Building an Off-Grid Log Cabin using Hand Tools - Bushcraft Survival Shelter Eco Project ep.1

[@outdoorkohai3249]

You have the materials for shakes, make cedar shakes and shingle it.

[@raymondrambaran4376]

Yeah I agree shingles then turf on top if u like

[@thatozarklife]

I was going to say this but I see it’s already a popular opinion. Especially since he has plenty of cedar around.

[@richardl7645]

I second this. Cedar shakes would look great

[@robertroventa2234]

That's a great idea

[@norabrooks5163]

Agree 100%

[@lindanwfirefighter4973]

Thanks for letting us listen to and hearing the crunch of the leaves below your feet. Much better than music.

[@loufarbus2330]

Cedar shingles made from the chunks you just chopped out of those tree trunks.

[@MrNed09]

My friend, you beat me to it! Shingles would be the perfect solution, but I do believe the best timber for this would be sweet chestnut! I don't think cedar would last very long after you split it down into shingles and expose the open grain!

[@kewheeler4573]

@Open eye, roofs in Canada are shaked with Cedar all the time. It's very sturdy.

[@MrNed09]

@@kewheeler4573 Yes it's great timber, but I do believe that once you expose the grain, it doesn't stand up to rot has good as some other timber you could choose!

[@skrypthobbies]

About to suggest this myself ... shingles would be the way to go.

[@ginocouturier7382]

@@MrNed09 I have an old house over a hundred and 20 years old with foundation made of Cedar logs and it's still standing. Shinggles made out of cedar will not rot at all.

[@garyearly4674]

Plastic seems a shame, the world has enough problems from our plastic addiction. If you go turf at least use rubber, a natural product. What about shingle. You have the wood close at hand but a lot of work. Awsome build Dustin a structure and skills to be proud of. Would be a shame to use plastic but only my personal feeling. You do what you feel happy with.

[@TheWanderingIrishman]

I agree with this comment 100%

[@maryblaylock6545]

Here in the States some have used the material that billboards are made of as a roof membrane. They buy used material so it doesn't go into the landfills. I can understand the need for dry bedding as many moons ago, some Yahoo decided that it would be amusing to put small holes in the roof of a tent that I had borrowed, right over my sleeping bag. For some strange reason I let him live. I ended up having to rub some waterproofing stuff on the whole roof. Terse things were said.

[@Kestrel1955]

I like this idea, using a rubber liner with turf. Shakes/shingle would look fantastic, but be labor intensive, and how would you attach them, unless you went with nails.

[@foggynight]

I agree it would be nice to use all natural materials, but synthetics have their place too, using a small amount of synthetic sheathing likely greatly increased the life of the natural materials, it's a balance.

[@adreto2978]

Plastic is a fantastic material in specific use cases. And most of the times you are using so little of already manufactured plastic sooo

[@DJ2109]

This video was posted with divine timing. Please keep em coming. Thank you

[@daronriley2231]

You got super lucky with the trees you found. They are absolutely perfect for building.

[@novacolonel5287]

"found"

[@carlmorrow1]

If you had a gallon or so of Pine pitch (tar) you could water proof either shingles or cedar poles, then add your sod layer on top.

[@jeremygenslinger4874]

I had the same thought but he could also split logs down into actual boards seal the entire thing then lay the sod after the pitch hardens nature's resin it would be like how our ancestors built boats and ships

[@StageGirl1984]

@@jeremygenslinger4874 this was exactly my thought too!! - great minds and all that. lol

[@StageGirl1984]

@BUSHCRAFT TOOLS - not a bad idea, hey? if not tar, then maybe some other form of natural waterproofing for the wood?

[@Curtishardy09]

I second making shingles. Eco friendly natural materials and you have the skills to do it. Cheers!!

