Staying in a log cabin for a weekend getaway is something we all need from time to time to relax, recharge batteries, breathe fresh air and take advantage of natural resources.
A cabin is excellent for staying in the wilderness, allowing you to gather with your family and friends and spend time together doing various activities.
But how should you begin? Well, I have got you covered. Read on to learn how many logs to build a 20×20 cabin you will need to build it successfully.
How Many Logs to Build a 20×20 Cabin Do You Need?
The number of logs you will need to gather to build a cabin depends on how the cabin will be constructed, the size of the cabin and the logs, the height of the walls, and the type of roof you will be constructing.
Therefore, to build a 20×20 cabin, you will need around 70 logs, at least 24 feet tall and ten inches wide.
Building the Cabin
To determine how many logs you will need for building, the most important thing is to decide how your cabin will look. After you know what you want to achieve, you can proceed and make sketches and simple plans to help you out.
I also recommend avoiding making a lot of corners, as it can complicate the process. Instead, make the cabin to be in square or rectangular shape. Remember that you won’t need full logs for the cabin’s doors and windows.
How to determine the number of logs you need
If you wonder how many logs to build a 20×20 cabin you need, follow the instructions. First, it is necessary to determine the diameter of the logs you will use.
Their diameter needs to be between 8 and 14 inches, but the ideal diameter for the logs is between 10-12 inches. Another thing that will determine how many logs you need is the way you stack the logs. Let’s take a simple one-room 20×20 cabin as an example.
- The length and width of the cabin: 20ft = 240 inches
- Height of the cabin: 9ft = 108 inches
- The average log diameter is 10 inches.
Therefore, you will need the equation 10 x ? =108. To determine how many logs you need, divide 108 inches by 10 inches. The number of logs for one wall is 11, so you will need to multiply this by four as there are four 20ft walls.
Hence, the total number of logs for two walls is 44logs at 20ft. To complete the math, add the two gables of 23 inches, and you will get the total amount of logs you need which is 67. However, remember that you may need a couple of additional logs for the construction.
Gable ends for roof
The roof of a cabin is typically built by stacking logs horizontally to create gables. You will need around 10 logs to create each gable.
As the logs are stacked, each log is shorter than the previous one to create a triangle shape. There is one gable on the front of the cabin and one at the back.
Still, that is not all that you need to take into consideration while you are in the process of building a log cabin. Let’s get into more details.
Read More: How to Build a Hut in the Woods
Things to Consider When Building the Log Cabin
Make a list of tools
Before you start building your new log cabin, gathering all the necessary tools is necessary, especially if you will be cutting the logs by yourself. Hence, I recommend making a list of tools you will need before starting.
Some essentials for building a cabin include measuring tape, a level, a shovel, hammers, nails, screws, and other hardware.
Plan how the log cabin will look like
To turn your cabin plans into a reality, you can also search for cabin inspirations to find out how to get the most out of the space and, at the same time, make the cabin cozy and modern. Then, depending on the style of cabin you go for, you will need a certain amount of logs.
You can also choose whether you would like a one-room cabin or a cabin with more rooms. Start by making a plan and draw a draft. Determine whether you would like high ceilings, a chimney, a fireplace, what type of roof you would like, and other details.
Select suitable logs
The first step in the cabin-building process is to find suitable logs and prepare them for use. Remember that they must be around the same height, age, and thickness.
The logs you will use need to be dry, but you also need to inspect them for insects and determine whether they are rotten.
Type of logs to use
Among the most common tree types used for logs are pine, spruce, cedar, fir, and cypress. Equally important is to find straight trees that are tall and dry them before you start building.
To measure the right way, you will need long enough trees to be used at the side of the cabin and add 4-8 feet to that length.
The trees you select to create the cabin should also have the same thickness and be around the same age. Stay away from damaged trees, as they may not be durable.
If you are cutting the trees on your own, don’t forget to follow the safety measures, get the essential gear, and wear protective equipment.
Find the right location
Another important aspect is finding the right location for your log cabin. You will need flat land with a water source nearby. Also, to be warm during your stay, make sure to create windows based on the sun’s direction.
Once you have found the ideal location for your rustic log cabin, you will need to form a solid foundation for the construction, the most popular being the strip foundation.
Also Read: How to Build a Waterproof Shelter in the Woods
Conclusion
I hope you could have found how many logs to build a 20×20 cabin you need. The cabin construction process takes time and effort and requires getting the right logs and properly doing the math to end up with the design you like. Spending a weekend or living in a cabin offers peace, quiet time, and beautiful scenery.