How to Build a Cedar Log Cabin
Building your own cedar log cabin in a traditional way requires some time, but you can build your home with all natural materials in just a short time. You will need to know some basic information about building a log cabin, and how to make it modern with electricity and running water as well as how to make notches in your logs for a sturdy home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cedar logs
- Hammer and nails
- Chainsaw, axe or hatchet
- Chinking material
- Roofing material
- Cement
Instructions
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You need to prepare your cedar logs in one of two ways after you have cut them to the appropriate length: either with dovetail notches or with a mortise and tenon notch. If you do not want to use chinking materials, then you can level your logs off on the bottom and the top to produce a smooth log that will lie flat against the other logs as you assemble the cedar log cabin.While you are preparing your logs, you will also want to prepare your foundation. You will need to have a leveled-off area the size of your cabin dug out to at least 3 inches. Once you have your ground level, you can pour concrete for your foundation. If you want to install any plumbing in the concrete foundation, prepare it before the foundation is poured.
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After the concrete foundation is dry, you will begin to assemble your logs. If you want your log cabin to have inside walls, such as drywall, then you will need to frame your cabin with two by fours. If not, you should just have a basic frame that outlines your roof and the area of your cabin walls. Nail the frame together, and then begin to add your cedar logs beginning at ground level and working up toward the roof.
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When you reach the roof level, you should already have in place the center beam for your roof and the side walls, leaving only the center of the roof uncovered. Beginning at one corner of the cedar log cabin, install wood and shingles or metal sheeting on the roof. Move down the same side, installing your roofing materials as you go. Once you are finished with that side, begin to roof the other side of the cabin.
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If you have used whole logs to build your cedar log cabin, then you may notice that there are space between the logs that need filled. Even leveled logs may have some spaces, so you will want to chink your log cabin with cement. You will need to mix a small amount of cement in a hand-held bucket, and use a small trowel to fill in the spaces. If you want to use a natural material, then you can try a clay and rock mixture to fill in the spaces, but you may need to re-chink your log cabin once a year or so with this method.
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Now you will install the rest of your plumbing. You will need to measure your water fixtures, such as the sink and bathtub, and run hot and cold lines from your water source to the fixtures. You should already have the drains and incoming pipes installed, and be able to simply connect these pipes to your fixtures using a sleeve of PVC pipe and connectors.Electricity should only be installed if you understand how electric wiring works, and can install the wiring safely. If you do understand electric wiring, then you can install electrical outlets and lighting fixtures using electrical wire. Run the electrical wire to the main box only after you have completed your indoor wiring, and have the wires safely connected to your outlets and fixtures.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask a professional to help you with electrical wiring, because it can be dangerous to have improperly installed wiring in your home.
