Dovetail style log cabins
Handcrafted traditional dovetail log cabins
We build log cabin kits at River Ridge Sawmill in two main corner styles: dovetail and butt-and-pass. Both use rough-cut beams milled right here from our 1916 circular sawmill and Wood-Mizer LT50.
Dovetail corners — Logs interlock with classic angled notches at the corners for a tight, traditional fit. It's a time-tested method that gives clean, strong walls with that old-school look.
Butt-and-pass corners — Logs stack alternately: one butts into the wall, the next passes over the corner, creating a stepped or overlapping appearance at the ends. It's a simpler, quicker build style that still looks solid and rustic.
We use Eastern white pine as our standard material—great for cabins because it's lightweight, straight, and holds up well—but we can mill other species if you specify (oak, hemlock, whatever fits your project).
Kits are fully custom: pick any dimensions you want, from small 12x16 getaways or hunting camps up to larger setups. We offer everything from basic shell kits (just the walls and corners, ready for you to roof and finish) to full packages that include more components like roof trusses, doors/windows, or even complete turnkey if needed.
If you're thinking about a cabin, tell us your size, style (dovetail or butt-and-pass), location, and any specifics—we'll mill the pieces to match and get you a quote. We handle small personal projects all the way up to bigger ones.
