, so that you finish it well before winter arrives!
