Building A Log Cabin - Make That Dream Come True

Perhaps the perfect log cabin dream is a simple, single or double room wooden house seated comfortably in a private getaway location far from the madding crowd. It would have great views in both winter and summer, there would be fishing in the nearby lake or stream, there would be trees to hang hammocks under, the wildlife would be around but not intrusive, there would be great sunsets, the log fire would be crackling as you trudged in from the snow.

Above all you would want privacy, peace, time to breath and take stock.

Some people have already achieved this dream. They have found the perfect setting, found the $50,000 to pay for the kit and a further $15,000 or $20,000 to get it built.

Of course, if your backyard is big enough, you could simply build a log cabin in it provided that your local planning laws allow such things (most local planners will approve temporary structures).

However, we must face one or two home truths about log cabins. The first is that they are simple to build. This is true for most designs, in the sense that there are no complicated construction or woodworking techniques required, but building a log cabin still requires much grit, determination and physical strength. Remember that log cabins are made from logs sometimes more than 16 feet long and perhaps 9 inches in diameter – these are seriously heavy pieces of wood. You will be hoisting some logs 8, maybe 10 feet in the air during construction. Simple? Yes, but not easy if you are unprepared.

Secondly, many people think that log cabins do not need proper foundations. Yes, some early log cabins were erected on hard ground. Some of these survive to this day. However, these were only meant to be interim structures until the settlers got around to building a more permanent house, and many did not last very long. Face it, any proper building must have a proper base. These should start below the frostline – if there is one reasonably near the surface – and extend to one or two feet above ground. At one time stone was the traditional material for foundations but now we tend to use concrete or cement blocks. I know this adds to the cost of building a log cabin but it is well worth it in the end.

When it comes to the design of a log cabin, there are literally hundreds to choose from. Maybe you have your own design planned out in your head or, even better, on paper. There are plenty of kits available (see costs, above), but the traditional and arguably the most fun method is to build your own log cabin. It will cost a whole lot less as well. Make sure your plans are really well done, work out the full list of materials for your chosen design, get everything together before starting the assembly, and find a good team of willing labor.

Easily the best and safest way to build a log cabin, and certainly the way for anybody who is not an expert in this area, is to invest in a set of good quality blueprints and step-by-step instructions produced by professional log house designers. These are not that expensive in any case – usually less than $50 will get you all the plans and instructions needed – and usually come with some useful bonuses like woodworking techniques, sources of the best logs and other materials, details about local planning and building regulations, the sort of things that often take up a disproportionate amount of your time when doing your own research.

Remember that log cabin dream, and plan right now to build a log cabin that you and your family can be proud to own and enjoy for years to come.

Lots of luck and have fun!