What do you think?
How to Build and Furnish a Log Cabin: The Easy, Natural Way Using Only Hand Tools and the Woods Around You
W. Ben Hunt's classic has earned a reputation as the" authentic handbook since it was first published in 1939. Updated in 1974, it remains the only step-by-step guide to building log cabins and log furniture -- pioneer style."
176 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1974
About the author
W. Ben Hunt
42 books6 followersWalter Bernard “Ben” Hunt (March 13, 1888 – March 30, 1970) was an American artist, outdoor educator and author whose books and articles covered topics such as Native American arts and performance, woodworking, whittling, scoutcraft, pioneering, jewelry making, metalworking, and calligraphy.
Hunt was born in Greenfield, Wisconsin and grew up in a log cabin. He attended Milwaukee’s South Division High School, but did not graduate, dropping out to become “a lithographic engraver” (now graphics designer) at the Bruce Publishing Company. Hunt moved to Hales Corners, Wisconsin with his wife, Laura, in 1920. In 1924, Hunt, along with his father-in-law and brother, Edwin C. Hunt, built a log cabin behind his home. The cabin, a 16x28-foot structure made of tamarack logs, was the subject of Hunt’s first article, “How We Built Our Log Cabin.” During the late 1930s, Hunt began to study the work of Native American artists. As part of his research, Hunt met with artists and leaders such as Nick Black Elk, Frank Smart (or Chief Gogeoweosh), and James F. "Buck" Burshears. Hunt shared his knowledge of "Indian lore" with Milwaukee's boy scout leaders and, in 1942, Hunt started writing articles for Boy's Life. He became a regular member of its staff, ultimately writing over 1,000 articles, an average of three to four per issue. Hunt's work for Boy's Life, led him to serve on the staff of the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1950, 1953, 1957, and 1960.
Hunt was born in Greenfield, Wisconsin and grew up in a log cabin. He attended Milwaukee’s South Division High School, but did not graduate, dropping out to become “a lithographic engraver” (now graphics designer) at the Bruce Publishing Company. Hunt moved to Hales Corners, Wisconsin with his wife, Laura, in 1920. In 1924, Hunt, along with his father-in-law and brother, Edwin C. Hunt, built a log cabin behind his home. The cabin, a 16x28-foot structure made of tamarack logs, was the subject of Hunt’s first article, “How We Built Our Log Cabin.” During the late 1930s, Hunt began to study the work of Native American artists. As part of his research, Hunt met with artists and leaders such as Nick Black Elk, Frank Smart (or Chief Gogeoweosh), and James F. "Buck" Burshears. Hunt shared his knowledge of "Indian lore" with Milwaukee's boy scout leaders and, in 1942, Hunt started writing articles for Boy's Life. He became a regular member of its staff, ultimately writing over 1,000 articles, an average of three to four per issue. Hunt's work for Boy's Life, led him to serve on the staff of the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1950, 1953, 1957, and 1960.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 10, 2026
Kind of a weird mix of bush craft and professional construction crew. Helpful advice but not a real guide for the modern day.
Read
May 22, 2026Every time I’m amazed by how houses are built these days, and it’s not always this super difficult and long process like I used to think. Modern technologies, new materials, companies like log cabins in Montrose, CO make it possible to build a really nice house without it becoming unbearably expensive or taking forever. I still dream about having my own little wooden house someday.
March 15, 2016
highly informative, but dated and basically a historical text on American carpentry. If you want to build an authentic American log cabin this is probably the way to go, but the design ideals encouraged aren't very environmental (when compared to some I've seen from Estonia, Latvia and Russia). it's a useful text, don't get me wrong, but look on YouTube and you'll find people building such cabins today that have more longevity and comfort
Read
December 10, 2008My dream, and I guess my boyfriends is to build and furnish a log cabin. Wonderful book, recently, found it again and read it over.
January 28, 2017
Knížka plná praktických poznatků, rozhodně lepší jak kniha od nějakého teoretika, pokud uvažujete o stavbě musíte to přečíst
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews