Handcrafted log-cabin-houses can be built by cutting and preparing your own logs

Many cowboys built log-cabin-houses when they decided to raise a family. They harvested the timber from the mountains to make the logs needed for their log cabins.

Have your ever noticed the appearance of handcrafted log-cabin-houses? Their beauty is remarkable.

After extensive research, my husband Jon and I have decided to build our own log cabin, just like the cowboy in the old west.We found out that The cost of a handcrafted log home is much less than a stick built home.

The only draw back we discovered was that handcrafted log homes take much more time and effort than does a regular home, but we believe that the quality and appearance of our log cabin home will be well worth the time and effort.

One good thing about handcrafted log-cabin-houses is anyone with even limited abilities can design, build, and finish this type of home.

So with my research in hand, I will provide the knowledge you need to build your own log cabin, and you can provide the brains, muscle, and sweat.

Tools

When choosing the tools for log-cabin-houses, get the best quality you can afford. Most of the tools you will buy can be used for various house projects now and over your life time.

Your local do-it-yourself hardware store or on-line research can help you find the tools that will be needed.


Cutting Tree Logs

When looking for the right cabin logs, remember to measure each treearound the base before cutting it down. This will ensure the logs are the same circumference/size.

Pick trees that are straight and are in open areas that have a clear and unobstructed line of fall. Never cut trees that are leaning or on a slope.

A tree with a 32-inch base size will yield a 9-inch log, and a 38-inch base yields an 11-inch log because when the bark is peeled away, some of the wood will be wasted.

Check your local forest department for rules, regulations, and permits for harvesting house logs. Most often, the cost of the logging permit will be less expensive compared to milled cabin logs. Keeping the cost of your cabin down will help your cabin building plans

If your are unsure about cutting the trees yourself then find an experienced woodcutter to help you. There may be a small fee but it's well worth the cost as well as piece of mind.

Removing and hauling logs

One good way to remove the cut trees from the woods is a small tractor.

If you don't have access to a tractor, then a heavy duty four wheel drive pickup/truck will work. As long as the fallen trees are in a clear area that is accessible to the truck.

When hauling the logs to the building site, it is best to use a flatbed trailer. The length of the trailer needed will depend on the span of the cut logs.

You can rent a flatbed trailer at any large equipment rental company. The rental fee will vary depending on the availability of the flatbed trailers in your area.


Drying Logs

Once the logs are at the building site they must be stacked properly for drying.

Stack the logs in alternating rows. leaving enough space between the logs so air can circulate around the logs.

The photo on the left is a good example of proper log stacking.

My research shows the more experts believe that the logs must be piled before stacking because this quickens the drying time but I will leave this decision up to you.

Peeling logs

Peeling logs for log-cabin-houses can be hard work, but a good sharp draw knife can lessen the labor.

Green logs in the spring are easiest to peel but avoid building with them until completely dry, because as logs dry they shrink.

The shrinkage will significantly change all the measurement of the log cabin you have painstakingly made.

Dead-standing logs are easiest of all with no bark to peel or with bark falling off easily. The dead logs don't have much shrinkage. So once they're peeled and stacked, your ready to build.

Most experts believe the dead logs should be used when ever possible because there is a lot less shrinkage than with green logs.

Jon and I will be using dead-standing logs not only for less shrinkage but also for the health of our forest.

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