Small Cabin Planning

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On the 14th of March 2020, Mark, Louise and I set out to the Beerwah Bunker to purchase timber for the cabin we’ve been planning to build.

The best way to complete a project is to begin.

I am pleased I brought my friend Mark with us because he introduced the idea of using standard sizes and length, which would work out cheaper and make it modular. 

Clearly I had not done very much planning, I had a notebook, a pen, and a tape measure, it was our intention to ask the Bunker about the available size, length and costs of timber. We thought we would choose our materials based on what was available. 

Thoughts about Style Design and Size of the Cabin

Material List and Costs (so far)

Listed as I buy the materials. 

  • 2 x Bearers   3.6. x. 300 x 100
  • 8 x Joists 6m x 140mm x 75mm
  • 8 x Joists 6m x 70mmx 35mm
  • 4 x Yellow Tongue Flooring. 3.6m x 800mm  x 19mm  
  • 32 x Triple Grip Joiners

Saturday, 16 May 2020

  • 7 x Joists 6m x 70mmx 35mm

“The tongue colour relates to the thickness of the sheets; a yellow tongue refers to the 19 mm thickness, the 22 mm sheet has a red tongue, and the blue tongue identifies the 25 mm sheet”

I was quite pleased with what I’d bought because we could imagine how it would look quite easily,

Photo Journal

Louise and Mark unloading.
It did not take us long to get an idea of what it may look like.
Always read the print we very nearly put these on the wrong way, this first sheet was used to square it up and then we started from the other side.
The best looking team of cabin builders you did see.

A list of Cabin Essentials

Initial ideas around furnishing

  • A single or double bed.
  • A reading chair, sofa and reading lamp.
  • A writing desk and bookshelf.
  • A large sliding door and window with a view.
  • Devices to play music on, and perhaps a small TV to watch documentaries on

Journal of Progress

Some of my thoughts extracted from Day One.  I feel that these are useful to show and explain how things have progressed with the cabin.

13th of August, 2019

Last night was pleasant sitting around the fire outside, Julian mentioned that he might light to build a cabin.

Sunday 10th November 2019

I have a few ideas about making it profitable and they all hinge around the idea of small cabins, and micro rentals, Airbnb and Glamping.

Thursday 2nd April 2020

Now if I were to ask myself  “what are your main tasks” then there are several. The first being to guide and support my family so that we are not unduly anxious or frustrated. Another may be to write, and another to complete the tiny cabin I am building.

Saturday, April 11th, 2020

I am still not certain where I plan to build the cabin, I suspect it will be located between the two sheds.

Sunday 26th April 2020 

Mark Lythall came round at about 1 pm and we made a start on the cabin,  I stopped to provide an opportunity for Louise to work on it when she returns from Atalanta where she has got horse riding for the day.

Saturday, 16 May 2020

Mark and I went to the bunker and bought seven more lengths of  timber 6m x 70mmx 35mm

Saturday, 27 June 2020

Worked on the cabin steadily, there is a lot more work involved than I at first thought it would be. I bought the most of what I need to complete the cabin, including the Structural Ply Bracing which will make it more rigid so that it can be transported if necessary, bought the steel tie-downs to make it hurricane-proof. Also bought the breathable insulation with is semi-waterproof and will make it warm and cooler where necessary. I also bought the roof (SIP’s) Structural Insulation roofing Panels / Roofing sheets so the roof can go on soon.

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