[@althiel01]

Awww, man, I miss the good ol' days when de-barking was a thing! 😂 More seriously though, turf would look nice. If you want to stay away from plastic, why not use a tarpaper or (possibly, not sure how long it would hold out) an oilskin cloth? 🤔 Or waxed canvas, you could even make your own.

[@loufarbus2330]

Shingles for the roof an option?

[@brandonwebb5256]

If your using cedar, I would make Shakes and shingle it....

[@cattyhunter787]

Terf it mate you know it makes sense. Don't worry about the plastic you will be forgiven ps me and my son loves your video's they are great to watch 👍

[@BUSHCRAFTTOOLS]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@SpeedDemon03]

Cool I might do thus my self when im older

[@jacobsausmer3582]

Exactly what I've been looking for, no excessive talking or distractions from the guy, just building. Watching this video is also quite relaxing.

[@garymucher9590]

The "pinned (doweled)" structure that you are building is very strong. A lot of work, but well worth it for a long lasting structure. I would vote for shingles as well. Naturally waterproof and you already have the material already. Thumbs Up!

[@FerranMac]

Shakes or Flitch shingles, however they do take quite a bit of time to make but can be done with hand tools. Cedar flitch would be a nice look.

[@soerlie]

They used birch bark underneath the turf back in the days and it held up. These days plastic is usually used on top of some sort of asphalt impregnated product acting as a second layer of water proofing. While the plastic is water proof, as far as I understand it's mostly there to hold the soil. So you could just go with asphalt shingles or asphalt roll roofing. If you decide to go that route that is :)

[@mattshaffer5935]

Awesome work sir! Looking great so far. As a son of the Pacific Northwest I would say you should make a roof from cedar shakes/shingles. You have an abundance of the material and it is very durable to rain and bugs. Time consuming I know but maybe you and TA outdoors can have a shingle making party. You’ll learn a new skill and have a longer lasting end result. In lieu I’d say thatch. Fek plastic.

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

I am the guy who kept commenting this idea. I would go with a Tin Roof if I were you. It's simple and it can last like 30 to 50 years.

[@jerrypruitt7432]

great video. because you show the work being done. most channels dont show a thing. only finished product. the way you are doing is really informative. GOD bless.

[@carolyncrouse128]

You are doing a lot. Of work. It will be worth it. I am so proud of the things you do.

[@BUSHCRAFTTOOLS]

Thanks 👍

[@fisbuar]

a lot of cabins here in Norway, are turfed with Birch bark, birch has to be like 6 layers thick, and you need to have a stop log at the bottoms, and stone edges front and back. But personally i'd prefer to do Pine shingles, and remember the most important about pine shingles, is the correct thickness. Best of luck

[@simonseddon5270]

This is brilliant ,as for roof maybe wooden shingles on top of plastic look very natural. Building a log cabin in the UK is brilliant.Enjoyed this and subscribed. Looking forward to seeing this develope and how practical to use in the four seasons. Many thanks Simon 🇬🇧

[@BUSHCRAFTTOOLS]

Thanks Simon

[@mohammadamin5751]

I'm excited to watch, this vlog is fun

[@Essex121514]

Why limit to Thatch, or Turf? Can you make some fired clay shingles?

[@jamien5562]

I was going to suggest either this or like a repurposed slate tile? You could repurpose the slate after this shelter has run its course and it would definitely be better than plastic. *Edit* OR is it possible to find enough clay to just cover the whole roof and then use turf?

[@djmaydraws3862]

How good is clay shingles against water? Most lands I know of that have clay roofs don’t get a lot of rain like the UK does

[@johnw.brunson9400]

I enjoy watching your videos. Use what you think is best.

[@saviescowboy]

this is the only ASMR i like

[@bjornalansonoutdoors1270]

turf roof that bad boy ! looking great so far !

