Cabins On The CreekRustic Decor & Log Cabin Living

Build That Log Cabin In The Woods

Maybe your dream log cabin is  a simple, one or two room wooden building planted cosily in a remote wilderness.  Surrounded by spectacular views for every season, there would be fishing in the nearby lake or stream, the trees in the backyard would provide all the shade or shelter you could want, the wildlife would be around but not intrusive, the sunsets would be breathtaking, the log fire would be crackling as you trudged in from the snow.

Most of all, it would be a little remote, a little off the beaten track, a little private.

Some people have already achieved this dream. They have found the perfect location, found the fifty thousand dollars to pay for the kit and another fifteen to twenty thousand to get it built.

The cheapest option is to Build A Log Cabin in your backyard provided it is large enough and provided that your local planning laws permit such things (most do if it can be classed as a temporary building).

We must face one or two home truths about Log Cabins, however.  The first is that they are simple to put together.  This is true for most designs, in the sense that there are no complicated construction or woodworking techniques required, but building a log cabin still requires lots of hard work, patience and manual labor.  Just think about all those logs, some of which will be over 16 feet long and maybe 10 inches diameter – they weigh a lot.  You will be hoisting some logs 8, maybe 10 feet in the air during construction. Yes, it is simple but not easy unless you are properly organized.

Another myth is that they do not need foundations.  It is true that some early log cabins were erected on hard ground.  Some of these survive to this day.  But these structures were intended to be temporary rather than permanent houses and, of course, most did not survive for very long. You have to accept that a proper structure needs a proper base.

Begin the foundations below the frostline – if you live in such an area – and take them to a foot or two above ground.  They used to be made from stone, but these days are more usually of concrete or cement blocks. This does make building a log cabin a bit more costly but it is well worth it in the long run.

There is a huge number of Log Cabin Designs on the market for you to consider.  Perhaps you already have a design of your own. But, in spite of the huge number of kits on the market, often with expensive price tags, in our opinion the most enjoyable and satisfying option is to plan and build your own log cabin.  There is no doubt that it is also the cheapest way. Be sure to draw up good plans, work out the full list of materials for your chosen design, collect all needed components before starting to put them together, and find a good team of willing labor to help you.

Easily the best and safest way to build a log cabin, and one we strongly recommend for anyone who is not a seasoned builder, is to invest in a set of good quality blueprints and step-by-step instructions produced by professional log house designers.

These are not that expensive in any case – usually no more than $50 will get you all the plans and instructions needed – and usually are accompanied by really useful bonuses such as sizing charts, where to find the best materials, how to sort out local planning requirements, the sort of things that often take up a disproportionate amount of your time when doing your own research.  

Start planning right now to make that log cabin dream a reality for yourself and your loved ones, to enjoy for years and years.

Good luck and have lots of fun!

About the Author

Kieran Gracie is a professional engineer and DIY enthusiast. His website, BuildThingsDirect,provides many ideas and interesting projects for beginners and experienced do-it-yourself people alike. In particular there is more information about how to build a log cabin and where to get professional help and advice.

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