A Comprehensive Guide To The Different Types Of Cabins

Having a picturesque log home nestled in the mountains – along the lakeside and in the woods – is a dream for many of us. It’s the perfect way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.

Owning a rustic log cabin in the mountains where you can curl up by a warm fireplace during winter is simply a blessing.

But, before you start building your dream retreat, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of cabins available for you. Due to the increasing popularity of these heavenly retreats in recent years, you have many options in different sizes, shapes, and designs.

This comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need to know about the different types of cabins that are popular today. These can range from traditional log cabins, and custom wood cabins to more elaborate designs.

By understanding the most common types, you can build the perfect cabin for your backyard or secluded getaway. So, take a closer look and choose your next vacation spot wisely.

What is a cabin?

A cabin is a small, simple, and often rustic structure that’s typically used as a seasonal residence for vacation, hunting, or fishing. This mini-retreat embodies the connection between humanity and nature and can be found in a variety of settings such as woodlands, mountains, or by a lake or river. With the advancements in technology, these rustic shelters have become an alluring escape from the fast-paced and hectic nature of modern living. From poets seeking adventure to those looking for a fun and laid-back getaway, cabins continue to be a desirable and inviting form of habitation.

Why do people build cabins?

Cabins not only provide a sense of relaxation and connection but can also be used as a camping shelter or even as a home office.

People build cabins for different reasons and the most common reasons include:

Vacation or getaway where people can escape the stresses of everyday life and enjoy time in nature. They can be used for activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, and more.
Permanent residence, particularly in rural areas where land is more affordable.
As an Investment property that can be rented out as a vacation rental.
Recreational use such as a home office, workshop, gym, or even a kid’s playroom.
Family tradition: Building a cabin can be a family tradition and passed down from generation to generation.

Different types of cabins

The great thing about adding a cabin to your property is the endless possibilities for design and style. Whether you want a classic log cabin or a modern two-story treehouse, several cabin architecture styles can be tailored to complement any aesthetic.

However, when building a log cabin, you must know about the different types of construction styles, the energy efficiency, and the materials used for finishing to make it look beautiful.

Here are some popular types of cabins.

Traditional log cabins

One of the most iconic and popular types of cabins is the classic log cabin. These cabins are constructed using natural wood logs, and often feature rustic design elements like stone fireplaces and exposed wood beams. Log cabins can be found in a variety of settings, from remote wilderness locations to more developed resorts. Many log cabins are equipped with modern amenities like full kitchens, internet access, and satellite TV, but still, maintain their rustic charm. Log cabins are perfect for those looking for a peaceful and secluded getaway in nature.

Mission Valley Sheds LLC. has a large choice of log cabins for sale. You can simply call us to get a free estimate.

Or else, if you want to build a log cabin yourself, you may ask for log cabin kits. These are pre-cut and pre-shaped logs, along with all the necessary hardware and instructions, that are sold as a package to build your own log cabin.

Log cabin kits typically include all the materials needed to construct the cabin’s exterior walls, roof, and floor system, including the logs, door and window frames, roofing materials, and fasteners. Some log cabin kits also include interior finishes such as flooring, cabinetry, and lighting fixtures.

Full scribe log cabin

It’s one of the most popular types of log cabins where the logs used to build the cabin are precisely fit together using a technique called a full scribe. This method involves carefully measuring and cutting each log to fit precisely against the logs that surround it, creating a tight and secure fit. This traditional method of log cabin construction results in an energy-efficient cabin, as the tight fit between the logs, helps to prevent drafts and air leaks, and has a very natural, rustic look, as the logs retain their natural shape and texture over time.

Post and beam cabin (aka timber-framed cabins)

A post-and-beam cabin is a type of cabin construction that utilizes large wooden beams, or posts to create the structural framework of the building. These posts and beams are visible on the interior and exterior of the cabin, creating an open and airy feel with high ceilings. The spaces between the beams are typically filled with insulation and covered with a material such as drywall or wood paneling. Some post-and-beam cabins can also be built using a combination of traditional and modern building techniques, such as using timbers with steel plate connectors to secure the wooden beams together.

This style of cabin construction is popular for its durability, strength, and versatility as it brings the beauty of wood to the interior while allowing for wide-open spaces. Timber-framed cabins or post and beam cabins can have a high “wow” factor with soaring ceilings and are uniquely weathertight because of enclosure systems that wrap the frame in an envelope of insulation. This makes a well-insulated cabin that will save money year after year.

Barn-style cabins

A barn-style cabin designed to resemble a traditional barn and typically features a gable roof, large sliding or overhead doors, and a rustic or industrial aesthetic. The barn-style design often incorporates elements of classic barns such as exposed wood, metal roofing, and large open spaces. The interior can be finished in a variety of ways, from the rustic look of reclaimed wood to a more modern industrial look. The high ceilings, large open spaces, and natural light make them ideal for families who enjoy entertaining and spending time together.

