Jamaica Cottage Shop

Hand-crafted cottages and sheds created by Vermont artisans in the post-and-beam tradition.
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If you have looked at any of our sheds and cottages and tiny houses, or flipped through a set of our DIY building plans, you would have seen that we use post and beam framing techniques in our builds. Why? It's because it is an age-old carpentry technique that has stood the test of time.


A post and beam timber frame being erected on top of a pier foundation.
Our Vermont Cabin utilizes mortise & tenon framing techniques.

Visit Stonehenge to see an example of an ancient structure built with stone posts and beams. Another classic example comes from the Amish, who are famous for raising timber frame barns. With the increasing demand for rustic-style homes, you can now find post and beam framing making a big comeback. Create an interesting interior with an exposed timber frame inside. The posts, beams and angle braces tie into both modern and antique interior decorating. Plus, did we mention how sturdy this framing style is? In our humble opinion, it’s the best!


Anatomy of a Post and Beam Building

Our designs start with conventional building techniques. A floor system contains skids and joists, or a treated sill plate. Rafters, a ridge pole, and collar ties frame the roof. Posts and beams tie into the wall framing.


Posts are the vertical pieces of lumber that support the horizontal beams.


Angle braces provide additional support from the posts to the beams.


Horizontal nailers installed several feet from the floor, and between posts, set up an extra point for fastening siding.


We utilize a few different techniques for building our post and beam structures, depending on the design. So, here we’ll talk about a few of those.


Half-Lap Joints

An example of how our post and beam walls are framed out.

Our storage sheds, mid-sized garages, and small cottages are the simplest of our designs. We build the posts, beams and angle braces with true-dimensional, 4x4 rough sawn hemlock lumber. We cut the ends of the beams in a way that allows two boards to lap over each other. Then the boards are nailed to the posts, along with the angle braces. The half-lap joint sits right on top of the post, for the strongest point of contact. A 4x4 piece of lumber weighs much less than our stockier boards, so one or two strong people can lift these pieces without machinery.


Box Beams

Diagram of a box beam on top of posts and angle braces.

This type of beam is installed on our Simple Garages. Because we build those garages with 6x6 hemlock posts, we need a thicker beam to hold up the massive roof. With a box beam post and beam structure, the post will have a 2-inch by 12-inch tenon notched out at the top. We sandwich this tenon between two 2x12 hemlock boards to create the beam. Next, the two box beams and tenons are secured together with a 2x6 top plate. The result is a box beam that is 6x14 inches in dimension. There is no denying that this hefty beam is fantastic. 


Mortise & Tenon aka Timber Frame

We designed our timber frames so that they are built with true-dimensional 8x8 hemlock lumber. We offer three buildings that utilize this framing technique. These buildings include the Vermont Cabin, Two Bay Garage, and 20x30 and 20x40 Sugar Shacks. Also, we sell Porch, overhang, or enclosure kit add-ons.



With these frames, the posts and angle braces have tenons. To create a tenon, we notch a protrusion out of the lumber. This locks together with a mortise. Mortises are notched-out holes that fit over the tenons. You will find mortises in the posts where the loft floor beams and angle braces connect to them. Wall beams also have mortises. They make contact with the posts, along with the floor joists. We utilize half laps in the beams, and like our smaller frames, these joints sit on top of the post. Finally, we secure everything together with ¾” wooden timber pegs.


Vermont Cabin with a built in porch, custom decorative cupola, and sliding glass doors.

Conclusion

Many shed and cottage companies use panelized or stick-built techniques. In many cases, these styles can be just fine. But there is a reason you don’t hear about historic buildings discovered that use these building styles—they just don't stand the test of time! If you are looking for a robust cabin, post and beam is the way to go. Setting up a house frame where the lumber interlocks together, with the siding added after, ensures a durable structure.


Looking for something roomier than what we offer? Visit our parent company, WHS Homes brands, Timber Peg and American Post & Beam for more post and beam construction styles.  


