How Long Does it Take to Build a Medium-Sized Log Cabin?


how long does it take to build a log cabin
building a lob cabin
building a cabin

In today’s society log homes are increasingly becoming a draw for many home owners. The rustic ambiance, the beautiful woodwork, and the undeniable all-american feel it brings. Many wonder how they can build a log cabin and more importantly, how long it will take.

So how long exactly does it take to build a log cabin? Building a log cabin can take anywhere between twelve to fourteen weeks. Building a log cabin consists of three phases: the planning phase, the building phase, and the erecting phase. The planning phase can take anywhere from a couple weeks to several months, the building phase usually takes between twelve and fourteen weeks, and the erecting phase usually only lasts two to three days. 

Each of these phases takes planning and detail. Though most log cabins appear as if they come from a dream, the process of constructing one is not so magical, but indeed interesting and even fun! I have researched each of the phases to find out exactly what they detail, you can read my findings below! 

Time Considerations of Building a Log Cabin

So you’ve decided or are considering building a log cabin for yourself, your family, or for another reason. There are many things to take into consideration when thinking of and creating a timeline for your log cabin construction. 

  • What will the weather be like during your planned construction?

It is important to take into account the weather because this can drastically change circumstances to the amount of time spent on your log cabin. If the weather is bad it will delay the work on your log cabin and will, therefore, become more expensive due to possible damaged equipment, insurance, pay to workers, etc. I recommend looking ahead to your chosen dates and researching what the weather will be like. Other than your news stations, I highly recommend the yearly Farmer’s Almanac

  • How much man power do you need?

Time may be taken to find the man power to assist you in building your log cabin. Whether you search for friends to help or inquire for a construction company, taking time to search or being on a wait list of assistance can extend your timeline quite a bit. Be sure that the manpower you find is experienced and well trusted to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your new home.

  • What tools and materials do you require? 

When considering your timeline it is important to think of the tools you may need to rent and the materials you need to acquire. It would be wise to call ahead to your local hardware store and see if they have tools and material in stock for you.

In some circumstances, they may not be, and you may need to find other means of acquiring what you need whether that be through a friend or by means of ordering from a different source and having the things you need delivered. Just as with cooking it is extremely important that you have everything you need for sure before you start anything.

  • How big is your build?

Something that will drastically determine the length of your timeline is the size of your build. As logical, smaller builds are more quick to build than larger builds. In the case of this article we are looking at medium builds. As stated before to build a medium sized cabin can take anywhere between twelve to fourteen weeks, this again depends on the size of the log cabin you are building. 

The Planning Phase of a Log Cabin

Depending on how fast of a planner you are or how much details you want, the planning phase can take anywhere from two days to two weeks, maybe even longer depending on your preferences.

Taking the above thoughts into consideration you are now ready to plan. This is the stage where you will create the blueprints for your cabin and mold it to your heart’s own desires. Aside from the questions above, consider these questions for when you are planning your blueprints.

  • What kind of wood do I want my log cabin to be built from?
  • How many windows do I want and where do I want them?
  • How many doors do I need?
  • Will my cabin be open layout or have rooms?
  • Should my flooring be wood too?
  • Do I want a fireplace?
  • Do I want rafters or an attic?
  • How many levels do I want my cabin to be?
  • What necessities do I want in my cabin? (Bathroom, Kitchen, etc.)
  • Where do I want my cabin to be?
  • Do I want my cabin to have electricity or completely off grid?

These are just some of the many questions you will want to consider when planning the construction of your log cabin. As you develop these plans you will be one step closer to completing your dream and continuing onto the next phase of construction.

“Life is better at the cabin.”

Anonymous

The Building Phase

The building phase is the second phase on your timeline for the construction of your log cabin. This phase is where your logs are acquired and constructed into the proportions and style needed for your desired cabin.

After deciding what kind of wood you want your log cabin to be built from you can send in an order to a timber or log home company and they will acquire the wood needed and cut and shape it to size before delivering it to the site of your planned log home. 

