They laughed when he started stacking firewood like bricks 🪵😅 But once the walls went up and the clay dried… the result left everyone speechless. This method may look unusual, but it’s warm, strong, and surprisingly practical. Full step-by-step in this article 👇
How Can You Build a House Out of Firewood?
At first, this idea might seem strange — but in reality, it’s much simpler and more practical than it sounds. The most important part is to prepare the base properly.
You won’t need a huge, heavy concrete foundation. A shallow strip foundation made of rubble stone, about 40–50 cm deep, will be enough.
This makes the whole process easier and more accessible, even for someone who has never done any construction before. You could say it’s a bit like building a strong but lightweight sandcastle.
Next Comes the Walls
For the walls, you’ll need pieces of firewood about 40 cm long. These are laid in a mix made from clay and finely chopped straw.
This mixture doesn’t just hold the logs in place — it also works as excellent insulation.
To boost the warmth of the house, small air pockets are left between the layers of clay. These act like a natural thermos, keeping the cold out.
To make sure the walls are straight and don’t shift, builders use wooden boards to guide the shape and add horizontal wooden beams for extra support.
You can also install window and door frames while you build the walls. But there’s an important tip here: don’t rush. Add only about three layers at a time. This gives the clay a chance to dry properly. If you build too fast, the clay won’t set well, and the walls might crack or sink later.
Are There Any Challenges?
Like any building method, this one has its details to watch out for. One key point: don’t try to build in cold weather. Clay becomes stiff in the cold and can crack easily.
Also, you have to stick closely to the building method. If you skip steps or don’t let the materials dry properly, the walls could shrink too much or develop cracks.
But if done right, a firewood house can be warm, strong, and truly unique.
