Many of us dream about relaxing in our own garden log cabin, but is it really possible to achieve? There are many kits on the market for garden log cabins, but the cheapest and most satisfying way is to build it yourself. Here is how to do it.
The traditional log cabin design is rectangular or square, with only four corners. Any other shape will lead to extra corners and therefore more complication and cost.
Although easy to build, log cabins must be designed thoroughly from the start and you are strongly advised to seek expert help and professional plans before you begin. Also think about getting the essential materials list done by these experts – you will save both time and money in the long run. Good quality plans are a vital investment, and will take care of all the calculations – such as foundations – for you.
A useful size for a log cabin home would be about 20 ft by 30 ft. When choosing the site, try to find a slightly elevated area to reduce damp problems and make a reasonably flat area that will contain the base of the building.
The floor of your garden log cabin could be the earth itself or, more likely, wooden planks. The latter would be preferable and more hygenic.
The plans will show you what size and type of logs to use, and these could be a bit rough and ready. Don’t be alarmed – all log cabins get their charm from this! The method for joining logs at each corner is called the lock-joint. This is a notch cut about one foot in from each end of the log. The notch goes about halfway into the log diameter, and is mated with a similarly-notched log at right-angles to give the walls the characteristic log cabin look.
Fix the first course of logs to your foundation, if you have one, by anchor bolts and make sure these logs are properly levelled. Set joists for the wooden floor into the longer side logs at about two-foot intervals. Then add log courses up to the intended height of the door (about 80 inches). At this stage cut out openings for the door and windows – tacking wooden battens to the logs to keep them steady in the process – and fasten door and window jambs in place. Finish the log courses until the final wall height has been reached.
Shorter logs will now be laid at each end, still mated to side logs, to produce the roof pitch shown in the plans. The final addition is the ridge pole. Garden log cabins usually have roofs made from wooden planks or shingles. The plans will have various options and will show you how to fit them. Fill in the gaps between logs by caulking with a mud and moss mixture – you might find your kids eager to help at this stage!
Now finish building your log cabin by fitting the floor, windows and door. You could make your own door from old planks and battens, but these often warp badly over time and it is much better to find an old door in a salvage yard or disused barn and design your log cabin around it. You could decide to have unglazed windows since many garden log cabins merely have shutters but, if not, the blueprints should showl you how to make suitable opening windows.
Often people want to have fires or stoves in their log cabins – it is part of the dream. Be very careful about including such things, however, because there is a real risk of fire or heat damage to the surroundings. Many states have local regulations governing the design and installation of fires in wooden buildings, and you are the one responsible for complying with these. Once again, good quality plans will include advice, options and guidance for fitting safe and attractive fireplaces in your log cabin.
Finally, you might think about fitting a solar panel for making free electricity and a solar heater for your hot water, particularly if your log cabin is off the beaten track.
And remember to plan well ahead, so that your garden log cabin is ready in time for winter!
Tags: garden log cabins, log cabin design, log cabin designs, log cabin homes