Also note that timber and log home companies are not your only route. You may want to cut down your own trees and harvest your own wood for your cabin. This decision is completely up to you. The timeline varies on which route you take.

With timber and log home companies, as stated before it is usually a time line of around twelve to fourteen weeks to attain the wood, cut it to size, and deliver it to the set location of your log home.

If you prefer to cut your own trees of choice and craft your timber yourself, this timeline will be completely crafted by you and put on your own preferred timeline.

For either route you choose, once your timber is chopped down and crafted to your preset calculations, they will next be brought to the location of your soon to be log cabin for the next phase in the process.

Towards the middle to end of this phase, you will need to clear an area and create the foundation for your log cabin so the timber can easily be constructed upon completion. There are many different types of foundations you can use so it is important to take time in considering the best foundation for your log cabin.

” … there is the bare beauty of the logs themselves with their long lines and firm curves…

Gustav Stickley

The Erecting Phase of Building a Cabin

This is the final phase of your construction. At this point, your dream is days away from becoming a reality! The timeline on this phase again depends on what mode of construction you choose, whether that be personally or through a company to do the construction for you. 

If you are building your log cabin personally, the timeline is completely up to you. It can be done as fast as two to three days or longer if that is preferred.

If you chose to hire a company to assist in building your log cabin (depending on the size of course), it usually takes two to three days of hard labor.

This phase consists of building up your cabin on your foundation. First, the walls are erected, and the frame of your cabin is built. Next, you will fit the floor you chose. Once this is done and your cabin is fixed with the other nuts and bolts such as shingles, insulating, windows, and doors you will find that your cabin is complete and constructed to its planned glory. You now will have a beautiful log home that you have become the proud owner of! 

“I had daydreams and fantasies when I was growing up. I always wanted to live in a log cabin at the foot of a mountain. I would ride my horse to town and pick up provisions. Then return to the cabin, with a big open fire, a record player and peace.”

Linda Mcartney

Extra Bits

Now that your log home is complete, you now have another job to do. Decorate! Whether you choose to do the decorating or leave it to the creative mind of your spouse, this is a very important but sometimes overlooked step in the process.

A log cabin is a place of peace, a place where you can find comfort from your daily lives of hustle and bustle. A sofa to lounge on, a carpet by the fireplace, windowboxes outside your windows, a table and chairs to dine at, many things are considered when making your cabin just that, yours. 

Another consideration of things to include on the inside of your log cabin can be numerous. If your cabin is located in a snowy area like mine, in the Winter you can go snowshoeing in the surrounding area. Sleds and toboggans are fun to race around on. Warm throw blankets to wrap yourself in upon your return is also a must. 

In the summertime things are different, but equally as fun. You may want fishing rods and other equipment for your fun hobby. A walking stick may lean against your wall, just waiting to be planted into the ground for an adventure. Frisbee, croquet, a ball and a few gloves may await in your closet for a fun time in your cabin’s yard. 

Overall, you are the creator and owner of your newfound haven. What will make it the best place is that you fill it not only with things that bring you happiness but with yourself. 

“It is good to know that out there, in a forest in the world, there is a cabin where something is possible.”

Sylvain Tesson

Visit Our “Building a Cabin Page” for More Great Tips!

Other Questions for Building a Log Cabin

How long should logs dry before being used to build? Depending on the type of wood being used, a good amount of time to wait is between one and two years. It should be noted that the longer amount of time waited, the better the wood will be to build with. 

How much does it cost to build a log home? Depending on the size of the log home and the resources used to build it, a log home costs around twenty-thousand American dollars. Prices can increase and decrease depending on the resources used and time spent constructing the log home. The present economy may also make a difference depending on different circumstances.

Are log homes cheaper than regularly owned homes? Log homes are actually 20-30% more expensive than a conventionally owned home. This is not always the case though. Again with the considerations taken with building a log home, prices may differ. Some may say the peace found in a log cabin is always worth the extra money. 

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