Building a Log Cabin from Scratch

Interested in building a log cabin from scratch, just like our pioneering ancestors did?  Well, I haven't found a web site yet with step by step instructions, but "Cabins: A Guide to Building Your Own Nature Retreat" is a pretty good book to check out. 

It goes into how to build different types of cabins like pole-built cabins, stick-built cabins, post-and-beam cabins, stone cabins, and cordwood cabins.  It doesn't have any big colorful photographs, but there are a lot of sketches and drawings showing cabin plans, designs, and constructions tips.  There aren't any actual blueprints though, so I probably wouldn't recommend the book as a definitive guide to building a cabin from scratch, but it looks like a good jumping off point.  It really gets you thinking about everything from where to buy land (what to look for when you buy) to the nitty gritty necessities (foundations, insulation and roofing, plumbing & sanitary systems, etc.). 

If your libary has it, it's worth reading even if you're planning to have someone design and build your cabin for you.  It's about $13 for the paperback version at Amazon: Cabins: A Guide to Building Your Own Nature Retreat

Comments

[Roe]

Greetings,
I am Roe, I am looking for information On the process of building with raw untreated cedars.
The cedars that are taking over our grazing property have not been culled for more than 30 years.
I will not allow any tree to be chopped down if I can't use it. SO!! I need to know what to do to protect the logs after I cut them so I can build a dwelling with them.
I also need information on what is called a living roof, as well as earth flooring.
Thank you for your time & help. Roe~

[Log Cabin]

Thanks for sharing this book. I believe it would be a big help for anybody who wants to build their own log cabin.

Kris