How To Make a Log Cabin for Kids

You can build a log cabin for your kids with a variety of materials and methods.This is an easy way to build a cabin.Getting started on your log cabin requires planning and gathering building materials.

Step 1: Straight, matching logs/poles are gathered.

You can make 3 1/3 gallons of the mix for 30% bleach and 70% water by mixing 1 gallon of bleach into 2 1/3 quarts of water.Solid wood that isn't containing bore worms, wood ants, or other insects can be used."Make-a-Log-Cabin-for-Kids-Step-1.jpg" is a smallUrl.

Step 2: If you want to make a little less than 1/3 diameter notch/dents on both sides of the logs, you can use an axe or saw.

Natural wood is thicker on one end than the other, so alternate the larger end and narrower ends.In the case of using 10 inch logs, the notch would be 3 inches or less, leaving about 10 cm of wood in the middle.If the logs were straight and all the same diameter, this would be 3 3 inches for each notch and the remaining wood."Make-a-Log-Cabin-for-Kids-Step-2.jpg" is a small URL.

Step 3: Place the logs on top of each other and link them at the corners, or bore each log in line to tie it all up.

Step 4: If you want the walls to be high, stack the logs as high as you can.

Keep the wall vertically aligned.This can be accomplished by cutting the logs to matching lengths.Repeatedly hang several strings on nails with pointed weights called "plumb-bobs" from the top of each wall downward to check the vertical plumb.The structure might collapse in an out-of-plumb area if it isn't plumb.If the structure's wall and posts are plumb, gravity works for you, but not against you."Make-a-Log-Cabin-for-Kids-Step-4.jpg" is a small URL.

Step 5: After the walls are in place, cut out windows and doors.

Step 6: Put some wooden beams in triangular shapes on top of the walls to hold a tarp up and to nail the roof plank over the rafter beams.

There would be rot and discolored walls if rain water ran down the walls.

Step 7: You may want to put log braces on the end of the tarp to angle it so water doesn't pool in it.

If using a ridge beam, nail each rafter part of the triangle.

Step 8: "Chink" is to fill the spaces between the logs.

Put some clay in between the cracks and mix dried, dead-grass or straw to the clay to hold it together.

Step 9: Studs, window and doors frames, and "casings" can be built using any playhouse or shed pattern.

Step 10: Stockade fencing poles are readily available from most lumber supply stores.

Step 11: The roof can be either a standard watertight tar-/asphalt-paper and shingles over plywood or a stockade pole over top which would let in rain and air.

Depending on your preferences.

Step 12: Landscape timbers are pre-trimmed logs of uniform dimensions which are easy to build with no cracks to chink.

Step 13: Determine the size of your cabin.

Place stakes on them.

Step 14: Determine if you want the walls to be open or solid.

You will need to build a firm frame if you want solid walls.To connect the timbers at the corners, you need to drill holes in the ends of the walls.

Step 15: Determine if you want the playhouse to be permanent or not.

For a solid installation, pour cement foundations or use strong concrete blocks on foundation pads at the corners.One block at each corner and one in the middle of the building would be adequate for a small cabin.The cinder blocks are brittle and lighter.You can lay a wooden foundation on blocks.A pre-cut foundation can be delivered on skids.