How to Build a Log Raft

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Building your own raft is a great way to go on an adventure, get to a better fishing area, or simply feel like Huckleberry Finn. Preparing the logs can take a while, but once you get to the lashing portion, the rest of the process will go by in a breeze. This is easy enough to do by yourself, but it can go by a lot faster if you have a friend to help you.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Gathering and Preparing the Logs

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  1. These will be the main, floating logs that make the raft's body. Great choices of wood include cottonwood, poplar, and spruce. Don't use heavy, dense woods, such as oak, or they won’t float. [1]
    • Find your logs in a forest or buy them from a logger. If you're in a forest but can't identify trees, choose logs that feel lighter compared to others.
    • Use a handsaw to cut down longer logs until they are about 8 feet (240 cm) long. You can also use a hatchet to chop down saplings.
    • Don’t use logs that feel heavy. It means that they are waterlogged and won't float as well.
  2. These will be the connecting logs, which you'll be placing across the body of your raft. You need the extra length so that you can secure the ropes to them.
    • Use the same type of wood that you did for the main logs.
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  3. Remove the knots and bark with a hatchet . While removing the bark is not absolutely necessary, removing the knots, stubs, and smaller branches is. If you don't do this, then the raft won't fit together as nicely. [2]
    • Use a hatchet to hack off the little knots, stubs, and branches stemming off of your logs.
    • If you are camping, consider saving the bark and knots for kindling.
  4. This is not completely necessary, but it is highly recommended because it will help the logs fit together better. Use a hatchet to make 2 in (5.1 cm) deep notches into both ends of each log. Make sure that the notches span the width of the log and are about 1 to 1 1 ⁄ 2 feet (30 to 46 cm) from the ends.
    • Make sure that the notches are on the same side of each log, sort of like those you'd use to make a log cabin.
    • Alternatively, flatten the entire side of each log with a hatchet. [3]
  5. Varnish the logs , if desired. This will help make the wood water-tight and keep it from rotting. Use a brush to apply 3 to 5 thin coats of varnish, allowing each coat to dry to the touch before applying the next. After you've applied the last coat, wait for the varnish to dry and cure completely. This may take a few days. [4]
    • You don’t have to do this, but it can help make your raft last longer, especially if you plan on using it more than once.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Creating the Frame

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  1. You need to go far enough from the shore so that logs can float; about calf-deep should be fine. Not only will this make it easier to assemble the logs, but you won't have to drag the completed raft across dry land.
    • Roll the logs towards the body of water. You can also drag them by hand, or pull them with rope.
    • If the logs are too heavy for you, ask a friend to help you bring them into the water.
    • You don't have to bring all of the logs into the water, but have them close by so that you can easily grab them.
  2. If you have not already, pull 2 of your main floater logs into the water, and place them side-by-side. Orient them horizontally so that they make an equals (=) sign. [5]
    • Make the logs about 8 feet (2.4 m) apart.
    • You are using your 8 ft (2.4 m) long, 10 to 12 in (25 to 30 cm) thick logs for this.
  3. You should end up with a rough square or rectangle shape. Place these logs about 12 inches (30 cm) from the ends of the floater logs. Move the floater logs closer or further from each other until the ends of the connector logs stick out by about 6 inches (15 cm).
    • If you flattened 1 side on each log, make sure that the flat sides are touching. [6]
    • If you cut notches into the logs, then make sure that the notches are facing each other so that they fit.
  4. Tie your rope around a connecting log using a clove hitch knot . Choose a connecting log to start with, then drape the end of your rope across the end, right next to the left floater log. Wrap the rope's short end around the connecting log. Cross it over the longer end of the rope to create a slant. Bring it under the connecting log, then pull it under the slanted rope. Give it a pull to tighten the knot. [7]
    • The short end of your rope needs to be long enough to wrap around the circumference of your connecting log 2 to 3 times.
  5. Take the longer, working end of the rope. Wrap it around the floating log once, then pull it across the connecting log at an angle. Wrap it around the floating log again, then cross it over the connecting log to make an X shape.
    • Pull the rope tightly so that the logs don't slide around.
  6. Tie the rope around the connecting log with an overhand knot . Wrap the rope loosely around the connecting log, making sure that you're on the other side of the main log (working away from the clove hitch knot). Pull the rope under the looped rope, then give it a sharp tug to tighten the knot.
  7. Take a new piece of rope and tie it to the end of the bottom connecting log using a clove hitch knot. Wrap it around the main log 2 times to make an X, then wrap it around the connecting log once. Finish off with an overhand knot.
    • Don't tie the connecting logs to the right side of the frame just yet. You will do that last.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Finishing the Raft

