Build That Log Cabin In The Woods
Perhaps the perfect log cabin dream is a simple, single or double room wooden shed seated comfortably in a private getaway location. Surrounded by spectacular views for every season, there would be a trout stream or lake nearby, the trees in the backyard would provide all the shade or shelter you could want, the local flora and fauna would be exciting but not dangerous, there would be wonderful sunsets, there would be a roaring fire in winter and perhaps a ceiling fan for the warmer months.
The most important element would be privacy, getting away from it all, a retreat from worldly cares.
Many people have made this dream, or one very like it, come true. They have found the perfect setting, found the money to buy the kit – anything up to fifty thousand dollars these days - and a further fifteen to twenty thousand to get it erected.
The simplest approach is to build a log cabin in your own backyard, if it is big enough, provided that your local planning ordinances permit such things (most will approve so-called temporary structures).
We must face one or two home truths about log cabins, however. The first is that they are simple to build. It is usually true that most modern designs require no special techniques or skills to assemble them, but building a log cabin still requires much grit, determination and physical strength. After all, wooden logs up to 16 feet long (or even more) and 8 to 10 inches in diameter tend to weigh a fair bit. As the walls grow bigger, you will have to heft these poles maybe 9 or 10 feet in the air. Simple? Yes, but not easy if you are unprepared.
Secondly, many people think that log cabins do not need proper foundations. Agreed, log cabins built by the early settlers were often set directly on hard earth. 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. No, any proper building needs a proper base. These should be dug below the frostline, where one is relevant, and extend up to a height at least a foot or two above ground level. 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.
There are hundreds of different log cabin designs available these days. Perhaps you already have a design of your own. 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 certainly cost you far fewer dollars. Make sure your plans are really well done, calculate a detailed materials list, collect all needed components before starting to put them together, and find a good team of willing helpers.
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 from professional wooden building designers. These are not that expensive in any case – usually less than $50 will buy you all the plans and instructions needed – and usually include very helpful bonus items such as professional woodworking tips, how to get the best materials deals, ways to tackle the planning regulators, the sort of things that often take up a disproportionate amount of your time when doing your own research.
Start planning right now to make that log cabin dream a reality for yourself and your loved ones, to enjoy for years and years. Good luck and have fun!
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