These instructions should be used in conjunction with the Build Plan provided in your Log Cabin kit. Please read these instructions carefully before attempting to build up your Log Cabin.
PRE-BUILD
STORAGE
If you are unable to start build immediately after delivery it is important to stack the material horizontally and cover it to protect it from the weather.
TIMBER
Wood is a natural product and it will vary with climate changes. However, with proper care will be able to enjoy your log cabin for many years. During very hot dry weather small cracks may appear in the wood. These will disappear when the weather changes. Small cracks in no way effect the integrity of the cabin!
BUILD
BASE
It is very important the base is firm and level. We recommend the cabin be built on a solid concrete base. The width of the base should be the same as the width of the cabin, this allows rain water from the cabin roof to fall on the ground and not the cabin base.
ORGANISATION
To save a lot of time later we suggest you take a little time now to lay out the wood in groups according to size. If you do this it is an easy matter to find the right pieces. Please note: some groups may differ in size by as little as 10mm.
CONSTRUCTION
First the base frame should be screwed together. For the walls, place the first logs on top of the base frame, starting with the half logs, one for the back wall and one for the front wall of the cabin. These two logs should be secured to the base frame with a screw at each end. See diagram 1.
Diagram 1
The building should be checked if it is square after reaching 3 or 4 wall sections high. To check use a measuring tape and measure the distance from diagonal corners. Knock the logs tightly together. See diagram 2.
Diagram 2
Please note: the floor is laid last.
FITTING THE DOOR(S)
After you have laid the third row of logs you should start installing the door. The higher you build the walls it becomes more difficult the put the door in place. Take the door and frame, place it over the logs and slide it down pushing it tightly into place against the log. Next attach the door handles so you can open the door! Keep building up the wall until you have reached the height of the window. See diagram 3.
Diagram 3
FITTING THE WINDOW(S)
After you have laid the seventh or eighth long log (check your Build Plan) and two of the shorter logs, you should fit the window. Slide the window into place, making sure it is tightly into place along its length onto the wall beam. Do not fix the door frame to the logs before the cabin is complete. It is enough to fix the bottom rail of the door with one or two screws, to prevent movement during build. See diagram 4.
Diagram 4
FINISHING THE WALLS
Once the door(s) and window(s) are in place, build the walls up to the purlins as indicated in your build plan. Since the logs of the front and rear apex sections are not connected to the logs of the side walls, you should secure them by screwing this section to the lower logs at one end.
THE PURLINS
The purlins should be attached as illustrated in your build plan. Check to make sure the joints of the ridge, upper wall logs and purlins form a flat horizontal surface. Use a spirit level to check the sides, front and back walls are vertical. Screw each end of the purlin to the apex.
INSTALLATION OF ROOF BOARDING
Start by assembling the roof boarding. Knock the separate boards lightly together. Fix roof board to each purling with 2 galvanized nails and finally nail the roof board to the wall board. Fit the roof edge reinforcement pieces along the edge of the roof.
FLOORBOARDS
Place the floorboards on the bearers and secure with the nails provided. Knock the separate boards lightly together and fix to each floor bearer with galvanized nails.
POST-BUILD
TREATING YOUR LOG CABIN
After building, you should treat your cabins as soon as possible. There are various products on the market but try to ensure you use a good quality product with oil in it to feed the wood.
