How to Build a Movable Cabin

Log cabins hark back to times when people were self-sufficient

Log cabins hark back to the day when pioneers and settlers used to explore the frontier and build a home out of the natural resources that were available, namely trees and rocks. Today, log cabins have evolved to mainly utilize either logs carved out by manufacturers or a shell placed over the exterior of a house. Movements to consolidate more and consume less have also brought about tiny houses that can be moved on trailers from site to site.

Things You'll Need

• Log cabin shell material
• Trailer
• Lumber
• Plywood
• Electrical wiring
• Deep-cycle batteries
• Windows
• Hammer
• Paneling or drywall
• Skill saw
• Nails
• Insulation
• Mini-furnace
• Mini-fridge
• Kitchen sink
• Paint and brush
• Tyvec

Instructions

1. Design your log cabin. If you'd like to be able to transport the cabin yourself, you will be more limited in what you can do in terms of size and space. Tiny houses can be built on trailers that can be hooked up to a vehicle and moved wherever you choose. Trailers can also be as long as 40 feet, giving you more design latitude. Generally, a tiny house design has a front porch, lounge, loft for a bed, kitchen and bathroom. Be sure to leave room on the perimeter of the house for a cabin shell.

2. Frame the log-cabin house. Although you will not need a foundation for building on a trailer, you will want to build up the house by laying down at least two layers of 6-by-6 beams stacked on top of each other. It will not only give you a solid foundation to build on but will also leave you some storage space beneath the house for gas tanks, water storage and gray water. Lay down floor joists and a subfloor of plywood over the 6-by-6 pieces. Erect the walls and studs, place plywood around the house and wrap the house in Tyvec, which serves as a weather barrier.

3. Put the roof on the house. Be sure that in your design you have enough pitch to allow space for a loft where you will sleep. Most tiny house designs have a loft area directly above the bedroom that is accessed by a ladder. Put up the roof joists, cover them with plywood, tar paper and shingles.

4. Install the electrical wiring and sockets. Be sure to use an AC converter to change the current from your deep-cycle batteries to alternating current, which is a usable form of electricity. Alternatively, you can also purchase direct-current appliances for your movable log-cabin. Even though you probably will not be required to obtain an inspection, you should still make sure that you meet electrical safety codes.

5. Install the plumbing materials. You may want to look for a sink and foot-pump assembly from an old Volkswagen Vanagon. Store water tanks beneath the house. If you want to go the simple route, use a hanging solar shower for your bathroom, or you can get a pool pump to pump water to your shower head. Install a gray-water system similar to that of a recreational vehicle so you can dispose of your gray water appropriately.

6. Put insulation in the walls and roof. Install other finishing touches such as drywall, hardwood flooring, shelves and storage and cabinets for the kitchen.

7. Install the log cabin shell on the outside of the house. You may want to refashion some of the log cabin shell materials for a custom porch as well. You will probably need to cut and re-fabricate some of the shell so it will fit around the trailer.

References

• Tiny House Design
• Tumbleweed Tiny House Company
• Panel Concepts
• Trophy Amish Cabins: Moveable Log Cabins

Resources

• Small House Building: Have You Been Dreaming of Building a Small House
• Tiny House Blog