Modern Log Cabins

JUST because you cannot obtain a carload of real logs, you need not deny yourself the pleasure that a cabin gives. Manufacturers have modernized the log-cabin idea and made it available to everyone. In fact, the modernized cabin usually is cheaper in the Long run than the genuine log variety. But if you insist on logs, and want to avoid much of the heavy work involved in their use, you can purchase ready-cut cabins of real logs of cedar or similar durable wood. These logs are selected for straightness and uniformity of taper, and are notched and otherwise processed in a woodworking mill. For instance, the logs furnished by one company for cabin building are grooved along top and bottom and at ends adjacent to openings, so that splines can be used to produce weather-tight joints without the necessity of chinking.

These illustrations show the proper manner of building sills, walls, and windows when log siding is used in a cabin.

building methods are followed or when some of the log substitutes are used.

These log substitutes are siding cut to look like round or hewn logs, and machined so that the edges overlap to produce weather-tight joints. Woods from which they are made vary. Here are some of the log-cabin sidings available at most lumber dealers:

White pine and Norway pine: Outside surface rounded to resemble a peeled pine log. Inside surface flat and smooth, for nailing to studs. Ship-lap joint used at edges, each board overlapping the one below to produce a water-tight joint. Comes in natural pine color, and can be left to weather without further treat­ment, or covered with shingle stain, clear creosote, or varnish. Available in 2 by 6, 2 by 8 and 2- by 10-in. sizes, and in lengths of 6 to 16 ft.

California Pine and Incense Cedar: Outside surface rounded to resemble peeled logs, or flat and beveled to resemble hewn logs. Pecky cedar siding is made from cedar that contains irregular openings or holes that were formed by fungi while the trees were standing. These holes, which may be several inches long, produce an attractive rustic appearance. Round-log siding of these woods is made in 4-, 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-in. widths, 1 ½ in. thick; and in 6-, 8- and 10-in. widths, 2 3/8 in. thick. Joints usually are single-lap, but can be double-lap in the 10- and I2-in. sizes. Hewed logs siding is produced at the factory with a flat surface, and can be textured with an adz or broadax on the job, to make it look more realistic. It comes in 8- and 10-in. widths, 1 ½, in. thick, and 8-, 10-, and 12-in. widths, 2 3/8   in. thick. California Pine and Incense Cedar can be left to weather naturally, although a preservative consist‑

Here are the best ways of finishing corners when log siding is used. Note also the manner of floor and wall construction.

ing of one part turpentine and two parts linseed oil has been suggested by the manufacturer. This is ap­plied with a brush, and it darkens the wood very slightly. Oil stains can be added if desired.

California Redwood: Several types of log-cabin sid­ing made of redwood are available. The natural resist­ance of this wood to weather, and its pleasing color make it attractive for imitation log cabins and similar

By using a steel square, as shown, you will have no trouble laying out the pitch of rafters for your cabin.

structures. The wood is easily worked, and need not be protected with a preservative. It is more resistant to termite invasions than most other materials.

Pecky Cypress: This is a kind of cypress that, like pecky cedar, contains more or less scattered cavities that give it a honeycomb appearance. The cavities are caused by a certain fungus that affects the wood only while the tree is alive. Although the wood may look badly decayed, it nevertheless is sound and strong. The decayed appearance enhances its value for log-cabin

Here is an excellent cabin for hunting or fishing. The screened porch furnishes an extra room .

This floor plan of the hunting lodge shown in preceding illustration gives a good idea of the simplicity of its construction.

siding. Pecky cypress log siding is made from boards 2 in. thick and 6, 8, and 10 in. wide. Cypress, like red­wood, is inherently resistant to decay and weather action. Therefore the log-cabin siding can be left un­treated, or it can be stained, treated with the linseed oil-turpentine filler, or otherwise finished.

Log siding, no matter what the wood or the shape, is applied to a frame of conventional construction. This frame is built mainly of 2-in. lumber 4 in. or more wide. For the average cabin, nothing complicated in the way of a frame is necessary. Simply use the pieces of lumber where they are needed, and make every piece serve a useful purpose. On the other hand, do not skimp on materials when framing the cabin, for the strength and life of any structure depends on the soundness of its frame timbers and the manner in which they are fastened together. Pine or cypress is the usual material employed for frames, although some builders use redwood for the underparts of the struc­ture to lessen decay and damage from termite attacks.

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How To Build A Log Cabin