Building A Wilderness Log Cabin With A Thatched Roof | Cedar | Dog

Improving the Shelter Roof

Welcome back, folks! Today, I find myself in the woods with my trusty dog and a few tools. The main tool on hand is my trusty ax, along with some string and a fresh load of thatch. The goal for today? To improve the roof on the shelter. You may remember that I previously covered it with a tarp, but now I want to give it a more natural look by adding thatch. And don't worry, I'll reveal why I'm doing this at the end of the video.

Thatch 101: A Learning Curve

Now, let me tell you, this isn't my first time working with thatch. I had the pleasure of tackling a thatching project a few years back with the talented Mike from Ta Outdoors. We built The Roundhouse and it was quite the learning curve. I had never built anything like it before, nor worked with thatch. But fear not, dear viewer, because even though it's been four years, I still remember the basics. So while it may not look as tidy as a professional thatcher's work, I assure you it will provide better insulation and keep the rain out of the shelter.

Thatching Solo: A Lesson in Difficulty

Now, let's fast forward three days. I must be honest with you, this has been a real challenge. Thatching is a two-person job. One person is needed on the inside of the shelter to pass the rope or cordage to the person on the outside, who secures the thatch to the inside of the shelter. But here I am, attempting to do it alone. And let me tell you, it's not easy. However, I've come up with a solution. I now split each bundle in half, secure one half with wire, and lay the bundles on the roof in a tile formation. It's not the traditional method, but as long as the thatch is secured and keeps the rain out, it's doing its job.

The Technique: Securing the Thatch

Let me walk you through the technique I've developed. First, I split the bundle down the middle with a crowbar. Then, I thread wire through the split bundle and twist it to secure it. I repeat this process with the other half of the bundle. Once both halves are secured, I give it a trim and bend the wire ends to ensure the bundle won't fall apart. By using this technique, I'm confident that the thatch will stay in place, even if the cordage is cut or untied.

The Accessories: Sticks, Spars, and Liggers

To further secure the thatch to the roof, I insert sticks all the way through, pinning the thatch to them. These sticks are then tied down to the inside frame of the cabin. Additionally, I use spars, which are split and twisted lengths of hazel, to hold everything in place. They help maintain the proper angle and prevent any slippage. While this may not be the most traditional approach, it ensures that what I've invested in stays on the roof.

So, How Much Did I Spend?

Before I finish up, let's have a little fun. I want you, my amazing viewers, to guess how much I spent on thatch, spars, and sticks. Give me a total figure in the comments section. Whoever comes closest to the actual amount within a week will receive a special bundle of merch from me. So, put your thinking caps on and give it a try!

The Final Touches: Dressing and Cedar Bark Ridge

Alright, I've completed the second layer of bundles, securing each layer with hazel pins. Now, I need to insert the cordage through them to ensure they stay in place. In addition, I have a plan to add a cedar bark ridge on top of the roof for a unique touch. But for now, I must tidy up and finish the third top layer. It may not look perfect, but it will definitely keep me drier than the tarp did.

Lessons Learned and a Special Invitation

In hindsight, I may have bitten off more than I could chew with this solo thatching adventure. It has been a challenge, and I now realize the importance of having a partner. But I've secured the thatch to the frame, and that's what matters most. I still need to come back and tidy it up, or as the thatchers call it, "dress" the roof. Speaking of future endeavors, I'm inviting all of you to a special event. From July 7th to 10th, I'm hosting a Music and Bushcraft Festival. It's going to be a wild time with music, workshops, activities, and good company. Come join us for some dancing, chatting around the fire, and maybe even try your hand at archery or spoon carving. Check out the link below for more details.

Wrapping It Up

Well, folks, that's all for this short video. I know it's not the tidiest thatching job out there, but I've given it my best shot. Remember, it's not about perfection, but about keeping the rain out and staying warm. I'll be back to improve it later, but for now, stay curious and enjoy your own adventures. Until next time, take care!

[Note: This essay has been rewritten and extended from the original article while maintaining the same language and tone]