Make your homestead desires come to fruition and learn how to build a log cabin by hand! With the right materials, instructions, and assistance, it should only be a matter of time before you get your beautiful and cozy log home.
We provide a thorough guide on how to build a log cabin with the help of nobody but your own productive hands. Let's get started!
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How to Build a Log Cabin | A Step-by-Step Guide
What You Need to Know Before Building a Log Cabin
- Plot your land.
- Choose a plan/cabin blueprint/kit.
- Know what wood and type of logs you will use. Logs can shrink with the weather so make sure you ask for professional advice.
- Will you need help? A professional team?
- Are you satisfied with your log cabin kit? If not, make changes.
- Do you have Log Cabin Insurance?
- Know your budget. This can be costly so plan ahead before constructing.
- Avoid building in the winter months to reduce log checking, cracking, and splitting. You will also want shelter from the poor weather.
- After building the cabin, wash the logs and let the house dry for a week.
- Coat the cabin with a mixture of linseed oil & turpentine to the outside of the logs – repeat every 5 years.
Steps on Building a Log Cabin
Step 1: Set Your Foundation
The most important thing when building an establishment is the foundation. Make sure the piers and foundation are poured below the frost line. This is to make sure your cabin can withstand an earthquake or natural calamities.
Step 2: Sill the Logs
With the foundation set, it's time to lay the ground beams which will further support your project. It will connect all the foundations and will further boost the strength of the cabin.
Step 3: Install Joist and Subflooring
Install the flooring horizontal from the direction of the joists. It's a must to use strong materials. You don't want your flooring to break when dealing with extra weight.
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Step 4: Log Joinery
Now, it's time to raise the walls. Be mindful of the windows and door placement so you don't have to do extra work undoing previous work. To raise the log easier, face a nail ramp on the sidewall and pull up the log with block and tackle.
Step 5: Framing Your Roof
Roof installation may be tricky. You don't want any leak so be sure to pay attention to details. Remember, a roof is more than the shingles.
It's a vital part of the process since it will serve as a system of layers that work together to protect the cabin.
Step 6: Attach Roofing Board or Sheath
Reinforce your roof with a roofing board and sheath so it won't rust and decay immediately. Be on the lookout for plumbing vents with leak barriers and you don't' want that overlooked.
This leads to extra work which you want to avoid.
Step 7: Assemble the Door and Window
For the finishing touches, look for the right door and windows which suit your style. Once you get the right measurements, visit a furniture store and buy the necessary materials such as a knocker, knobs, and grille.
Now, you can relax and visit your own DIY cabin every weekend in style. Isn't it great to unwind while staring at the window of your own home? It's now up to you on how you like it furnished and how you want your interior done.
Rest assured, you have one solid log cabin which should stand the test of time.
Watch this video by Becky's Homestead on how to build a log cabin by hand:
If you think building a log cabin was hard, you better think again. With the proper plan, supplies, and a bit of know-how, building a log cabin is just a piece of cake.
What are you waiting for? Start building your dream log cabin now so you and your friends will have a go-to place every summer.
Do you have a log cabin you built yourself or have a plan on building one? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published in September 2019 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
We built a traditional built home with half log cedar on exterior, we had only built a shed before that, was such a labor of love, that we are about to start building another
One again, this time on lakefront.
I would recommend to anyone that likes hardwork and seeing results everyday.
Don’t get me wrong, we did research and had books showing us every step and of
Course the state codes which are so exact as to what you can use & do. Only thing
I regretted was building on a ravine, a hill is just terrible to build on, but we did
A walkout on lower level but wasn’t worth the headaches and twisted ankles.