How to Build a Basic Cabin

A rustic cabin

A cabin in the woods, along the shoreline or in a remote valley setting can be a welcome escape from the busy and sometimes hectic life of the city. Whether you plan to use your cabin as a fishing shack, a hunting base camp or just for get-togethers with friends and family, a well-built, basic cabin is easy to construct. With a simple plan, the experienced do-it-yourself weekend carpenter can readily build a cabin that will last for decades.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Building lumber and materials
• Hammer
• Nails
• Screws
• Concrete blocks
• Rocks
• Hand saw
• Power table saw (circular)
• Portable generator (if electric connection not available)
• Power drill

Instructions

1. 

   Cabin construction

   Design and draw out your cabin plan to determine building materials required. Position windows and door to allow for cross-ventilation. Clear the building site of rocks, trees or obstacles to construction. Level the site. Obtain a building permit, if needed.

2. 

   Use rocks, blocks and gravel for the foundation.

   Use four-way deck blocks, concrete blocks or large rocks to build the cabin foundation. The blocks or rocks should be placed on a 4- to 6-inch layer of compacted gravel, not on bare ground.

3. 

   Cabin floor

   Build the floor frame with 2- by 8-inch pressure-treated lumber. Construct the floor frame for your cabin by nailing joists together with joist hangers. (Both floor and roof joists should be spaced 16 inches apart.) Cover the frame with pressure-treated 5/8-inch plywood. Nail the plywood to the floor joists, positioning the nails or screws no farther than 8 inches apart.

4. 

   Cabin construction

   Build the wall frames from 2- by 4-inch spruce lumber, spaced 16 inches apart. The frames are cumbersome so it will be helpful to have a partner to help position them in place. Raise the cabin wall frames one by one and nail or screw them to the floor joists. Cover the walls with pressure-treated 5/8-inch plywood. Nail or screw in place to the wall studs. Cover the exterior of the cabin with plastic sheeting or tar paper prior to adding shingles or wood siding.

5. Install the windows. Windows frames are installed by nailing or screwing the frames to the wall frame studs. Apply weather proof caulking around the windows. Install the door hinges and hang the door. Take pride in your project and enjoy your new rustic cabin.

6. Assemble the cabin roof frame with 2- by 8-inch pressure-treated lumber. Nail the roof joists to the wall frame. Once you have completed the roof frame, cover the frame with 5/8-inch pressure-treated plywood. The plywood should then be covered with plastic sheeting or tar paper. Nail or staple the covering in place and tape the ends prior to completing the roof by installing composition shingles or metal roofing.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a recycled or salvaged door and windows will save money and add a rustic look to your new cabin.

• Wear eye and ear protection when working with power tools.

References

• Small Cabin: A complete 'do-it-yourself' guide on how to plan, build and enjoy your small cabin -- in simple terms
• Country Plans: Spring Update
• Coyote Cottage: Building the cabin, shorthand version