Shedstore is the place to be when you need answers to your log cabin FAQs. We are also here to guide you through the finer points of log cabin maintenance so that you keep your garden building in tip-top condition. This is just what you want to hear when it is time to set the tone in a way that will give you everything you need to make your house a home.
Garden log cabin FAQs
Below we ask the following six log cabin FAQs. These are among the most typical questions we are asked about log cabins. Simply click on these questions below to move to that answer within this article:
A log cabin is a timber building that is warm and rustic and is perfect for garden buildings, summer houses or holiday homes. Made from natural wooden logs, log cabins have an interlocking log system that provides insulation and durability.
Not only do log cabins look good, but they are also very versatile. You can buy standard log cabins or customise them to your needs, whether as a peaceful retreat, a hobby space, a home gym or a multitude of other uses. Log cabins also have various customisation options, size options and interior features.
Log cabins are available in many styles, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. We discuss some of the most popular types below:
Traditional log cabins
Made from natural wood, these classic log cabins are traditional in design and are a combination of craftsmanship with simplicity in mind. For those who like the nostalgic and rustic look and want a cabin to blend in with the great outdoors, they are a wonderful choice.
Modern log cabins
For a contemporary look, modern log cabins have sleek designs and there is often a higher focus on the use of sustainable materials. They combine the rustic charm of wood with modern architecture, a stylish and eco-friendly option.
Bespoke log cabins
If you have a specific requirement or a unique idea for your log cabin, bespoke log cabins can be made to your exact specifications. This means you can personalise everything from the layout and cabin size to the materials and finishes.
Twin skin log cabins
These feature two layers of wall logs. Twin skin log cabins offer improved insulation and energy efficiency. For those who want log cabins that are comfortable all year-round with minimal heating and cooling costs.
The first of our list of log cabin FAQs is all about acting by contacting your local planning department. Put thoughts of complex log cabin maintenance to one side and focus instead on whether you can legally erect the structure in the first place. There is always plenty of time for deciding which log cabin to buy later.
If you are asking yourself “Can I put a log cabin in my garden without planning permission?” then you have certainly come to the right place. Just like our range of metal garages, there are certain restrictions you need to bear in mind if you want to avoid the need to apply for planning permission through your local council's planning department:
% of garden area
Ensure that your new garden lodge does not cover more than 50% of your garden area otherwise it will be classed as an outbuilding or extension.
Distance from boundary
Keep it at least 2m away from the property boundary so you do not infringe on your neighbours.
Height
Ensure that your log cabin is less than 2.5 m high as measured from ground level.
Now that you know the basics, you can start to think about how beautiful the end result will look when it is lit up with one of our solar light kits. The beauty of this approach is that you are building your project on legally sound foundations.
One of the most searched log cabin FAQs is all about the subtle and complex world of insulation. If you want to stop your search for log cabin FAQs, you have come to the right place. One of the log cabin maintenance jobs that are all too easy to overlook is insulation, mostly because it is not something you tend to think about during the initial planning stage. Rather than focusing solely on aesthetics and size, take a moment to think about what else matters to you: all-year comfort and snugness. Insulation is the way to make this happen.
Any log cabin maintenance guide will answer how do you insulate a log cabin. We are no different. Whether it is one of our corner log cabins or something more industrial-looking like a large metal garage, insulation will help keep out damp and prolong the overall lifetime of the structure. The first aspect to look at is the roof because warm air rises, making the top of your structure a key place for thermal losses. An extra layer of felt or a full slate roof will make all the difference here, depending on how you want the cabin to look. Floor and roof insulation are also crucial for comprehensive thermal efficiency, ensuring your cabin remains comfortable throughout the year.
Windows can always be upgraded to double-glazing if you want to reduce thermal losses the smart way. You could even create an internal cavity wall and backfill it with lagging if you can spare the space inside. Alternatively, look to seal up any gaps between mating surfaces with expandable foam and then cut back to neaten it up.
We have already touched on the legal aspects and whether you need planning permission in the first of our log cabin FAQs. Now we want to answer the question “Can I put a log cabin in my garden?” This will enable you to know how to get the site ready to minimise the amount of log cabin maintenance you will need in the future. Ideal when you want to be able to enjoy any of our log cabin sheds or garden gyms in a way that will make the whole process feel truly effortless.
After checking all the local restrictions and regulations, particularly if you are on or near green belt land, give some thought to the quality of the ground. The need for a flat, firm surface is a given, but it is the drainage that is all too easy to overlook. Picture the position of your log cabin and then ask yourself where any surface water from the rest of the garden is going to run off. If in doubt, avoid any gently sloping lawn features that are angled down toward your log cabin’s base. Ignoring these types of natural features will lead to the pooling of rainwater which could damage the cabin over time.
Natural light is another consideration that can be all too easy to miss. Making sure that your new log cabin does not block out light or overshadow any windows in your main property will ensure it blends into the rest of the garden. Ideal when you want to feel right at home with a little bit of forward planning.
Log cabins can also serve as versatile garden rooms, providing stylish and practical extensions of your home for various uses such as garden offices, extra living space (a potential guest room), or recreational areas.
Next up on our list of log cabin FAQs comes the question of log cabin maintenance. It is worth remembering that most log cabins are supplied with untreated wood (as opposed to pressure treated wood). Regardless of whether you buy one of our log cabins for kids or a more adult-friendly 4mx3m log cabin, you should note that regular maintenance is essential. It is the only way to go when maintaining and preserving the condition of a log cabin so that you are proud to call it your own for many years to come.
Treating external timber is crucial to prevent rot and ensure the longevity of your cabin. Maintaining log cabin walls is important to accommodate natural movement and prevent gaps. Here are some routine upkeep tasks that will make sure nothing gets missed or overlooked:
Be proactive with log cabin maintenance
When it comes to managing moisture by ensuring sufficient airflow and proper insulation if you want to sit inside comfortably during the winter.
Check for damage
Once a month and after heavy wind to make sure that what starts as a simple fix does not turn into a costly repair.
Timber treatment
Treating wood every 2-3 years with a high-quality wood preservative will ensure that it can withstand the wet weather and heavy rainfall that can give a log cabin’s finish a challenging time during the winter months.
Taking regular action is the perfect way to save money on costly maintenance and full refits because it will allow you to catch problems nice and early. It will also give you plenty of ideas about how you can further improve the comfort and temperature regulation inside your new log cabin as the years go by.
Conclusion
Log cabin FAQs can be daunting, but we have you covered. From “What is a log cabin?” and the distinct types of costs and insulation options we have provided answers. Our garden placement and maintenance tips will ensure your cabin will be a treasured part of your garden for years to come.
Remember choosing the right cabin is more than just picking a style. It is about considering the details like roof insulation and timber treatments that make it durable and comfortable. With our expert advice, you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Check out our log cabin FAQs above and make your dream garden building a reality!
Contact us
Additionally, choosing a reputable log cabin company is crucial for ensuring the quality and longevity of your investment. You can rely on Shedstore to provide the exact log cabin to meet your needs as we have two hundred-plus models to choose from!
Contact us in the following ways to ask questions about all our log cabins:
- Email us - our contact form features a pre-set format that simplifies submitting your questions and contact details
- Phone us – call us at 0333 003 0518
- Live chat – contact us through live text chat, this can be accessed via the green button at the bottom left-hand corner