My father and I are planning to build a 16 x 24 cabin next summer and I am trying to find out any information that will help us out. Neither of us have done anything like this before but we both have built many stick framed or pole barn type structures before. Just looking for some input on how we can get started. I can tell you this I will be cutting just about everything on my mill and my father has decided to use poplar that we will cut of our land, and he wants them cut on three sides. So any information on how this can be dun I would appreciate it. Now I mean anything it does not matter how small the information is even the type of fasteners, or what to use sealing joints. I just want to be prepared for what we are getting our selves into. This is going to be a big project for us and defiantly for me. One my memories as a kid growing up was to here dad talk about how he would love to have a cabin. And now I am going to make his happen. That was one of the reasons I bought a portable mill a few years back. I look forward to your input!!!!
That is a real nice project for you and your Father.Something to remember for years to come.My father never got to see my sawmill.He would of enjoyed it.Can't help you,but would like to see pictures as you go. The only post I have is for shingles for the roof. Don't know if you want to go this far with the cabin or not. Good luck.
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=27917.msg400835;topicseen#new
Gday
Millingman Ive built 13 log homes so far and about 8 stick framed houses Is the place going to be for year round living or a holiday cabin I'm willing to help in anyway possible You should get a copy of the Low Cost Log Home available through log home living mag in the US this will give you a good idea of whats needed for a start there is another book called The Modular Log Home Ill try to get the authors name for you If you have any questions just let Me know
Regards Chris
Chris, I think you're referring to "The Craft of Modular Post and Beam", James Mitchell :)
Do some searching through past posts here as well, there's a fair amount of information in older posts on this board.
thats the one I was thinking of ;) :D ;D ;D
Go buy a good book about how to build a house. Then start thinking about every little part of the project, think about it -- material, logistics, labor, cost, etc. If you break it down into smaller parts that you can get your arms around it will be less overwhelming. Then plan, plan, plan out everything before you cut or buy any materials.
I was just out to beautiful Gabriola Island , B.C. this spring for the Log Building course taught by the Author of "the craft of Modular Post and Beam".....it was absolutely awesome!!!....what a great instructor, but more to the point here, I would definately agree, go out and get yourself a copy of his book, it's full of so much handy , easy to understand info for someone in your position.....
Spend some time in the gym... :D
figure out what you want, sbhishop, & pappy in maine have built what you are thinking, flattened on 2 sides, stacked & spiked, especially if you are not near inspectors, they tend to complicate things, but also you keep you safe.
Cheers,
Quote from: zopi on November 11, 2008, 10:05:52 PM
Spend some time in the gym... :D
Or buy a good loader or truck mounted crane in other words Zopi
Chris
Is it true Yellow (tulip) poplar you plan to use? Nice to saw and work but will split wide and all the way to the heart as it dries. Some one mentioned putting a kerf cut on one side of the log (top or bottom) as they are stacked. This makes the drying check hidden and predictive. Rot resistance of poplar logs is not great when exposed to elements so make sure you have a plan for protecting them. Learn to use leverage and balnce and your life will be much easier. Do lots of reading. A small tractor is worth its weight in gold. Good luck and enjoy. You are joining a rare breed of self-reliant folks these days. It is very rewarding. Many time you may get discouraged and think of giving up but if you stick with it you will have a heirloom to pass on and a real sense of reward.
PS. Might sound stupid but make a model with lincoln logs or somthing like it on a scale. It will help you plan out the # of courses and distances etc. Models can save you a lot of time and money.
Quote from: Meadows Miller on November 13, 2008, 07:24:42 AM
Quote from: zopi on November 11, 2008, 10:05:52 PM
Spend some time in the gym... :D
Or buy a good loader or truck mounted crane in other words Zopi
Chris
split the difference...use a gin pole.
uh....Gym pole? <G>
:D :D :D
Gday
:D :D :D :D Zopi I like your style mate ;) :D :D
Chris
I wanted to mention another good book. The author is Mike McClintock (not sure about that spelling) and the title is Alternative House Building. Mike is very straight forward and speaks in layman's terms. Of all the books I use I find myself pulling this one off the shelf most often.
