23 DIY Log Cabins-Build For a Rustic Lifestyle by Hand

You can build your own DIY log cabin and return to living a rustic lifestyle like that of our forefathers and mothers. It was a lifestyle of less stress, less expense and more enjoyment. A practical, sustainable lifestyle can be centered around a beautiful and affordable log cabin when you use one of these 23 ideas for building your own diy log cabin in the woods.

1- Hardy Log Cabin

The picture most people have in mind when thinking of a log cabin, this Hardy log Cabin design by motherearthnews, is the ideal design. Beautiful, functional, energy efficient and inexpensive to build and maintain.

2- DIY Log Home

The best thing about a DIY log cabin is being able to build it with your own two hands. There are log cabin plans for projects of all sizes. In fact, you can build a log cabin that’s big enough for a weekend getaway. Imagine spending the weekend or holiday at a cabin you don’t have to rent. One idea is to look into log building kits to find everything you need. With or without a kit, most sources ensure the instructions are easy to follow.

3- DIY Log Cabin

Here’s another set of plans for building a small DIY log cabin like this one by instructables which isn’t hard if you follow the instructions. You’re going to start by choosing and preparing the area for your cabin, and then you’re going to start the actual construction with the base. The next steps are the walls and rafters, and then you’re going to finish it off with the roof. It may be a small log cabin, but it’s perfect for relaxing while surrounded by nature.

4- Keops Log Cabin Plan

Style, function and beauty meet on this video which details how to build a log cabin the Keops way by logcabins. These log cabin floor plans on video are easy to follow for any DIYer. You may also like to see my article Homemade log splitters.

5- Alaska Style Log Cabin

Use these plans for log home living Alaska style by alaskaantlerworks. Cut down the trees on your own land and use them to build this lovely wood cabin. Nothing from the tree goes to waste when building an Alaska style cabin.

6- Handsome and Sturdy

Built to last, these DIY log cabin plans by outlands.tripod will provide log home living for generations. A solid rock foundation supports hewn logs to createa handsome and sturdy cabin, complete with a covered front and potential basement.

7- Cheap Log Cabin.

If you want to go cheap, these DIY cabin plans are for you. Build a comfy log cabin for $100 using the Norwegian stabbur design motherearthnews Built on rock pillars with a wide roof overhang, small door and windows, this log house plan is cheap to build, energy efficient and easy to maintain.

8- Dovetail Notches

Nail-free and built to stand the test of time, these log home plans utilize dovetail notches by instructables. Harvest timber from your own property, then create DIY a dovetail jog (plans included on this site) and you’ll be able to cut logs that will fit perfectly together like a jigsaw puzzle. You may also like to see my other article wood shed plans to keep firewood dry from getting wet.

9- A-Frame Log Cabin

The A-frame is a basic cabin design that stands up to the elements well and is cheap to build. For under $6,000, these DIY log cabin plans by goodshomedesign will enable you to build a rustic A-frame cabin complete with covered front porch and plenty of interior loft space for sleeping or storage space.

10- Cedar Log Homes

Use this information provided by three different families who have already built their own log homes to help you decide what is right for your own DIY log cabin such as this one by lhba. Wood choices, such as cedar, cabin size and usage are all things to consider prior to building.

11- Reclaimed Log Cabin

You don’t have to start from scratch to have a rustic, log cabin lifestyle. Recycle an old homestead by re-claiming logs like this one by popularmechanics and fireplace bricks with these plans. Abandoned log cabins that have endured the elements for decades may not be livable as-is or in the location you want it to be, but those are just minor details which can be overcome. The logs and other materials can be re-claimed, dismantled, moved and reassembled and given new life as your new reclaimed log home.

12- Small Cottage Cabin

You can find a variety of small cabin plans like this one by instructables, and this includes plans for a small cottage cabin. Imagine your own small cabin with details such as a double-slanted roof, windows and porch.