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Two dog house dormers were built on the roof of this Vermont Cabin.

You have seen them on cute Victorian cottages, traditional colonial homes, and other types of buildings. A dormer is a structure that is built projecting out of the roof of a building. It will usually have wall space for windows and might have a different pitch from the main roof, and/or a roofline that is perpendicular to the main roof. They are eye-catching and can turn a drab building into something quite fabulous. Let us take you through all of the reasons that dormers are so great.


Gain Headspace

Some of our designs, like the Smithaven cottage, have lower wall heights. Other cabins have lofts with just enough room to crouch in some spots. Including a dormer in your design provides extra vertical space. This gives you room to stretch, or at the very least, room to stand in. Tall bookshelves and closets built into a dormer create storage space for clothing, linens, books and other knick-knacks. Here is an example of a finished loft without a dormer, and one with a shed dormer.


Vermont Cabin loft without dormers
Vermont Cabin loft with a shed dormer

Bring in the Sunlight

Lofts usually have shorter walls, meaning the only available space for windows is in the gable end of the building. This usually results in limited natural light coming in. Are you using the loft as a sleeping area? A dormer will provide space for additional windows to remedy a normally darker space.


Add Some Pizazz

A standard, gabled-roof cabin provides a certain charm in its simplicity. But your cabin can get a double-take by adding one or more dormers. With this purpose in mind, the structural form of the dormer differs from the overall roofline, the architectural interest will catch most peoples’ eyes. Depending on the dormer style you add, you can make your building look more traditional or modern too.


Types of Dormers

If you are building a Vermont Cabin we offer two dormer kit styles that work with the building kits when ordered and shipped at the same time.


Doghouse Dormer

  • Gable-Roof Style
  • One window can be installed in each dormer
  • People usually add two or three of these dormers on one or two sides of the cabin.

Shed Dormer

  • Shed-Roof Style
  • This wider dormer style can host several windows
  • Great for creating more usable space in a loft

Doghouse dormer on a Vermont Cabin
Custom Shed Dormer with Windows
Shed dormer on a Vermont Cabin

Other Designs That Utilize Dormers

While we only offer a dormer kit for the Vermont Cabin, we do have a couple designs that feature dormers as part of the overall design. The Smithaven is a micro cottage based off of our Hardware Shed. We lengthened the building and added a shed dormer on one of the bearing walls. Three barn sash windows, with a transom window above, adorn the heightened wall of the dormer. The result is an adorable tiny house with a lot of personality.


Our Dollhouse shed and Xylia cabin both have over-the-door dormers. The door dormers for both of these are visually appealing and functional. Both designs have steeper roof pitches resulting in shorter wall heights. Adding a dormer where the door goes makes it possible for a full-sized adult to walk through the door without bumping their head on the door frame.


  • Smithaven with cottage dormer
    The Smithaven is designed with a shed dormer built into it.
  • Dollhouse with above the door dormer
  • 12x16 Xylia with Artisan-blown Glass Roundel with a colorful swirl
    Xylia with above the door dormer

Conclusion

Those who want a building that includes design features that are functional and beautiful might want to pick out a design with a dormer. Additionally, dormers provide more useable space in a loft, where wall heights are usually on the short side. Last but not least, dormers provide a unique, simple style to your cottage. All in all the benefits of dormers are vast and we think they are pretty nifty.


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When Jamaica Cottage Shop began its journey decades ago, our founder, Domenic Mangano wanted to create a product made from locally sourced lumber. Instead of choosing subpar building materials, he decided to take advantage of the great timber available in the Northeast United States. The reason being that these wood species are well-suited for the local climate and create rugged structures. Fewer chemicals in the treatment of the wood mean less impact on the environment too, which is why natural wood is better. Working readily available lumber into the designs meant that new buildings could exist in harmony with the traditional homes and cabins that pepper New England, and the rest of the United States.

