Monday, September 24, 2012

Wood Cabins: Construction Concerns

Log or wood cabins could be used for a number of things and this versatility means that you should think carefully about the type of cabin that would fit your lifestyle. This small building is often added as a house extension but it's surprising how useful such home features could be. They usually come in so many different shapes, styles, colors and sizes that deciding which is the best one for you is almost as overwhelming as selecting the house you want to buy.

The first thing you should determine is the size of the cabin you want. A wood shed or cabin can be constructed to the size you want or can be bought pre-fabricated. You will have to measure the yard or the lot in which the cabin will be placed to make sure it isn’t too small or too large, as a cabin too large can take over the area, making the yard less than functional.

The second thing you have to decide is the type of material and would you want used for the cabin. You can research about different types of wood to aid you in making a final decision. For structural projects, the best types of wood include cedar, redwood and pine.

The Alaskan cedar is top example of wood that can withstand environmental stress, weather damage and insect activity. You can skip the staining or painting process with cedar wood but you should expect to see some of the color fade after long sun exposure if you choose to go without the stain. Old growth of heartwood is a better choice in terms of visual appeal since it tends to look better as it ages.

Pine is perfect for outdoor structures, summerhouses garden sheds, log cabins and many more but remember to paint or stain the wood before exposing it to the elements. Southern pressure treated pine can last for decades. Poorly treated or untreated pine rots quickly so be sure treatment is certified with a label or stamp from the American Wood Preservers Bureau.

Insects and rotting is not a problem for another type of wood like Redwood. Unlike other types of wood, this one doesn’t split or warp in response to changing moisture levels. Redwood comes in a range of grades so make sure to use high quality heartwood.

Heart B is a grade for pure heartwood that limits the number of knots or blemishes for each board. These planks are actually patronized because of the knots which many find to be more attractive and add visual interest. Redwood doesn’t require staining but it can be beneficial in that it preserves color and vibrancy.

Make sure to check the condition of the foundations where the cabin will be built on. Concrete footings are sufficient for small structures that are usually used as storage sheds but larger cabins need the stability provided by a concrete slab. Be sure that the foundation is perfectly leveled so that no shifting or buckling would take place in the future.

The final major decision is about choosing the people who would build the structure you want. You could be the person who loves to take things apart and built them back up. Perhaps you have relatives or friends you could invite, who might have knowledge on building, but beware with the eager amateur handyman.

Use the services of a professional garden sheds manufacturer if you want to avoid any mishaps. There are a lot of shed and cabin suppliers that offer to assemble the structure for you. Within hours, you can get the building you want standing on your background without having to lift a finger.


For building wood cabins, you can learn more here and ask professionals for their services.