My friend and I rode our motorcycles over to the Bighorn Canyon in the Pryor Mountain Range near Lovell, Wyoming. While we were there we took these pictures of these original cabins.

To get to these cabins you need to take Rt 14 A over the Bighorn Mountain towards Lovell, Wyoming and take a right onto 37 which takes you into the Bighorn Canyon Recreation area, you have to go through Wyoming on 37 into Montana and the cabins will be off 37 on the left side.

It was really interesting to see what the pioneers lived in and compare what they had to what we have. Hope you like the pictures as much as I loved taking them. I also have some pictures of Wild Bighorn Sheep and Wild Horses we took while in that canyon.

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Gray has put together a quote and kit package that to me seems fantastic. Here are his specifics and I have attached photos, quotes, and drawings of the 8 ft. x 14 ft. Sportin’ Cabin in the photo gallery below.

The cabin will be very similar to the original 16 ft. x 20 ft. Sportin’ Cabin, available with cypress or cedar, 4 ft. x 8 ft. or 6 ft. x 8 ft. wall logs, and loft area.

There will be 2 windows and a door included in the package that also has a 6 ft. x 8 ft. covered porch. We are working on the specifics for assembling the dried in shell of the cabin to be delivered assembled. However, purchasers can still choose the option of “do it yourself!” Since the cabin is 8 ft. x14 ft., it will fall under the wide load criteria.

Remember, the cabins are made from solid cypress or cedar wall logs all around and in each gable.

We are also offering free shipping on the package to anywhere within 300 miles of Sumter, South Carolina. The price of the kit will be $8,997.72.

I am attaching pictures of a similar cabin that is 8 ft. x 12 ft. since we have not completed a cabin of this description yet. I am also attaching the quote for materials of the package as well as a few hand drawn plans.

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My name is Gray Anderson, and I am with Gable Log Homes, a cypress and cedar custom log cabin company based out of Sumter, SC. We have recently begun to offer an inexpensive, all materials included, cabin kit that can basically be stacked in one weekend, we call it the “Sportin’ Cabin.” The 16 x 20 cabin with a 6 x 20 porch (lofted sleeping area available to maximize floor space), are made from solid 4 x 8 precut cypress wall logs and can be assembled in one weekend. So this is not your typical wall siding made to simulate a log cabin, it is actually solid cypress logs from the base to the top of the gable! The cabins start out delivered to the site for $12,750, but we do offer package discounts depending on the number of cabins built. Basically, the more you build the more you save!

Not only is it inexpensive and simple to build, it is as sturdy as a rock. Our design for cutting and stacking removes the need for insulation, they do that themselves! I am even in the process of finding the right location to build my own Sportin’ Cabin. See construction photos here.

As fars as house specifics go:

• The Sportin Cabin is 16×20 with a 6×20 porch.
• We cut each and every piece of cypress at our on site mill that goes into each Sportin Cabin.
• 4×8 wall logs all around and up in both gables. It is a solid log cabin, there is no log siding or imitating framework.
• A sleeper loft can be added to increase floor space.
• All materials are included in kit (windows, doors, wall logs, floor systems, etc.)
• The cabin can be built on basically ANY surface and is not limited to stilts, a concrete slab would work just fine (or maybe even on a floating barge!). We would be more than willing to credit the pricing for the floor posts, if a slab is the owners choice, and reimburse them with materials for interior projects. Such as cabinets, walls, etc.
• All of the by-products from the cutting process used in other aspects of the Gable Log Homes mill. We use the remaining lumber for pallets, mulch, cypress and cedar shavings for livestock and much more.
• $12,750 plus free shipping! To anywhere in the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, and some parts of Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas and Indiana

We feel that this cabin would be the perfect home for someone cutting back on living expenses by living in a small house. I am anxious to have my own Sportin’ Cabin built so I will truly be able to live the lifestyle that the Tiny House Blog readers enjoy every day. Our biggest thoughts on the cabin its quality and affordability together. Those two terms are rarely paired honestly, but we are definitely the exception. We are willing to go out of our way to help out anyone who shares the same interest in the cabin lifestyle as we do!