Western Red Cedar shingles is a stunning choice for siding or roofing. And it's all natural!

What Does True-Dimensional Mean? 

If you have ever purchased lumber at a building supply store you might have wondered why a 2x4 is really only 1-3/4” x 3-3/4”. Trimming off rough spots and defects during the milling process results in thinner boards.

With true-dimensional lumber, the width and girth will truly be what the measurement states it is. While the lumber will have a rough surface, this is often preferable. For one, a true-dimensional board is going to be much more rugged simply because it is thicker. Measuring will be simpler because you won’t have to account for that variance that happens in conventional lumber. If you are going for a rustic cabin aesthetic the rough sawn hemlock framing will instantly achieve the look.

Hemlock

Our mortise & tenon cabin is built out of big 8x8 rough sawn hemlock lumber boards for the posts and beams.
Hemlock is mainly used for framing most of our buildings

Hemlock lumber is milled from the Tsuga genus which is part of the pine family. This evergreen tree is abundant in the Northeast and Canada. Because Eastern Hemlock is so common in New England it is relatively inexpensive to harvest.

Where we use Hemlock:  

• Floor Framing - Skids, joists and blocking

• Decking for Floors - for basic out-buildings including storage sheds and firewood storage

• Wall Framing – Posts, beams, nailers, and rough openings for windows and doors

• Roof Framing – Rafters, collar ties, and ridge poles

Eastern White Pine

Board and Batten is the most popular all natural wood choice for siding our post and beam garages.
Eastern White Pine lumber is mostly used for siding and trim on our buildings shells.

Eastern White Pine lumber is harvestable all along the East Coast of the United States and Canada. Because it grows so fast this means that it is also quite affordable to produce. The natural, light color means it won’t need as many layers of paint or stain compared to darker woods. Eastern pine does turn a silvery gray color over time for those looking to achieve a weathered look.

Where we use Pine: 

• Siding - Board & batten, log cabin style, Adirondack live edge, shiplap, clapboard, and novelty styles

• Trim – Corner, windows and doors, fascia and shadow

• Doors – solid wood doors are constructed with two layers of 1-inch pine

• Floor Decking – 2-inch tongue & groove is a popular flooring upgrade

• Interior Sheathing – Roof sheathing, wall sheathing, and ceiling sheathing can be finished out with pine in shiplap or rough-sawn boards.

Kiln-Dried Spruce

Kiln dried spruce is a natural wood that we use for framing out our fully insulated buildings, like this pond house.
This Pond House is going to be insulated, so was built with a KD Spruce frame.

Post and beam buildings generally will show off the framing as part of the interior. Because of this, the frame is built with green lumber that dries over time. Green lumber is great for post and beam because it is less prone to cracking. However, if you plan on enclosing your frame with wood sheathing or drywall, it is a good idea to use dry lumber. Doing so will prevent moisture from being trapped inside your building, which will decrease the chances that mold and mildew will develop.

Where we use Spruce: 

• Floor Framing – joists and blocking in 3 or 4-season buildings

• Wall Framing – Posts, beams, nailers, and rough openings for windows and doors in 4-season buildings

• Roof Framing – Rafters, ridge poles, and collar ties in 4-season buildings

Cedar

Cedar shingle siding looks and smells wonderful on this Harvester cabin. Cedar wood can be used to finish out the interior for saunas too.
White cedar shingles were installed on this Hobby House. This type of siding is naturally rot resistant and will ward off many pests.

 Cedar is a gorgeous option we offer for the exterior, and interior, finishing off of our buildings. Because it naturally repels bugs and is rot-resistant we recommend cedar for structures built near large bodies of saltwater or in termite-prone areas. We find that Western Red is a hardier species than Eastern White and only offer it for roofing choices.

Where we use Cedar: 

• Siding – Shingles, Shakes or Clapboard in Eastern White, or Western Red

• Roofing – Shingles or Shakes in Western Red

• Sometimes used as interior wall and ceiling sheathing in prefab saunas.