[@kingrafa3938]

Yes another building series to watch 👍🇵🇭

[@jacquelinemhanson4865]

Great to see what project you have on the go! Yes my pick and suggestion for the roof is turf. Not only will it look good but give the building a natural in the woods feel... you wouldn't find thatch around if you needed to build cabin in the woods in the 1800's. So yes plastic it will keep out rain, bugs and anything else you don't want making a home there. Great build I can't wait to see how this ends up!!

[@B3TR0Z]

A cute little house for your dog ;)

[@niknack666]

OH damn NICE goin for the cabin I've been wondering why ya haven't had a video in a while I guess this answered the question of that. As far as the roof GO with the TURF roof. It will be a better insulator. But Turf can leak. As far as the plastic you wouldn't be using much depending on the dimensions of the roof itself. So I would say go for the plastic bottom and turf roof that will be a sweet build when its finished off.

[@strawman3059]

Handy skills to have considering whats coming, i'm making a longbow myself..

[@Vivi-Ornitier]

I am Japanese. When I watched the video, the sound of the tree was very natural and nice.😊

[@BUSHCRAFTTOOLS]

Thank you very much!

[@pierrestaekenborg6913]

I say a turf roof and yeah the first layer is the best you use plastic but as the cabin is finisht you got a realy nice cabin

[@sandratweedale2579]

TURF, thank you love this new series. WOW what a big project. Really excited to watch your progress

[@BUSHCRAFTTOOLS]

😊

[@josemamertobacani6498]

Starting of constraction is really nice

[@petermartin8756]

I like that you set up a work bench first to work from instead of being on your hands and knees, also that you have pre-cut the logs so the video focuses on the actual build. I watch some of these builds where, unlike you, the person constructing the cabin doesn’t look like they are familiar with the tools they use. Nice job buddy!

[@dianneiverglynne]

You're doing great! I think shingles then turf.

[@RE4SHADOW]

Thanks for the video, appreciate the work you put into making these.

[@j.danaclark89]

Wow do you have beautiful trees for such a building.

[@tazwife069]

Great video. Eyes are getting pretty bad so I watch your videos on good days.

[@prescottpushor918]

All the buildings you have done were awesome thanks for the videos

[@mariafongoul]

FINALLY!!!! I have been waiting for you or Mike to build a Log Cabin!!!🎉 Cheers!!!

[@karenw8481]

Why didn’t you remove the bark from the logs? Tarpaper instead of plastic?

[@sergec.2014]

Cedar shingles....That's the ticket.

[@kristingrounds4163]

So excited for this new project!!

[@katherinekoning3109]

I am LOVING this!!!

[@garruling]

Hi amber. Great video. You do amazing things!

[@martinfoy5167]

Shingles dustin 👍 looking forward to this series 👌

[@djmaydraws3862]

Turf roof would be so nice. The old turf homes of Iceland I believe did not have a plastic membrane and they have held up for 900+ years. Not sure what they used in between… maybe charred wood? Skins? Or extra layers of bark between the turf and timbers? Not sure. Anyways great video! You make cabin building look fun and simple

[@johnnyriddle1059]

I agree with Outdoor Kohai get a froe and make cedar shakes , Americans did it for years and still do.

[@24913299]

pine pitch n shingles . great work. .. hope you make the right decision not to use plastic. . keep up the great work .

[@IndyCotton]

wooden shingles, then pitch or tar, then Inverted clumps or 'Sods' of grass touching the shingles/pitch/tar , then another layer of 'Sod' with the Grass out.

[@davebrown7321]

definitely try cedar shingles or split logs for the roof?

[@kennethkingery2586]

make a broom out of pine trees. make a sleed to haul more logs at once. Great nail love your malet. Good old lincoln log toys.

[@michaellaing6667]

Shakes shingles as previously stated!! Makes total sense.

[@erroleabrown4317]

Nice build I love log cabins

[@badbadbob1]

Lincoln loge construction is OK for toy log houses. But your half log notches will hold water. All crowns of the log should point up and notch the under side. Water will set in the half notch corners. You will need a good roof to keep the water off the corners. I agree with many others that have commented already. Make Cedar shingles for the roof.

