How to Build a 12x20 Cabin on a Budget (2024)

Introduction: How to Build a 12x20 Cabin on a Budget

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Building a cabin yourself is much more economical than buying a prefab storage shed. The cost of materials for this build, including doors and windows, was around $2,200, which was about the same price as the install would have been on one of this large size if I’d purchased it from a hardware store. I know this for a fact because six years ago I bought a 12x16 shed from a well-known company close to where I live and it cost $2,000 for them to build it and drop it off. Today that same building would cost $4,200. With such a big price increase I decided that if I wanted to add a cabin to my property I had to build it myself.

If you decide to do the same, remember to check with your local authorities to make sure you don’t need a permit. It’s not likely that it’s required for a building of this size, but you never know.

If you would like to see the finished inside of the cabin please click here: https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-finish-the-inside-of-a-12-x-20-cabin-on-a-b/.

If you would like to see the matching modern outhouse please check this out: https://www.instructables.com/id/modern-outhouse/.

Step 1: Floor Illustration

Here is the 12x20 floor plan showing where the 4x4s and the floor joists would be located.

Step 2: Drilling and Planting the Posts

1st picture: shows my ford tractor and my neighbors post hole digger he let me borrow.


2nd picture: shows the posts planted and the bottom 2x10 stringers.


3rd & 4th pictures: show the upper 2x10x12 and the 2x10x16 upper stringers being nailed in at 7 feet 8 inches.

Step 3: Setting the Center Rafter Board

This picture shows the center rafter board. I measured over 6 feet to the center. The roof is going to be a 5/12 pitch roof so the rafter board had to be 30 inches to the top of the board.

Step 4: Making the Angles for the Top and Bottom of the Rafters

1st picture: shows using a quick square. Put the pivot point at the top of the board and turn the square until the 5 on the * COMMON TOP CUT* line graph lines up with the outside of the board. Then draw the line to make the angle.

2nd picture: Once you cut your first angle then you have to measure from the tip of your cut down the length of the rafter to get your measurement for the seat cut. Once you have that measurement then you put the pivot point on that mark and turn the square until you get your 5/12 angle again. Then measure up that angle 2 1/2 inches and draw that line.

3rd picture: shows taking the edge of the square and lining it up with the 2 1/2 in line and turn the square until the tip is lined up with the edge of the board. Then draw that line.


4th picture: shows the angle seat that I just drew cut out.

Step 5: Setting the Rafters

1st picture: shows the rafters being set next.


2nd picture: shows the rafters on and the starting of the purlins being put on the top of the rafters for roof support. This is what the metal roofing is screwed to.


3rd picture: shows the tails all cut to 9 inches long and shows the steel roofing over hanging the roof by 2 inches to support the facia boards.


4th and 5th pictures: show the roofing installed.

Step 6: Adding on a 4 Foot Porch

Here is where it started to get complicated for me. I was looking for a 12x16 cabin, but once i looked at it I decided I wanted the whole 12x16 for floor space so i added a 4 foot porch to the 12x16 to make it a 12x20 total building instead of a 12x12 inside living space.

Step 7: Side Wall and Purlin Illustration

Step 8: Lag Bolting the Outer Joist to the 4x4 Poles

I had to screw (36) 3x3/8 inch lag bolts to all the outer joists into the 4x4s for stability.

Step 9: Hurricane Studs

1st picture: shows the (20) 13 inch hurricane studs with the 5/12 pitch angle cuts.


2nd picture: shows them installed.

Step 10: Floor Joists and Insulation and Floor

1st & 2nd pictures: show the (14) 2x10x12 floor joist installed

3rd & 4th pictures: show the 1x2 furring strips nailed to the inside of the floor joist 1 inch below the top of all the joists.

5th picture: shows the 1 inch insulation board between each joist before gluing and nailing the floor to the joist.

6th picture: shows my Dad lending a hand nailing down the floor.

Step 11: Rough Sawn Lumber for 8 Inch Board and Batten Siding

1st - 3rd pictures: show my dad cutting the siding boards to 8 foot long.

4th - 6th pictures: show the boards up on the wall and the soffit and the facia boards being put on.

Step 12: Studding in the Porch Ceiling

This picture shows the studding in for the porch ceiling, 16 inch centers and 4 foot long studs.

Step 13: Studding in the Front Wall and Door Frame

Studding in the front wall and front door frame, it was a hot day!! Here's my dooraggin' Dad! Just had to take a picture of this! He-he-he...