When Unnatural Lumber is Advantageous

Pressure Treated Lumber

Our treated ramps sit directly on the ground. They provide easy access into storage sheds for wheelbarrows, bicycles, lawnmowers and tractors.
Since our ramps sit directly on the ground we build them out of pressure treated lumber for a long life.

While we prefer using all-natural wood as much as possible, we won’t turn our nose up to pressure-treated lumber. In some situations, it is going to be a better choice. Anywhere your building comes into direct contact with the ground, or gets constant outdoor use, pressure-treated will be recommended. The chemicals used in treated lumber will reduce the time before the lumber begins decaying, and it will repel most insects who love chomping on wood.

Where we use Pressure Treated: 

• Sill Plates – buildings without a floor system utilize a sill plate

• Floor Framing – Skids, joists, and blocking. We do not recommend upgrading the joists to be treated in insulated buildings

• Decking for Floors – Only recommended for storage buildings or porches

• Ramps – All of our ramps are treated since they come in direct contact with the ground

This cute little cabin comes with CDX decking for the flooring. It can have other types of flooring installed on top of it like laminate boards, vinyl, tiles, or carpet.
CDX Plywood works great as a shed floor, or it can be a strong base for adding tile, carpet or other types of flooring on top.

CDX Plywood

Another type of lumber we use is CDX plywood. If you have ever visited a big box store with a shed display you may have noticed that they use flaky-looking plywood called T1-11. It feels pretty flimsy, and the sheets of thin wood peel apart over time. CDX is a higher grade of plywood with larger sheets glued together. This makes a great subfloor or is perfectly fine for the decking in a storage shed or workshop.

Where we use CDX:

• Floor Decking – in storage sheds, workshops, or as the subfloor in cabins, cottages, and tiny houses.
• 3 and 4-season buildings – to encase the insulation inside the floor joists

Conclusion

Picking out high-quality materials for your shed build will mean your building will last a long time. Natural wood choices have advantages like looking attractive and blending into the landscape much better than synthetic options. Rough-sawn, true-dimensional lumber is sturdy meaning your building won’t wobble when you walk inside. Long-lasting structures might cost a little more upfront. In the long term, you will save money and time. And did we mention how great pine and cedarwood smells?

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The Vermont Cottage as a beach house or ocean bungalow.
This Vermont Cottage looks at home by the oceanside or even the desert.

Waterfront property, as everyone knows, is highly sought after. Having a place by an ocean, lake, pond, or river to live and relax is invaluable. Easy access to a place for swimming, fishing, ice skating, and boating is a bonus for most people who are searching for land. Add in the potential for income with vacation rentals and it is no surprise that beach houses and ocean bungalows are in high demand.

Anyone lucky enough to own beach front property will want to create an inviting home for their families and guests to rest and gather. Post and beam cottages and tiny houses, with their rustic style, fit into any coastal setting quite nicely. Over and over again our customers show interest in our Vermont Cottage Option A. An uncomplicated design, with a bearing wall porch and sleeping loft, makes it optimal as a seaside abode.

OFF-GRID OCEAN BUNGALOW

The Vermont Cottage is an ideal design for setting up for off-grid living. This particular cottage kit, constructed by a desert dune, would easily look great as part of a seaside resort. The light gray paint job on the pine board and batten siding gives the building a coastal vibe. Amplify the oceanic style by upgrading to Western Red Cedar shingle or shake siding. Solar panels were installed nearby for an electrical source.   

Stepping inside the bright interior feels summery and many personal touches abound. The custom constructed staircase, made of a light-colored material, resembles driftwood. White walls reflect the natural light that pours in from the ample number of windows. Sliding glass doors open out to another uncovered porch equipped with a picnic table.

