How to Build a Log Cabin
Whilst the whole process of building your own log cabin kit may initially come across as quite daunting, you needn’t worry, as full instructions are provided with every log cabin kit, and the equipment required to build your log cabin kit can normally be found in your tool box.
Each log cabin model is slightly different, and will come with individual instructions to help you build your own log cabin, but this article will give you an overview of the steps required so that you can ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, time and manpower prior to building your own log cabin.
Preparing for your Log Cabin
First and foremost, your log cabin kit is going to require a firm, solid and level base. Suitable bases can be constructed from paving slabs, cast concrete, or wooden sleepers, and would need to be around 4-6 inches deep in order to support your log cabin.
If you have selected the home installation optional extra with your log cabin purchase, then your log cabin base needs to be in place before our installation team arrive.
Before you start building your log cabin, you could get the necessary tools and equipment together, to save you time later on.
To build your log cabin you will need:
Two people
Stepladder
Hammer
Sharp knife
Drill
Spirit level
Screwdriver
Saw
Pair of pliers
Measuring tape
Protective gloves (optional, but advised)
Log Cabin Treatment
In order to keep its strength, structural integrity and good looks, your log cabin should be treated with an oil-based wood treatment either prior to construction or immediately after, and also on an annual basis.
By treating the timber prior to construction, you are ensuring that all areas of the wood are treated, and therefore we recommend that you do this, even if it takes a little longer than treating the log cabin once it is built.
Base for Your Log Cabin
As previously mentioned, you should provide a firm, solid and level base for your log cabin kit, as a base that isn’t level will most likely result in a structurally unsound log cabin!
Your log cabin kit is supplied with wooden bearers which have been pressure treated in order to protect them from moisture and subsequent wood rot. A layout plan is provided with the bearers to help you to construct them correctly.
Building Your Log Cabin Walls
The walls of your log cabin should be built up layer by layer, placing the logs on top of one another so that the tongue of one log fits into the groove of the next. It is important to build the log cabin up layer by layer rather than completing each wall one by one, as this makes it easier to build in the doors and windows, and spot and correct any potential mistakes.
Building Your Log Cabin Doors and Windows
As you build up the walls of your log cabin, gaps where the doors and windows are to be installed will become apparent. Once you have built up five or six layers, you will be able to install the windows and doors easily.
The log cabin’s door and window frames should be constructed separately, and then slotted into the grooves. Ensure that is correctly installed as errors will occur later in the construction if the frame is not fully pushed down, resulting in having to disassemble the cabin to the level where access to the frame is possible.
Building Your Log Cabin Roof
Before installing the roof boards, check that all the log cabin walls are level. Use a spirit level to do this. Use a stepladder to install the roof – do not stand on the roof as it is not designed to take a point load. As a matter of safety, always have an extra person to help you when using ladders.
The log cabin roof is built by tapping the boards together, and attaching to the walls and rafters using nails. After that, roof edge reinforcements are screwed in to place to add stability to your log cabin roof. As a final step, the facia boards are added to give you log cabin that classic, traditional Scandinavian appearance.
Building Your Log Cabin Floor
Your log cabin is provided with a tongue and groove floor, which can be installed once the walls and roof have been constructed. The floorboards can be simply laid into place and nailed onto the wooden pressure treated bearers, slotting each one into place, and cutting the last board as required.