This cabin is a 14 foot by 20 foot beam style log cabin and is the perfect size for a small cabin or small home. Here are the details of the construction and if you would like to learn more click here for Montana Mobile Cabins website.

Floor System

• 2×6 16” on center floor joists
• Rim Joists 6×6
• Solid Floor Joist Blocking
• Floor: 3/4” tongue & groove OSB wafer board

Walls and Gables

• 10” square logs/beams, hand stacked, butt and pass corner
• Gables-framed – sided with reclaimed metal; excepting interior gable in loft, wood sided-board & bat; insulated with R19 fiberglass insulation
• Chinking throughout interior & exterior
• Window & Door Jambs-Resawn Lodgepole Pine/Fir

Loft (loft area approx. 10’x13’)

• Joists – 2×4
• Decking-2×6 rough sawn pine & fir
• Railing-2×6 rough sawn pine & fir
• Ladder to loft – rough sawn pine & fir-handcrafted

Roof System (8/12 pitch) – Ceiling

• Ridge Beam: Log
• Hand stacked Exposed Roof System: 2×6 rough sawn pine & fir mix
• Felt Paper: 1 Layer 30# Asphalt
• 2” Firestone foil back rigid insulation in roof
• Delta-rib metal roofing; color – Antique Bronze

Windows and Doors

• Windows: 3 Milguard vinyl double pane – sliding windows on main floor; 2 each in gable ends; 1 Alpine garden window on main floor
• Exterior Door: 1-36” Therma Tru Factory metal door with half light

Treatment

• Montana Standard Log oil applied interior & exterior

Price is $27,500 delivered inside the state of Montana. Please contact Montana Mobile Cabins for delivery pricing and information outside of Montana.

*Updated with interior photos and more details

This cabin was built with “skinny-D” (my term) logs, cut on site, laterally down the center, to make two logs. The cabin is twelve foot by twelve foot, and the log work was done in less than six days. From standing timber to a log set in the wall takes an average time of one hour per log. If you are in a remote location, and have good timber, this is about the cheapest way to build a small cabin. This cabin is located about two miles off the Yentna River in Alaska.

You can see that the Skinny-D logs give a nice flat surface, and can be made smooth with a planer and sander, but I have left it rustic. The wood stove is made from a 55 gallon barrel with the middle section cut out and re-welded. The chinking is primarily with a regular latex caulk, and a few areas are stuffed, but gaps are less that 1/2 inch. The logs are attached with 4″ self tapping screws driven at an angle from one log to the upper and lower log. The top logs are pinned with 1/2″ steel pins and 1/2″ hardwood dowels. The roof is an 8/12 pitch, with 2 x 4 rafters on 24 inch centers with 90 pound mineral roll on the outside.

The loft is 8′ x 12′ and can sleep three. There are two bunks on the main floor, plus a small dinner table, a kitchen area and some shelves. Access to the loft is by a ladder at the end of the bunks. Lighting is from a 12V system with 3 8 watt fluorescent lights power by a car battery that is charged with a Black & Decker jump starter unit that is good for about 3-4 days in the winter.

We have stayed nights when the temperature dropped to -25 F and stayed plenty warm. Two people is max for comfort, although it will sleep 4 without being crowded.

In the summer we go by boat about 35 miles from the closest launch in Willow, and then ride the half mile from the dock by ATV. In the winter we go by snow machine, right to the cabin door.

Log Cabins 2 Go by Gastineau Log Homes is a new concept using full log wall construction in a park model housing unit. The Log Cabins 2 Go are manufactured in a controlled environment and they are completely finished and ready to enjoy upon arrival at your site. The log construction includes dovetailed corners, are sealed on the exterior, varnished on the interior, and they don’t exceed 410 square feet. This is the only full oak log park model available in the world! (Don’t confuse this with a park model with log siding on the exterior. The Log Cabin 2 Go has full log exterior walls and is built like a real log cabin!)

