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On this page you will
find some pictures and a detailed description of the sequence
of events that took place during the Glastonbury Log Cabin
build. Click on any of the pictures to see a larger image. |
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There had
to be a lot of excavation work before I could lay the base for
the Log Cabin. I had decided that the best base was going to
be concrete paving stones leveled with a sand/cement mix over
a limestone chip base. This will allow water to drain away
easily. This shows the 3 ton pile of limestone. |
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Tools
required to lay the paving stones. Cement mixer (makes life
easier) borrowed from a neighbour, long spirit level and a
laser level. It is essential that the paving stones are
perfectly level and laid in the correct place. I had decided
that 4 lines of 8 pavings (450mm x 450mm) would support the
bearers correctly. |
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Base
complete and awaiting the arrival of the log cabin. The fence
has been erected to hide the rough finish of the ground that
has been dug out. |
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This is
the Glastonbury Log Cabin arriving. I cheated by asking the
local farmer to forklift the log cabin package off the truck.
Otherwise it would have been a manual job in unloading it. The
driver will assist you and it would take about 90 minutes and
3 cups of coffee. |
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The only
problem with taking the log cabin off with a forklift is that
the pressure treated bearers that you need first are on the
bottom of the package. So I had to manually sort the timbers
into correct piles ready for the construction of the cabin. I
am already impressed with the quality of the timber, absolutely
first class. |
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What a
good start, the pressure treated bearers actually fit the base
and everything seems level. I was a little worried that the
pavings might not support the cabin but the base feels very
solid. |
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The logs
for the walls are perfectly notched so that they slot into
each other at the corner. The cabin logically fits together so
that reading the instructions was only needed when you hit a
snag. That's always my problem, I am too eager to build and do
not have the time to read the instructions. |
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An hour or
so later and the cabin is really taking shape. Everything so
far has fit perfectly and it feels a really solid structure.
The hardest part so far has been fitting the door on the left
hand side of the cabin. This was an extra door that we ordered
and the logs had to be cut to allow the door to be inserted. |
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Really
happy now that the complete shape of the cabin can be seen.
Note that the pallet is now empty of timber, the roof and
floor timber is stored under rainproof covers ready for
installing. The floor will be the last timber to be installed
so that it does not get dirty footprints all over it. |
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The roof
bearers are now in place and they are a lot stronger than I
expected them to be. I want to put natural Welsh Blue slate on
the roof and was unsure if the roof could take the weight but
now I have no worries. |
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Starting
with the roof boards. They are 100mm tongue and grooved
boards. Its a joy to fit them and I have the pleasure of my
daughter helping me. I have used a wood preserver on the roof
boards before they were fitted, it is a lot easier than doing
it later. |
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Continuing
with the roof, needs to be watertight before the weekend ends
because I will not be able to work on it until next weekend. |
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Late
Sunday evening it is watertight. The roofing felt is a
temporary covering until I can fit the battens and slates. |
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My wife
has been busy all week coating the timbers with a clear wood
preserver and 2 coats of Sikkens wood stain. Its been good to
get the wood treated without getting too wet. I have opted for
an optional verandah, you can just spot the verandah base
fitted. |
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Now time to
slate the roof. Never slated a roof before so I hope that I
can figure out how to do it. The slate lathes have been
purchased from a local builders merchants, underfelt came from
Screwfix and the Welsh Blue Slate was purchased on ebay. |
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The slate
is looking great, it matches the slate on the house quite
well. The plan for the Log Cabin was to use it as a store room
but because of the real quality of finish we have (my wife)
decided to use it as a play room for our daughter and a
workshop for me. |
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We now need
to partition the area to make 2 rooms, that is why I purchased
the extra door, to allow entry to the 2 rooms. The partition
is made from timber studding and 75mm pine matchboard from
B&Q. This made a really sturdy partition and you cannot
see
that it was additional. |
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Now a few
pictures of the finished Glastonbury Log Cabin. Stunning. I
was so impressed by the quality of the timber, the design and
the ease of building that I now sell these Log Cabins as well. |
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You will
see that I have installed a guttering on this side of the
cabin. It stops rain from wetting you when you use the door.
Guttering and downpipe was purchased at Wickes DIY. |
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An
electrical supply has been installed, with a consumer unit
feeding the interior lights, sockets and exterior lights. The
verandah is now finished and it provides a wonderful area to
sit and "chill" in the late afternoon/early evening.
Window blinds add to the finish. |
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We just
about finished our Log Cabin. Hope that you will get as much
joy out of your log cabin build. The finished cabin has made a
wonderful play room for our daughter and we have slept in
there on certain occasions. If you would like more information
please email Abbey
Log Cabins |
