Reasons to build a log cabin
You may be having several reasons why you are looking to build a log cabin.
- People are too much fed up with the different ways that human lifestyle is affecting the world causing climate changes. They want to find an environment-friendly alternative and build a simple log cabin. They love to live a greener life can be the reason.
- You have a small clearing area behind your house, and you want to escape into nature once in a while away from all the hustle and bustle to stay in touch with raw nature.
- There are DIY log cabin kits easily available and can make a great outdoor activity with kids and family. It can give a feeling of accomplishment to have made your own house with your hands.
- People look for serenity and tranquility at sometimes in life due to personal reasons or even criminals who want to live in a secluded location find their home in the woods with log cabins.
- It can be a survival training to find a survival retreat when faced with a situation
- It can work as a bug out place for meetings when things turn bad.
- Building one near a river can work as a great vacation spot spending time fishing, biking and meditating.
Finding the Right Place
The first step while planning for the log cabin is to find the right place to build it. A small log cabin would only require very less space, and you are free to choose the dimension of space based on the budget. The more land you want, the more will be the money.
Things to consider while finding the right place
- Make sure there is a natural water source near the area you choose. If there is no water source then, you will have to dig a well but placing the log cabin near a river or creek can serve as water, food and recreation source.
- If you are building the log cabin for survival purpose, then you should buy fertile grounds so that you can sow and grow food.
- Choose a location that is well camouflaged with trees, shrubs, and rocks to cover it up.
Choosing the wood for the cabin
There is not much designing that goes into the manufacture of a log cabin as it is a simple square structure. Different kinds of woods can be used for a log cabin, and you can check the individual characteristics before making the choice.
Appearance: They come in different shades and striations, and this tends to change with weathering and application of wood preservatives.
Resistance: The ability to resist decay differs between wood species, but you can use a wood preservative to increase life span.
Stability: Wood can warp or twist over time. With proper selection, the instable pieces can be avoided within the same species so that the user can choose his desired species of wood.
Cost: Some woods cost high as they are rare while commonly available ones cost little.
Do It Yourself Cabin kits
There are several cabin kits available easily, which can be the great way to kick start you love for a cottage home. They come in different designs from various companies. You will be able to find one to suit your area and requirement. They are easy to assemble but make sure you choose the right one.
Building the Log Cabin
Once you have the wood selected, the next step is to prepare the wood by debarking and seasoning it. Improper preparation of the wood can lead to rotting and settling of the wood.
Putting the logs together
There are several interlocking and stacking techniques for placing the wood. These can be found online with pictorial representations. Different techniques have its benefits and drawbacks, so make sure that you tactically analyze these. The best methods are “Butt & pass” and the “Notch” method.
Chinking
Once the logs are arranged, the gaps between them have to be filled to increase the protection and insulation.
Stacking the essentials
Make sure that you are stacking enough necessities in your cabin to be used in times of need especially if you are very far away from the town side. Keep water, nonperishable food, seeds to plant and instruments to use while making the cabin and for any further maintenance.
Huge and even very small and simple log cabin can be built at the lowest budget for survival or recreational needs.