You can even build a small wooden bench to place on your porch for enjoying the outdoors. Inside your cabin is a single living space for relaxing in a tiny, nature-inspired home. You can add a small couch for reading or picnic table for entertaining guests. You may also like to see my other article homemade wood burning stoves and heaters.

13- DIY Cabin Retreat

When building a cabin, it’s best to keep the purpose of your space in mind. Are you building a small cabin for occasional use, or are you building a place to escape for several days?

You can build a DIY cabin like this one by inhabitat retreat that features several windows and elevated tree decks, which are perfect for enjoying the view. Your cabin may also include an open-air outdoor shower, a wood-fired hot tub and an outhouse, as well as room for several pieces of furniture.

14- Log Cabin Playhouse

Are you looking to build something special for your child? You can find plans for a DIY log cabin playhouse like this one by instructables. It’s going to be the size of most playhouses found in stores, but you can always adjust the size if necessary.

When you’re finished building and staining the playhouse, you can paint it in a fun color, although painting is optional. One idea is to paint the door, shutters and porch railing, while leaving the rest of the cabin in its natural tone. Your little one is sure to enjoy playing in their own log cabin.

15- Log Cabin Shelter

If you’re looking to build your own shelter from scratch, take a look at these log cabin plans by thekidshouldseethis. The plans show you how to build a log cabin without any power tools. All you need are the materials, hand tools and a strong work ethic to put these plans into action.

When you’re finished, you have a log cabin that’s comfortable enough to relax and sleep in. You can even dress up the exterior with outdoor equipment such as a small ax or kayak paddles, which also provides easy access to these pieces.

16- DIY Small Cabin

If you’re more drawn to plans for small log cabins, consider building this DIY small cabin on youtube. It features a double-slanted roof, small chimney, windows and a porch. Inside is a cast-iron stove for cooking food and heating the cabin, as well as a stovepipe, thermometer and space for several pieces of furniture. Regardless of the season, your small cabin is a great getaway when you need a break from your normal routine.

17- Traditional Log Cabin

When building a log cabin, you may be looking to build a traditional DIY log cabin like this one on Youtube. You’re going to use huge logs to create a cabin that’s stylish and spacious. It features a porch, small kitchen, living space and wooden stairs that lead to a loft area.

You can also add details such as a glass door, windows, shelving space and coat hooks. One idea is to place an outhouse and shower room near your cabin to have everything you need. Whether you’re converting to a tiny home or looking for a getaway, building a traditional log cabin is a great project.

18- Log Chicken House

With these log cabin plans on youtube, you’re going to build an old-fashioned log chicken house. Rather than a tiny home or getaway, these plans are for building a place to raise your chickens. It’s like a small cabin for chickens, complete with a ramp, roosts and nesting boxes. There’s also enough space for your chickens to rest and move around comfortably. While the structure is made with logs, you still want to use chicken wire to protect your chickens from predators.

19- Simple Log Cabin

If you have never built a DIY log cabin before like this one on youtube, you can use these log cabin plans to build a simple log cabin. It’s a great option if you’re a beginner or looking for an easy design. When you’re finished, you’ll have a beautiful cabin with a spacious porch for enjoying your surroundings. It doesn’t include any electricity, but you can use the natural light by day and oil lamps by night. A wood stove is great for cooking meals and heating up the cabin.

20- Off-Grid Log Cabin

You can build an off-grid log cabin like this one on youtube for creating a shelter in the woods or getting away for a few days. Imagine waking up to the birds chirping after spending the night in your cabin. It also gives you a place to stay if harsh weather hits while you’re in the woods. There’s enough space inside the cabin to go off the grid for a few days. Your cabin may not include a porch, but it does include one or two windows to give you a glimpse of nature.

21- Big and Beautiful Log Cabin

This diy log cabin can house a large family comfortably while blending in with the natural surroundings. These step-by-step log cabin plans on youtube will have you living stress-free with plenty of room to grow.

Ending Note!

From a simple design or relaxing retreat to a playhouse or chicken cabin, you can find a variety of DIY log cabin plans.