Log cabin
A log cabin is a small house built from logs. Typically in a rural or rustic setting, this type of structure is a fairly simplistic type of construction.
The method for constructing a log cabin is as follows:
- Chop down or acquire a quantity of tree trunks with all branches and bark removed. It is best if they are of very similar size, and are all very straight.
- Note: the length of one log is the length of one wall of the structure.
- About 1 to 3 feet from the each end of the log, cut two square bottom & square sided notches on opposite sides of the log, making 4 notches total. Make sure these notches are aligned with each other, so the notches on one end are oriented the same as the notches on the other end.
- Lay down two logs in parallel, then place a log so the notches fit together at a right angle.
- Repeat, adding more and more, building up the house walls.
Additional steps are to cut doors and windows into the house, as well as putting straw with mud or other another packing material in between the logs to seal it up to be more airtight.
Toys
There is a very popular children's toy called, "Lincoln Logs" which feature many dowel rods, colored like logs, all cut appropriately. This toy is named after Abraham Lincoln who was born in a log cabin in rural Kentucky.
Modern versions
The modern version of a log cabin is the log home which is a home constructed with structural members of large logs. The logs are quite visible as the exterior and sometimes interior of the house. With the advent of cranes and modern construction techniques, log homes (sometimes called timber homes) are popular in rural areas, and even in some suburban locations. Two such homes are visible to many passers-by in suburban Lincolnshire (an upscale suburb of Chicago) on Half Day Rd (Rt. 22) near Milwaukee Ave.
