How Was Original Log Cabin Furniture Built?
Did you ever wonder how the logs for your log cabin were made? Log cabins were traditionally built with horizontally laid logs that were notched on the ends and joined with notches. These logs were then covered with stucco and covered in mud or dirt. Here are some tips for building your own log cabin furniture. First, consider the building process. Logs were typically stacked two to a side, one to build the walls and one to build the floor and ceiling.
Logs were laid horizontally
Log cabins were originally constructed with rough-hewn logs laid horizontally and connected by notches. They typically only had one room and were only a few feet wide. They had a single door and no windows. The spaces between the logs were filled with chinking materials such as small stones, wood, clay, or corn cobs. Then, logs were nailed together for added strength.
They were interlocked with notches
The construction of a log cabin was based on a series of horizontal logs, which were then connected by notches to form the furniture. Logs with interlocking notches were easier to weather-tighten than other materials, and the joints were sealed with moss. Log cabins were constructed with several men working together, but a single man could take several weeks to finish one.
They were covered with stucco
If you have a rustic log cabin, you’ve probably wondered about the method of construction. Many of them were constructed using stucco, but there are also many modern methods of creating that classic log cabin look. Stucco is an exterior coating made from a mixture of Portland cement, water, sand, and lime. Stucco is an attractive material, and when done right, can make your cabin look like it has been in existence for centuries.
They were notched on the ends
When building a log cabin, it is common for the ends to be notched on each end. This notching reduces the gap between the logs and minimizes the amount of daubing and thinking that must be done. This method was commonly used on very simple cabins, and it is not as common on kit buildings. To use this method, each log must be notched on both the top and bottom sides with a sharp knife edge.
They were set on large stones
Many people like to think about the old days of a log cabin when pioneers constructed them on top of huge stones. The stone foundation of log cabins helped the structure stay level and strong and also allowed for ventilation beneath the sill logs. The doors of log cabins were also traditionally built facing south to let in sunlight during the day. However, today, we can still find examples of log cabins built on large stones.
They were clad with stucco
In the East, log cabins were nearly always covered with siding or stucco, but in the West, they were typically not. Log houses of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries were often clad with stucco or a combination of these materials. This cladding was installed for practical and aesthetic reasons. It was also used to hide the logs during construction, allowing the structure to retain its rustic look. Nonetheless, any surviving exterior cladding should be repaired or replaced.
They were made of wood
Wood is a common theme in log homes. Rustic furniture is commonly made from wood of all types, with the most common finish being unpainted wood. Logs are often used for bench seats, bedposts, and table legs, and other wood furnishings provide a warm feel to a log cabin. Visit our home furnishings page to learn more about the materials used for making log furniture. The best wood for log furniture is pine, which is affordable and available in many species.
They were inexpensive
When you first move into a new log cabin, you’ll probably be surprised to see the amount of furniture for sale. It’s a great way to get creative with your decorating ideas. An inexpensive dresser from a yard sale can be turned into a distressed accent piece, and a gleaming kitchen sink can be made out of an old washtub. You can find great deals at discount stores and online.
They were practical
When looking for log cabin furniture, look for practical pieces that can be moved around. Eastern log cabins were nearly always covered with stucco or siding. The NPS is a great resource for information about log cabins. You can also find information about other types of log cabin furniture on their website. A lot of original log cabin furniture is still in use today. You can use these pieces to add a rustic touch to your home.
