How To Build Your Own Log Cabin

1.) Tools and PreparationThe most important thing to have before you get started is a base, a level base. Try and use concrete if you can, having a level base is paramount to the safety and durability of the cabin. If you want a lop-sided funhouse cabin that will fall down on your heads after a few days, then by all means skip this part. If you're confident that you have a level base, you need to make sure that you have the right equipment;

• Timber/Lumber
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Saw
• Measuring Tape
• Spirit Level
• Drill
• Pliers
• Ladder
• Knife

No matter what you think, you cannot do this without instruction unless you're going for the 'pile of wood on the floor' approach.

2.)Getting StartedYou need to lay out the bearers which will outline the frame of the cabin. These should be treated against mould and decay as they will be in contact with the ground permanently. Consider screwing these bearers into the concrete for extra safety. 
Walls of log cabins are built by adding layer upon layer to the bearers. Slot-in cabin kits are fairly straight forward, but the same rule applies for build from scratch projects. Ensure that each new layer is firmly attached to the bottom and doesn't overhang to create an unbalanced wall. The most important point is to ensure the bottom layer is fast to the bearers, or else you'll find the walls literally closing in on you. Before they collapse on you. Build the walls up to 5 or 6 logs high and then begin on the doors and windows.

3.) AccessIt is important not to fix doors or windows to the wall timber, make sure that you're using frames for both. Any adjustments can only be made for a fortnight after completion because of the shrinking and expanding of outdoor lumber. Ensure your frames overlap for extra security and also to make them removable when you correct the inevitable mistakes that you've made! Once your doors and windows are in, build the rest of the walls to roof height.

4.) Topping It OffMake sure you add the gable ends before the roof itself, as you need it to be sloping for rainfall. Build the roof in two sections, one slanting upwards from each wall and ensure that they all fit correctly. Roof covering is only there to protect the wood, go for practicality over style. You'll rue your decision to go for pretty blue over suitable grey when there are puddles in your armchair. 

5.) Finishing TouchesSelect your floorboards and nail them to the bearers appropriately. All that's left to do is treat and stain the wood. Treating is essential, staining is not. You can opt for whichever paint colour you want but ensure that you have the right coating to protect from the weather.