Many barn-style cabins are also designed to be energy-efficient, with good insulation and high-performance windows to keep the interior warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They also can be built using sustainable materials and be equipped with solar panels.

Gable-style cabins

A Gable-style cabin is a type of cabin that features a pitched roof with two sloping sides that come together at a peak or ridge line. This is one of the most common types of log cabins for residential buildings.

Gable-style cabins often have a traditional or rustic aesthetic, with a peaked roof and large windows or covered porches. They can have a variety of exterior claddings like wood, stone, or brick. The peaked roof design allows for plenty of natural light to flood the interior and can also provide additional space for a loft or second-story. Many gable-style cabins are also designed to be easy to maintain, with durable materials and simple, timeless aesthetics.

Center cabins

A center cabin typically has a central living space surrounded by bedrooms and other functional spaces such as bathrooms and laundry rooms typically located around the perimeter of the cabin. This type of cabin is often designed to be an open and airy space with a simple and functional layout that allows for natural light and views of the surrounding area. Additionally, center cabins can be designed in a variety of architectural styles with a focus on functionality and livability.

Side cabins

Unlike center cabins, a side cabin has bedrooms or other functional spaces located on one side of the main living area, while the other side is left open for the living, dining, and kitchen spaces. This layout is also known as a “shotgun cabin” or “shotgun house” because the rooms are arranged in a straight line.

This type of cabin design is often used in smaller or narrow lots where the space is limited and it is necessary to maximize the use of the land. The open layout of the main living area allows for natural light and views of the surrounding area, and the bedrooms provide privacy and separation from the main living area. Additionally, side cabins can be designed in a variety of architectural styles, from traditional to modern and contemporary.

Regular cabins with porches

These cabins typically feature a traditional or rustic aesthetic, with a simple and functional layout. They usually have a front porch or a back porch, which is an extension of the main living area and provides an outdoor living space to enjoy the surrounding nature. The porch can be covered, open, or screened, to protect from sun and rain, and to provide additional living space.

A cabin with porch typically has one or two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a living area that includes a kitchen and dining area. The bedrooms and other functional spaces are typically located on the main level of the cabin, while the living area is located on the second level.

A-frame log cabin

An A-frame log cabin is a type of log cabin that is shaped like the letter “A” with steeply sloping sides that come together at the top to form a peak or triangle shape. This type of cabin is particularly popular for its unique and modern architectural design and its ability to blend in with natural surroundings. The steeply sloping sides of an A-frame log cabin are often made of large windows, which allow for natural light and provide great views of the surrounding area. The A-frame design also makes it easy to add a loft or second floor to the cabin, which can increase living space.

Stick-built cabin

Stick-built cabins are a popular type of cabin construction, where the walls are framed with conventional studs, making use of widely available building materials. This type of cabin construction is often built from scratch and requires the services of a local builder or general contractor, who will work with the plan and specifications you provide to build your custom home.

Stick-built cabins can be designed in any style, from traditional to modern, and you can choose from a variety of stock floor plans or work with a designer or architect to create a custom design. This type of construction is also familiar to lenders and insurance companies, making it easier to pay for and insure your cabin.

Modular cabins

Modular cabins ( also called small cabins) are prefabricated structures that are built off-site in a factory and then transported to the final location for assembly. They are also known as pre-manufactured cabins, and they are built-in sections or modules that are designed to fit together to form a complete cabin.

Modular cabins are built to meet the same building codes and standards as site-built homes, and they offer many of the same features and amenities as traditional cabins. They are built in a controlled environment, which minimizes the impact of weather and other environmental factors on the construction process.

Luxury cabins

For those looking for a more upscale and luxurious cabin experience, luxury cabins are an excellent choice. These cabins are often larger and more spacious than traditional cabins and feature high-end amenities like hot tubs, indoor fireplaces, and gourmet kitchens. Luxury cabins also typically offer more privacy and seclusion than other types of cabins. Some luxury cabins even have private outdoor spaces, like decks and patios, and are equipped with outdoor kitchens and grills. These cabins are perfect for those looking to pamper themselves and enjoy a truly luxurious vacation.

Rustic cabins

Rustic cabins are similar to traditional log cabins but often feature a more rustic and rugged aesthetic. Rustic cabins are usually located in remote wilderness areas, and may not have all the amenities of more developed cabins. Despite the lack of modern amenities, rustic cabins provide a true wilderness experience and are perfect for those looking to connect with nature and escape the distractions of modern life.

How much does a cabin cost?

The cost of a cabin can vary widely depending on factors such as the size, location, materials used, and level of finish. A small, basic cabin built with inexpensive materials in a rural area can cost less than a larger cabin with high-end finishes and amenities, such as a kitchen and bathroom, in a more desirable location. Additionally, the cost of a cabin can also depend on expenses, such as permits, government fees, and utility hookups.

To get a free estimate of a cabin cost in Missoula, MT, call Mission Valley Sheds LLC.