You’ve always wanted your own little wooden home in the woods – finally you can. Log cabin kits are making it possible for people all around the world to build and own their own little wooden dream.
Gone are the days where you must go into the forest, chop down a tree and cut down stumps to the desired lengths. The hard work has already been done by manufacturers compiling different sized and shaped log homes. All you have to do is get the pieces together and start building.
Choosing from a variety of styles, homeowners can buy different kinds of log homes complete with windows, doors, beams, and posts. Learn more about how log cabin kits work here: https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/construction/planning/log-cabin-kits.htm
What’s Included in a Wood Cabin Kit?
Apart from laying down a foundation, most kits have everything else you might need. It’s like building a puzzle on a very big scale. Manufacturers of these fully equipped wooden homes have a variety of different architectural designs available. Ranging from 1-3 bedrooms, 1-3 bathroom, living area, patio, and even double story.
Depending on what design you choose, you’ll receive different parts to assemble. Kits typically include:
- Log walls
- Flooring panels
- Roof parts
- Windows frames and windows
- Door frames and doors
- Insulation equipment
It’s important to note that some kits don’t include other parts like material to lay the foundation, interior finishing, plumbing, electrical cables, heating systems, and insulation systems.
Although the kit does make life much easier, you are still required to get all of the other things in place. Luckily, you can use craftsmen to recommend extra materials and even help with the assembly bit.
If you’d like to assemble your own kit, you will have to follow these steps:
Lay foundation
It’s important that you find a location that is most practical for your wooden home. A great foundation is solid and always poured under the frost line. It will be the base of the entire structure and needs to be solid, durable, and perfectly aligned.
Wood Type
There are different types of wood that you can use but the best log cabin kits are handcrafted from scratch. In order for your new timber palace to look unique and reflect your own personal style, you can opt for kits that feature special hand treated and crafted posts and poles.
When deciding on the wood type, you shouldn’t only consider what it physically looks like but also, it’s functionality and practicality. Wood can expand and shrink depending on the weather conditions in the area.
Consult your local log kit provider when it comes to types of logs. You should also consider a wood that is durable and that can endure harsh weather circumstances.
Installing
After you’ve laid down a solid foundation, you can start to position the logs according the instructions. All log cabin kits come with an in-depth instruction manual that you can follow. High quality kits are very convenient and easy to install. With a little bit of manpower and a crane or ladder, you’ll be able to install the construction yourself. Watch this video of a construction site of a big wooden cabin.
Joists need to be placed and then the flooring should be directed in a horizontal position to the joists. Logs are heavy and trying to lift and adjoin them by yourself will be impossible. Remember to wear the correct safety gear when lifting and joining logs.
Once the walls are built, the roof will go on almost immediately to ensure everything is kept safe and dry. Heavy rafters can be used to frame the roof or metal. When the frame is put in place you can add doors and windows. Always make sure that windows are installed in the correct direction. Regardless, most kits include double sealed and glazed units.
If installing your own log cabin kit sounds like too much hassle, you can request assistance from the company you’ve purchased it from.
After the entire structure has been erected all that is left is to get insurance that covers all interior items as well as fire and weather damage. Decorate the inside with complimentary furniture and décor and enjoy your new natural home.