Building a Gambrel Cabin from Ground Up

A gambrel cabin is a unique and charming type of cabin that features a distinctive roofline with two slopes on each side. The gambrel design allows for more interior space and can be a cost-effective option for building a cabin.

The gambrel cabin design originated in Europe, specifically in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, where it was used for centuries as a practical and efficient way to build homes and barns.

The typical gambrel cabin features a rectangular footprint with a sloping roof that has two distinct slopes, one steeper than the other. This design allows for a larger living space on the upper floor.

The gambrel cabin's unique roof design also provides excellent ventilation and allows for natural light to enter the cabin.

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The gambrel cabin is a unique and charming design that requires careful planning to bring to life.

A gambrel roof is a key feature of this style, with two slopes on each side that meet at a ridge.

The cabin's footprint can be as small as 600 square feet, making it an ideal choice for a weekend retreat or guest house.

Gambrel cabins often feature large windows and a wrap-around porch, which provides a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.

The steep roof pitch of a gambrel cabin allows for a higher ceiling height, which can make the interior feel more spacious.

A gambrel cabin can be built using a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and even reclaimed materials.

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The construction process for our gambrel cabin was quite a feat. We started by laying a flat truss across the joists, butting its "feet" against one of the joists.

We then tilted it partway up, nailed a pair of two-by-fours to the truss's short horizontal crosspiece, pushed the structure upright, and nailed the 2-by-4 to the loft floor to act as temporary braces. It's essential to ensure the first truss is plumb, as it serves as a reference point for the rest.

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The frames' feet were nailed to the loft joist and bound to the supporting sills with metal straps. This provided a solid foundation for the rest of the structure.

As we erected successive trusses, we tacked them together with horizontal braces to hold them in position. These braces were later removed after the roofing plywood was nailed in place.

Assembling the trusses on the ground is a crucial step in the construction process. We assembled all our roof trusses on the ground between stakes.

The doglegs and triangles were attached with 8-penny nails. Strap metal, a type of metal used to bind bundles of lumber, was also used to tie all joints together.

We cut the strap metal into 8-to-12 inch lengths and used a punch, mallet, and vice-grip pliers to make nailing holes through each piece. This made it easier to attach the metal straps to the trusses.

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A short length of 2-by-6 was nailed between the dogleg joints to act as a stiffener and later serve as an attic joist. This added extra support to the trusses.

After binding the rafter segments together, we finished each truss by nailing the 2-by-6 in place. We then stacked all the trusses flat on a level surface with spacer blocks between them.

Jason's Story is a great example of how to approach building a small home. He started with a dream of finding land and building his own house, but was deterred by the high cost of renting in Nashville.

He decided to use a storage barn kit as a basis for his home, but after researching determined that you cannot live in a storage building in Tennessee. Instead, he used the kit as a basis for building his home on a foundation.

Jason's home has a Gambrel "Barn shaped" roof, which maximizes ceiling height and width of usable space. He chose this design to accommodate his 6'4" height and to save on mortgage costs.

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He did most of the work himself and all of the finishes, which saved him a significant amount of money. He paid for the foundation, block, framing, and drywall, but handled the rest of the work himself, including HVAC and electrical.

Jason's goal was financial freedom, and he achieved it by building a small home that he can easily add to as needed. He made sure to plan for future additions by leaving a free space for pipes and wires, near the electrical panel, and aligning it with the main trunk line.

Here's a breakdown of Jason's home:

The gambrel cabin's unique roof design presents some special considerations when it comes to roofing and finishing. The gambrel roof's two slopes create a distinctive look, but they also require a bit more planning to ensure a watertight seal.

To start, you'll need to choose a roofing material that can handle the cabin's exposed location. Asphalt shingles are a popular choice, but you may also consider metal roofing for its durability and low maintenance requirements.

Intriguing read: Roofing a Gambrel Roof

A gambrel roof's steep slope can make it prone to leaks, so be sure to install flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. This will help prevent water from seeping into the cabin.

In addition to roofing, the gambrel cabin's exterior finishing touches can greatly impact its overall aesthetic. Consider using a combination of horizontal and vertical boards to create a unique and rustic look.

For a more modern take, you could opt for a smooth finish like vinyl siding or stucco. Either way, be sure to choose materials that can withstand the elements and require minimal maintenance.

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