Here is a picturesque 400 square foot Log Cabin 2 Go that offers its owners a rustic retreat in the heart of Missouri. The couple has roughly 10 acres with a little pond where they can fish and enjoy the outdoors. The owners are retired and their children and grandchildren live in the St. Louis area and visit often to get away from the hustle and bustle. “This getaway home was planned so that it was close enough where the owners could drive to easily, but still is out in the country,” says Lynn Gastineau, of Gastineau Log Homes.

Log Cabins 2 Go was the brain child of Lynn Gastineau and these units offered the perfect weekend cabin, especially in locations where it is difficult to site build or there are property restrictions. Hunting cabins, art studios, and guest cabins have been popular for consumers and camps are using them as rental units for lakes and other recreational areas. Each Log Cabin 2 Go unit has cathedral beamed tongue and groove ceilings. All of the floors are finished with 3/4″ solid oak flooring. Each cabin has a green metal roof and is complete with a 100 amp electrical box and a 20-gallon electric water heater. The kitchen and bath are fully functional and include custom wood cabinets. Although titled as a recreational vehicle, a Log Cabin 2 Go feels like and is built like a true log cabin. It makes it the perfect cabin to go to, anytime, anywhere.

For more information, visit: http://www.oakloghome.com/LogHomePlans/LogCabins2Go.aspx

Note from editor: Base price $39,300 with a lot of optional extras that you can add on: http://logcabins2go.com/specifications.htm

A few months ago we were contacted by a gentleman, Pierr, who wanted to view the Ski Hut. After driving up to visit he decided he wanted something a little smaller and the plans for The Santa Fe cabin were put into action. Pierr wanted a tiny house to put on his property south of Santa Fe, NM as he spends a lot of weekends there exploring and hiking. The small cabin would be a place to relax in after a long day of being outside or to escape from less than ideal weather.

Working with Pierr, we built a custom door and cabinet that is about 40 inches tall due to his height (he’s about 6’6?!) – standard vanity height is 32 inches. More importantly we worked with him to ensure that window placement was just right, so he would have great views from the site he had already prepared.

Pierr also provided us with the lumber for the cabinet as well as the sink and the hardware for the front door. All items were purchased for his main home years ago and never used. We love to recycle or repurpose things here at Jalopy Cabin so that worked out perfectly!

The cabin is wired for electricity even though there is currently no power at the site. Someday Pierr plans on running the cabin on solar and there is a great storage area for the batteries built in under the porch.

Since the cabin was built on a trailer it was easy to haul from our location in Colorado to New Mexico and if Pierr ever decides he wants a different view on his property, it will be as simple as hooking it up and going to the next location!

If you have any more questions about his cabin or would like one that is similar, please contact us at wolf@jalopycabins.com or call 970-903-3384.

Well, here in Montana, another winter is almost past. This one seemed to go on like the ever ready bunny. Around the middle of January I decided over a cup of coffer to build a small log home next to our office I share with my wife. Most of the things that I have built in my career have been stick built (dimensional lumber) so this was something new and stimulating for me.

Finished cabin

A friend in the next valley over did the log work and what a craftsman he is with his trade. We stacked the logs on a deck, lagging the first log into the six by six pressure treated plates We pinned all corners with sixty penny spikes, three quarter inch pipe through the logs in the field and used long log screws for the rafters. We insulated the roof, handmade the front door, installed double pane windows, chinked and trimmed it out.

Notice the beautiful fit

I wanted to finish out the inside with a kitchen and bath, but everyone that stops by had a different idea for its usage, so I thought I should leave that with the permanent owner. The cabin measures 16 x 24 with the 4 foot deck.