[@petermartin8756]

I like that you set up a work bench first to work from instead of being on your hands and knees, also that you have pre-cut the logs so the video focuses on the actual build. I watch some of these builds where, unlike you, the person constructing the cabin doesn’t look like they are familiar with the tools they use. Nice job buddy! A point on the roof, if the cabin isn’t waterproof it’s not much use, better to use plastic than it leaking!

[@AsbjornOlsenBergBushcraft]

Nice video 🤠👍 How will you fill up the gaps between the logs?

[@BUSHCRAFTTOOLS]

Probably with moss or clay

[@AsbjornOlsenBergBushcraft]

@@BUSHCRAFTTOOLS Why didn't you put in the moss right away? Such a technology? It will blow in the corners.

[@maryblaylock6545]

@@BUSHCRAFTTOOLS on My Self Reliance he used different materials and mixes of materials on separate sections of walls and in His play list he gave a rundown on what worked, what didn't and why. This might be helpful to you.

[@Saffirance]

I would make cedar shingles, maybe use pine tar to further waterproof your shingles.

[@Saffirance]

Love your videos. I like this build so far.

[@williamlott7612]

I loved the thatched roofs when I vacationed in Scotland in 2018. I also thought the use of slate and lead was unique and quite beautiful. Having said that I thing you’d win either way, thatch or sod. Both are natural and fit the forest scene. Personally I would like the thatch. Darlington, South Carolina USA

[@richardroyles1423]

I think which one is best for you is the best one. God bless Kansas

[@dustyoldhat3543]

I agree with others. Make cedar shakes.

[@olberarosa2346]

JUST AMAZING VIDEO I JUST JOIN YOUR CHANNEL CAN'T WAIT until YOUR next VIDEO

[@carolinebeard2170]

Oooo this is so nice 🥰🥰 make me wanna go build one

[@oldtimer9879]

Cedar shakes would be good but if you want to turf could you use some form of pitch. Maybe even make the pitch/ tar yourself? Anyway enjoying the series.....its something I would like to do myself so I'm watching and learning.

[@chrispe82]

Lol I was coming to comment about wooden tiles for the roof, but think a hundred others beat me to it. If you are looking for a more eco friendly tarp option have you tried getting old drop cloth (painter use them) & waterproofing it? (Either scotchgard or oilskin styles). Cabin is looking great 👍🏽

[@sammyc620]

Turf .. shame can’t you resource some slate look at bothies designs , but I agree with others use the Cedar and cover in pine pitch tar then turf if you have too. Look forward to episode 2

[@sapunsakamula6545]

WOW ! Awesome

[@gr8rgazza]

Wow. Just when I think you can't top the last project out comes this video. Amazing craftsmanship. #TeamTurf. Plastic would be a shame but would most likely be the easiest and best method for protecting the wood. Looks like the old scandi turf roofs used several layers of birch bark to protect the wood but wouldn't want to put you through peeling bark again 😅

[@liamtaylor8885]

Defo make your own wooden shingles distin would give it the traditional log cabin look,keep up the good work looking good so far

[@markc6207]

That cabin is going to be great! I say make shingles out of wood. Cedar is great for that anyway. The log ends you are cutting can be used to make the shingles.

[@cliff9057]

Ran across your channel and watched it all and liked it. Looking forward to the next video. 👍🏼

[@ALs-Outdoors]

Look up Richard proenneke "one man's wilderness " even then he realized we live in modern times and some materials are just better as he lived it for more than 30 years. He was such an inspiration his cabin is now a historic site.

[@eileencarroll6418]

Shingle the roof with cedar shakes, or slate, flagstone or baked clay shingles. I am afraid that a plastic layer under turf will make it rain and molder inside the cabin. The system should shed water but breathe. If you have cedar on the property, you should be able to split some nice shakes. Mind the pitch of your structure.

