
Log cabins cost between $125 and $175 per square foot. Some factors that influence the cost include whether you build on flat land, if the land needs to be cleared, and the cabin’s square footage. Log cabins have a similar price per square foot as the cost to build a house, which is about $100 and $200 per square foot.
Full Answer
What is the cheapest way to build a log cabin?
Tips for building the least expensive type of house
- Build up, not out. In general, the more you can minimize the size of your foundation and the size of your roof, the cheaper your home will be.
- Choose a simple roofline. ...
- Stick with a box. ...
- Don’t go crazy on windows. ...
- Keep staircases straight. ...
- Skip custom cabinetry. ...
- Don’t skimp on the designer. ...
- Spend on safety. ...
What is the average cost of a log cabin?
“The typical cost for a turnkey log cabin, with land, can run anywhere from $175,000 up to $350,000 or more depending on the size,” he says. Some log cabin owners prefer to keep it low-tech, while others enjoy modern conveniences in the great outdoors. (Photo courtesy of Bryson City Log Homes)
How to build an off grid cabin on a budget?
- Buy used power tools.
- Rent excavators, front-end loaders, and concrete mixers if required.
- Buy a generator for power tools and lighting.
- Buy a chainsaw. If harvestable timber is abundant, consider milling it yourself using a chainsaw mill.
- Buy an auger to dig holes for posts and poles.
- Use that ‘hired expert’ if you have to. You’ve budgeted for it!
How long does it take to build a log cabin?
Many wonder how they can build a log cabin and more importantly, how long it will take. So how long exactly does it take to build a log cabin? Building a log cabin can take anywhere between twelve to fourteen weeks. Building a log cabin consists of three phases: the planning phase, the building phase, and the erecting phase.

Are log cabins cheaper to build?
Here are some key items to think about when considering building a log home: Log homes typically cost 20 to 30 percent more than a conventionally built home. The same size log home is typically worth 30 to 40 percent more than a conventional home. Log homes usually sell much faster than regular homes.
How much does it cost to build a log cabin from start to finish?
Log Cabin Prices A 500-square-foot cabin typically costs between $62,500 to $87,500 to build, or $75,000 on average. Building a rustic cabin of this size on flat land may only cost $50,000, but trickier locations or complex designs could up the costs to $150,000 or more. These costs do not include the price of land.
Are log cabins a good investment?
Indeed, buying a log cabin as an investment property comes with numerous perks. For starters, your log cabin can serve as a source of monthly rental income. And depending on the cabin's location, that income could be in thousands of dollars. Note that log cabins are usually located in remote, wooded tourist sites.
How long does a log cabin last?
Log cabins have a long and illustrious history of longevity. They usually last twenty, thirty to even fifty years, if they are kept in good condition. They are even seen to stand for a century if they are located in a place that does not face extreme weather conditions and is properly maintained.
2022 Cost of a Log Home - Estimates and Prices Paid - CostHelper
Building a Small Cabin - Cost of Materials / BOM
How much heat is lost in a log cabin?
I would suggest that you insulate the floor and roof as a minimum for your log home. 65% to 70% of all your log cabins heat is lost through the floor or roof.
Can you use Permachink to waterproof a log cabin?
By this point your log cabin will be ready to receive windows, doors and interior fixings to waterproof the cabin. Remember: You will have already used Permachink to seal the logs and a waterproof membrane for the foundation slab to prevent damp rising.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Log Home?
Answering the question of “How much does it cost to build a log home?” can be challenging. We build 21 different log home models, offer ample customization and can even build you a custom home from the ground-up. However, the average cost of $350,000 to $400,000 is standard across our 21 base models.
Find Out the Cost to Build Your Log Home
While we’ve answered the question, “How much does it cost to build a log home?” this blog is just the beginning. More than anything, we want you to know that whether you are opting for the budget-friendly end of our spectrum or you’re aiming to be near the top, you can absolutely have an amazing log cabin.
