Do-It-Yourself Log Cabin Sheds

Select a spot where you want to build your shed. Decide the location of the open side of the shed and measure a 5-foot line exactly where you want it to be. Mark the line with chalk paint and mark an "X" beside the line to remind you that this is the open side.

Measure and mark a 5-foot line, parallel to the first line, 8-feet back, to mark the back wall of the shed.

Measure and mark two 8-foot parallel lines, connecting the ends of the 5-foot lines, creating a square.

Dig two 8-foot trenches -- 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep, and parallel to each other -- along the chalk lines that mark where the sides of the shed will be.

Dig a 5-foot trench, also 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep, between the ends of the two 8-foot tre3nches and along the chalk line that marks where the back of the shed will be. Keep in mind the 5-foot log will fit inside the two 8-foot logs when you dig the back trench.

Place an 8-foot log in each of the side trenches and a 5-foot log in the back trench. Pound each log into the trench so its top is even with the soil. These logs form the foundation of the shed walls.

Attach an 8-foot log on top of one of the ones already in place by hammering six spikes, evenly placed along the log, through the top log and into the bottom one. Repeat this process with the other 8-foot log.

Hammer a 5-foot log on top of the first 5-foot log and attach it in the same manner, using 5 spikes evenly placed along the log.

Connect the 8-foot logs to the 5-foot log by driving two spikes through each outside end of the 8-foot logs -- 1 to 4 inches from the end of the log and no closer than 1 inch to either side -- and into the ends of the 5-foot log.

Repeat this process, adding an additional 15 layers of logs. This will give you a shed that is 6 feet tall. Stand on the scaffolding when the height of the area you're working on becomes higher your waist. This allows you to easily swing the sledge hammer downward.

Cut two pieces of plywood, each measuring 5 feet, 10 inches-by-4 feet.

Place the two plywood roof pieces side-by-side on top of the cabin, with the short sides touching, to form a roof that is 5 feet, 10 inches-by-8 feet. The sides of the roof should be in line with the outside edge of the walls. Attach the roof pieces to the top row of logs, using eight nails on each side and five nails on the back.

Drill holes into the 8-foot sides of the metal sheet and on one of the 5-foot, 10-inch sides. Drill into the valleys of the corrugation, approximately one hole per each foot, and about 2 to 3 inches from the edge.

Screw the metal sheet to the top of the plywood roof through the drilled holes.