The layout of this cottage is striking and streamlined. One half of the cottage, dedicated to a well-laid-out kitchen includes a full-sized refrigerator, sink, and woodstove. Plenty of cabinets and counters provide storage and space to prepare meals. The custom staircase reaches up to the sleeping loft. Cubbies attractively hideaway clothing and linens. Under the cottage loft is a small sitting area with a sofa, chair, and flat-screen tv. Next to the living room sits a narrow powder room, with composting toilet, sink, and shower. Between the kitchen and sitting area, a small bar height table was added for eating or for working on a laptop.

This beach house interior has a custom built staircase to the lof.t
This beachy living room has a custom stairwell leading up to the sleeping loft with storage cubbies.
This small space is bright and airy, making it feel larger than it actually is.
This cottage interior is finished out with a, breakfast bar, kitchenette, and a woodstove.
This small desk functions as a workspace or a place to eat, while enjoying the scenery.
A tiny desk for a laptop means this tiny home has a work from home office solution.

RIVERSIDE RENTAL

This Vermont Cottage was featured on the hit TV show Tiny House Nation.

Nearly a decade ago one family purchased and built one of our Vermont Cottage kits. They owned a small boat rental business on a river in Tennessee. Instead of sinking money into an apartment rental, they decided to downsize and live closer to their growing business. This felt possible because they had preteens who loved being outdoors. They figured that later on if they outgrew the space, they could rent the cottage out. Eventually, that is exactly what happened.  

This Vermont Cottage was set up in a way that could sleep four people comfortably. Building the cabin in a warmer climate allowed many of the kitchen appliances to be placed under the porch. The open living area was converted into a sleeping area for the parents with a custom-built murphy bed. Up in the loft sleeping areas were created for the two children. A large, uncovered porch, built attached to the cottage, was furnished with comfy patio furniture. Extending the living areas outdoors made it possible for everyone to have room to stretch out.  

Now this cottage is used as a family-friendly retreat for vacationers. The family who built this cottage is earning money on their tiny home investment and can visit anytime it is not occupied. People near and far can benefit from their lovely setup and get a taste of river life in a tiny home setting. Watch the episode of Tiny House Nation this cottage was featured on.

The Vermont Cottage as a beach house or ocean bungalow.
If you live in a warmer climate you can build your kitchen under the porch.
The Vermont Cottage as a beach house or ocean bungalow. View the cottage interior.
Log cabin wall sheathing and a fireplace make this a cozy cottage.
The Vermont Cottage as a beach house or ocean bungalow. View the cottage interior.
For colder days a tiny kitchenette was built inside the home.

LIVING ON THE LAKE

The Vermont Cottage as a beach house or ocean bungalow. This tiny home was built near a lake.
The 16x20 Vermont Cottage A is one of or most popular cottage kits.

Some people love living near a lake or pond because they prefer bodies of freshwater nestled in a forest setting. Obtaining a piece of lakeside property can be rare since so much of it has already been developed. Building a small cottage can be a sustainable way to set up a comfortable place to relax within a small footprint. Bring summer camp memories into your adulthood by setting up your own camp building.

This customer kept their tiny home simple and built a Vermont Cottage shell without insulation. This cottage was going to be used during warm months only. The property did not have access to electricity or have a well, so it was set up much like a camp. The location was also tricky to get to, off an old logging road, so building a kit was a practical decision.

The Vermont Cottage as a beach house or ocean bungalow. View the cottage interior.
We love how the interior of this Vermont Cottage was decorated. The interior is minimalist yet warm and inviting.

Inside they opted to use the loft for storage. A simple wooden bed frame was placed inside, along with other seating accommodations, desks, and dressers. Baskets, blankets, and decorations were sprinkled throughout to design an enticing and warm environment. The hinged barn sash windows, installed with screens keep mosquitoes at bay.

