Any tips for me about build a log cabin

[Saimanch]

Hi Everyone,

First of all let me say I'm so happy to have found countryplans

I want to build a log cabin this year and I'm hoping this will mean I will be mortgage free!

Just wondering if anyone here has built one and has any tips for me and what to do, not to do etc...

I've done a quick search on the forum and didn't see anything...

Thanks

[jsahara24]

I don't know much about log cabin construction, however you may want to try to watch some of the folks on youtube who document their builds pretty well.   Not sure if they are doing it right, but they seem to turn out pretty good.  Good luck...

[OlJarhead]

Lots of stuff on YT about building log cabins.  It's important to understand that R value for logs is R1 per inch of thickness - so a 12 inch log has an R value of R12.

Next, materials.  Lots of cabins made with Lodgepole pine, fir, oak and others.  Treating the logs correctly is the key.

Also, type of construction:  there are D log walls (something I'm doing), knotched, dove tails, flat logs, round logs flattened round logs etc etc.

Next, permitting:  If permitting is required than you may have to find out what local codes are enforced.  Log walls are generally pretty low in R value so permitting might require BIG logs if they insist on R21walls etc.