by 7 people |
Log Cabins: A great way to learn a rewarding skill!
You built Lincoln Log cabins when you were a kid. You see the fancy log cabins in magazines and along the side of the road and say, "if only..." Well, you can. And you should.
For some, like me, you've never even thought about building one because you sit behind a computer day after day and never see the light of day.
Yes, you can build one. Following is a ton of information on this subject. When you finish, send me a photo so I can post it here!
Log Home Building Sites
- International Log Builders Association
- Another great website with a wealth of information
- Hometime
- "How to" Project Help
- Log Home Builders Association
- Perhaps the best site for building a log home cheaply but solidly. There is a wealth of information on the site.
- Build a Log Cabin for $100
- Yes, you read that right! Ya gotta read it to believe it!
- Log Home Living e-zine
- E-zine for those interested in the lifestyle
- Build Your Log Cabin
- Build a Log Cabin
- DIY Network
- Build Your Own Cabin in detail. Steps are listed in a section below.
- Bill and Janice did it
- Here's how!
- 2020 Build a Log Cabin
- Simple, step by step guide
Three Construction Methods
There are at least three popular methods of constructing log cabins (and their corners): Saddle-Notch, tight fitting; Saddle-Notch, loose fitting; and Butt-Joint. All three have their advantages and disadvantages as well as labor involved. I will describe all three methods below:
Saddle-Notch, tight fitting
Saddle-Notch, tight is the most traditional method to construct the joints in a log cabin. It is, however, the most labor intensive of the three and requires a higher degree of skill. This is not built by the amateur!
Saddle-Notch, loose fit
Next comes the Saddle-Notch, loose fit. This is less labor intensive but, in my opinion, does not look as nice as the previous joint. It takes a little less time to build and less skill.
Butt-Joint
The last of these is by far my favorite and probably what I'll be spending a great deal of time explaining throughout this lens. It's the Butt-Joint corner joint. Essentially, you get one log that butts against another, driven into each other with rebar. The picture to the right doesn't quite do it justice. It requires the least amount of skill and can be accomplished during a summer! Where do I sign up, right?
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Saddle-Notch, tight fittingSaddle-Notch, tight is the most traditional method to construct the joints in a log cabin. It is, however, the most labor intensive of the three and requires a higher degree of skill. This is not built by the amateur!
Saddle-Notch, loose fitNext comes the Saddle-Notch, loose fit. This is less labor intensive but, in my opinion, does not look as nice as the previous joint. It takes a little less time to build and less skill.
Butt-Joint
The last of these is by far my favorite and probably what I'll be spending a great deal of time explaining throughout this lens. It's the Butt-Joint corner joint. Essentially, you get one log that butts against another, driven into each other with rebar. The picture to the right doesn't quite do it justice. It requires the least amount of skill and can be accomplished during a summer! Where do I sign up, right?
Click Here to Add this Lens to Your Favorites
People Who Have Built One Already!
- Two People Built This
- This cabin was built by two people in Florida.
- In Alaska
- This cabin was built in Alaska.
- In Michigan
- They built one in Michigan.
- In Canada
- Bill and Janice built one.
- In Michigan
- This is Brian's.
- Squidoo Lens
- Pictures of her log home
Do It Yourself: Build a Log Cabin
In this section I will lay out the plan to build the log cabin yourself from the Do It Yourself Network. I will break out each heading into 4-6 episodes.
This section provides the overview. The following sections are broken out into subtopics.
Build a Log Cabin
This section provides the overview. The following sections are broken out into subtopics.
Build a Log Cabin
- Foundation and Flooring
- Exterior and Interior Walls
- Cabin Roof Structures
- Cabin Gables, Doors and Windows
- Roof and Finishing Touches
Foundation and Flooring
- Log Cabin introduction
- Introduction to building a Log Cabin
- Footing and Foundation
- Laying the Ground work
- Delivery of the Log Cabin Kit
- If this is the path you choose...
- The Cabin Floor System
- A good thing to have
- Septic Tank
- Oh, you definitely don't want to forget this
- Front Porch Pad
- You'll need this at some point.
