Ask Mr. Fix it

We all dream from time to time about having a log cabin in our backyard, but is it difficult to turn that dream into a reality?  Many kits are available, but the best and most rewarding way is to build a log cabin yourself.  This is the way to do it.

The traditional log cabin design is rectangular or square, with only four corners.  Any other shape will lead to extra corners and therefore more complication and cost.

Even though they are simple to build, log cabins must be designed properly from the foundations up and you should get professional quality plans and expert advice to help you do this.  Consider getting the vital materials list prepared for you – it will save you much time and money.  Top quality plans are worth their cost many times over, and will save you doing all the tedious design calculations.

Log cabin homes should be at least 20 x 30 ft for proper enjoyment.  Look for a raised site to prevent 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 easier to keep clean.

You will find the type and size of logs specified in your plans, and these could be a bit rough and ready.  You should realize that this is the basis of log cabin charm!  A lock-joint is used at each corner to fasten the side and end logs to one another.  To form this joint a notch is cut at each end of the log and about one foot in.  Side and end wall logs are mated in this way, notch on notch, to produce the characteristic appearance of traditional log cabins.  

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 properly levelled.  Set joists for the wooden floor into the longer side logs at about two-foot intervals. Build further courses of logs up to the planned door height, about 80 inches.  Make the door and window openings at this stage – fastening wood battens to the logs to ensure stability – and fasten door and window jambs in place.  Then take the log courses up to the final wall height.

Now start laying shorter logs on the end walls, the length found from the plans to give the required roof pitch and mated as before to the side logs.  Top off with the ridge pole.  You can use planks or shingles, typically, to make the roof of the log cabin.  Your plans will have various options and will show you how to fit them.  Fill in the gaps between logs by caulking with a mud and moss mixture – the kids will love to help at this point!

Finish your log cabin by fitting the floor planks, door and windows.  You might want to make your door from spare 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 build your log cabin around it.  You might want to leave your window openings unglazed but, if not, your plans should tell you how to make or buy suitable windows.

When building a log cabin interior, the design depends very much on your personal taste. Part of the dream is to have a fire or stove to sit in front of during those stormy winters!.  Be very careful about including such things, however, because of the very real risk of heat damage to the walls of the log cabin.  There are often local regulations about fitting fires in wooden buildings, and remember, you are the one responsible for observing these laws.  Once again, good quality plans will include advice, options and guidance for fitting safe and attractive fireplaces in your log cabin.

Also, it is worth considering making and fitting solar electricity panels and solar hot water heaters to give your cabin a zero environmental impact.

And plan ahead when building a log cabin, so that it is ready in plenty of time to enjoy before next winter comes!

Tags: landscaping, plumbing, home fix-up, electrical, home repair

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