Cabins: A Guide to Building Your Own Nature Retreat
- Book Review,
by David R. Stiles
From Library Journal
Cabins have come a long way from the 19th-century rustic structures familiar to all school children. The Stileses, a husband-and-wife team who have collaborated on a number of woodworking titles, show how to build a cabin that reflects the builder's lifestyle; some are simple, while others contain multiple rooms and utilities. Although the authors make it look easy, the amount of work that goes into a log cabin is staggering (even small cabins require 60 or more logs that each take five to seven hours to hew by hand). Other designs include a Japanese moon-gazing cabin, a pyramid-shaped cabin, and an A-frame cabin. A section on cabin accessories (including brief construction hints for rustic wood furniture) and a list of sources (including web addresses) completes this title. It should be part of in-depth public library collections. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, May 26, 2001
If you've ever thought of building a little retreat somewhere ... you will probably enjoy this book.
Spokane Spokesman-Review, May 25, 2001
You'll find not only the practical issues ... but also the inspiration to help select the cabin that is perfect.
Lexington Herald-Leader, June 3, 2001
The kind of book that stirs the imagination.
Stacie Gentile, Calgary Sun, June 16, 2001
An invaluable resource ... step-by-step instructions starting with basic planning.
Library Journal, September 1, 2001
The Stiles ... show how to build a cabin that reflects the builder's lifestyle.
Log Homes Illustrated, November 2001
Clear, practical book ... full-color photos help do-it-yourselfers realize their dreams.
Annie Stoltie, Adirondack Life 10/15/2002
[The book will] lead the clumsiest carpenter through the necessary steps to build a cozy getaway.
Book Description
Authors David and Jeannie Stiles give readers all the information they need to build their own cabins -- whether it be as a wilderness retreat or a backyard studio. The authors describe each step in the process from buying land to obtaining services, from finding qualified construction help to deciding on and developing plans for a structure that suits their lifestyle and budget. "Cabins" is packed with detailed illustrations, plans and common-sense advice. Chapters include classic construction methods: how to build a log cabin, pole-built and stick-built cabin, post-and-beam, stone, cordwood and kit cabins. Construction methods are clearly illustrated in photographs and drawings and the advantages of each are explained in detail. Foundations, windows, doors, insulation, roofing, installing utilities, water and sanitary systems and heating are all discussed. Many designs are presented as inspiration and to help readers select the cabin that is perfect for them: homesteader log cabin, writing cabin, guest cabin, Japanese moon-gazing cabin, lakeside retreat, pyramid and A-frame, and hillside Mediterranean cabin. The authors include personal reminiscences from successful builders and cabin owners, and discuss furnishings and accessories that can help readers get the most enjoyment out of their newly built wilderness retreat.
About the Author
David Stiles is a designer'/builder and together, with his wife Jeanie, has authored fifteen books, including "Sheds: The Do-It-Yourself Guide," Revised Edition (Firefly 1998), "The Treehouse Book" (which won the ALA Notable Children's Book Award), and "Playhouses You Can Build" (Firefly 1999). A graduate of the Pratt Institute and the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy, David is the winner of two awards from the New York Planning Commission for his designs for The Playground for All Children. David and Jeanie's articles have appeared in several magazines and newspapers including "House Beautiful," "Better Homes and Gardens," "Country Living" "Home Mechanix," "Rebecca's Gardens," and "The New York Times." They have appeared on numerous television programs, including Lifetime Television "Our Home" and the Discovery Channel's "Home Matters" shows. They divide their time between New York City and East Hampton, N.Y. where they live in a barn which they renovated themselves.
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