For those of you who have an interest in the great outdoors, or for those who simply want to get away from hectic city living, a log cabin out in the countryside will be ideal. Now, every single week, thousands upon thousands of people from all over the country flock to the woods and enjoy an extended break in a log cabin for a well-deserved getaway. Some people, however, take things a step further and rather than simply booking a break in a log cabin, they instead build their very own log cabin. Building a log cabin, however, is not as simple as you may have thought, as there is a lot to consider, including which lumber to use. If you’re thinking of building a log cabin yourself, here are some handy tips to consider:
How Much Wood Will You Need?
To build a log cabin, you will need, yep – wood! Before you even consider building your cabin, you need to know exactly how many logs you will need. Ideally, you should speak with an expert who will be able to offer expert advice on quantities, although you may wish to look at other similar log cabins and determine how many logs they have. When calculating the number of logs needed, always factor in extra ones just to be on the safe side. To get an idea of the measurements, plan the cabin on paper and use basic equations to figure out your quantities. You should also remember that whole logs will not necessarily be used for walls, as they can be cut to size and used for door and window frames etc.
Know Which Wood to Use
Once you know how many logs are required, next you need to figure out which wood to use. There are close to 100 different wood species in the US and Canada, and not all of them are suitable for building a cabin. Some common, hardy, and affordable wood species include red pine, white pine, yellow pine, western red cedar, oak, walnut, and cypress. These woods are readily available, very sustainable, reasonably priced, and weather very well.
Sourcing the Wood
Ideally, when sourcing your wood, it is always best to go with local lumber as local companies know the area, they will be reputable, they will be professional, and they will be able to get you the best possible deals. What’s more, by going with a local lumber company, you are supporting a local business in the process.
For more information on building log cabins, contact Log Home Builders at 919-202-4428.