How to build a log cabin from free Forest products.

This hub is on how to erect a log cabin,which I have always wanted to do from scratch.

It isn't that expensive to build a log cabin if you live where their are lots of forests as I do.

I estimate it will cost around $5000 to build this cabin.

It costs me $20 for 100 logs that are 150 feet long and are 6 inches in diameter.

You get the permit from the forest service,and grab a good chain saw,hook up your trailer and start cutting logs that are already dead.

You noticed I said already dead.This way the tree has shrunk by loosing all the sap it had stored.So you will not have a lot of shrinkage after you chink the logs.

You cannot cut green logs for a cabin without bidding on a section of timber which is to expensive.I do not haul 150 foot logs home either as I cut them into 16 foot lengths or less.

You tell the forest service that you want to buy corral posts and they will issue a permit that you fill out when you are done cutting a load and ready to go home with it.

There are many places that have plans to build a log cabin as I found a book of information on how to erect a log cabin by checking out Log Cabin Ads.

The most important part of a cabin is the foundation,so I will start here;

This cabin is a 12 by 16 foot structure.

I placed 16 cement peer blocks in 4 rows with 4 blocks per row.

After leveling the blocks all to the same height,you will mix one bag of ready mix cement for each block and pour around the blocks for more stability.

I then placed 4 -8 by 8 inch treated timbers that are 16 feet long on each row of blocks.

Then I cut 2x6 wood blocks for cross blocking between the timbers.

I then purchased 6 each 1 1/2 inch tongue and groove floor panels (plywood)and staggered them across the timbers.

Now the real work begins,as you are ready to start laying the logs.

You need two or more persons to do the job of building unless you have all year to do it yourself.

I placed logs all around the foundation walls and drove 12 inch spikes every 4 feet.

For the second teer,you will have to notch each log to fit over the bottom log snug,and then when you have laid logs all around the first layer you will drive 12 inch spikes at 4 foot intervals again and repeat this process until you reach a height of 8 feet.

Follow your plans and do not drive a spike where there is going to be a window or door opening.

Keep in mind that every tier has to be placed big end little end or you will get out of level with the walls.

When you get to the eight foot mark,you will cut a door way so you can enter your cabin and work off a ladder from inside easier.I worked inside and my helper worked outside until I cut a door way.I am going to have a 36 inch door,so I cut the opening 40 inches wide by 8 foot high.

Now you will have to put ceiling joists on the top of the 8 foot frame.You will cut into the top tier log and the joist also to get a snug fit and make sure it is level with the top log if you want to put a loft up at one end.

Now you will have to decide how steep of a roof pitch you want.Mine is 6 feet because I can walk in the middle area of the loft without cracking my head.

I will use a 2x12 header for the roof peak and 2x6s for my rafters and set the rafters 16 inches on center.This will give the roof stability.

I will use blocking every 4 feet so as to have something to nail my ply-board into at the 4 foot intervals.

Now I will place 30 pound felt over the plywood,then will use corrugated roofing sheets for the finished roof,with a metal roof cap.

I found that if you cut the gable logs as you build up toward the roof line it is easier to manage a chainsaw,as you need to cut the gable logs at the same slope as the rafters.

If you would like,you can buy Log Cabin Kits fairly cheap now since the recession has put a lot of builders out of buisness.

Check ads and choose the ones you prefer.

I have found some cabins in the dimensions of 12x12 for $5000 without the roof or floor installed.

But it is much more fun to build your own.

Pride of ownership beats all.

You will need these major tools to erect a log cabin 12 feet wide x 16 feet long.

Chainsaw

Clawhammers

5 Lb.sledge hammer

3 lb.sledge hammer

Circular saw

Hand saw

Miter saw

Square

1/4 inch drill

1/2 inch drill

10 inch by 3/8 inch wood bit

Rope

Saw Horses

Tape measure

4 Foot Level

Ladders

Wood Chisel

Axe

Material list for this cabin;

16 Pyramid blocks

16 bags Ready mix cement

4 Floor Joists 8x8x16 (treated)

1 2x12x20 foot header board

34 -2x6x10 foot rafters

6 sheets of 1 1/2 inch tongue and groove plywood

Logs (Numerous)

20 lbs. of 12 inch spikes

20 lbs of 3 inch decking screws

10 each 1/2 inch Wafer Board or plywood

20 sheets Roofing Metal

10 lbs. 2" self tapping metal screws

20 feet of Roofing Cap

2 buckets Chinking Compound or 5 sacks Plastic Cement

1 Door

1 Window

2 sheets of 3/4 inch plywood for loft

10 lbs. 1 1/2 inch wood screws (est.)

Now I have installed the tar paper and wafer board on the cabin and  roofed with the metal roofing so far.

I have finished the front porch,which consists of the following materials.

The porch is 16 feet long by six feet wide.

Materials list;

12 each 2x6x16 foot boards for floor.

3 pyramid blocks for foundation piers.

one 17 foot by 10 log for foundation

2 each 4x4x6 foot flooring joists

2 each 4"roundx6 foot flooring poles for joists

8 each 36"x6 foot metal roofing

tar paper for roof

4 each 1/2inch x 4x8 foot plywood siding for roof sheathing

3 each 12"round by 6 foot long cut to size poles for roof studs.

1 each 6x6x17 foot log beam for header.

numerous 3 inch deck screws

numerous 1/2 inch roofing screws with rubber washers.

10 each 2x4x6 foot studs for rafters.

10 each 2x4 metal rafter holders.     

 Cutting the saddle notch in the log with an axe isn't that hard and it gives you good exercise a well.

Make sure your axe is sharp and a single bladed axe as well,because you will use your wood sledge for driving the axe into the log for precise cuts.

Just follow the proceedure in the video and it will give you all the advise you will need to cut a saddle notch in the log for a perfect fit.