If you’ve ever wanted to build a cabin but don’t have the time or resources, consider buying a log cabin kit. These DIY home kits offer everything you need to build a cabin and many of them are even ready-to-assemble.
These kits are a great way to get started on building your dream home without breaking the bank. They also give you the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
Amish Cabin Co
Whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat or a year-round getaway, log cabins are the perfect way to enjoy nature’s bounty. Thankfully, there are many places across the country that offer cabin kits to build your own home away from home.
Amish Cabin Co specializes in hand-crafted modular cabins. They offer Adirondack, cape cod, frontier, mountaineer, settler and pioneer models in a variety of styles and sizes. The company also offers turnkey structures with full basement foundations, appliances, heat and central air conditioning.
The best part about building your own log cabin is the fact that you can customize it to suit your needs. You can choose the layout and dimensions, add windows or doors, and personalize the floor plan. In addition, the materials used in a cabin kit are typically more durable than those found in a prefabricated cabin.
Before you buy your cabin kit, it’s important to do some research and decide on the right location for your new home. This will affect everything from the size of your cabin to where it will be plugged in and how you’ll manage septic waste.
You’ll also need to think about the type of wood you’ll use for your structure, and if it will be structurally sound and energy efficient. While a lot depends on the region you live in, some common species include Pine and Cedar.
When you’re ready to order your cabin, you’ll need to make sure that the manufacturer has your shipping address and payment information. You can do this by contacting them directly or through their website.
Once you have the materials shipped to your home or location, you can then begin construction on your new cabin. Fortunately, most kit manufacturers provide detailed instructions to help you through the process.
A log cabin kit is the easiest way to build a quality, custom cabin. It allows you to create a unique and functional home without the high cost and hassle of hiring an architect.
When you’re ready to build your own log cabin, the best way to go about it is to find a cabin kit company that has a distribution center near you. This will save you time and money on shipping fees.
DIY Log Cabins
Whether you’re looking to build a log cabin near me for your next vacation or a second home in the country, there are plenty of kit options out there. These small log homes are a great option for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.
The best part about these tiny cabins is that they are incredibly versatile, so you can easily customize the floor plan to suit your needs. Depending on the company you choose, you can also add extra amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom.
These kits are a great option for first-time builders, as they come ready to assemble with all the components you need. However, it’s important to check local building codes before you begin construction, as some municipalities require oversight by a licensed contractor.
One of the first things to consider when selecting your cabin is the type of wood you want to use. There are more than 800 different tree species in the United States, but only a handful are suitable for log home construction. Some are more durable than others, and are better insulated to help keep your cabin cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
In the US, Pine, Spruce, White Cedar, and Douglas Fir are the most common log cabin lumber options. These woods are all high quality and provide a solid foundation for your cabin.
Another factor is the type of notch you’ll be using to create the log walls. Generally speaking, butt and pass notch systems are easy to set up, don’t require skill or craftsmanship, and minimise settling when laying logs. If you’re not sure which notch is best for your project, talk to your log cabin manufacturer before deciding on an option.
Lastly, you’ll need to find the perfect location for your log cabin. There are many factors that must be considered, including the soil type (rock, clay, gravel etc.), water tables, boundaries and slopes. It’s also a good idea to consider future development plans and zoning laws in your area.
Backcountry Hut Company
Backcountry Hut Company is a Canadian-based company that specializes in modular prefab cabins. Their cabins are crafted from FSC-certified lumber and designed to be energy efficient. The company is an award-winning design studio, winning the Canadian Architect Award of Excellence in 2016 for its cabin designs.
They offer a range of kits in various sizes and styles, from a small log cabin to a large mountaineer-inspired home. Their most affordable model, the Huntsmen, is a two-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom structure with 1,012 square feet of living space.
The company also offers a handful of prefabricated cabin designs that are modular, meaning they can be expanded to meet your growing family’s needs. The smallest, System 00, is a minimalist A-frame design that can be erected by a few people in just a few days.
Depending on the size of the cabin, you might need a permit from your local building department. Regardless, you’ll save money on construction and maintenance costs when you build a cabin from a kit rather than a traditional home.
In addition to its patented a frame A-frame design, the company has a full line of cabins that include lofts, porches, and more. Some even come with a trailer for easy portability.
One of their most popular models is the Sierra, a 12-foot by 34-foot structure that comes precut for a front porch, a loft, and room for a kitchen. Another is the Sierra II, a 14-foot by 35-foot cabin with a deck and a kitchenette.
The best part is that they can be customized for your unique needs. You can add or remove rooms, customize colors and finishes, and more.
Founded in 2015 by Wilson Edgar and Michael Leckie, the Vancouver-based company is known for its contemporary cabin kits. Currently, they have three modular prefab cabins for sale, ranging from the modest SYSTEM 01 to the more expansive SYSTEM 3.
The Backcountry Hut Company may not be the first company to offer a modular, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient cabin design, but it is one of the first to do so in style. Their cabins are aspirational and a great addition to any property.
Frontier Log Homes
Whether you’re looking for a tiny cabin in the Catskills, a rustic retreat near the river, or a luxury vacation home upstate, Frontier Log Homes has you covered. Its kits are crafted from hand-cut timber and designed for eco-friendly building practices.
Historically, pioneers and homesteaders stayed in simple, rough-hewn log homes with minimal amenities. They hoped to save money on construction and furnishing costs by using natural materials, which were readily available in their new region of the United States.
Today, the rustic appeal of a log cabin is still popular among modern homesteaders. Often sold as prefabricated log house kits that can be assembled on site, these homes can be built with little expertise and without needing to cut down their own trees.
If you’re interested in building a cabin, check with your local building code to ensure that it won’t violate any laws or regulations. Depending on the size and location of your property, you may also need to obtain a building permit.
In addition to pre-cut log walls, a small cabin kit typically comes with roofs, windows, doors and other structural elements. It’s up to you to source the rest of the materials and finishes.
Many log cabin kits are made with a combination of woods, including pine and cedar. This makes them a cost-effective option for homeowners who want to build a cabin but don’t have the time or money to hire a professional contractor.
One of the best places to buy a cabin kit is online. Several log home builders offer a variety of packages to suit every budget and style, from minimalist, eco-friendly designs to rustic cabins with expansive views.
It’s important to choose a log home manufacturer that has a solid reputation and a history of satisfying clients. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and visit log home shows to see their work in person.
Once you’ve found a log home manufacturer that meets your needs, it’s time to start planning your dream cabin. Choosing the right floor plan is essential to creating a home that’s unique and reflects your personal style. Luckily, Honest Abe has an extensive library of medium-sized plans with options to convert them into a log cabin, timber frame or hybrid home.