Log Cabin Framework
A log cabin is perhaps one of the most permanent shelters
that can be constructed from natural materials. It requires
a huge intial outlay in time, energy and resources but can
provide an extremely useful and resistant long term shelter.
It also has value as a 'troop project' or for putting those
pioneering/axe/saw skills into practice.
The first thing you will need to decide is the size of your
log cabin. You can always add sections at a later stage but
the main section should be designed with a size (and use)
in mind. You will need to clear a suitably large area and
flatten the ground, removing any rocks, undergrowth etc. The
shape is up to you, but I suggest you stick with the standard
rectangle/square, and a sensible size for a small cabin would
be around 8-10 ft square (around 3m).
The next thing you will need is a ready supply of logs. Please
take care when constructing your cabin that you get permission
to fell any trees or remove any logs. Obviously standard safety
procedures should be undertaken if you intend to 'make your
own'. The main body of the cabin is relatively simple to construct,
simply arrange the logs in a square, the only complication
being the joints at each end (you could simply lash the logs
together and fill in any gaps, although I would not recommend
this for any reasonable sized cabin).
To join the logs simply 'notch' at each end (although not
at the very end). Be careful to leave a overhang each time
and do not remove this overhang, it is what will give the
cabin strength.
Simply stacking logs on top of each one another you will
quickly run into problems. Because any natural log will have
some 'taper' to it you will want to alternate their direction
at each layer. Remember to leave space for a doorway too!,
preferably on the side away from the prevailing wind. If you
feel particularly ambitious construct a door frame from shorter
sections. I would not bother trying any fancy 'doors' (at
least at the early stages), a simple cloth covering to the
door will suffice. You may also want to include windows, although
for a typical 3m square cabin, the door and chimney will give
ample light and ventilation, and the increased effort in constructing
a (safe) window is simply not worth it.
Sloping Roof
Unless you like sleeping in pools of water you will want
a sloping roof to your cabin. As you near the required height
you will need to build up the back of the cabin higher than
the front. A simple lashed cross frame across the top will
support your roof. Remember to notch your cross beams to fix
them in place.
Now comes the waterproofing. Firstly you will want to fill
in the gaps between the logs. The best way to do this is to
mix up a 'paste' of mud, leaves, grass, moss, wood chips and
caulk the gaps by firmly inserting your mixture. Try to force
it right into the gap. For very large gaps you may want to
fill the gap with a sapling or branch before caulking.
The roof is the final part of the structure. I would recommend
a 'light' roof
on a timber frame rather than a solid log roof (I don't think
I could trust my construction to hold the weight safely!).
Simply lay (lash) saplings down across the main cross beams
and cover in the desired material.
Log Cabin Roof
You could try for a thatch by weaving long grass in and out
of the
saplings, or you could go for the full tile method, bark is
an ideal material for this, either way a layer of mud across
the saplings/thatch will help to make the roof completely
waterproof. These bark tiles could even be pegged down with
small twigs while the mud underneath is still soft.
If you wish to have a fire within the cabin you will need
to leave a small hole for smoke to escape (although you must
NEVER leave the fire unattended!). Those of you with far too
much time on your hands may wish to make a full stone chimney.
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