[@tm5aw357]

This is great.

[@ArielleViking]

Looking brilliant... Hmmm, something different, how bout shingles? Otherwise to avoid plastic, how about some type of rubber sheeting to lay under the turf? Looking forward to next week's build. 💯❤👍

[@d00mg1rl]

TA turfed and Jax loved it.

[@andrewyi6418]

Peaceful work !

[@joerileijs9970]

In scandinavia they traditionally use sheets of birtch bark under the turf of a turf roof. Alternatively traditionally in the netherlands they used overlaping planks on steap turf roofs. I do think they have to be quite steap though. So I would advise birch bark sheets if you can come by them.

[@frankmorris7003]

I fully agree on this method. Because this method of roofing a shelter is quite effective in repealing rain and such. Aswell it's still made from all natural materials.

[@peterscottodonnell7290]

Hello sir from Australia ♥️.I love your show and your dog, please can you tell me what type of hand Saw ,you are using?what Brand?

[@BraxxJuventa]

Just use the plastic Dustin. Well done so far man! 👍😁

[@jasonbabila6006]

Plastic is fine if you don't want any leaks and the wood rotting from the moisture but as mentioned, cedar shakes is great too.

[@goodyJ0on]

Giant Lincoln logs!!!

[@mrbam5970]

I agree with Cedar Shingles

[@kjarby69]

Amazing!!!

[@idagotdinixa442]

Such a great job 👌👏👏 i could watch this for hours 👍 i like it 👌👍🤩

[@joeyt684]

Awesome project! You must be strong as an ox after all that work. Proud & envious of you. Plastic is most practical, very tempting & DON'T do it. I'd vote for shingles for the longevity and they would look great. Thatch - you've been there & done that. If you REALLY want turf, put it ontop of the cedar shingles. They'll rot slowly. Ton of work tho. I really enjoyed the episode. It's great to see you doing your thing. Cheers.

[@SnowySleet]

I've seen you use clay in those woods before, so what about making clay roof tiles like they did on Primitive Technology channel? Also there's some great log cabin techniques on Erik Grankvist's channel - worth checking out.

[@BUSHCRAFTTOOLS]

Thanks...I'll have a look

[@jesustinoco9975]

Excellent job ! Go for cedar shingles . Now , one more suggestion , as you make progress in your task , let us know more details about what you're doing , specially measurements. Use captions.Sometimes we , the un- initiated get lost. Still , my cudos and THANK YOU for sharing.

[@JSMCalder]

This is great Dustin. 👏🏻👍🏻 Got to be turf roof. I’ve used plastic in my build for the roof. It’s started growing naturally now. I recover the roof in autumn and now after a few years it’s started to sprout 🌱

[@garyorlowski4877]

nice vlog mate !!!!!

[@paulcarey2482]

Great video as always, turf would be cool and obviously you’d have to use the plastic for that but it would really prolong the life of the cabin. Also as people have been commenting use shingles or you could even use slates they are mega weather resistant and natural

[@gaspargaspar3462]

Professional

[@57acres48]

Turf roof would be my choice as you (and/or Mike lol) haven't done that yet. As mentioned already - waxed canvas, oilskin or tarpaper. Like the shingle idea but as we've seen in many other videos - getting that water proof could be tricky/use a lot of materials. Personally I wouldn't have a problem with some kind of "tarp" material but .. "the purists". Looking forward to see what you come up with!

[@johnwessinger2395]

as indicated below about cedar planks or use that role tar roofing paper you put under shingles mostly

[@johnrainier2558]

Get a froe, a very useful tool for bushcraft, and split some cedar shakes. Put up some purlins to nail to and you're going to have a great roof!

[@M0us4-h2j]

I’ll do this when I’m older

[@joe5812]

I'll do this today, ima runaway as fast as i can today

[@joe5812]

Ima do this today