Building Log Homes on the American Frontier
Author:admin Source:未知 Published:2013-08-23 15:24
Today's log cabins are often spacious and elegant, but in the 1800s log cabins reflected the hardships of life on the North American frontier.
The spacious log "cabins" we build today are likely to include skylights, whirlpool tubs, and other luxuries. However, for homesteaders settling the American West, log cabins fulfilled more basic needs. Wherever timber was readily available, a log cabin could be built in just a few days using only a few simple tools. No nails were needed. Those early log cabins were sturdy, rainproof, and inexpensive.
Log cabin construction came to North America in the 1600s when Swedish settlers brought building customs from their home country. Much later, in 1862, the Homestead Act influenced the design of America's log cabins. The Act gave "homesteaders" rights to open land, but required that they cultivate it and build homes at least ten by twelve feet in size, with at least one glass window.
The PBS television series, The Frontier House, documented efforts of three modern American families to build and live in frontier style log cabins. Deprived of modern comforts such as indoor plumbing and kitchen appliances, the families found life harsh and exhausting.
Do you think you could build and live in a frontier style log cabin? Before you answer, consider these log cabin facts... With little more than an ax, North America's homesteaders turned timber into sturdy, practical homes.
The frontier style log cabin:
was introduced by Swedish settlers in the early 1600s
used no nails
contained only one room
was only 10 feet wide
measured 12 to 20 feet long
had at least one glass window
included a loft area for sleeping
To build a frontier style log cabin:
lay a rock or stone foundation to keep logs above the damp soil
square off each log
cut notches on the top and bottom of each end
stack the logs and fit the notched ends together at the corners
"chick" (or stuff) sticks and wood chips in the gaps between the logs
fill remaining spaces with mud
cut open a door and at least one window
build a stone fireplace
rake the dirt and gravel floor smooth
Does this sound too rustic? If you prefer your "cabin" to have all the modern amenities, see Build Your Own Log Home.
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