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Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.

 
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 7096971
United States
02/12/2012 05:52 PM
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Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
I am going to be building a vertical log cabin 32'x24'. I will be using all red cedar trees that are on the property. I am planning on getting all my materials first and prepping the logs. After I have everything I will then begin to build. I plan to use a pier support foundation with 6'x6' pressure treated lumber, sitting 24" in the ground (that is the frost line). I will space them 8' apart, giving me 12 supports. I plan on using main support beam s running across the width (there will be 2) and 1 support beam running the length. Creating (essentially) a grid pattern of 8'x8' sections totaling 8.

My questions are, when affixing the floor joist, should I use 2"x6"s standing on end or laying flat around the perimeter. And, I plan on using cedar trees for the roof trusses and applying the plywood directly to them. Will this work as well as a traditional roof, built with store bought lumber?

And lastly, how long will this take, (assuming I have all the materials prepped within a month) how long to put it all together and get the final house?

Thanks if you can help.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 7096971
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02/12/2012 05:53 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
bump
For some help
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 10662475
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02/12/2012 05:57 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
I have no advice to share, but this reminded me of a documentary I had watched a year ago about this man who built his own log cabin. Check it out if you haven't, it's a good film.

bigD111

User ID: 4221691
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02/12/2012 06:00 PM

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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
I am not a builder, but don't your logs need to dry before you build?
deplorably republican
Mr. Toppit

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02/12/2012 06:02 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
Standing on end. It will look better and warp less. IMho of course.
DeadBeacon

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02/12/2012 06:02 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
Go here and scroll down to Garage Gallery. You'll find more help and ideas than you could ever need.


[link to garagejournal.com]

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Anonymous Coward
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02/12/2012 06:03 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
THe most important thing to keep in mind in insulating it so that critters can't get up inside the walls. A friend built a cabin and it had snakes that got up into it, and during the night he heard them hissing and dropping. No joke, so keep that in mind!
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1306067
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02/12/2012 06:07 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
I am not a builder, but don't your logs need to dry before you build?
 Quoting: bigD111


Yes, they need to be seasoned for a period of at least 6-8 months. Cut them down in the summer, come next spring and start getting to work.
Spudz

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02/12/2012 06:11 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
Sounds like on end just like a normal floor joist, don't know why you couldn't use dimensional lumber for the roof trusses as long as you figure your snow load. How long depends on how much help you are able to get?? if you're building in a location where you can get some people you know to come help for a few days or weekends....you taking care of the food and refreshments goes a long way.
Anonymous Coward
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02/12/2012 06:11 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
Your 2x6's should be on edge, not flat.

Yes you can just use logs for your rafters over purlins. What are you doing for the gable ends.......... are your logs going to be full length standing on end from floor to peak?

How long it takes depends on you and how hard you give'r as well as what you have for equipment, etc for lifting the purlins in place. Probably a week to 10 days on your own if prepared at a minimum I would think.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1317751
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02/12/2012 06:14 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
I am not a builder, but don't your logs need to dry before you build?
 Quoting: bigD111


Yes, they need to be seasoned for a period of at least 6-8 months. Cut them down in the summer, come next spring and start getting to work.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1306067


Best to cut in the winter when the sap is not flowing. Harder to peel but better logs in the end. Lots of log home builders do not season logs for more than a couple months due to high demand and turn over of buildings, but the take into account 10% shrink and this factor is used as well when cutting window and door openings........ etc.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 549407
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02/12/2012 06:23 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
[link to www.loghomebuilders.org]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 10604530
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02/12/2012 06:30 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
Just typed out a long answer and lost it.
Architect here.

Let your timber season.
Dont want to use green wood to build with.

Pour Concrete pads for the footings and set the 6x6's on top of that in Simson buckets. No wood in direct contact with concrete or soil. A 6x6 is not good enough for a footing and they will rot anyway. A foundation like you described would be very undersized.

If you want to use wood pilings use creosote poles, but they should be driven.

2x6 on edge but probably not deep enough depending.

Find a builder or architect or structural engineer that can run some numbers and make sure you are not under sizing anything like the foundation for one.

You only want to do this once.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1306067
United States
02/12/2012 06:43 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
Here is a fantastic site for building ones own log cabin.

[link to www.ourloghouse.com]

They list step by step how to select, harvest, skid to build site, season/rotate, and finally number and catalog.
jailarson

User ID: 10641596
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02/12/2012 06:46 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
Just typed out a long answer and lost it.
Architect here.

Let your timber season.
Dont want to use green wood to build with.

Pour Concrete pads for the footings and set the 6x6's on top of that in Simson buckets. No wood in direct contact with concrete or soil. A 6x6 is not good enough for a footing and they will rot anyway. A foundation like you described would be very undersized.

If you want to use wood pilings use creosote poles, but they should be driven.

2x6 on edge but probably not deep enough depending.

