How to build your Keops log cabin
Welcome to our step by step DIY help guide. Here we’ll be explaining everything you need to know about building your Keops log cabin. Whether you’ve already started and you’re in the middle of your project, or contemplating whether to have a go, you’ll find our DIY guide full of handy tips and practical advice, photos and videos. You’ll be able to see exactly what’s involved and how to do it. Anything you’re not sure of, or if you have a question, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Of course, if you think maybe it’s a project too far, or you don’t have the time, our professional construction teams are able to build your cabin for you. Click here to read all about our construction service.
We recommend that you are competent at DIY as there will be instances where you will need to saw, cut and trim, and have the help of at least one other person when building the roof of the cabin.
Our ‘How To’ guide to building your log cabin
From tools to bases, building and roofs – videos and pictures to help you do it yourself
Concrete slab construction FAQs
Building a Keops log cabin is a great way to create a relaxing retreat in your garden and add value to your property. However, it is important to ensure that the concrete slab is [...]
Time-lapse video of a Keops Moderna log cabin build
Thanks to Mr H for sending us this great time-lapse video of his recently built Keops Moderna log cabin. The team worked really hard to complete the build in a day. The [...]
Sarah & Max’s log cabin build video
Thanks to Sarah & Max for sending in this time lapse video of their cabins being built by the Keops team. They chose two log cabins; a gym cabin measuring 3950mm x 6000mm and a [...]
How to fit the EPDM rubber roof to your Keops Moderna log cabin
In this video we show you how to fit the EPDM rubber roof to the Keops Moderna style range of log cabins. EPDM (or to give it its full name, Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) [...]
Building a Keops log cabin in four and a half minutes
Our time lapse video shows whats involved in the building of a Keops log cabin. From laying out the bearers, building the walls, roof, insulation and fixing the shingles you can watch it all at [...]
Tools & equipment you’ll need to build your log cabin
Tools you'll need to build your log cabin Here we have a handy list of tools and equipment you'll need to build your log cabin. You probably own the essential ones. Screwdriver, spirit [...]
How to build a concrete base for your log cabin
In most cases a 100mm thick concrete slab is an ideal base for your log cabin providing the ground is reasonably level and firm. The slab described here is the “above ground” method and includes [...]
Before you begin building the cabin…
Before you start, its a good idea to get organised and familiarise yourself with the parts and the process - this will save you a lot of time and head scratching later on! When your [...]
Laying out the pressure treated bearers
The cabin sits on a network of pressure treated floor bearers on the concrete base. These support the walls and the floor of the cabin On the parts list you will find [...]
Building the log cabin walls
Our short video shows the cabin walls of a Keops Forest Lodge being built. It is built on a timber frame instead of the usual concrete base. Take your parts list and ensure that you [...]
Changing the window frames to fit the wall thickness
Rick explains in this short video how to change the window frames to fit the log thickness of the cabin walls. The doors and windows supplied will have a special U channel type frame. This [...]
Gables and roof beams
Once you have assembled the correct number of log levels according to your plans, it will be noticed that the side walls are half a log higher than the gable walls. This is correct and [...]
How to fit the doors and windows
You have the choice of fitting the doors and windows in two ways; either prepare the doors and windows as described in "Changing your window frames to fit the log thickness of your cabin" and [...]
Roof boards and rain slats
Before you start, identify the roof boards from the floor boards. Both of these are 19mm thick but will be different lengths. Divide the roof boards equally and place ready either side of the cabin. [...]
Fitting the roof insulation
The cabin should be completed to roof level with the roof boards and rain slats fitted. Do not fit the side, front or rear fascia boards yet. You will have received extra materials as stated [...]
How to apply the felt roof shingles
Our felt roofing shingles are easy to fit and can be used on log cabins roofs with a slope of 12 degrees or more. The tools you will need are a hammer and a sharp [...]
Fitting the floor insulation
For a standard un insulated floor, the floor bearers are designed to run left to right across the building and at intervals of approximately 480-500mm centre distances from front to back. These bearers are supplied [...]
Laying the floorboards
Identify the 19mm pine floorboards by their length. Start with the first floor board parallel to the wall of the cabin. Ensure that the tongue of the board is facing away from the wall. Allow [...]
Building a log cabin veranda
A veranda makes a lovely addition to any log cabin – a great place for sitting out or alfresco dining. A typical veranda is usually made up of the veranda balustrade and pressure treated timber [...]
How to apply wood treatments to your log cabin
We highly recommend that you treat your log cabin with wood preservatives as soon as possible after it has been built. The logs will be supplied 'natural' and untreated so it is extremely important that [...]