2nd picture: my friend Josh came over for a day to lend a hand on the mitre saw.

Step 14: Gable Ends

Here are the gable ends finished with the batten strips attached. All that's left for them are the two vents.

Step 15: Finished Cabin Structure

How to Build a 12x20 Cabin on a Budget (5)

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How to Build a 12x20 Cabin on a Budget (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to build a 12x20 shed? ›

In general, the price for a 12×20 shed ranges from about $5,000 to $16,000+, depending on the size, style, the number of add-ons, and other factors. As of 2021, most of our basic 12×20 shed styles start between $6000 – $7000.

What is the simplest cabin to build? ›

A vertical log cabin with a slab or crawlspace foundation is the simplest and one of the least expensive types of homes to build.

What is the cheapest cabin foundation to build? ›

Stone Pad / Gravel Foundation

Cost-Effective: Gravel foundations are typically more budget-friendly compared to concrete foundations, making them an economical choice for smaller structures or projects with limited funds.

How much does it cost to build a small cabin yourself? ›

Building a small cabin costs $20,000 to $200,000 on average, not including the land. Using simple finishes and repurposing old fixtures like farm sinks and bathtubs makes the cabin look rustic and keeps costs down. In comparison, building a tiny house on a foundation costs $33,000 to $78,000, not including the land.

Is it cheaper to buy a shed or have one built? ›

If you've been wondering if is it cheaper to build your own shed, you'll discover that yes, it is less expensive to build your own shed than to purchase a pre-built shed. That is at least if you have all the tools required to build the shed. Typically, it won't take many specialty tools to build the shed.

Is it cheaper to buy or make a shed? ›

You may pay less money per square foot to build a shed because you're saving on labor costs. Building a shed gives you more creative control and budget control. Buying a shed saves you time. You don't have to worry about the cost of materials.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a cabin? ›

it is not more cost effective to buy a prefab cabin over building one on site. There are many advantages of buying a cabin over building one on site: 1. Less construction materials required: If you use a cabin over building one, you will need to purchase additional materials such as lumber and concrete.

Is a cabin cheaper than a house? ›

Log cabins cost between $125 and $175 per square foot. Some factors that influence the cost include whether you build on flat land, if the land needs to be cleared, and the cabin's square footage. Log cabins have a similar price per square foot as the cost to build a house, which is about $100 and $200 per square foot.

How much does it cost to build a cabin from scratch? ›

The cost to build an A-frame cabin is $80,000 to $200,000 for a modular kit. The cost of prefab building averages $100,000 to $200,000, while the cost of stick-building ranges from $100,000 to $300,000. A-frame cabins are a simple type of log cabin. They have an average size of around 1,000 sq.

What is the best DIY cabin foundation? ›

One of the best portable cabin foundations is a solid concrete slab. Although more expensive than other foundations, nothing can beat the stability of a concrete foundation. You can pour a concrete slab directly on the ground if you choose, and it will serve you well.

Why are cabins built off the ground? ›

Prevention of Damage

If the wood sat directly on the ground, water could damage the boards, causing rot. On top of that, lifting a building off the ground would also help to deter bugs, snakes, and other critters from entering the home.

Are kit cabins worth it? ›

Lower Quality Materials

Another issue with log cabin kits is that they often use lower-quality materials compared to a traditionally built log cabin. This is because the logs used in kits are usually machine-cut and may not be as sturdy or durable as those used in a custom-built log cabin.

How long does it take to build a basic cabin? ›

Most log home packages take two to four months to construct. Once the home is “dried in” (tight to the weather), you should schedule your Quality Assurance Visit. Completion time for your home depends on whether you are finishing the home yourself or have chosen a “Turn Key” completion by a General Contractor.

Is 12x20 big for a shed? ›

There are precisely 240 square feet of interior space inside a 12×20 storage shed. This size falls into the large storage shed category. This square footage offers you a generous amount of space to work with. Here is a list of items you could fit inside a 12×20 storage shed.

How much does it cost to build a 12x24 shed? ›

On average, a 12×24 shed will cost $4,300 if it's a DIY build or $6,400 if it's a prefabricated style built by a professional.

How much does it cost to build a 10x20 storage shed? ›

10×20 shed prices range from $4,592 to $32,853 and above, depending on building design, style, siding, add-ons, and more.

How much does it cost to build a 12x24 storage shed? ›

The cost of a 12×24 shed will depend on the features, materials, and designs you choose. The average 12×24 shed price is between $5,000-$12,000.

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