| Log Cabin Interiors -- Introduction and Preliminary Steps |
From "Log Cabin Interiors"
episode LCI-101 |
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Introduction Building your own log cabin can provide you with a private hideaway where you can feel relaxed, undisturbed and sheltered from the chaos of everyday life. Though it's a sizable project, it's one with great rewards and -- with the availability of premanufactured materials that come as elements in log-cabin kits -- one that's within the grasp of serious do-it-yourselfers. In DIY's initial Build a Log Cabin workshop, we followed the steps in the construction of one such cabin from foundation to the last roof shingle. The fundamental structure -- including log walls, support beams, roofing, flooring, etc. -- was built from materials delivered as a kit. Individual segments in the workshop covered such topics as choosing a suitable site; ensuring proper permits are in order; selecting materials; excavating; building a footing; raising exterior and interior walls; flooring; roofing; plumbing; wiring; and installing doors and windows, heating equipment, water access, gutters, porches, gables, beams and cross-ties. In this follow-up workshop, Log Cabin Interiors, we cover the completion phases of the log-cabin project -- including landscaping, finishing log walls, installing hardwood flooring, drywall, bathroom tile, kitchen cabinets, interior doors and decorative accessories. This particular cabin was built to function as a guesthouse near the main residence of the owner. Following are some of its main structural features: - 800-square-foot interior
- Large living room
- Full kitchen
- Master bedroom
- Master bathroom
- Additional half-bath
- Storage loft
- Flagstone front porch
- Wood side porch
- Vaulted ceilings
- Propane heat
- Tankless water-heater
The overall structure was designed to blend into a rustic pastoral setting, be visually unobtrusive to the landscape and evoke a casual, easygoing atmosphere. That theme was also carried through with the interior appearance, including the selection of hardwood flooring, color schemes, rustic fixtures, furnishings and decorative accessories. Though the owner and builder of the cabin was involved in supervision of and assistance with the construction from start to finish, for reasons of speed and logistics some of the more substantial labor (e.g., installation of cabinetry, wood flooring, insulation, and drywall) was conducted by specially experienced construction crews.
Landscaping
A landscaping crew was brought in to help create some visual exterior continuity and "curb appeal" for the log house. A bulldozer was used to help dig out the hard clay from the around the house exterior and replace it with good topsoil and a composted leaf mulch (figure A). The key to any successful landscaping project is proper soil preparation.
Once the new topsoil and mulch had been thoroughly mixed in the new beds, the crew began planting some carefully chosen potted perennials (figure B). The plants were first set out in their pots, making it easier to visualize plantings and decide on final placement. The combination of fertilizer, good soil and healthy plants will result in robust plantings that will accentuate the exterior of the cabin and give it a look that's in keeping with the rustic feel and the natural surroundings.
Insulation Prep
While the landscaping crew was at work outside the cabin, the insulation crew was at work inside installing insulation baffles and netting.
The crew begins by stapling lightweight baffles to the underside of the roof decking (figure C). The baffles will help disperse the heat that builds up beneath the plywood sheathing.
Next the crew stretches a tough fiberglass fabric across the underside of the roof rafters and staples it in place. The netting will hold the loose insulation that's later blown between the rafters.
Sealing the Log Exterior
The first step in protecting the outside of the log walls is selection of an exterior finish. The one used in our project (figure D) is a water-based log sealant formulated to resist the effects of both sun and rain.
A wide brush is the best tool for applying a log finish (figure E). A brush enables the user to apply a liberal coat to the wide, exposed areas of the logs, work it well into the pores of the wood and get it the narrow cracks and crevices. The white haze that appears as the finish is applied will disappear as it dries.
The next phase will involve moving inside the cabin, where the processes of hanging and painting drywall will begin.
RESOURCES :
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Website: www.loghomerepair.com
The Complete Guide to Building Log Homes
ISBN: 0806974869
Author: Monte Burch, Richard J. Meyer, Lloyd P. Birmingham
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway
Model: 0879056711
Author: Dale Mulfinger, Susan E. Davis
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
ISBN: 1586850431
Author: Robbin Obomsawin
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Inside Log Homes: The Art & Spirit of Home Planning and Decor
Model: 087905963X
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Special thanks for DIY's Log Cabin Interiors workshop
Formica Corp.
10155 Reading Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45241
Toll-free: 800-FORMICA (800-367-6422)
Fax: 513-786-3024
Website: www.formica.com
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