A lot of people have a dream of building a log cabin and use as a frugal, peaceful retreat. And, it’s a lot easier than you might think. In this guide, we’re going to take a look at everything you need to know to turn your log cabin dream into reality. There’s a lot of work involved, but it’s environmentally friendly, and it can be achieved for less money than it costs to go on a short vacation. Plus, the kids will love it! Let’s get started with some of the key points you need to think about.
Find a location
We’re lucky here in the States that space is not at a premium. So, there are little plots of land that are available up, down and across the country that you can pick up for peanuts. Choose somewhere that has access and investigate any planning permission you might need.
Research styles
There are various types of log cabin that you can build, so have a look at this guide and choose one that is suitable. Different styles work better for different conditions. For example, if you want to build somewhere in the mountains, then a Norwegian stabbur design will help you keep out the rain and snow.
Get quotes
Once you know how much the land will cost to buy or lease, and the style of cabin, you should work out how much the build will be. If you are going to build it yourself, see if you can use some of the wood from around the location of the cabin first. It might well save you a lot of money on materials. You should also think about the costs of paint or staining to finish things off in your desired style. Weatherall has an excellent price guide if you want to know more. Bear in mind that if you are building big, you will need to account for plant machinery to help you lift up the heavy logs. You might also have to hire professional loggers to help you cut down trees.
Create your foundations
First of all, you’ll need to lay your foundations. Usually, log cabins are square or rectangular in shape. But, if you are planning something more complicated, it might be worth hiring an architect to help you prepare safely. Start your foundations by digging a foot into the ground, before adding gravel and filling it up with cement. Once that’s complete, you can begin to add the timber base. Make sure it is covered completely with concrete, and allow it to set.
Get building
Lay out your floor, following the guidelines of your design. It’s a good idea to set any joists on the inside of the building because they will be more unlikely to rot from exposure to the elements. Now, label all the timber parts for your walls, and begin to put those up, working from the corners into the center. Don’t forget to leave gaps for the doors and windows!
Add the roof, doors, and windows
Once your walls are up, put on your doors and windows, making sure they fit properly to prevent any drafts coming through. Now it’s time to put the roof up. Lay your beams as outlined in your guide, and again, work your way from the corners to the centre. Once it is fixed into place, treat it, and cover with roofing felt, shingles, or even tiles if you are feeling flush. Finally, paint your new log cabin with whatever you desire – and enjoy your new retreat!