How to Build a Miniature Faux Log Cabin

Last Updated: May 21, 2022

With some woodworking tools and a little imagination, you can create a faux log cabin for a guinea pig house or just for fun. Here are some instructions to help you build this simple project.

Steps

1
Gather materials for your project. There are some unique methods involved in the project, so be prepared to do a little hunting for them. Here is a short list of special materials you will need:
- Limbs to split to create the faux logs.
- Lumber for building the frame and other components.
2
Make a sketch of your project to determine the size and shape of your own model. The one in the illustrations is 10 inches (25cm) wide, 12 inches (30cm) long, and 12 inches (30cm) high to its peak.

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3
Build a box from 1x6 foot (30cm x 180cm) softwood lumber to form the walls of your cabin. Cedar or white pine are good materials for this step since they are easy to work with and will make fastening the veneer logs easier.
4
Saw the limbs along their length. Cut off the bark and a thin slab off the side of each limb. A table saw makes this easier, but if you clamp the limb or fasten it so it won't move, this step can be done with a circular saw as well.
5
Cut enough strips to provide enough veneer to cover the whole cabin, excluding waste (which will be considerable). For the project in the photos, about 30 feet (9.1 meters) of bark slabs roughly 1/4 inch (6.35mm) thick were used.
6
Start at the bottom on either side, and miter the ends of one of the bark slabs. This is to ensure that the short length of the 45 degree angles are flush with the ends of the frame (box).
7
Work up the first side until the whole side is covered with the slabs. You can use staples, screws, or brads to fasten the slabs. Ensure that the fasteners don't penetrate though the inside of the box or they will need to be trimmed flush or sanded off for safety.
8
Start the adjoining side of the box with the slabs. Match the mitered ends of the logs so they fit together closely. You will need to choose slabs that are about the same width to make them fit well.
9
Continue running slabs up the side you are currently working on until it is completely covered. Then continue around the box until it the whole thing is wrapped with the "logs".
10
Build "rafters" with thin strips of the softwood lumber. Cut the angles so they fit together properly. You can calculate your roof pitch and use a rafter square to make accurate cuts if you like, or just fit them by trial and error until you have a pattern rafter, then use it to mark the number you need for your project.
11
Erect a "ridge beam" between the "gable ends" for the rafters to fasten to, then fasten each rafter in place, measuring the distances so they are equally spaced.
12
Saw thin strips of the softwood lumber to make "shingles". Fasten them, starting from the eave and allowing the upper to overlap the lower, working up the roofline.
13
Cut the doors and windows you want in the walls, at locations you choose.
14
Trim any rough cuts or misfit joints with a sharp knife. Alternatively, sand these details smooth.
15
Seal the logs and shingles with a polyurethane sealer or varnish so the bark doesn't peel when the wood dries. It's now ready to use as a pet home, mailbox or a decorative item for your home or garden.

Community Q&A

Question

What is the best wood to use to build a cabin?

Gamer gal 3961

Community Answer

For a real cabin, use Douglas fir. For a miniature one, it doesn't really matter!

Warnings

Use extreme care when sawing the faux logs, as they will not cut as easily as sized lumber.

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If you use a pneumatic nailer, be careful how you hold the workpiece, as these can penetrate deeper than you expect.

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