How to Make a Log Cabin

A log cabin can be a lovely addition to a rural home setting and can be a wonderful retreat for a vacation home. This type of project often takes several weeks or months to complete and often requires assistance.

Step 1 - Choose Design

Choose a log cabin design. You can draw up your own plans, find one online or purchase as part of a kit. If you are designing the cabin yourself, decide what the outside dimensions of your cabin will be. Make sure that you do not make walls that will be longer than available logs.

Step 2 - Choose Location

Decide where you will locate your cabin. Choose a location with level land that also has adequate drainage for water. You will need to remove any existing rocks, trees and underbrush that is on the location. If you remove trees, save these logs for your construction project.

Step 3 - Clean the Logs

Remove the bark, branches, and knots from the logs. You will also need to shape and cut the ends of the logs so that they will easily fit together.

If you are using a floor plan, it should indicate the number or amount of logs you will need. If you have made your own design, then you will need to decide the desired height of your walls. Measure the width of the logs you are using, and calculate the number of logs you need by dividing the wall height by the log width.

Step 4 - Dig

Dig post holes at least 2-feet deep.

Step 5 - Concrete

Mix the reinforced concrete and place the log posts in the post holes, along with the concrete. You will need to brace the posts level and straight until the concrete sets.

Step 6 - Place Floor Beams

Place the main floor beams and floor joists across the floor area. Place either plywood or evenly planed wood panels over the floor joists.

Step 7 - Stack Logs

Begin to stack the logs to create the walls for your cabin. Cut notches in each of the logs to hold them together. Shape the sides of the logs so that they fit as closely against each other as possible. Allow for a door opening and windows if desired.

Step 8 - Install Loft Supports

Lift loft supports to the walls to span across the room or building. The loft supports will create the interior ceiling height or support for a second story.

Step 9 - Gables

Build up the gables to create the vertical sections of the roof until you reach the structural loft supports.

Step 10 - Roof

Frame the roof by placing straight logs across the gables to create a center roof support or beam. This will be the highest roof point. Lay plywood over the roof to create a roof platform. Lay the tin roof panels over the plywood.

Step 11 - Doors and Windows

Place doors and windows in place.