Facts About Log Cabins

Log cabins are an integral part of American history after they were introduced by European immigrants in the 17th century. Used as basic shelter by settlers and pioneers, the log cabin has evolved into a style of building widely embraced by 21st century homeowners.

Size

Log cabins were often very small. Common sizes were 10 feet wide by 12 to 24 feet in length. Log cabins were often a single room with a sleeping loft.

Construction

Many log cabins used the frontier log cabin style of construction. Frontier log cabin construction featured logs that were squared and notched to overlap at the corners of the structure.

Foundations

Large stones were used as foundation points for log cabins. The stones were needed to keep the logs out of direct contact with damp soil, which would encourage rot and deterioration of the wood.

Chinking

Log cabin construction required stuffing available items, such as leaves, moss and dried manure, between the logs for insulation and filler. This stuffing was then covered with mud, both inside the cabin and out, to create "chinking" and thus seal out the elements.

Styles

Log cabins were built in a variety of styles that were dependent upon the builder's needs. The most common styles were basic, dogtrot, double-pen or saddle bag.

References

• Log Cabin Architecture, History and Styles