Cabin Pictures

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Nice.
What did you use for grout between the logs?
How is the roof supported?
Work from professional plans or just had go at it yourself?

Guy I bought my property from swears I can build a nice little place with a couple grand in logs and use his portable sawmill.

Someday maybe.

I used a product called Logjam for the chinking between the logs. It can be bought commerically.

I used premade roof trusses.

I did not use comercial plans. I got my idea for a floorplan from one of the log cabin companies but didn't buy their plans. I just went by the seat of my pants. I'm not saying that is the best way to go, it's just the way I decided to go. I was trying to do this project as cheaply as possible. I got it done for around $20,000. Keep in mind that the logs were cut from the property, so the only expense I had for the logs was the cost of having them sawed. Also, if you will look at the pictures, you will notice the interior partition walls are from random width 1 bys also cut from the pine trees. I did hire some of the work done by a guy that lives in the area. He is a jack of all trades and was willing to do anything I didn't want to tackle. Someone like that can be a lifesaver. Although I did most of the work myself, there were some things I didn't feel competent to handle.

Caver, I would encourage you to give it a go. I would not consider myself a tradesman of any sort. In fact I make my living as a salesman. I just read a lot and am not afraid to try things. I learned a lot, and it is very satisfying to accomplish something you're not quite sure you're capable of.

 

[caver]

I did carpentry in my teens. Also worked summers for my Dad pouring foundations. I'll build a cabin but just haven't decided yet if I want a log cabin, log looking siding or just a cabin.

 

[weldingisfun]

Great looking place! You should be proud of yourself.
Did you build the beds too?
Looks like it is supposed to be there and I actually expected to see Daniel Boone standing on the porch.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[johnk]

Hobby farmer,

Great looking place. Did you use piers and sonotubes f0r the foundation? How long did you let the wood air dry? How long did it take to frame it in? Good job.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Great looking place! You should be proud of yourself.
Did you build the beds too?
Looks like it is supposed to be there and I actually expected to see Daniel Boone standing on the porch.
Thanks for sharing.

Yes I did build the beds. Daniel does stop by occasionally for a visit, LOL.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Hobby farmer,

Great looking place. Did you use piers and sonotubes f0r the foundation? How long did you let the wood air dry? How long did it take to frame it in? Good job.

Yes I did use piers and sonotubes for the pier type foundation. If I had it to do over again, I would have done a continuous foundation. Because of the open air nature of the crawl space, I have trouble with water pipes freezing and bursting. If anyone has a good way of draining pipes in between times of use of a place that isn't lived in full time, I'm all ears.

I allowed the logs to dry for about a year. They were still quite wet when I sawed them, but so far, no negative repercussions.

I framed the interior walls after putting up the log exterior walls and after putting on the roof. I'm not sure if that's the way a professional log house builder does it, but it worked for me. It only took one weekend to frame the interior walls.

 

[Buckeye_Jim]

We have a cabin in the sierras at around 6000' so we are subject to freezing pipes also. The water supply comes under the house in a trench. We have a "drain back valve" and then the pipe feeds all the water circuits in the house. This valve is located underneath a closet and a solid steel bar comes from the valve up into the closet. We turn that bar to operate the valve. In one position the valve feeds the supply line and in the other it drains the supply lines while it blocks water from the street. The valve is surrounded with gravel to absorb the drained water.

When we are preparing to leave, we turn the valve to the drain position, flush the toilet to empty it's tank, open the faucets to allow air to enter the pipes and put antifeeze in the toilet, sink and bathtub traps.

Hope this helps,

Jim

 

[greatrandini]

Fantastic cabin! How do u keep vandals out? I keep thinking about building a cabin on some farm/hunting ground we have but I am afraid of vandals.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Fantastic cabin! How do u keep vandals out? I keep thinking about building a cabin on some farm/hunting ground we have but I am afraid of vandals.

So far I have been lucky. The cabin sits about 100 yds. off the road and I have a fence and locked gate that someone would have to breach in order to drive up to it. Not to say they couldn't do that if they set their mind to it. To date, I haven't had any breakins, knock on wood.

I think vandals/robbers are basicly lazy. Having to phisically haul their take 100 yds. is more than they want to do, not to mention the fact that they would be more likely to be spotted.

I did a couple of other things that may or may not help but worth a try. I put one of those signs from a security company out that says the premises are protected by such and such security company. That isn't true (wink wink) but a crook wouldn't know. Also, I put out the word through local people in the area that I WILL prosecute violators.

With all that said, if they want in bad enough, there's nothing you can do. Just one of the potential hazards of owning rural property that you don't live on.

 

[johnk]

I'm with you Hobby,

I wish I did a block foundation also. Same problem with the water freezing and I'm quite a bit farther north. Vandals haven't gotten in yet but locks are only for honest people. Like you said, if they want in they'll get in. The harder you try to keep them out the more damgage is done because it was built stronger. I only leave in there what I won't regret losing even though I'd really be p##sed if someone did break in. Beautiful place you have there......