How To Build 20 Log Cabins > The Rustic
Rustic, indeed, is this Ward Cabin designed and built for Mrs. Deloris Bridges - wife of the honorable Senator. Featuring double, gabled extensions, these wings create a cozy closed-in effect for front porch relaxing-without affecting the straight-on picture window vista.
The Rustic measures 44 ft. across, 26 ft. 4 in. down the sides. The extra-large living room area is 22 ft. deep, 19 ft. 9 in. wide: Plenty of room here for that large, open fireplace you've been dreaming about! In addition to the front door to the porch - a rear door is provided in this room for easy access to your future patio.
The master bedroom measures 12x14 feet with two closets taking up part of this space - but providing a very interesting window area in return.The second bedroom, featuring an identical closet arrangement, is 12 ft. wide and 13 ft. deep. A third bedroom containing double bunks - measures an adequate 12x6 ft. The master bedroom, the bath and the bunk room are connected by a short, private hallway.
The large, airy kitchen (12x13 ft. 2 in.) contains a goodsized pantry and an extra service entrance to the rear of the cabin.
For general construction details of this type of cabin, read The John Alden and The Six-Shooter. At this point, however, we can add a few more details.
When the building is closed in entirely, the hardwood finished floor can be put in. This is a conventional construction and we
needn't say much about it except that you
will save yourself a lot of time and work if you can rent a floor nailing machine. Now layout partitions by chalking lines on the finished flooring. It need not conform exactly to the drawings in laying out partitions as long as you do not increase the total lineal feet of partitions. However, where a partition under a tie beam is shown, it must remain there as it provides strength. Partitions not under tie beams, but under ceiling joists, should have a double joist immediately above them. 
When the lines are definitely established, nail quarter round along them and plumb up to the above support. Now place partitions, driving them together permanently.All vertical plank partitions are kiln-dried and are given a shop-applied dip treatment with a surface sealer. Be sure to take into consideration your door placement. The door may be placed anywhere in the partition, merely by ripping a piece of partition stock, if necessary, and placing the door frame as shown on the detailed plans. One inch quarter round trim is then applied to all corners, wall and ceiling joints, floor and wall joints. Included with the unit is rough trim for doors and windows. Using finishing nails, apply trim to inside of frames. Joints should be butted together. Since the trim is only peeled and not uniform in size, mitered joints will not meet flush.
As far as construction goes (see the John Alden and the Six-Shooter), that just about finishes the cabin. Plumbing, heating and electrical services are standard and are best installed by contractors. (In many localities, it is a legal necessity to have these
utilities installed by licensed contractors.) A particularly adaptable type of heating for this type of cabin is the radiant, baseboard type.
Finishing the house is no special problem. The logs require no finish and will, in time, turn a beautiful silver-gray if left alone. Or, if you wish, the exterior may be stained in any color that appeals to you. As a final finish, the house should be sprayed with log cabin oil, a log oil that will provide a lustrous finish and protection that will not darken after exposure to the weather. The interior, too, is adaptable to a wide variety of finishes. An excellent
natural finish is attained by using Tungseal, a wood sealer that provides a clear, satin surface. If you prefer a brighter finish, varnish is suitable but will darken.
There are also on the market now several excellent color finishes available in virtually any color you choose. They enhance the appearance of the wood but in no way detract from the natural beauty of the grain since they are stains, not paint. As an alternative, you may wish to wallpaper one or more of the walls in the house (or ceilings for that matter). In this case it is a simple matter to apply plasterboard, masonite or plaster to the wood, and apply the paper over this. It can always be removed since the original pine wall is still there.
As for the ceilings, there are a number
of possibilities. Sheetrock may be laid over
the ceiling joists and either painted or papered. You may also apply wood paneling, either plywood or planks, over the joist, being careful, of course, that the wood selected is compatible with the rest of the room. Still another alternative would be to
leave out the rough ceiling joists and put
in 2x6-in. studs on which a plaster, sheetrock, or wood ceiling can be applied.
Want to build your own log cabin, or maybe start smaller with a few simple woodworking projects? These wood working plans will show you how to build everything from a deck chair to a barn.
Introduction
The Eagle's Nest
The Hermitage
The Gypsy
The Four Winds
Leisure House
The Little Lodge
The John Alden
The Six-Shooter
The Rustic
The Logger
The Scout
The Spring Bay (Part One)
Spring Bay (Part Two)
The Trailblazer
The Vagabond
The Hunter
The Seneca
The Hideout
The Hiawatha
The Fireside
The Triton
Where to Build It?
Pumps and Plumbing
Heating the Cabin
The Widgeon
The Snipe
The Wood Duck
The Bluegill
The Pike
The Boss
The Tidewater
The Cozy Cove
Carports
How To Build A Log Cabin
The Cabin Movement- Pre-cut Log Cabins
Where and Wherewith to Build
Foundations
Log Cabin Material
Log Cabin Walls
Log Cabin Floors and Roofs
Log Cabin Porches and Interior Details
Modern Log Cabins
Other Types of Cabins
Doors, Windows and Shutters
Building Fireplaces and Chimneys
Furnishing Ideas
Modern Conveniences
Beautifying the Cabin
Longer Life for Your Cabin
Hunting and Fishing Lodges
Profit-Making Tourist Homes
Wayside Stands and Other Things
Inside Cabins
Summer Homes
Specifications and Estimates