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Build Your Own Log Cabin!

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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
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.
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.

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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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
  1. Foundation and Flooring
  2. Exterior and Interior Walls
  3. Cabin Roof Structures
  4. Cabin Gables, Doors and Windows
  5. 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

Top 10 Benefits of Building Your Own Log Cabin

  1. It's much cheaper to do it yourself.
  2. You have the satisfaction that it's done to your specifications.
  3. You'll amaze your friends. (You'll 'floor' them).
  4. Wood has a much higher insulation factor than manufactured products.
  5. Wood is very very cheap if you cut it from the property you now own.
  6. You will acquire new skills (and muscles).
  7. It's easier than you think it is.
  8. You may be able to build it without going into debt at all.
  9. Most of your family can help in the project.
  10. Log homes are safer than "stick built" homes. True!

Top Books on Log Cabin Building

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Log Cabin Plans Amazon

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Log Cabins feedback

  • jimmyworldstar Dec 8, 2011 @ 2:18 pm | delete
    Good lens, I'm always astounded by the pioneers who went out west in the early days of our country and built their dwelling and property from the ground up. I still wonder how logs are able to just fit together and how there's no water leakage from rain etc.
  • Dec 7, 2011 @ 12:15 pm | delete
    I so want a log cabin! I have loved them all my life - and yes, I played with Lincoln Logs when I was a kid (Best toys in the world!). Great lens!
  • ClassyGals Oct 25, 2011 @ 6:45 pm | delete
    Squid Angel Blessings for teaching us how to build a log cabin.
  • COUNTRYLUTHIER Oct 10, 2011 @ 8:46 pm | delete
    This is an interesting lense. I would like to start small and see how I do. Who knows? Great lense.
  • Wtrombly Aug 7, 2011 @ 3:25 pm | delete
    Do you think that the construction industry can be grown through the use of mobile marketing? Any chance you can reply with a comment on my lens?
    http://www.squidoo.com/houston-mobile-marketing
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tenger

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