Product Description

Authors David and Jeannie Stiles give readers all the information they need to build their own cabins -- whether it be as a wilderness retreat or a backyard studio. The authors describe each step in the process from buying land to obtaining services, from finding qualified construction help to deciding on and developing plans for a structure that suits their lifestyle and budget. "Cabins" is packed with detailed illustrations, plans and common-sense advice.

Chapters include classic construction methods: how to build a log cabin, pole-built and stick-built cabin, post-and-beam, stone, cordwood and kit cabins. Construction methods are clearly illustrated in photographs and drawings and the advantages of each are explained in detail. Foundations, windows, doors, insulation, roofing, installing utilities, water and sanitary systems and heating are all discussed.

Many designs are presented as inspiration and to help readers select the cabin that is perfect for them: homesteader log cabin, writing cabin, guest cabin, Japanese moon-gazing cabin, lakeside retreat, pyramid and A-frame, and hillside Mediterranean cabin. The authors include personal reminiscences from successful builders and cabin owners, and discuss furnishings and accessories that can help readers get the most enjoyment out of their newly built wilderness retreat.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #46064 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781552093733
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Library Journal
Cabins have come a long way from the 19th-century rustic structures familiar to all school children. The Stileses, a husband-and-wife team who have collaborated on a number of woodworking titles, show how to build a cabin that reflects the builder's lifestyle; some are simple, while others contain multiple rooms and utilities. Although the authors make it look easy, the amount of work that goes into a log cabin is staggering (even small cabins require 60 or more logs that each take five to seven hours to hew by hand). Other designs include a Japanese moon-gazing cabin, a pyramid-shaped cabin, and an A-frame cabin. A section on cabin accessories (including brief construction hints for rustic wood furniture) and a list of sources (including web addresses) completes this title. It should be part of in-depth public library collections.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
An invaluable resource ... step-by-step instructions starting with basic planning. -- Stacie Gentile, Calgary Sun, June 16, 2001

Clear, practical book ... full-color photos help do-it-yourselfers realize their dreams. -- Log Homes Illustrated, November 2001

If you've ever thought of building a little retreat somewhere ... you will probably enjoy this book. -- New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, May 26, 2001

The Stiles ... show how to build a cabin that reflects the builder's lifestyle. -- Library Journal, September 1, 2001

The kind of book that stirs the imagination. -- Lexington Herald-Leader, June 3, 2001

You'll find not only the practical issues ... but also the inspiration to help select the cabin that is perfect. -- Spokane Spokesman-Review, May 25, 2001

[The book will] lead the clumsiest carpenter through the necessary steps to build a cozy getaway. -- Annie Stoltie, Adirondack Life 10/15/2002

Review
[The book will] lead the clumsiest carpenter through the necessary steps to build a cozy getaway. (Annie Stoltie Adirondack Life 20050401)

You can do it!... For tips read Cabins: A Guide to Building Your Own Nature Retreat. (Rebecca Sawyer-Fay Cottage Living 20010603)

The Stiles ... show how to build a cabin that reflects the builder's lifestyle. (Library Journal 20010721)

If you've ever thought of building a little retreat somewhere ... you will probably enjoy this book. (New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal 20011101)

You'll find not only the practical issues ... but also the inspiration to help select the cabin that is perfect. (Kandis Carper Spokane Spokesman-Review 20011001)

An invaluable resource ... step-by-step instructions starting with basic planning. (Stacie Gentile Calgary Sun )

The kind of book that stirs the imagination. (Lexington Herald-Leader )

A primer for anyone with dreams of 'getting away from it all.' (Ted Hainworth Saskatoon Star Phoenix )

Clear, practical book ... full-color photos help do-it-yourselfers realize their dreams. (Log Homes Illustrated )

With this study ... anyone's yearning for the last great place can be satiated. (Patrick A. Smith ForeWord )

Customer Reviews

Just great!
This book is an absolutely essential guide for anyone planning to build a getaway home. It takes you, step-by-step, through the process of choosing your site, planning and designing your cabin and then building it. It includes plans, details and do-it-yourself hints on building all types of cabins: pole-frame, A-frame, timber-frame, log, stick and stone. Designs included range from Thoreau's 10'x15' cabin on Walden Pond to a big, comfortable lakeside cabin with all the extras. If you're dreaming of a little place in the country, get this book.

Even Better Than Stiles' Usual Excellent Work
I have always enjoyed books by Stiles and her group of architects. I built a tree house from one and a play structure from another. This is the most thourough book I have seen by her. Lots of good tips, superb drawings, construction details, etc. This is not just a pretty picture book (although there are some of those, too. This is a book for the real do-it-yourselfer.

Has Everything You Need
This book is wonderful. It contians all the information you could possibly need for building a cabin, whether you want a one room hut with no amenities, a two-betroom beach house with running water, electricity, and a bathroom or something in between. It covers everything I can think of and gives clear instructions for projects.
This book lives up to its title: it really is for someone who is serious about building, with more diagrams than "arty" pictures of the wilderness. However, there is a nice section of color pictures in the middle of the book to give a taste of what sort of results you can expect from your efforts.