If you have always wanted to learn how to build a primitive log cabin, but have never had a chance for it, now it’s the right time. In this article, I will share with you the most basic yet effective step-by-step instructions on how to build a primitive log cabin like a professional in no time.
All you will need to do is follow the steps I have provided for you, and I do not doubt that you will enjoy yourself in your log cabin, protected and sheltered from any potential influences or dangers that the wilderness might bring you.
How to Build a Primitive Log Cabin
Although it might sound complicated and like a job for a professional, building a primitive log cabin can be pretty easy with the right instructions. You will need to pay great attention to some small details, and I assure you that regardless of your experience, you will have your log cabin built in no time.
That being said, let’s jump straight onto the instructions on how to build a primitive log cabin without wasting any more time!
Find a plan (optional)
The first thing I strongly suggest you do before building a primitive log cabin is finding a plan. Although this step is not mandatory, and you can do it without it, a plan for a primitive log cabin always comes in handy and makes the overall process much quicker and more effective. But, if you can not seem to find one, worry not.
Just make sure that you make your door facing south, for obvious reasons such as you will know the compass directions right away, the sun will warm your cabin, and you will not have to worry that the snow drifts will often cover your door.
Pick the wood
After you have decided on the location of your log cabin, the next thing you need to do is pick the wood. Although different locations offer different types of trees, try to find tamarack, spruce, or even pine, as these woods are the best for building a cabin.
Also, I strongly suggest you go for trees about eight to ten inches in diameter and with the lowest degree of taper you can find.
Debark the logs while fresh
A very important thing to pay attention to here is to start debarking your trees while they are still fresh because otherwise, the longer they stay, the higher the bark will adhere to the tree.
Start building the foundation and set your sill logs
The foundation of your primitive log cabin should be a stone wall not taller than two to three inches. After doing so, you will have to build stone walls in intervals such as four or six feet across the already packed and prepared dirt within the other walls of your cabin. Doing this will allow you to lay the girders at their full length while at the same time giving you anchors for the log cabin’s flooring.
After doing so, you can cut your girders flat on top to provide a wider space for the subflooring to nail to. Also, if you would like to include a fireplace, make sure to build a platform for it and build the subflooring around it.
Place the subflooring
To create the subflooring, you will need to hue the logs into boards by using a crosscut saw or adze. With the adze, the process will go much faster. Also, you must not cover the sills with the subflooring as it goes inside the sills. Installing the subflooring should be done horizontally from the joists’ direction.
Raise the walls
After you are done with the subflooring, it is time to raise the walls. Before doing that, you need to have an exact plan on paper or in your head of where the doors and windows would be so that you do not waste any time deconstructing and reconstructing.
Moreover, to easily raise the log, you will have to face a nail ramp on the sidewall and then try to pull up the log with the help of tackle and block.
Additionally, the best way to raise the walls is to do it as you go and try which logs would fit perfectly instead of pre-making a plan and then realizing that the logs do not really go together.
Finally, the groove on the log should always be cut at the bottom of the next log before seating it. Doing so will prevent any water, debris, and dirt accumulation, as all the grooves will be facing downwards.
Also read: How to Build a Hut in the Woods
Alignment corner pin
Use metal pins or wooden pegs to tap in the alignment pin and prepare for the next log.
Do the roof
Doing the roof might be the trickiest part of all, so you must ensure not to leave any space open so that there are no leaks inside your cabin. The best way to do the roof is to do a rafter construction. You will need to scribe the wall and cut it at the right angle on both sides of the roof.
After doing so, you can set the two end rafters a couple of inches from the purlins’ end while they still hang over the outside walls.
Doors and windows frames
To do this, you will simply need to put in the lengths and ends of the longs around your windows and doors. After doing so, put a premade board into them. Finally, make the door of your choice and hang it.
Finish the flooring
The best way to get nice flooring is to sand and silt the board before assembling them onto the subfloor. You can also use stone, depending on your personal choice.
Clean and protect the primitive log cabin
Finally, after you are done with building your cabin, ensure to clean it thoroughly with clean water. Remember that if you use water, you will have to wait for the cabin to dry until you can actually live in it. You can also use bleach if you have it on hand.
To protect the cabin, make a mixture of five parts turpentine and one part linseed oil. You can apply this mixture two weeks after cleaning the cabin with water, and you will need to repeat the process annually for the first three years.
Conclusion
In this article, you could have read the most straightforward and effective step-by-step instructions on how to build a primitive log cabin. By having this guide on hand, you will be able, at any time and with no experience at all, to build the primitive log cabin of your dreams.