How to Build a Hunter’s Man Cave for $107 in 12 Steps

So you have a Benjamin, a basement, and no space to call your own? Well, with just $107 and some elbow grease, you can build a very simple hunter’s cabin right in the confines of your basement. Of course, this doesn’t include furnishing the place, but we’re guessing you already have plenty of spare knickknacks, old Winchester posters, and other hunting-related paraphernalia to fill the place up. Everything else you need to imitate the style of a 1950s hunting cabin you can pick up at a thrift shop.

This step-by-step guide comes from a Reddit user named Kelhans, who was able to turn his small and unused basement into the perfect hunter’s lounge. Sure, it may be a bit snug, but it has all the comforts of home. Oh, and to the lady hunters reading this, don’t be discouraged by the misnomer of “man cave.” This basement cabin can be made by anyone to suit any taste.

Without making it sound too easy, we should note that you will need some basic home improvement knowledge before moving forward, such as putting in floorboards. For those who are used to tinkering around with their home, it should be no problem at all.

Step 1. Have a basement

This is important. The Disco ball is optional.

Step 2. Acquire wooden boards for walls

The builder got this pile of old crate wood that a local metal company used for shipping. Breaking these apart, each pine board measured 1″ x 8″ x 12″ feet. As you can imagine, wood meant for shipping is cut pretty roughly so he had to give them a trim.

Step 3. Trim the boards for that hand-cut look

He used a draw knife to nail down that old-timey feel.

Step 4. Build the walls

Step 5. Hide all the support columns and air ducts

Do this by covering pipes in faux columns. You can even add lock joints for extra authenticity.

Step 6. Put in stone for a fireplace

You can find these stone blocks at any home improvement store for a few bucks each, or as like this builder, on the side of the road. Just make sure nobody owns it before you put it in your truck.

Step 7. Make a ceiling

But keep it accessible to reach the plumbing and whatnot.

Step 8. Get more wood

You didn’t really think that was enough wood, did you? What about the floor?

Step 9. Put in floor

Step 10. Cover door in plywood strips for effect

Plywood strips will give the door the same visual appeal without giving it extra weight or doing extra damage to your wallet. You would have to zoom in to notice, but the light switches in this photo are actually .357 Magnum casings.

Step 11. Furnish

Here comes the fun part, filling in the room with your favorite stuff. Got that rack that you can’t fit anywhere else? Put it on the wall! Same goes for your long guns and other hunting paraphernalia. This builder decided to go traditional with a selection of rifles, mounts, antlers, and robust wooden furniture.

The entrance area:

Dining area:

Also notice that there is a fake window with an illuminated photograph.

Ashes in the fake fireplace.

Wouldn’t mind eating some vension stew here.

What do you think? Is this worth rolling up your sleeves for? It’s a nice, quiet place to unwind, contemplate the mysteries of the universe, and perhaps dream about that buck you keep seeing on your trail cam.

Daniel Xu

I'm the knife nut that everybody is ashamed to know. My love of sharp things extends to all kinds of edged weapons, be they small, large or on a stick.