How to Build a Log Cabin

Due to its contemporary design and light airy space, a popular use for our Flow Log Cabin is a garden office. However there are many other potential uses for the Flow, such as a garden bar/pub, a summerhouse, games room or even a pool room such as the one in this video sent in by one of our happy customers.

Before you begin unpacking your log cabin, take a note of the unique package number. This is found on the labels on the packets and/or plans. Keep this number safe as it will be needed in the unlikely event that you need replacement / additional parts or to claim later against faults.

Using a packing knife, carefully cut open the plastic wrapping and begin unloading the parts to your cabin. Place them on a level ground near to where they will be constructed later.

As you unpack, check the parts against the packing list which is located within the package itself.

Your plans will always be inside the main package and found within the logs. Study these carefully before you begin your build. They help you understand the overall layout of the cabin and the positions in which to construct the parts.

At first the plans may seem a little daunting, but as you work through them things becoming a lot easier. The plans are hugely important and construction cannot be successful without following them carefully.

The plans contain a ‘list of parts’ page. These are all the parts that will be found in the pack(s).  All log cabins supplied by us will always have a consist list and this will be referred to often.

You will also find the elevations of the building. These are drawings that show the exact components used. The plans also contain a floor plan with measurements.

The layout of most of our cabins are interchangeable (Please check with us if in doubt). So doors/windows/openings can be placed in various places throughout your cabin. This was the case in this build. The Customer wanted the front entrance to be on the right hand side of his cabin. Also he didn’t want an internal door between the 2 rooms, but to have it as an external door instead. Please bear this is mind as you build up your cabin as you may wish adapt it as you wish.

While you are unpacking it’s a good idea to seperate your half/starter logs and place them directly onto your base.

They can be identified by being as the name suggests, vertically half the size of a regular log. They also have a flat bottom.

Lay two half/starter logs and two full logs opposite each other as per the plans and interlock them into place.

Foundation beams are important as they act as sacrificial timber to prevent the first log ever sitting in water. They are placed between the starter logs and the base.

We recommend using profiled foundation beams, as they allow any water to flush away from the first log.

With profiled foundation beams, cut the corners at a 45 degree angle. Place them under your already laid starter logs and screw into place. Screw from both the inside of the profiled foundation beams ino the starter logs and down through the logs between the tongues.

With the base level, foundation beams laid and starter logs down, now is a good time to check everything is square.

all the four corners A, B, C, & D going in a clockwise direction. For the corners to be square the diagonal measurement from A to C must be the same as the measurement from B to D. You will have to keep moving point C and D until you get the measurement to be the same.

Ensure your cabin continues to be square by checking regularly as you build up the walls.

You can now begin to build up your walls. Simply interlock the logs one on top of the other, and securing into place with a mallet. *It’s important to not screw the logs together, if you do you will have major issues in the future including gaps and splits in your cabin.

It is easy to get carried away when building up the logs because it’s such an easy process. However, keep referring to the plans and count the number of logs high you are as you build. This will make it easier for when you want to add window and door frames. We also send a number of additional spare logs with your cabin in case of damages, so ensure these are not added to your cabin if ot required.

Continue to ensure the cabin is square throughout the build.

Once you are 3 – 8 logs high both side of the windows and door openings, it is time to fit them.

The door head and door threshold are often sent one inside the other and will slide apart to reveal two parts.

Single doors will come pre-made so can simple slot into the openings. Double doors will arrive in sections and simply require screwing together as seen on the video.

The windows and door frames can then simply be slotted into the opening. Push and mallet down until secure. Do not screw the frame into the wall logs.

Facia boards can be removed before installation if desired. This makes slotting in the logs between the frames easier. Once the logs are in place the facia boards can then either be screwed or nailed back into the frames with a 10-15mm overlap.

Once the door and window frames are in, continue building up the walls, counting and consulting the plans as you go.

It is normal for the outer walls to come away from the windows and door frames, they will be pulled back into place when the top logs are secured.

Once wall logs are put in place, counted and checked with plans, secure the roofing rafters. These are installed in the same way as the wall logs, connected by interlocking with the top wall logs and secured in place with a mallet. Again, no screws required. Then check the cabin is square once again.

Doors can now easily be hung onto the flag hinges. Cylinder locks are be inserted into pre-cut holes, as well as door and windows handles.

Handles are secured into place with an allen key, and backplate secured with screws.

Secure eave blocks into place by screwing them to the top logs from the inside.

It’s a good idea to place all the roofing boards onto the roof with the tongues facing the same direction. This saves time and effort when it comes to installing them.

Starting at one end of the cabin, begin securing the tongue and groove roof boards onto the roof.

As you are laying the boards keep checking that the edge of the boards are running parallel.

The boards are secured into place with two nails side by side into the top log and where they cross the rafters. (The installers are using an air powered nail gun for speed and ease, however a basic hammer will also suffice). If you are planning on using an air gun yourself, please ensure the nails are at least 50mm long.

When a board overlaps a rafter lengthways, screw the boards into it. Also screw the boards into the wall logs around the perimeter of the cabin.

Mark where the last board overhangs the eaves, cut to size, and secure in place as before.

Mark and cut the roof boards front and back to create a straight edge.

If insulation is being installed, lay battens around the perimeter of the roof. Screw through into roofing boards and top logs, cut when required.

Insulation kits are an option extra, recommended for all year use. More info on our insulation kits.

Lay insulation boards onto roof.

Measure and cut when required.

Top the insulation boards with OSB Boards which are supplied with the insulation kits.

Mark and cut where required.

Secure boards into place by screwing them into the insulation boards.

Again the installers are using an electric circular saw for speed and ease, but a manual hand saw will suffice.

Install the barge boards to the perimeter of the cabin using screws into the eaves.

Ensure the roof is clear of debris and screwheads are flush.

Roll out EPDM onto roof and leave it to rst for 20 – 30 minutes. This will decrease the amount of creases in the material.

Note – There are a few different methods of installing roof trims. The following instructions are a preferred method by one of our most experienced installers.

For more roof trim ideas and guidance visit our blog on Laying EPDM on a Log Cabin.

Secure the roofing trims onto the barge boards, tightly sandwiching the EPDM material in-between.

Fold over the corners of the EPDM and secure trims in place with screws.

Cut the end of the trims where required.

Finish off by cutting the EPDM under the trims using a knife around the perimeter of the cabin.

Log Cabin construction is now complete ready for flooring, guttering and timber treatment.