Interior Sq. Ft. question

[DanBlue]

So, If I plan to build an 18x18 cabin using an average log size of 12", how much square feet am I losing inside? I guess I would use 22 ft. logs, for an outer hang of 2 feet on each side. I'm in a heated mathmatical debate with my fiancé about this, and I was always horrible at math. Any help is much appreciated!

FYI, I'm assuming I would lose a total of 6" on each wall of the cabin (because the 12" logs will be set right in the middle) on each wall for a grand total of 2 feet, (6" X 4 walls=24") which would give me a living space of 17x17 instead of 18x18...Am I thinking correctly?

So, in order to achieve an actual 18x18 sq. foot interior living space, how long would my 12" diamator logs need to be?

Thanks as always folks!

[rockinlog]

im sure there are more qualified peeps on here than me as far as logs go but my math says with 22 ft logs you will have an 18'6" by 18'6" with butt and pass system on one end,the butt, you lose 6" and the other end,the pass, you lose 1' plus your 2' overhang therefore, on a 22' log minus 3 1/2'= 18'6" i hope my math is correct lol

[rocklock]

The first question I would ask is why are you debating such a trivial thing with some one so important? But the real answer is basically impossible to answer in an exact sense. We are building with logs that mostly get smaller as you go up.

Here is an answer - not THE answer.

If the outside of the foundation is 18 feet square and the butts are 14 and the tops are 10 then the average will be 12 inches as you stated. I presume that the first layer will have much larger logs so the interior sqft will be less, but lets ignore that small fact.

If the logs are stacked in the center of the foundation the layer will not be a square, it will be a parallelogram. The second layer will reverse that and if both parallelograms are considered then there exists a smaller figure where both ends stick into the interior area more than the center... hence NOT a square.

So what is the answer. An estimate would be 18' - 7 inches square + 18' - 6 inches square divided by 2 or an average of the 2 squares.

Ok Ok I'll do the math... 306.25+303.3 / 2 = 304.8

Another question why build an 18 by 18... Why not a 20 by 20?

Remember this is just an estimate.

[loghousenut]

I think, unless the County or someone else cares about the numbers, they don't matter much. If your logs will build a nice 20x20, and your Boss doesn't mind it... then do that. If the spot you are putting the building dictates 18x18 or even smaller, then do that.... unless the Boss wants it bigger.

You will adapt to a smaller place or accumulate junk to fill up a larger space. Do the Zen thing and let the wood and the land speak to you.

[DanBlue]

Thank you Both Rockinlog & Dave,

Dave to answer your main question and perhaps you could advise according to my assumption: I mainly came to the 18 x 18 conclusion because it seems to be just big enough for us to enjoy seasonally with a few family members, while still being (what I assume) a bit more managable for us to build ourselves. i.e. less concrete piers to build out, less lumber, less logs & more managable to build log walls, less electric to deal with, smaller sq. ft. roof to contend with (I guess I view the 18x18 as more of a "shed" type footprint, and simply easier to build..I understand some contractor types can build a "shed" with a couple of people in a weekend or two....less heave equipment to rent, less days in the event I need to rent any equipment less build out within the interior, and I assume I would be able to avoid the ridge pole support beams, etc...perhaps I am way off base, but if the 20 X 20 is as manageable as an 18x18, I would love to be sold on the idea. We are shooting to get to the May class!!!

[DanBlue]

I think, unless the County or someone else cares about the numbers, they don't matter much. If your logs will build a nice 20x20, and your Boss doesn't mind it... then do that. If the spot you are putting the building dictates 18x18 or even smaller, then do that.... unless the Boss wants it bigger.

You will adapt to a smaller place or accumulate junk to fill up a larger space. Do the Zen thing and let the wood and the land speak to you.


Glad to hear from you loghousenut!

I guess my first goal is to build something that I can simply manage the build as easily as possible..We just want our first structure to be a good solid starting point on the land, so a small structure that is large enough to enjoy. It seems to me with a smaller structure, I will have the time and patience to really make it a jewel inside and out...It just seems I could devote more of my limited time to the aesthetics of the small cabin..Whereas right now, if I was to build the big 25x25 dream cabin with 3 floors, and two bedrooms, I would be out of pocket more, and it would take up more time than I currently have. I don't want to leave the build up to a construction team, which is what I would have to do at this current stage of my life. With a smaller footprint, I believe me and my fiancé could essentially manage the entire build by ourselves over the summer months..I hope I'm right about that! I need to get to the May class! Thanks as always!

[rreidnauer]

The whole measurement thing depends on who ya talk to. The LHBA plans call out dimensions based on the centers of logs. You talk to me, it's the inside dimension of the log walls. You talk to the property assessor, it's the outside dimensions.

I'm shooting for 35x35 interior dimension. I go by interior dimension because I can't use the inside of the log as floor space. I figure the minimum log length I can use is 38 feet to pass the corner butt and allow sufficient overdangle. (I'm shopping for 40 foot logs) My foundation is 37x37 outside dimensions.

[DanBlue]

The whole measurement thing depends on who ya talk to. The LHBA plans call out dimensions based on the centers of logs. You talk to me, it's the inside dimension of the log walls. You talk to the property assessor, it's the outside dimensions.

I'm shooting for 35x35 interior dimension. I go by interior dimension because I can't use the inside of the log as floor space. I figure the minimum log length I can use is 38 feet to pass the corner butt and allow sufficient overdangle. (I'm shopping for 40 foot logs) My foundation is 37x37 outside dimensions.


Thank you kindly for the info rreidnaur!

[StressMan79]

I'd go with a shed style roof on such a small cabin. Pay close attention to rod, say you are limited to 300sf, the bdwill allow 18x18 outside, 12 in logs mean inside dimensions of 16x16.

If you're planning a loft, look into monk stairs, as traditional stairs will take up a whole lot of space--and at least two walls. (2 landings/wall leaves only 10 ft run on one wall. W/ a half loft the other will be (depending on girder placement) 8-3 = 5ft, so @most 15 ft of run.

Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Forum Runner

[rocklock]

So, If I plan to build an 18x18 cabin using an average log size of 12", how much square feet am I losing inside? I guess I would use 22 ft. logs, for an outer hang of 2 feet on each side. I'm in a heated mathmatical debate with my fiancé about this, and I was always horrible at math. So, in order to achieve an actual 18x18 sq. foot interior living space, how long would my 12" diamator logs need to be?


And to answer the first question... some times my reading skills are some what slow...

If you look at our workbook the first log lays in the middle of the foundation and buts up against another log... so the length of the foundation is the diameter of the log (one foot) plus 17 feet. So to have a two foot over hang you need a 19 foot log.

[DanBlue]

Thank you as always guys for your input!

Warm regards,

Dan

[rocklock]

I'm in a heated mathmatical debate with my fiancé about this, and I was always horrible at math. Any help is much appreciated!


So who won, and did any of this help...

[loghousenut]

Who one??? I've been married long enough to guess who won.