Many of us dream about relaxing in our own garden log cabin, but is it really possible to achieve?  Quite a few garden log cabin kits are on the market, but the cheapest and most satisfying way is to build it yourself.  This is the way to do it.

Usually a log cabin has only four sides.  Other shapes are more complicated to build, and therefore more costly.  
Even though they are simple to build, garden log cabins must be designed properly from the foundations up and you should get professional quality plans and expert advice to help you do this.  Also think about getting the essential materials list done by these experts – it will save you much time and money.  Good quality plans are worth their cost many times over, and will save you doing all the tedious design calculations.

A useful size for a log cabin home would be about 20 ft by 30 ft.  Look for an elevated site to prevent damp and make a reasonably flat area that will contain the base of the building.  

Old garden log cabins would probably have had an earthen floor, but some had wood planks.  The latter would be better and easier to keep clean.

The plans will show you what size and type of logs to use, and these might be quite rough and ready.  Don’t worry – this is the basis for all charming garden log cabins!  A lock-joint is used at each corner to fasten the side and end logs to one another.  This is a notch cut about one foot in from each end of the log.  Side and end wall logs are mated in this way, notch on notch, to produce the characteristic appearance of traditional log cabins.  

If you have built a proper foundation, such as a concrete base, fix the first course of logs to it using anchor bolts and make sure these logs are levelled properly.  The floor joists should be spaced every two feet along the side logs. Build further courses of logs up to the planned door height, about 80 inches.  At this stage cut out openings for the door and windows – fastening wood battens to the logs to ensure stability – and fasten door and window jambs in place.  Finish the log courses until the final wall height has been reached.

Shorter logs will now be laid at each end, still mated to side logs, to produce the roof pitch found in the blueprints.  The final addition is the ridge pole.  Garden log cabins usually have roofs made from wooden planks or shingles.  Your plans will have various options and will show you how to fit them.  Fill in the gaps between logs by caulking with a mud and moss mixture – you might find your kids eager to help at this stage!

Finish your log cabin by fitting the floor planks, door and windows.  You might want to make your door from spare planks and battens, but these often distort badly over time and it is more sensible to search for an old antique or salvage piece and build your log cabin around it.  You might want to leave your window openings unglazed but, if not, your plans should showl you how to make suitable opening windows.

Many log cabins have fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, because a fire is part of the log cabin dream for many people.  Be very careful about including such things, however, because there is a real risk of fire or heat damage to the surroundings.  Many states have local regulations governing the design and installation of fires in wooden buildings, and you are the one responsible for complying with these.  Good plans should include proper advice and guidance on this subject.

Finally, you might think about fitting a solar panel for making free electricity and a solar heater for your hot water, particularly if your log cabin is off the beaten track.

And remember to plan well ahead, so that your garden log cabin is ready in time for winter!