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.

Use the same type of wood that you did for the main logs.

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.

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. [5] X Research source

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.

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.

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.

If you flattened 1 side on each log, make sure that the flat sides are touching. [10] X Research source If you cut notches into the logs, then make sure that the notches are facing each other so that they fit.

The short end of your rope needs to be long enough to wrap around the circumference of your connecting log 2 to 3 times.

Pull the rope tightly so that the logs don’t slide around.

Don’t tie the connecting logs to the right side of the frame just yet. You will do that last.

Make sure that the ends of this log are aligned with the ends of the first 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.

This completes your wrapping pattern.

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.

Cut off the excess rope with a hatchet or scissors.

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.