How to Build a Handcrafted Log Cabin
Building your own log cabin by hand requires a lot of work and dedication. It is a very complicated process that entire books can be written on. However, a simplified overview can help determine if this a project for you. You must select the right kind of logs, be able to get those logs to your site, and then learn how to build the cabin yourself by hand. You will need a chainsaw, about two dozen decent sized, straight trees and a wooded site to build on.
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Instructions
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Building the Log Cabin Walls
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1
Lay down two large foundation logs that are much thicker than you want the walls on your cabin to be.
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2
Gather the rest of the logs that you will need for your cabin walls. Cut them to length, leaving an extra three feet on the ends for the overlap. Debark the logs using a chain saw or large bark removing machine if you want a natural look, leave the bark on.
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3
Lay the first log on the longest side of the cabin foundation. Then choose a similar log to lay on the opposing side. Both should be about the same diameter and be very straight. You can cut your doors and windows later, so do not worry about accounting for those right now.
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4
Select the logs you will lay on each short end of the cabin, both should be about the same diameter and also very straight.
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5
Roll the first log on top of the two foundation logs, in the exact position as it will be when you form the cabin wall.
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6
Scribe both ends of the log using a scribe tool, which is like a protractor with two pencil ends. Set the angle on the scribe, then trace the outline of the bottom log on the top log by moving the scribe tool up and across the bottom log.
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7
Roll the log back a few feet so you are looking down at the bottom of the log, and secure it with a brace. Then cut out both notches with a chainsaw, leaving plenty of wood leftover, in case your scribing was not accurate.
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8
Roll the log back into place so the notches intersect with the longer side logs until this log is even and level.
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9
Repeat Steps 5 to 8 for the rest of the logs to create the walls. When you are laying the logs, scribe and cut each end, fitting the logs until they lay flush on top of each other.
Building the Roof
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10
Create two triangular roof trusses from by notching logs on both ends and securing them together. Hang the trusses on top of opposing walls of the cabin.
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11
Brace the trusses by laying notched logs lengthwise across the length of the cabin on the trusses. There should be two lengthwise logs connecting the two roof trusses on each side, and one beam for the peak of the roof. Install supports and braces as needed.
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12
Complete the roof by laying more logs across the top, or by installing regular plywood or roofing boards to this log roof frame.
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13
Finish the roof by installing tar paper, rubber and roofing shingles.
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14
Cut and notch the remaining logs to complete the face of the walls under the two peaks of the roof. Cut the notch for the roof truss beam, into the side of the log, or finish this part of the wall with regular boards.
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Tips & Warnings
The first few logs you lay should be several inches thicker than the logs that will go on top. This creates a sturdier cabin wall. Cabin roofs can be made of any type of material and in any shape, choose one that simplifies your project and creates the effect you are looking for.
Scribing is a delicate art that takes years of practice to master, so do not rely just on the mark you scribed into the log for your first hand crafted log home. Don't cut the notch in one sizing. Set the log back on top and cut away small portions until the log fits perfectly.
