Cabin Styles of Alaska

[mudflap]

welcome to the forum, Jonathan.

There's been a few AK folks on here over the years, but I don't know of any active folks on this forum who are living in AK.

I think most of us are primarily interested in building our own log cabins. It's a forum for average non-builder non-construction types interested in a mortgage-free log home to get together and share progress on their builds, and primarily LHBA style log cabins (Skip Butt & Pass method). I just moved into mine in August 2023, after building it for about 7 years, and I'm still not done. But it's in AL not AK, so to avoid clutter, I'll simply allow the links on my signature to "do the talking", if you're interested.

Sounds like a good endeavor, though; happy trails.

[n3rdwolf]

Hello Mudflap,

Thanks for taking the time to welcome me and provide me with your insights. Thanks for clarifying and readjusting my efforts in obtaining info here. In my research I have found a variety of DIY projects that have led to professional led careers within this industry. Congrats on getting your cabin finished. I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment you are feeling waking up in it every morning. Seven years is a long time spent on a dream home and you deserve the rewards of your perseverance through it all. I dream of one day having a very nice modern style cabin attached to an Audio Studio where I can work from and continue this journey called life. It isn't difficult to find places here in Alaska that would suit perfect for the ideal landscape when you look out your future cabin window.
For the last few days I have been brainstorming a scenario that has really has me inspired. What if Elon Musk all of a sudden just wanted to live off the land in a cabin? This thought has led to so many ideas on how technology could enhance the log cabin experience without hindering the peace of mind. I love the idea of a cabin that is self efficient in the collecting and storing of energy, possibly even innovative ways to battle other attributes of Alaska's environment.
Please share with me some pictures of your build. If you could go back and leave a message for yourself that was just about to start that 7 year build, what are some top few things that would have made the experience a bit easier? It is really awesome for you to take the time to reach out to me.
Hope you have an AWESOME Day!

Jonathan

[mudflap]

Hello Mudflap,

Thanks for taking the time to welcome me and provide me with your insights. Thanks for clarifying and readjusting my efforts in obtaining info here. In my research I have found a variety of DIY projects that have led to professional led careers within this industry. Congrats on getting your cabin finished. I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment you are feeling waking up in it every morning. Seven years is a long time spent on a dream home and you deserve the rewards of your perseverance through it all. I dream of one day having a very nice modern style cabin attached to an Audio Studio where I can work from and continue this journey called life. It isn't difficult to find places here in Alaska that would suit perfect for the ideal landscape when you look out your future cabin window.
For the last few days I have been brainstorming a scenario that has really has me inspired. What if Elon Musk all of a sudden just wanted to live off the land in a cabin? This thought has led to so many ideas on how technology could enhance the log cabin experience without hindering the peace of mind. I love the idea of a cabin that is self efficient in the collecting and storing of energy, possibly even innovative ways to battle other attributes of Alaska's environment.
Please share with me some pictures of your build. If you could go back and leave a message for yourself that was just about to start that 7 year build, what are some top few things that would have made the experience a bit easier? It is really awesome for you to take the time to reach out to me.
Hope you have an AWESOME Day!

Jonathan

tips for myself 7 years ago...hmmmm.....

1. try to fit everything in a 30x30 floor plan. most of the kids except 1 will be gone by then, so don't worry about having enough space - a 30x30 will give you plenty of space. wife's going to say "it's too big!" lol.
2. get the foundation ready before cutting any trees. yes the trees are big enough and long enough.
3. it doesn't need to be 30' tall. just have the stairs turn before they get all the way up there, and that'll give you the headroom you need, and also keep the space you want for the living room / kitchen. You'll hate dragging 99 bundles of shingles up on that roof if you go more than 24' tall. And you'll need a bigger ladder and scaffolding, and it'll just be that much more difficult to finish. And the chinking. that'll suck too.
4. those $17 2x6x16 T&G car decking boards are going to jump to $36 a board right when you need to buy a bunch to finish the 2nd floor, so go ahead and get them all while they are still $17 each. 2x4's are going to spike in price, but just wait, they'll come back down. Subfloor as well.
5. take more pictures than you think you need of stacking logs - that's the best part; everything else is just "construction".