After preliminary drawings, you are going to make sure you have the materials to build what you want. That means taking an inventory of your trees. You can do alot of that from the ground. I enjoy this part alot because first of all it does not take alot of tools. Secondly because you get to start visualizing the parts in your building. You are going to need to take notes about length, tip and butt widths(this will help you determine stack height and the number of courses you will need)and what I call character notes (ie. woodpecker holes, storm injury, burls, s shaped etc.). Catalog this stuff and label your trees. Then take this info back to the drafting room and determine what changes you may have to make. good luck
You didn't specifically say you wanted a log cabin. If you would like to timberframe, get signed up for a spring course now! After a good course, many people go on to build their own structures. If you timberframe, you then have to decide how you want to do the walls and insulate, SIPS, natural, spray foam, fiberglass... What look do you want? Log? Timberframe trusses? Of course I'm partial to the timberframe for several reasons. Also you don't need as many trees.
:P :P 8) foxfire books volume one you can find them on eBay i think their 8 books in the series they were written by a high school class from the applaction section of Georgia or NC volume one i think was published in the late 1950s or early 60s all the info in them is factual from interviews the students made with old people if you want to build a rock chimney build a moonshine still can blackberries build a sawmill or just read for pleasure i suggest you find a set especially volume one for log cabin building you ain't making no money talking to me so get started :D :D 8)
I see Stephen1 mentionned my name so i better jump on this thread! 8)
Well for starters...get yourself a few books...i think i have 3 or 4 beside the toilet that i read everyday :D
How i started off was measuring and marking all the tree's i was going to cut, did this in the winter...took note of how many and diameter...did some calculations base on those numbers to make sure i had enough(guesstimate).
Once i had all the trees cut, peeled and yarded I had a guy come in and flatten 2 sides(top&bottom)...then I stack the logs for 2 months, make sure they are stack straight!
now comes some decision you are going to have to make!
-what size of sills and joist? how are you going to support the cabin off the ground?
-what type of corner are you going to use?
-I used the same type as Pappy....v-plank corner
-How are you going to attach the logs?
-I used 1/2" rebar, pre-drilled the hole
-What type of roof framing are you going to do?
-I used 2X10 rafters + 4 gables....purlin's are nice!
-What type of roofing material?
metal-asphalt...
-Windows?
Boys i could go on and on...hopefully i've helped you out a bit!
if you have some time, here is the thread i've started!
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,22343.0.html (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,22343.0.html)
Good luck and be safe!
Sbishop
I don't think he clearly defined whether he wanted log or timberframe, did he?
Brad,
I took his mention of logs sawn on 3 sides as an indication that he was leaning toward a "D" log style log cabin but I could have read into it.
same here!
Guys,
For years I have had the dream of buying forty acres, setting up a portable mill and building a house. How realistic is that? When you talk about Timberframe building, is it possible that a home can be 99% timber construction from native pine and oak?
Thanks!
Jesse
Quote from: Ironman on November 20, 2008, 01:20:20 PM
Guys,
For years I have had the dream of buying forty acres, setting up a portable mill and building a house. How realistic is that? When you talk about Timberframe building, is it possible that a home can be 99% timber construction from native pine and oak?
Thanks!
Jesse
It's as possible and realistic as you make it. If you have the trees and a mill then there aint a whole lot to a house frame that you can not make yourself. That is exactly what I am working on, only I couldnt afford 40 acres.
Well I can't right now either, but I'm hoping after the US government goes bankrupt, land well be real cheap. :D
thehardway,
...and maybe I'm biased too. ;D
I have three sided, D-shaped logs in one of my timber frames, they are called post. I did peel the bark off.
Tim
Oh boy, I created a monster. I have a three sided "d" log in my house and it is called a beam and it is not a "log cabin" either, I too peeled the bark, I didn't mean to imply all homes with 3 sided "D" logs are log cabin's. I guess it was the combination of words "three sides" and "cabin" As timberframes are not as commonly called cabins although they can be... :-\ wow this is confusing
Now that I'm thinking about it is a tee pee a cabin?
