You want to build your own cabin, but you're not sure where to start. Sound like a familiar story? Not to worry.
Our field guide and tools will help get you off to the right start.
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So, you want to build your own cabin.
You’ve seen the handful of companies that sell cabin plans, prefab kits, or resources to help you, but you’re still searching and wondering how to start.
We've all been there...
Have you been discouraged from building because you thought it was something you could take on, but after some research felt like you were starting to get in over your head?
We know. This was us too, and we couldn’t find anything online that really helped us get where we wanted in terms of vision, vibe, design, and executing on a build. Building codes, building materials, and cabin construction can be daunting but they don't have to be if you have the right support.
Do these things ring true to you right now?
I don’t even know where to start!
I’m not sure if I can do this myself.
I wish someone could be my guide on how to start my build.
Your getaway cabin can become a reality
It's doesn't matter if you're building a tiny house, A-frame or log cabin.
Your dream doesn't have to fizzle out before you pick up your first box of nails.
You don’t have to get lost on Pinterest boards, Amazon or YouTube channels only to shut your laptop completely depleted.
We’re here to help, and we wrote a short and fun to read Field Guide to help give you the confidence, understanding, and actionable steps to get move forward with building your cabin.
What folks are saying about the Field Guide
Kolin Q.An inspiring look into the process of making your own dream cabin.
Dante R.Such an awesome companion on my journey to building my Den!
Hear from some of the many people we've helped on their way →
"I have been looking at property and imagining getting a cabin retreat in the mountains for the past 20 years. I bought How to Build a Cabin as a step to making that a reality. I have since purchased a 40 acre property in the western Catskills and look forward to building that dream cabin in the coming year." — Gary S.
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"As someone who has always dreamed of building my own home, Den's book was a refreshing reminder that it is not unsurmountable and just needs that first step." — Mike B.
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"This was a thoughtful guide that feels just like having a conversation with a friend who knows the ins and outs of designing and building a cabin." — Adam H.
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"If you're like me, you’ve spend countless hours scrolling, swiping and even visiting inspiration for your own special place in nature. This guide book ensures you're not only, not alone. But you can do it." — Luke W.
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"A fantastic starting point for those dreaming and beginning to plan building a cabin - inspiring and practical!" — Kira S.
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"The Den Field Guide is a must for anyone interested to understand more about building a cabin in nature. It gives a perspective that is hard to find elsewhere - straight to the point & easy to understand." — Mary Keena F.
One full year.
I’m the founder of Den, and that’s how long it took me to overcome indecision, just daydreaming about my future cabin, before finally taking real action.
I'm Mike. This is my story.
I was living in New York City, stuck behind a monitor at a tech job dreaming of my off-grid getaway cabin.
I was full of inspiration, but my upstate property lay vacant and my wife was running out of patience. I didn’t know where to start. I had searched for content, companies, and books online that would help me figure it out. But, I just couldn’t find the right resources.
I fretted over the difference between a great room, living room, and a mud room. I was curious about prefab cabins, modular construction, and tiny homes or DIY kits but didn't know where to invest my money.
I wasn't yet sure if I was going to work with a home builder or go it alone.
I left caution to the wind and decided to dive right in and just figure it out as I went, a DIY project that ended in success.
I knew before I raised a single wall that this approach wouldn’t work for everyone, and that I could help others find a shorter path towards the same life changing outcome.
So what did I do? I documented the whole process. I drew up my cabin's custom design and floor plan, and had an engineer convert them to a full set of construction drawings. I pulled together permits, materials, and tools.
I recruited a team of skilled craftspeople and enthusiastic friends, and broke ground.
Now I have a gorgeous small cabin in the woods that I can even use as a guest house. A simple and beautiful place to retreat, create, hang with my family, and be closer to nature.
I started Den to help you do the same. Whether you work with a home builder or DIY your project, our plans and approach will help you get successfully achieve your home, cabin, or guest house in the woods.
Built in Nature: Your Cabin Compass
This Field Guide is 76 pages of practical advice, engaging exercises, and scenario planning based on real-life experience of the founder of Den.
When you are ready to stop dreaming and start doing, our Field Guide help you with things like:
Finding the best cabin floor plan for you and deciding where to build.
Choosing between a tiny house, A-frame or another cabin design.
Determining how many square feet (sq ft) to build.
Buying land and picking the most ideal build site.
Setting a budget that’s realistic and easy to stick to.
What you can DIY, and what you should hire out for.
Laying a foundation, framing, adding utilities, and finishes to your cabin.
Moving in, staying inspired, and more...
Take your first steps towards building your cabin →
Cabin Plans in a Box
$99
A limited-edition series of 500 numbered units, this all-in-one box contains the best of what Den has to offer.
The box includes →
• Printed plans for our most popular & easiest to build cabins
• The 76 page Field Guide
• Artist series poster and patches to keep you inspired
• A ruler and carpenter's pencil enable you to sketch, take notes, and draw diagrams
Your Cabin Compass Field Guide
$19.99
Your Cabin Compass. This Field Guide that will get you ready to build your Den.
The booklet features →
• 76 pages of actionable content and photos
• Fun, interactive, & easy-to-follow exercises to help the reader conceptualize their future in nature
• Full-color printing on crisp matte paper
• Stitched & stapled, a durable field guide