Building a log cabin is a winter wonderland. Creating a cabin or building from scratch is an alternative fun way to get dirty! Both methods require knowledge of how to use the woods, though building requires little else but doing so in the right season.
Building a log cabin is most effective when it is constructed during the winter season, typically from December through February. This is because you must be careful about staying warm as you sculpt your new home out of logs.
As you can see from the picture, it takes a lot of work being prepared for construction. There are many ways to stay warm while you build your new home and create some festive decorations.
Contents:
Nails
A few different types of nails are available for use in a log cabin. These include wood glue, paint, and paper. Each of these can be used, but not all!
If you use wood glue, do not exceed the recommended amount- that is, six boards plus six inches of glue. If you use paint, make sure it is water-resistant and not solvent-based.
If you use paper, make sure it is thick enough to withstand the weight of the cabin and do not exceed how many books or documents the cabin may need.
These nails are very easy to use. If you are having a hard time with yourself, get some help from a self-help book or from your neighbor’s son who is an amateur lumberjack.
Logs
A vital component of constructing a log cabin is choosing which trees you want to use and selecting which wood you want to use for the cabin.
If you are building a smaller cabin or those with small needs, then you can save some money by using fewer trees and less quality wood. On the other hand, if you are looking for a stronger and more modern cabin then you should use more trees and thicker wood.
One tip when choosing the trees is to pick ones that are same species or same size as your cabin. You do not want to choose a large tree that looks good but cannot maintain its size because of the climate, weather, etc.
Saw
A saw is not exactly a lumbering tool, but it can make a quick and easy addition to your DIY lumber collection. Saw channels are used to cross-cut furniture pieces into quarter-inch slices that can be glued together or planed to create a finished surface.
These tools are typically made from thick metal that is cut on one side and glued on the other to create a new channel. When used in cutting materials such as plywood or OSB, the plywood or OSB must be laid on its face before it is glued onto the top of the channel.
Sawettes are commonly found at woodworking stores and landaus, however, you can make one yourself for little money!
Bullet point: Sandpaper (optional)
If you plan on doing any projects that require roughness in the finish, then adding some sandpaper will help speed up your work.
Chisel
A chisel is an important tool that cannot be left behind when working in a log cabin. Chisels can be made of wood, metal, or steel. Depending on the style they are made out of, they can be leaf shaped, concave, or tapered.
When building a cabin, it is best to have some kind of chisel on hand. These can be plain chisels or more elaborate ones with serrated edges or curved tops. They may also come with a handle or been used as such when building the cabin.
Creating a pocket for inserting the lumber and/or constructing the floor joists and other structural members is an important part of creating a log cabin. Since these must be done right away during construction season, having some kind of chisel on hand is helpful.
Level
Once the ceiling has been built, the next step is to decide how high you want the ceiling to be. In order to determine this, you must determine how tall your children are going to be.
How tall your children are goingto be depends on what age they want to build in. When building a playroom or a child’s room, the room should be able to easily get up and down without too many steps.
A child’s room should be of adequate size for a small child, so try to build it on solid ground. A playroom or a child’s room that will become a gaming room or entertainment area may need higher ceilings in order for them to expand.
Take into account that if you have low ceilings, then your game rooms and entertainment areas must have higher ceilings in order for them to grow. If you have high ceilings, then game rooms and entertainment areas may need lower ceilings in order for them to expand.
Pen and paper
Creating a log cabin is an art form. While not difficult, it can be gorgeous! Creating a pattern and contrasting wood grains and textures is very modern.
As you do it, you learn some rules to help create a more log cabin look. These include using quarter-inch hardware, using quarter-inch screws for upholstery, and using quarter-inch countertop material.
Most of these rules are applied to the inside of the cabin, where the furniture is placed. Using flesh-colored or light tan furnishings is another way to build a more soft, aged look.
Lastly, adding white inside and out makes the cabin look fluffy! If you want some tips on how to do this correctly, check out the previous article on tool tips above.
Computer design program
Another useful tool for building a log cabin is a computer design program. Most software programs can be downloaded directly to your computer and used to create log cabin structures.
Some software companies now offer downloadable computer design programs specifically for use in building a log cabin. Many have tested and proven themselves in the past as being helpful in this task. Some of these tools can be costly though, so cost-conscious people may want to look at something with less advanced features.
When using a computer design program, there are some basic rules that must be followed. You still have to learn how to use your skills when it comes to creating trims, patterns, and shapes!
These include: Using only the left or right mouse button, respectively; no keys were pressed; and no material can be added until all lines are connected.
Rake or comb (for laying the logs perfectly level)
Next we need to rake or comb the floor. This means using a rake or comb to lay the floor level.
This process involves sweeping and then raking the floor to create the look of smooth, layered wood. By working with these tools, you will learn how to use them properly and create a beautiful room.
It is recommended to start with a shorter length of rake because it takes more effort to break it down. Once you learn how to use it properly, you can extend its length!
As you work with the rake, make sure you are keeping your feet warm and are comfortable with foot pain or discomfort. You might have heard that feet get cold quickly when working with this tool, but ours did not!
We ended up having people stop in their tracks when they saw the room because of the natural look of the wood.