Quote from: Ironman on November 20, 2008, 03:17:06 PM
Well I can't right now either, but I'm hoping after the US government goes bankrupt, land well be real cheap. :D
oh they won't they'll take it out of US!
Somebody sent me a picture posted up on wall st the other day...big cardboard sign that said "Jump
#$%^ers!"
No a teepee is not a cabin...it is a lodge...
Does Airstream make yurts?
I've also seen a bunch of barns with big 2 side sawn logs for floor joists, many times with bark left on. Given that either type of cabin will be a new type of construction for him, I'd steer him towards the timberframe. A bit less log work, because less is needed, and maybe a little less joint cutting, but still the rustic look and feel. I guess is just depends what look he's after. It doesn't seem as though he's responded in awhile or answered this question. Maybe we should hold up and stop building until he does?
I was thinking the same thing, a lot of posts and no response, hope thinks are okay.
New guy to this sight. Found you guys through ARKANSAWYER at Woodweb. Lots of good info here. I to am getting ready to become a first time builder. My first project is going to be a simple shed. I have red oak, cedar and walnut on the property. Although the walnut trees are not very large in dia. I was told That I cant sink the posts in conrete if they are not pressure treated. My problem is that I really want to build only using lumber that I harvest myself from the land. If I were to pour support piers can I anchor the posts directly to the tops of the piers? Ive seen different anchors sold at home depot, etc But doesn't really seem anywhere near as strong or lasting as something sunk in four feet of concrete. Any help would be really appreciated. Trying to give my son, some of the love for the outdoors, and the country that my grandparents gave to me.
Gday
and Welcome to the forum Jimmy6767 You will find all the info you need here meet plenty of top people and have a good time tooboot Mate ;) ;D 8)
With your upcoming project's I'd go with making your own brackets for your shed as the store brought ones just wont cut it Dad and I had hundreds of them made over the years by a local Engineer as down here everything in a building has to be passed by the building inspector we just found it shut him up quicker ;) :D :D dads made some up himself over the years but they have mainly been for sheds and small additions ;) I myself would not put timber in if it was going to be surrounded by concrete 2 or 3 sides in a shed situation maybe ;) ??? if it was a sawn say6x6 or 8x8 or had the sapwood shaved of where it was in contact with the concrete ;) ;D ;D
Regards Chris McMahon
Quote from: jmmy6767 on December 19, 2008, 04:12:54 PM
New guy to this sight. Found you guys through ARKANSAWYER at Woodweb. Lots of good info here. I to am getting ready to become a first time builder. My first project is going to be a simple shed. I have red oak, cedar and walnut on the property. Although the walnut trees are not very large in dia. I was told That I cant sink the posts in concrete if they are not pressure treated. My problem is that I really want to build only using lumber that I harvest myself from the land. If I were to pour support piers can I anchor the posts directly to the tops of the piers? Ive seen different anchors sold at home depot, etc But doesn't really seem anywhere near as strong or lasting as something sunk in four feet of concrete. Any help would be really appreciated. Trying to give my son, some of the love for the outdoors, and the country that my grandparents gave to me.
It is usually recommended that you don't put wood into concrete. The wood will wick water up from the concrete and rot.
Plus you're creating a concrete cup for the water to sit in and with the wood in there it will rot.
Most codes require wood to be 8" or more above finish grade to prevent wood from rotting out.
You could pour your concrete supports with some metal bolts sticking out to attach a bracket to hold your post.
Arkansawyer has a great set of pictures about how he does it, maybe in his gallery....
And there is lots of information here about concrete and wood, you maybe should do a search and read up on the ways others have done it, successfully in the past....
Jim Rogers
Thanks for the advice, I just spoke to the building inspector , He had know problem with the posts being attatched withbrackets. He just wants to see a drawing of the building, and make sure its the right distances from property lines, etc... Seems to be a easy going guy. I will post some pics of my place as soon as I can . Everybody have a merry christmas, and a happy new year!
sorry guys i havent been on the forum latley. but we want a log cabin with d style logs
Quote from: milling man on February 25, 2009, 09:30:49 AM
sorry guys i havent been on the forum latley. but we want a log cabin with d style logs
Try here
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,20922.msg298008.html#msg298008