Building Log Cabins

How Many Logs Do You Need?

Log Ends

When building log cabins, the first thing you need to figure out is how many logs you will need. You don’t have to be an architect. Just draw things out on paper. I have found that stopping first to think things out and draw ideas saves me from problems in the end.

If you see a cabin that catches your eye, study how many logs were used on a particular wall. After a little thought and reflection you will figure out a pretty good idea of the number of logs you will need.

An important thing to remember is that you don’t need a full log for a wall where a window or door will be. Some people use full length logs and then cut openings. Planning the windows and doors out ahead of time will save on the number of trees needed and let you use shorter straight parts of a tree that might have some curves. I have had many trees that had a long straight area with a slight curve in just the wrong spot to be a long spanner log. I cut it where the curve or irregularity was and get two nice straight logs for a window or door area.