Anyone ever built a log cabin?

[mx500]

Thinking about building a log cabin. I know there's some pretty resourceful guys here. Any tips?

 

[Paco Pena]

I helped a neighbor build one up in 70 mile house in the Cariboo region of BC. I had no experience at it nor did he but he took a course at one of the community colleges over a week. One of his next door neighbors was an older gent whom had built several over his 80 or so years and he gave us the "tech support" and drank our beer as we worked. Hard work but fun. I would love to do it again.

Paco

 

[willymakeit]

Premanufactured logs or doing your own. They shrink in height ,so cabinets have to be able to move.
The chinking or seal between logs is critical.
Lived in one in Mt. And it was the coldest house I ever lived in.
I would stick build and use log siding. JMHO

 

[DHS]

My parents built their Log Cabin in 1999, dad did everything his self and it took 1yr working nights and weekends. He had my uncles and my brother and I helping. He used a heritage log home kit (just logs, windows, and doors) and all the rest of the beams and lumber came from local sawmill. Very well insulated, I believe their electric bill runs about 60-80$ a month. No drywall in entire house, all tongue and groove pine. The logs were all pre-cut and numbered. They had holes already pre-drilled and used all-thread with springs that went completely thru from top to bottom. First couple years he had to tighten them as the logs shrunk. The interior walls also had to be adjustable to compensate for the shrinkage.

All and all they love it and it is what they always wanted. Building it himself was a feat in its own but he is the jack of all trades. He was a over the road forklift mechanic his whole life till about 7yrs ago.

 

[mothgrey]

When I was about 6 or seven. But not the size your looking for.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

HOMEWORK!

A starting point.....

http://www.loghomebuilders.org/category/articles/featured

 

[383 240z]

I along with my 2 sisters and my Mother built the one my parents live in. We started with a pile of logs and a chainsaw. Everything was set on a precast foundation. We used engineered joists for the floor. After that the logs were cut and lag bolted together. Trusses were used, cathedrals on one half and attics over the other side all under a metal roof. I know not traditional but it works great for them. Keith

 

[pmason0]

Yes I build mine cabin. Did most of the work myself. I went with a local manufacture that included a supervisor for 2 days, I decided how I wanted to use him. I had him come up during the log raising, had a friend, bother in law and my father to help and we did that all in one day. The plans showed where each log went. Just a giant lincoln log set. I bought him back when I was ready to put in the windows and doors.

 

[rslaback]

I would start with this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/280279098063?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

 

[KEH]

Original log cabins were built with dovetailed corners to keep the logs from shifting. I've noticed present day ones made essentially from huge tongue and groove boards, with the joints caulked to keep air out. Keeping air out is the problem with log homes. I believe I've heard that the wood will crack enough to let air in.

Relatives are building a log house and it does not use the tongue and groove system, but fits the big boards close together and seals them with some special caulking. I don't remember the corner joints.

KEH

 

[pmason0]

KEH, yes how mine was made there was 3 fingers & groves on the top and bottom. Then the end lap joints were went over the log below. You would put a role of fiberglass insulation over the top finger joints and then some good bead of some kind of caulking made for this application. On the **** joints there was a dado on each log that you put a 1x4 wrapped in fiberglass insulation into the two dados.

 

[denis4x4]

I have a guest house with Swedish cope corners and T&G joints. It's tight and effecient. We bought factory second logs to get a rustic interior finish.

 

[mbatarga]

There is an craigslist ad appearing for a log home/house up in PA somewhere. He's asking 12k for it, will disassemble it and tag each part and ship it to you.

 

[camarotoolman]

As above, find on old one and move it. I have always wanted to do this, or a post and beam frame barn! Keep us posted.

 

[santagary]

When I was about 6 or seven. But not the size your looking for.

HA! Now that's funny!