Written by We all dream from time to time about having a log cabin in our backyard, but is it difficult to turn that dream into a reality? Quite a few garden log cabin kits are on the market, but the best and most rewarding way is to do it yourself. This is the way to do it.
The traditional log cabin design is rectangular or square, with only four corners. More complicated shapes are inevitably more expensive.
Even though they are simple to build, garden log cabins must be designed properly from the foundations up and you should get professional quality plans and expert advice to help you do this. Consider getting the vital materials list prepared for you – you will save both time and money in the long run. Good quality plans are worth their cost many times over, and will include all the necessary design calculations.
Log cabin homes should be at least 20 x 30 ft for proper enjoyment. Look for a raised site to avoid damp and prepare a reasonably level area a bit larger than the proposed building.
The floor of your garden log cabin could be the earth itself or, more likely, wooden planks. The latter would be better and more hygenic.
You will find the type and size of logs specified in your blueprints, and these could be a bit rough and ready. Don’t be alarmed – all log cabins get their charm from this! Logs are joined at each corner by a lock-joint. To form this joint a notch is cut at each end of the log and about one foot in. The notch goes about halfway into the log diameter, and is mated with a similarly-notched log at right-angles to give the walls the characteristic log cabin look.
If you have built a proper foundation, such as a concrete base, fix the first course of logs to it using anchor bolts and make sure these logs are levelled properly. The floor joists should be spaced every two feet along the side logs. Then add log courses up to the intended height of the door (about 80 inches). Make the door and window openings at this stage – fastening wood battens to the logs to ensure stability – and instal the door and window jambs. Then take the log courses up to the final wall height.
Shorter logs will now be laid at each end, still mated to side logs, to produce the roof pitch found in the blueprints. The final addition is the ridge pole. Garden log cabins usually have roofs made from wooden planks or shingles. The plans will have various options and how to build them. The gaps between the logs should be caulked using a mud and moss mix – you might find your kids eager to help at this stage!
Finish your log cabin by fitting the floor planks, door and windows. You might want to make your door from spare planks and battens, but these often warp badly in time and it is much better to find an old door in a salvage yard or disused barn and customize your log cabin to fit it. You could decide to have unglazed windows since many garden log cabins merely have shutters but, if not, your plans should tell you how to make or buy suitable windows.
Often people want to have fires or stoves in their log cabins – it is part of the dream. You should be careful about installing one, however, because there is a real risk of fire or heat damage to the surroundings. Usually there are very specific local regulations about fitting and operating fires in wooden buildings, and you are responsible for compliance. Good plans should include proper advice and guidance on this subject.
Also, it is worth considering making and fitting solar electricity panels and solar hot water heaters to give your cabin a zero environmental impact.
And plan ahead, so that your garden log cabin is ready in plenty of time to enjoy before next winter comes!
This article approved by the Editor of LevelAdvice.com and Showroom411.com
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