CONCLUSION

As you can see the Vermont Cottage is a desired design for building near any type of body of water. Its simple design is appealing to most people. The rough sawn hemlock post and beam frame is strong and can withstand many climates. The porch extends the living space outdoors for added comfort and the spacious loft provides room to stretch. It can be built for year-round living, with insulation, or for seasonal use only.

If you have any questions about this design, please contact our design team. Or visit the product pages to start designing your small beach cottage.

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10x14 Tool Shed with Pine Double Doors
Our Tool Shed is a spectacular design that could be used as a fishing gear storage shed

Over the past few decades, self-sustainability and eco-friendly habits have been growing in popularity. Learning how to grow and hunt your own food is practical and enjoyable. Fishing may be one of the best and beneficial ways to hunt for food. First of all, it is relaxing to hang out on a boat for hours on a sunny day. Secondly, fish is one of the healthiest sources of protein, and they taste great grilled up. Finally, fishing is a sport that nearly anyone can participate in. It is relatively affordable and there are a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy it - anywhere there is water!


No matter what your skill level is, it is always a good idea to make sure you organize your fishing gear. Keeping your fishing supplies accessible and tidy means more time for enjoying your favorite pastime. Imagine a frustration-free day where you can pick up your fishing line and tackle box without tripping over lawnmowers and rakes. This is very possible with some creativity.


Fishing gear storage can range anywhere from a tackle box up to a large Equipment Shed. A large shed can shelter several boats, your fishing gear, rods, tackle, bait, and anything else you might need to keep safe and sound. Here we outline a few of our products that will help fishers of any skill level keep their gear tidy.


Fishing Gear Storage for Novices 

2x4 Garden Closet is constructed of pine tongue and groove lumber
It is best to keep the Garden Closet under cover since it has a wooden top

Perhaps you are just learning the art of fishing or only go on the occasional outing. One or two fishing rods and a small tackle box might be your only fishing possessions. Or maybe storage space is a concern: You might not have a yard where you can set up a fishing shed, or you own a storage shed that is already filled to the brim. If you fit in this category, we recommend craftily organizing your gear with some of our accessories and furnishings.


We have a variety of handy racks made of all-natural, unfinished pine. Our peg rack could be used to organize fishing rods and oars. A spice rack is a useful organizational tool for storing tackle when it is not in use. The rotating tie rack, which has 24 pegs, might be a great way to sort out loose fishing lines and small ropes. Add a cedar toolbox so you can grab your favorite supplies and go.


Consider combining these accessories with our 2x4 Garden Closet to create a self-contained area to stash your fishing gear. This Garden Closet, with its double doors, has adjustable shelving on one side. The shelving is perfect for holding tackle boxes, small coolers, and life jackets. The other side is open, which makes it ideal for long items, like fishing poles, that need to be stored vertically.


Fishing Gear Storage for Hobbyists

Custom 6x4 Utility Shed being used to store winter sports equipment and gardening tools
Another 6x4 Utility Shed with battens upgrade. This post and beam shed has been stained brown

Those who find themselves casting a line nearly every weekend will need a bit more storage space. Small storage sheds can be a great way to dedicate space to your favorite hobby. A 10x4 Utility Shed can easily fit storage racks, shelving, and bins for organizing your gear. This tiny wooden shed adapts to nearly any backyard and could be used in other ways if your interest in fishing fades. Our Weston Potting Shed is a multipurpose building for work and storage. This building is enclosed on one side with double doors. The built-in workbench, located on the open side, is an exceptional place for assembling tackle.


Kayaking is growing in demand. Fishing kayaks are easily transportable on top of a car, making them a perfect watercraft for hobbyist fishers. Think about getting an Overhang Kit to add to an existing building. Build a DIY kayak rack underneath, along with a Garden Closet and storage accessories. This simple and affordable storage solution will have all of your needs covered.


Fishing Gear Storage for Fanatics

12x16 Hobby House with Overhang
This small post and beam cabin can be used for living or as a workshop.