Exterior and Interior Walls
- Beginning
- Beginning the Exterior Walls
- Exterior Walls and Framing
- Walls and Framing for Windows and Doors
- Log Wall competion
- Also, add the Propane Tank
- Interior Wall
- Interior Wall construction
Roof Structures
- Ceiling Joists and Porch Beams
- Ceiling joists and porch beams
- Roof Rafters and Decking
- Roof Rafters and Decking
- Electrical wiring
- Electrical wiring
- Cabin porch
- Cabin Porch
Cabin photos
katie christmas quil...
Solar Panels In Brec...
Heritage Village - L...
Heritage Village - L...
Heritage Village - L...
automatically generated by Flickr
Top 10 Benefits of Building Your Own Log Cabin
- It's much cheaper to do it yourself.
- You have the satisfaction that it's done to your specifications.
- You'll amaze your friends. (You'll 'floor' them).
- Wood has a much higher insulation factor than manufactured products.
- Wood is very very cheap if you cut it from the property you now own.
- You will acquire new skills (and muscles).
- It's easier than you think it is.
- You may be able to build it without going into debt at all.
- Most of your family can help in the project.
- Log homes are safer than "stick built" homes. True!
Top Books on Log Cabin Building
The Foxfire Book: Hog Dressing, Log Cabin Building, Mountain Crafts and Foods, Planting by the Signs, Snake Lore, Hunting Tales, Faith Healing, Moonshining
Amazon Price: $12.20 (as of 12/16/2009) 
The Log Home Plan Book: Favorite Plans, Decor and Advice
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 12/16/2009)
Complete Guide to Building Log Homes: Over 840 illustrations
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/16/2009)
Log Construction Manual: The Ultimate Guide to Building Handcrafted Log Homes
Amazon Price: $37.95 (as of 12/16/2009)
Cabin Gables, Roofs, Doors and Windows
- Cabin Gable Treatment
- Cabin Gable Treatment
- Porches, Gables and Beams
- Porches, Gables and Beams
- Collar Ties and Rafters
- Collar Ties and Rafters
- Cabin Doors and Windows
- Cabin Doors and Windows
Wood stuff
The Complete Runner's Day-By-Day Log: 2010 Desk Calendar
Amazon Price: $11.19 (as of 12/16/2009)
LINCOLN LOGS Building Manual: Graphic Instructions for 37 World-Famous Designs
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/16/2009)
Poo Log
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/16/2009)
Log Cabin Plans Amazon
Log Cabins, Fifty-Five Plans
Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009)
How to Build and Furnish a Log Cabin: The easy, natural way using only hand tools and the woods around you
Amazon Price: $12.78 (as of 12/16/2009)
Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 12/16/2009)
Log Cabins feedback
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- yoga2009 yoga2009 Nov 4, 2009 @ 5:53 am
- It's amazing what sort of ideas one can come up with when on holiday, that can make
you a very rich person :)
How To Be A Professional Woodworker click here for free
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Reply
- dreammoney dreammoney Aug 30, 2008 @ 8:23 pm
- I am finishing the interior on my log home now. Hope to prepare Thanksgiving dinner in my new kitchen this year. It has been my dream for many, many years and soon it will be my dream come true.
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Reply
- Jun 18, 2008 @ 1:22 am
- This is great information on how to build our own log cabin but I think this is going to take a long time! We still need to find a nice camping place to put our log cabin but this is truly a very informative lens! Next time when we go out camping, it would be awesome to have our own log cabin. Thanks again for your 5-star lens!
-Mark "Cocker Spaniel Checks" Serra
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Reply
- Apr 17, 2008 @ 3:32 pm
- Very unique lens! I suggest the use of proper equipment in digging the trenches for the foundation of your log cabin. That's hard work if done manually! Here's a great guide on excavators and other construction equipment. Please drop by!
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Reply
- dinkydav dinkydav Mar 31, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
- Thanks for the great lens. i cant wait to get wood flooring in my log cabin!
http://www.flooringtotal.com
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