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  1. Take another 8 ft (2.4 m) floater log and push it under the 2 connecting logs. Roll it towards the left side of the frame.
    • Make sure that the ends of this log are aligned with the ends of the first log.
  2. Go to the top connecting log and wrap the rope around it once. Next, wrap it around the main log to 1 side of the connecting log. Bring it under the main log, then wrap it around the main log again, this time to the other side of the connecting log.
    • You don't have to make an X with the ropes like you did for the frame, but you can if you want to.
  3. This is just like what you did when doing the frame. Wrap the rope around the connecting log once, then pull the rope under the wrapped rope to create an overhand knot.
    • This completes your wrapping pattern.
  4. Follow the same process as you did before. Wrap the rope around the connecting log with an overhand knot. Add the next log, then wrap or cross it 2 times around the log. Wrap it around the connecting log with an overhand knot, add another main log, and so forth.
    • You may end up with some gaps between the logs, which is fine.
    • The last log may end up more or less than 6 inches (15 cm) from the end of the connecting log. This is okay.
  5. Wrap the rope around the end of the connecting log. Cross it over the wrapped rope, then wrap it under the log again. As you're coming up, pull it under the crossed rope, then pull it tightly.
    • Cut off the excess rope with a hatchet or scissors.
  6. This side will be a little tricky because you'll have to move the logs around more in order to wrap the rope around them. You may have to uncoil the rope and push it through the spaces between the logs, like threading a needle.
    • Make sure that the logs are straight as you tie them. You may have to slide them a little to the left or right so that they are not crooked.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What other types of wood or logs can I use for a raft?
    Anthony Porter
    Outdoorsman and Survival Expert
    Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. His videos have turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok & Instagram, where he has over 400k followers. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, and has taught people of all ages across the United States. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University, and earned an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure.
    Anthony Porter
    Outdoorsman and Survival Expert
    Expert Answer
    Bamboo is an excellent option if you can find it—it’s strong, lightweight, and naturally floats well, making it perfect for keeping your raft buoyant. Other lightweight woods, such as balsa or certain types of soft pine, can also be useful. These woods are sturdy enough to provide support without being too heavy. Avoid using really thick logs, as they’re typically meant for larger boats or ships and will make your raft difficult to manage. If you're in an area where bamboo isn’t available, consider using flexible woods like willow or poplar. These types can be bent slightly without breaking, which helps in creating a stable structure. Just make sure to lash everything tightly using strong rope or vines to keep your raft secure.
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  • Question
    What kind of wood do I use?
    Community Answer
    Use light wood, preferably that which has already fallen and is sun-dried to remove the moisture and increase buoyancy.
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  • Question
    Can I use wooden boards instead of logs?
    Community Answer
    This is not a good idea. Wooden boards are usually thin, and may not be able to hold up much weight. You can, however, place wooden boards on top of your raft to make it smoother.
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      Tips

      • The diameter does not have to be exactly 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), but it should be close. It's more important that all of the logs are the same thickness.
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      • If the logs taper, alternate the directions that they point in, sort of like stacking binders together.
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      • If you don't have rope, you can pin the logs together using 12 in (30 cm) long pins made from a hardwood, such as oak. Make the pins sharp at 1 end, like a stake.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Put a small hole through one piece of wood and tie a rope to it so you can maneuver it more easily.
      • Always use strong rope.
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      Warnings

      • Use your raft responsibly. Taking it out onto a lake or slow-moving river is fine. Do not take it out into rapid waters or onto long ocean voyages.
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      • Double-check with your local authorities before taking your raft out to a certain body of water. Not all places will allow rafts. [8]
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      • Always wear a life jacket when using your raft. Even though it is durable, there is a chance that it may fall apart; you want to be prepared. [9]
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      Things You'll Need

      • Eight 8 ft (2.4 m) long, 12 in (30 cm) thick logs
      • Two 9 ft (2.7 m) long, 6 in (15 cm) thick logs
      • Heavy rope or twine
      • Handsaw
      • Hatchet
      • Wood varnish (optional)
      • Wide paintbrush (optional, for varnish)


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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about outdoor recreation and survival, check out our in-depth interview with Anthony Porter .

      References

      1. ↑ https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/how-to-build-a-winning-raft/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2X9sLTQH7o&feature=youtu.be&t=4m30s
      3. ↑ https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/how-to-build-a-winning-raft/
      4. ↑ https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/how-to-build-a-winning-raft/
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2X9sLTQH7o&feature=youtu.be&t=5m45s
      6. ↑ https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/how-to-build-a-winning-raft/
      7. ↑ http://www.animatedknots.com/cloveend/
      8. ↑ https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/how-to-build-a-winning-raft/
      9. ↑ https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/how-to-build-a-winning-raft/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To build a log raft, use light wood that will float, like cottonwood, poplar, or spruce. You'll need 8 equal-sized logs and 2 logs that are slightly longer and thinner than the rest. Once you have your logs, assemble them so the equal-sized logs are all parallel to each other. The 2 longer logs should run perpendicular to the rest, with 1 on each end of the raft. To finish your raft, tie all of the logs together with rope so your raft is secure. To learn the different knots you should use to tie your log raft together, scroll down!

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