Find a builder or architect or structural engineer that can run some numbers and make sure you are not under sizing anything like the foundation for one.

You only want to do this once.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 10604530


This is good advice.
Burt Gummer

User ID: 7702124
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02/12/2012 07:25 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
Thanks for link to that site.
Gave me some ideas about the MAN CAVE motorcycle garage upgrades.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 6266617
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02/12/2012 07:41 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
Sqaure two sides...top and bottom of log. This way they sit flat when you stack the logs. Chink outside to seal and run a seal between the logs. Allways solid block down to the carrying beams...this way all log wall weight is directed to pt beam with no gaps...I would go beefy with 8x8"s also.
Sqaure one side of log for rafters then strap the top with 2x4's and install 5/8 plywood or insulated panels. Don't use fiberglass insulation!
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 10573104
United Kingdom
02/12/2012 10:55 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
No advice, but my husband's double cousin (a sister and a brother married a brother and a sister) and her husband built a log cabin in Arkansas. She said they tested the logs by throwing clothes at them---if they didn't stick, the logs weren't rough enough . Good luck---I'm not sure why but it took them years to finish theirs. Maybe because of the testing method.
Spudz

User ID: 10674559
United States
02/12/2012 11:03 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
No advice, but my husband's double cousin (a sister and a brother married a brother and a sister)
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 10573104



You did say Arkansas right?


baby wtf
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 10285481
United States
02/12/2012 11:10 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
I am going to be building a vertical log cabin 32'x24'. I will be using all red cedar trees that are on the property. I am planning on getting all my materials first and prepping the logs. After I have everything I will then begin to build. I plan to use a pier support foundation with 6'x6' pressure treated lumber, sitting 24" in the ground (that is the frost line). I will space them 8' apart, giving me 12 supports. I plan on using main support beam s running across the width (there will be 2) and 1 support beam running the length. Creating (essentially) a grid pattern of 8'x8' sections totaling 8.

My questions are, when affixing the floor joist, should I use 2"x6"s standing on end or laying flat around the perimeter. And, I plan on using cedar trees for the roof trusses and applying the plywood directly to them. Will this work as well as a traditional roof, built with store bought lumber?

And lastly, how long will this take, (assuming I have all the materials prepped within a month) how long to put it all together and get the final house?

Thanks if you can help.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 7096971


I don't understand. Are you saying that you are going to put the weight of the logs on the piers? That can't be right.

As for floor joists, what will the length be? 12'? I'm sure you need at least 2/10's, in which case, you would also need 2x10's running on edge from pier to pier. the band should be the same as the joist.
I think you need to talk to a builder before you waste a lot of time.
Just a suggestion, but how about building a cordwood house set on concrete footing? If you are working by yourself, it would be a lot easier to build.
GeekOfTheWeek

User ID: 8795702
United States
02/12/2012 11:31 PM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
I am not a builder, but don't your logs need to dry before you build?
 Quoting: bigD111


That's one year without the bark on them, longer if you leave the bark on. I suggest getting a portable mill to work the cured lumber. Cedar isn't a great choice of wood, as it's not very good for holding nails, so you'll be using lots of screws.

Get some learning about it all online, it's not THAT hard, but you do need to learn some things. Also a water level will help you set the piers completely level. I'm talking about the kind with a jug and clear plastic tubing with a valve on the end of the tube. Set the level in the jug to where you want your piers, then take each pier to the right height just by opening the valve and watch where the water level is. Sure is quicker than a line and standard levels.
I love physics. It bonds us eternally, it's what makes our computers work, it's what's in my morning cup of coffee, it's the thing that keeps the universe from vanishing due to lack of belief...
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 10683800
United States
02/13/2012 01:58 AM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
Just typed out a long answer and lost it.
Architect here.

Let your timber season.
Dont want to use green wood to build with.

Pour Concrete pads for the footings and set the 6x6's on top of that in Simson buckets. No wood in direct contact with concrete or soil. A 6x6 is not good enough for a footing and they will rot anyway. A foundation like you described would be very undersized.

If you want to use wood pilings use creosote poles, but they should be driven.

2x6 on edge but probably not deep enough depending.

Find a builder or architect or structural engineer that can run some numbers and make sure you are not under sizing anything like the foundation for one.

You only want to do this once.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 10604530


agreed
two reasons...ternites and rot
I would pour a high flat slab and start from there
that way, at least the floor never "has issues"

and when I say high, I mean 2 ft+ above the ground w/ 3ft footings and a few beams to boot

concrete is gonna be the cheapest material you will work with

"You only want to do this once" and you damned sure don't want to have to redo it in 10 years!!!!


dr
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 10309673
United States
02/13/2012 02:14 AM
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Re: Building a Log Cabin. Need Some Help.
I would rethink the foundation.

Is there rock on the property?

If so Portland cement and rock would be a much better choice.





GLP