How to Build a Backwoods Cabin

Build your own backwoods cabin with simple tools for a rustic retreat.

For many, the dream of a small backwoods cabin to get away from the world is ideal. Building such a place may seem like something only an experienced outdoors enthusiast can handle, but in reality, it is relatively simple. If you have a piece of property or one you've been looking at for such a project, and some basic building skills, you can have your backwoods cabin in less time than you think.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Foundation blocks
• Gravel or concrete
• Logs
• Chain saw
• Hatchet
• Pre-fabricated door and windows
• Optional: Tar paper

Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation to the dimensions of your cabin. It is important to have something to give you clearance from the ground to keep critters from tunneling into your cabin, and to keep the floor from rotting away from moisture wicked out of the ground. Level the ground where the cabin will sit by hand with a shovel. Dig four holes, 36 inches deep and 12 inches wide.

2. Cut four logs that have a diameter of around 10 inches, or reduce logs that are wider by shaving off the sides with the chain saw. Make the logs 48 inches long. Set the logs into the holes you dug. You can now fill the hole with either 24 inches of tightly packed gravel, or concrete, whichever you prefer. Backfill the hole with dirt when the concrete cures or as soon as you have the gravel tamped tightly down.

3. Pre-cut a number of logs that are the length and width of your cabin. Choose trees that have roughly the same diameter, or again, shave them down so that the logs are relatively uniform in size. Prepare the logs for building by stripping the bark from them with the chain saw and by hand with a small hatchet if necessary.

4. Lay the first logs in a box frame formation on top of the four piers. The long sides should be laid first. The logs will fit together with notches. Notch the first two bottom lengthwise logs so that they fit securely over the pier logs by cutting away wood until they seat well on top of the piers. You can use either a chain saw or a hatchet for this. Now notch out two spaces into both ends of each logs to lay the side wall logs on. This is the same concept as building with the classic Lincoln Log toys for children; however, you are cutting and notching the logs yourself. Remember you can leave the logs long so they overhang somewhat at the ends, and larger logs are placed lower than thinner logs.

5. Drive spikes through the joints where the logs notch together for extra strength if you wish. Continue notching and laying logs, building the walls up as you go. Do not create the openings for windows or a door until you are finished with the structure. Once the walls are complete, mark your windows and cut them with the chain saw. Cut the door in the same manner. Cut them to the measurements of the frames of the pre-fabricated frames so they fit properly, then nail them firmly in place. Another option is to build rustic wood-plank window flaps and a door you create yourself and attach with hinges, but these do not provide much weatherproofing or safety.

6. Build the roof by laying several notched logs across the top of the structure. You now have options as to how to finish the roof. You can rip logs down into planks and create a log truss structure, nailing the planks to them in a traditional roof shape. You can also take a series of smaller logs and lay them together across the roof, then cover it with a natural material such as moss or sod. The preferred method is to use the wood planks either in a flat or traditional roof shape, then create wood shakes by hand with the hatchet, and nail them to the planks in a shingle manner. This provides a more weatherproof roof. If you desire to create a more modern roof, you can add tar paper beneath the wood shakes for waterproofing.

References

• Small Cabin: Plan, Build and Enjoy Your Small Cabin
• Coyote Cottage: Building a Small Cabin