How to build a log cabin yourself?
If you’re considering building a log cabin as a DIY project, here are the typical steps you or a professional log cabin builder will take: Floor illustration and planning: Plan out how large your cabin is going to be and where your floor joists will be located. ...
How do I set a rafter board?
Setting the rafter board: If you’re planning a pitched roof, next you’ll need to set the centre rafter board. Angle and then set the rafters: Use a speed square, also known as a rafter angle square, to angle your rafters before fitting them, adding purlins and screwing on steel roofing.
Can you add a log cabin to your garden?
Or, at the other end of the scale, adding a log cabin to your garden can be a great way to increase your usable space at home. No matter what size of log cabin you’re thinking of building (and what you’re planning on using it for) we’ve taken a look at how much it’ll cost. Log cabin for the garden. Unit.
How much does a kitchen cabinet cost?
Cabinets for most kitchens will cost between $6,500 and $10,500. The difference in this range of costs is between quality-built box cabinets from a local building supply company versus a custom cabinet maker. Granite or marble countertops will increase the price.
How much does a crawl space cost?
A crawl space with concrete footers and block walls costs about $11 per square foot of the footprint of the log home. Basements cost $25 per square foot of the footprint.
How much does rough in plumbing cost?
Rough-in costs about $425 per plumbing drop, and fixtures can be estimated at $350 each. Examples of plumbing fixtures include hot water heaters, tubs, showers, sinks, and toilets. This price should include the installation and all rough plumbing materials.
How much does it cost to frame a woodburning insert?
Chase framing materials and labor will cost roughly $3,500. A wood-burning insert with a metal flu will cost between $1,000 and $2,500. To cover a wood-burning insert in man-made stone will cost between $5,000 and $8,000, depending on size.
How much does flooring cost?
Flooring typically costs $3.99 to $5.99 per square foot for materials and $1.50 to $2 per square foot for labor. These figures are for hardwoods. For ceramic or porcelain tile, simply reverse the figures for materials and labor.
How much does engineered stone cost?
Rockwork. On chimneys and foundations, engineered stone can be figured at $11.50 to $14.50 per square foot of coverage for labor and materials. Dry-stack stone can be figured at $11 to $13 per square foot for labor and materials.
How much does it cost to build a log cabin?
Some companies even sell DIY log cabin kits, with an average cost of $50 to $80 per square foot. But while the idea of building a log cabin with your own hands definitely has a certain appeal, it may not always be the best option.
How much does a 500 sq ft log cabin cost?
Overall, the average cost of a 500-square-foot log cabin getaway is about $75,000.
Why are log cabins so expensive?
Cabins located in remote or rural areas may also come with extra costs because they’re further away from city sewer lines and electric grids.
How much does an A-frame cabin cost?
A-frame log cabins cost between $125 and $175 per square foot. A-frame cabins have a classic triangular look, with both sides of the roof sloping all the way to the ground.
Can you build a log cabin from scratch?
Building a cabin from scratch is a monumental effort and may take much longer to do yourself than it would take a professional. Mistakes made while building a cabin can also cost you in repairs and upkeep over time. If you’re interested in a log cabin, you can contact a home builder near you for a personalized quote.
Is a log cabin more expensive than a home?
While a log cabin is often less expensive than a typical home, it actually has a similar cost per square foot. The main difference affecting price is that log cabins tend to be much smaller than traditional homes.
Site Preparation and Foundations
Drainage, Gas, Water and Electricity
Timber and Roof
Insulation
Interior, Windows, Doors and Fixings
Labour
Tools and Equipment
Overall
- Building a log cabin on a budget is achievable. Not only is it achievable but it is possible. Our build cost just over $27,000, excluding purchasing the land and the interior. Keep in mind that the size and complexity of your cabin are the most significant factors for cost. Economies of scale can be achieved for larger cabins, but, these savings ar...