A Landscape-Log Cabin

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FUTURE-DREAMING

We're still a long way from being finished with all of our homestead construction projects, but we're getting there. For instance, we've just completed a civilized outdoor composting toilet. ("Civilized," since the little building is rather fancy and has large windows with lace curtains. In fact, we go so far as to refer to it as our "outside room with a view.") Next on the project list is a rammed earth floor for the cabin. Then comes a gravity-fed springwater system . . . an addition to the cabin . . . and a separate workshop for this recently converted hand-tool handyman.

BEAUTY'S IN THE EYES . . .

Our six-sided backwoods cabin may not be a royal palace, but it's certainly attractive and comfortable. I think it's rather amazing that we spent only $2,379 on the cabin, including the woodstove and the deck. What really matters, though, is that when Cathy and I survey all that we've accomplished with our own sweat and love, and consider how much security we've gained at so little cost, we know that we're on the road to becoming the masters of our own destiniesand that makes us feel downright regal!

EDITOR'S NOTE: We admire what the Laughlins have done with landscape logs, but would like to caution anyone following their example: The chemicals used to pressure-treat lumber are toxic. pressure-treated logs are intended for outdoor use . . . not for building live-in structures. Fortunately, there's a way around the danger: Untreated landscape logs, which are otherwise identical to those used by the Laughlins, can be specialordered through most lumber dealers. And even if you have to wait a short while for delivery, that's certainly preferable to living in a potentially hazardous home.

But what if you, like Bill and Cathy, have already built with pressure-treated lumber (landscape logs or otherwise)? Well, since the primary danger is absorption of toxic chemicals by direct (skin) contact, you can provide a good degree of protection by applying a clear, waterproof finish. (Our staff technical whizzes recommend one of the polyurethane varnishes, such as Varathane.) The greatest danger of all, however, is breathing the fumes emitted by burning pressure-treated wood. So don't ever feed such scraps into the old woodstove!

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