Fishing fanatics, it's more than just a hobby, it's a way of life. They probably own one or more fishing boats and dozens of rods. A fishing pro will construct lures, harvest worms for bait, and make DIY repairs on their boats. Their space is decorated with housewares, knick-knacks, and artworks that are fishing-related, along with nets and buoys. Their significant other might not want this fishy stuff cluttering up the home or have different tastes in décor.


For this reason, a fishing fanatic will need a workshop where they can have a fishing shed sanctuary. This dream building will probably have a storage loft, workbenches, shelving, cabinets, and maybe even an overhang or enclosure add-on. It might even have electricity installed, as well as have space for a refrigerator and a grill. It could even be a small post and beam cabin set up on a lakefront property for fishing getaways.


The first building that meets all of these requirements is the Hobby House. This modest and spacious building has it all. The double doors, with a ramp, make it easy to cart a boat in and out. A workbench provides space for building custom fishing lures and woodworking for boat repairs. The loft adds handy storage, or a place to toss a mattress for sleeping. Finally, the side overhang can shelter small fishing boats when they are not in use.


Business Fishing Gear Storage Ideas

Boat repair and detailing are services that are in demand. You could set up a boat shop business, along with selling and renting fishing equipment, canoes, and kayaks for income. If you want to turn your passion into a business, think about getting one of our larger buildings. The Equipment Shed and Two Bay Garage are two designs that come to mind. These buildings contain multiple bays and offer plenty of shelter for boats, sales racks, register counters, and displays.


Conclusion

Fishing can be an enjoyable hobby or business. Either way keeping your fishing equipment organized and safe can be very beneficial. A dedicated space for your supplies will eliminate frustrations and keep everyone in your family happy. Consider your skill level and what you think your future interest in fishing will be to decide on a backyard storage shed, a lakeside cabin, or boat garage. Once you have built your shed deck it out with furnishings and dĂ©cor. Maybe even top your post and beam building with a Shark Weathervane!

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A 12x16 Home Office built with live edge pine siding and skinned hemlock porch posts. building was set up at a campground.
This Home Office was set up at a campground. Live-edge Adirondack Pine siding and Skinned Hemlock Porch Posts add to the rustic, woodsy style.

Summer is here and undoubtedly is the best time get outdoors and go camping. Nothing beats breathing in the fresh air, being woken up to songbirds singing, and falling asleep to crickets chirping and owls hooting. Roasting marshmallows next to a roaring fire is a must when you are on a camping trip. Setting up a perfect site for cabin camping can enhance the overall outdoors experience.

Many people have purchased plots of land in the woods so they have a spot to escape from big city life. Others are building a permanent cabin or home. They need a comfortable place to relax while waiting for completion of a larger project. Campgrounds know that investing in small cabins is a good idea. They can be rented out to campers who lack the most basic piece of equipment: a tent. This collection of ideas will help you plan your campsite for maximum comfort and fun.

The Benefits of Cabin Camping

While tent camping can be very appealing for many people there are multiple reasons why cabin camping might be a better choice. These reasons usually fall into one of three categories: convenience, comfort, and money.

Convenience & Fun

Some people might be dipping their toes into the camping experience. They might not know where to start. Purchasing equipment can be expensive. Or they may lack space to store tents, sleeping bags, and firewood at home. Staying in a cabin it allows them to pack light for a quick and easy trip. Without having to worry about learning how to set up the site they can spend their vacation having fun. More time can be spent going on hikes, horseback rides, boating, swimming, and socializing around a campfire.

Luxury & Comfort

Others may choose cabin camping because their comfort level does not tolerate tent camping. They want protection with four walls and a roof. Screened windows keep mosquitos away, and solid wood walls keep bears away. A strong metal roof prevents clothing and linens from getting soaked much better than a tent will. Plumbing and electricity can be permanently installed in a cabin to amplify the amenities.  A camping season can extend into colder months. Build a three- or four-season cabin with insulation and set it up with a woodstove for heat.

