Father & Son Build their Dream Log Cabin in the Canadian Wilderness

Building a Dream Log Cabin

If building a log cabin is something you've always dreamed about, you'll want to watch this video of a father and son building their dream log cabin in the Canadian wilderness. The pair built a traditional cedar log cabin, mostly in their spare time. It's been a labor of love for the two, with many challenges along the way, and they loved every minute of it. For years, it's been their dream to build a log cabin, but they grew tired of dreaming, so they decided to make it happen. This is their journey.

Steps Involved in Log Cabin Construction

In the video you will see all the steps involved for their log cabin building to include logging, debarking, hauling and seasoning, foundation, sill logs, floor joists, window and door frames, notching, and laying courses. Other steps in the log house construction include rigging and lifting logs, slotting header logs, loft joists, eave logs, log columns, king posts, ridge logs, purlins, and mortar lath. In the video, you will learn about building the rafters, roof sheathing, dormers, second layer roof sheathing, underlayment, chimney support box, roof insulation and strapping, metal roofing, gable cladding, dormer cladding, and sanding the logs. Lastly, the video takes you through the chinking process, window and door trim, front door, and closing of the gables.

The Benefits of Using Cedar

Cedar is a good choice for log homes as it is known for its rot resistance and being insect tolerant. Cedar naturally produces preservatives that make it one of the most decay and rot-resistant woods, as well as resistant to insects. Cedar also displays minimal cracking or checking because of its lower moisture content, and any checks will not penetrate through the heartwood of the log. The rot-resistance of cedar makes it an obvious choice for log house projects. Cedar is an eco-friendly choice as it lives longer than many other species of trees, some living 400 years or more, and produces new seed crops every 3 to 5 years. Some people feel Cedar is better for the environment because it doesn't need to be kiln-dried. The total harmful air emissions from wood kilns can be significant.

Characteristics of Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is a common species in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. It grows in forests, on mountainsides, and in or near bodies of water, such as forested swamps and stream banks. Western Red Cedar trees are tall, growing over 200 feet. They are also wide typically 10 to 13 feet in diameter. Western Red Cedar is known for its longevity with some living more than 1,000 years, they also have a beautiful aromatic scent. For hundreds of years, the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest have used Western Red Cedar in the construction of their homes and shelters. Over the years, cedar groves became a symbol of both power and strength, as well as a gathering place of retreat and contemplation. With a reddish-brown color, straight grain, and few knots, it is commonly used today for outdoor construction projects, including decks, posts, shingles, siding, and hot tubs.