You can contact Paul via email paulmcmullin@hotmail.com

Lagbolt to the deck

Spiking the corner

Fully stacked

Cutting out for the rough bucks and windows

Two layers of high R value (6 per inch) foam with two by four sleepers for sheeting

Hinge on handmade door

Chinking over backer foam

Log scribe work on a valley jack

Door and window detail

Rafter and interior detail

By: Estemerwalt Log Homes of Honesdale, PA

Photos:  http://www.estemerwalt.com/log-home-photos/exteriors/m-logcabin1.html
Photo Credit: Estemerwalt Log Homes/ www.estemerwalt.com

This Pennsylvania log cabin is a year-round rustic hunting and fishing retreat – the perfect outdoors getaway, and the very definition of aesthetic simplicity.  While not teeny-tiny, this little cabin is a marvel of simple efficiency.  The 1,200 square feet of living space relies on nooks to delineate space functionally; two small sleeping lofts meet at a spiral staircase, and there are three more beds on the main level.

Furnishings are sparse, as are amenities: this home is completely off the grid.  There is no running water – only an outside well and an outhouse. There is no power – the owner brings a generator with him when he’s there, and the log cabin is heated only by the woodstove and fireplace.  (The photographer brought a generator with him for this photo shoot, to light the cabin.)

Located two miles from the nearest road, this property came with a run-down cabin the owner initially planned to restore, before he realized a newer place would better serve for a hunting and fishing retreat. The logs come from Estemerwalt Log Homes, a 5th generation, family owned company with 125 years of experience in the lumber industry. The logs for this cabin are milled 10” round eastern white pine, and made the voyage to their final home here several logs at a time, due to the remote location of this property.
This is one home that fits its surroundings perfectly!

I was stunned by the similarity of the House of Fallen Timbers story to my own. I live in rural Southeast Lower Michigan, and my 2.25 acres has been ravaged by the ash borer problem. So last winter I had quite a few dead ash trees to cut down and clean up. Like David, I had plenty of burning wood, and I was afraid they would start falling down and causing (safety) problems, and I was also tired of how bad they looked, as well as having to clean up all the shed during windy conditions. But I got to looking at them, and at how many “straight” sections of log they had in them, and I thought “Hmmm…crazy idea, but I wonder if I could build a small log cabin from the straight pieces.” I also had seen Dick Proenneke’s PBS special, and was impressed that a single person could do that.

So on January 2nd of 2010, I started cutting down trees. A friend helped me, a guy who burns wood for heat, and I told him that if he helped me cut them down and cut them up, he could have all the crooked stuff to burn. It took a while, but we got them all cut down and stacked the straight ones in drying piles, and he got quite a few loads of excellent firewood out of the deal, which I helped him cut to burning size pieces and load onto his trailer. He was happy, and so was I.

Making a long story short, it’s 11 months later now, and I have ended up with an ash log cabin. The only thing I have left is to install the stove pipe so I can burn wood for heat in my Grandfather’s 1887 wood stove that I have in there.

The costs for building were minimal, as I attempted to (and took great pride in) using resources and materials I had already laying around or could recycle from other sources I could find. I did buy some things, like the USB sheets for the roof and floor, 3 insulation rolls to stuff between logs, hinges/handle for the door, but that’s about it. It was a great project, and I learned a lot, and gained great appreciation for the pioneers who did this type of thing for their families to provide them with shelter. I also pretty much did it solo. Besides the friend helping me cut down the trees and stack the logs, one other friend came one Saturday and did some odds and ends – peeling some logs, doing some notching, etc… – more because he was excited about what I was doing and wanted to learn how to do some of those things than out of necessity. Other than that, I did the rest myself, including the nut-busting-back-breaking moving around of VERY heavy hardwood logs. Luckily, I got through it without any big accidents, though not without some scary moments, particularly getting the real big logs up to higher and higher levels.

So I just wanted to share some thoughts and ideas on our projects. Congratulations on your own completions. I share and understand your efforts, and give you credit for all your work.

Sincerely,

Don Richmond
drichmond (at) altair.com