Saving & Making Money

Finally, some love cabin camping because it is usually less expensive than a hotel rental. It is certainly cheaper than buying all of the necessary gear when camping for just a weekend. Save money on apartment rentals or hotel fees, if you are building a larger home, with a prefab cabin. Later on, you could resell your portable cabin. Or use it as an accessory dwelling unit or storage shed for personal use. Our small cabins and cottages are also used to earn income. Many rent them out through Airbnb to travelers.

 

How to Set Up the Perfect Camp Site

Your campsite, whether it is for a campground or your land, should meet basic needs. These needs include a place to sleep and a way to prepare meals. Here we are going to outline some of our most popular camp buildings, things that are a must-have, and other bonus recommendations that will make your camping experience extra special.

Setting the Scene

First, you are going to need to pick an area based on what you want the environment to be. Do you want your cabin nestled in the woods under some shady trees, or on a sunny, open field? Is it going to be near water or on a sloped piece of land? Once you have decided on a dry, flat spot you will level the ground and prepare your building site with a gravel foundation or set up concrete piers. Make sure you have room for a firepit and place it at least 20 feet away from your wooden post and beam cabins.

The Best Camping Buildings

Any of our post and beam buildings, including our sheds, can be used in a campsite setting. Here are few designs that we love for a rustic glamping wood cabin setup.

Camp Alcove

Those who want an authentic camping experience will enjoy the Camp Alcove. This three-sided lean-to features a front overhang extension and a built-in bench for resting. The saltbox-style roofline directs rainfall toward the back of the building keeping campers dry. The alcove creates a shady spot to relax and eat a meal in the shade. Adventurous campers will lay their sleeping bags out on the floor, or on a bench, so they can enjoy the stars as they fall asleep.

For complete protection consider purchasing one of our Bunkhouses. This prefab cabin with a porch also comes with a built-in bunk bed and a loft. The over-the-porch loft with a ladder and a small barn-sash hinged window is an ideal sleeping spot for a child or stash less used supplies up above. Memory foam or air mattresses can be placed on the bunks for a soft sleeping spot.

4x8 Weekender firewood storage shed

Finally, we recommend the Weekender, a useful structure for those who are glamping, tent camping, or even rolling in with an RV or trailer. This multifunctional woodshed helps keep your site tidy and your essentials close by and protected. The open side is meant for keeping firewood dry so you can buy in bulk and save money. An enclosed side, with double pine doors, can be used to store grilling tools and equipment, coolers, a weed wacker, shovels, rakes, backpacks, and water toys.

Other Campsite Essentials

Now that you have selected your site, and built your glamping wood cabin, you can finish out the setting with these necessary items. A campsite without a campfire is just depressing. This is a top priority, otherwise, you might have to eat cold hot dogs, and go to sleep as soon as the sun sets. Build a firepit or outdoor stone fireplace nearby. A picnic table can be helpful for preparing meals and as additional seating. If you do not have a campsite with a bathroom, consider adding an outhouse, or setting up sheds with a composting toilet and off-grid showers.

Other nice to have, but less mandatory, items might include electricity, and running water. Many people can get by without these things. Bring in jugs of water for drinking and washing. There are hundreds of solar-powered gadgets that can assist with lighting, sound, battery packs, etc. Others might need their creature comforts (grid electricity, wi-fi, and traditional plumbing) to feel less anxious and disconnected from the outside world.

The Camper Collection Building Plans Bundle
Learn how to build a bunk house, lean-to and firewood storage shed with this bundle of DIY plans.

Are you excited to start setting up your campsite now? We created a discounted bundle of our favorite camp building plans called the Camper Collection. This bundle features the three designs discussed above. Our do-it-yourself plans come with a cut list, rafter templates, diagrams, and detailed written instructions for each step of the building process. There is no wrong way to set up your campsite but we hope these tips have helped. Let us know if you have other ideas or want to share photos of your campsite.

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