12×20 Small Cabin Plans – DIY Hunting Shack

This step by step diy project is about 12×20 small cabin plans. I have designed this small cabin with loft, so you can use it as a hunting shack or like a garden shed. The cabin has a gambrel roof, so you can utilize the space at its maximum potential. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

12×20 Small Cabin Plans – DIY Hunting Shack

Building a 12×20 small cabin

Cut & Shopping

• A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 240″ long SKIDS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 240″ long, 18 pieces – 141″long FLOOR FRAME
• C – 5 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 5 pieces – 48″x48″ long FLOORING
• D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 192″ long, 1 piece – 185″ long, 11 pieces – 91 1/2″ long SIDE WALL
• E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 192″ long, 1 piece – 185″ long, 12 pieces – 91 1/2″ long, 3 pieces – 4 3/4″ long, 3 pieces – 36″ long, 2 pieces – 39 3/4″ long, 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 27″ long SIDE WALL
• E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 137″ long, 1 piece – 144″ long, 7 pieces – 91 1/2″ long BACK WALL
• F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 50 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 144″ long, 1 piece – 137″ long, 9 pieces – 91 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 81 1/4″ long, 6 pieces – 4 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 36″ long, 3 pieces – 39 3/4″ long, 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 39″ long FRONT WALL
• G – 11 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 3 pieces – 48″x94 1/2″ long SIDING
• H – 6 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 144″ long LOFT JOISTS
• I – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 1 piece – 41″x96″ long, 1 piece – 24 3/4″x96″ long, 1 piece – 24 3/4″x41″ long LOFT

• 24 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 12′
• 2 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 20′
• 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 20′
• 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 20′
• 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
• 47 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
• 1/2″ plywood – 5 1/2″x75″
• 26 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″
• skid ties
• 8d nails, 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
• wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• PART 1: 12×20 Hunting Shack Plans
• PART 2: 12×20 Hunting Shack Roof Plans
• PART 3: 12×20 Hunting Shack Trims Plans

Building a hunting shack

Building-the-floor-frame-for-the-cabin

The first step of the project is to build the floor frame of the cabin. Cut the components from 2×8 lumber at the right dimensions. Lay the joists on a level surface and align the edges flush. Drill pilot holes through the rim joists and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular joists. Place the joists every 16″ on center.

Fitting the skids

Use 4×4 lumber for the skids. Select the location for the cabin and then level it properly. compact a layer of gravel. Fit the 4×4 skids and then lay the floor frame. Use rafter ties to secure the skids to the floor frame.

Floor sheets

Lay the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the floor frame. Align the edges with attention flush and use 1 5/8″ screws to secure them into place tightly. Insert the screws every 8″ along the joists.

Building the shed wall frames

Side-wall-with-window

Continue the project by framing the side wall with window. Remember that you can adjust the size of the window to suit your needs. Moreover, you can install a few windows to let even more light inside.

Use 2×4 lumber for the studs and for the plates. Use 2×6 lumber for the double headers. Fit 1/2″ plywood between the double headers and lock them together tightly with 2 1/2″ screws.

Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place double studs at both ends of the wall frame. Fit 1/2″ plywood between the double studs. Attach the double plate to the side wall with 2 1/2″ screws.

Side-wall-frame

Assemble the opposite side wall for the small cabin. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs every 24″ on center. Alternatively, you could also fit the studs every 16″ on center.

Building-the-front-wall-frame

Continue the project by framing the front wall for the barn cabin. Cut the components from 2×4 lumber, while the headers are made from 2×6 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. You can adjust the size of the door opening to suit your needs.

Back-wall-frame

Build the back wall for the hunting shack from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs every 24″ on center, for a professional result.

Assembling the frame of the shed

Fit the wall frames to the floor of the shed. Align the edges with attention and plumb the walls with a spirit level. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the floor. Moreover, you need to lock the adjacent walls together tightly with 3 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush.

Fitting the siding sheets

Back wall – Siding

Fit the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the back of the small hunting shack. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to inset the sheets 1 1/2″ from the top plate. Afterwards, you need to secure the sheets into place with 6-8d nails, every 8″ along the framing.

Front wall – Siding

Fit the sheets to the front of the cabin. Make the cuts so you can fit the sheets around the door opening and around the window opening. Fit the sheets into place with 6-8d nails.

Side wall – Siding

Fit the 3/4″ plywood or OSB sheets to the side walls, as well. Align the edges with attention and insert the nails, every 8″.

Building the loft

Fitting the loft joists

Fit the 2×8 loft joists to the frame of the cabin. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws, so you lock the joists into place tightly.

Loft floor

Fit the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the top of the joists. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws, to lock the sheets into place, every 8″.

Small Cabin Plans

Make sure you check Part 2 of the project, so you learn how to build the gambrel roof for this small cabin with loft.

Small Cabin Plans – Side view

This small cabin with loft has a gambrel roof and it is really easy to build. Moreover, this cabin can be used as a hunting shack, or even as a garden shed/workshop.

Small Cabin Plans – dimensions

You’re looking at about 5 to 7 weekends to complete a 12×20 gambrel shed cabin with a front porch. The additional complexity of the gambrel roof and the front porch will require some extra time and attention to detail, but it’s a manageable project if you tackle it in stages. With consistent effort, you’ll soon have a beautiful, versatile cabin that serves multiple purposes.

12×20 gambrel cabin plans

Building a 12×20 gambrel shed cabin with a front porch will likely cost you between $6,000 and $10,000, depending on the materials, finishes, and any extra features you choose to include. The gambrel roof adds a bit more to the cost, but it also offers that classic barn-style look and maximizes your overhead space, giving you a charming and functional cabin. This investment creates not just a shed, but a cozy retreat that’s perfect for storage, a workshop, or even a small getaway cabin.

How to build a 12×20 gambrel shed with porch

The gambrel roof gives it a classic, rustic charm, while the front porch invites you to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re using it for storage, a workshop, or a quiet cabin getaway, this project has transformed your backyard into a place where functionality meets comfort and style.

If you want to get PREMIUM PLANS for this project, in a PDF format, please press GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support.

This woodworking project was about 12×20  small cabin plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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