Consumer Information
You are embarking on a journey of constructing a long-term product for your home. You should allow time to understand and check the instructions, parts and nature of the materials that you will be using, this may take hours to days depending on the size of the project that you are undertaking. The assembly process will vary according to individual abilities and the complexity of the project. Any indication given on our website or literature as to the time required to assemble a product must be deemed as approximate as wood is a natural product and may require manipulation prior to assembly. In the event that some of the timbers are warped and prove difficult to assemble, competent manipulation, e.g. light wetting, sensible weight application, and slowly (over a few days if necessary) heating or cooling can overcome the majority of warping to allow assembly.
Wood is a natural product and all trees are different with different properties. These properties can include colour differences, warping, twisting, shakes, splits, knots, knot holes and varying surface finishes and are part of the natural properties of this type of material. These properties are normal for externally used timber, and cannot be guaranteed against. Sometimes deep and wide shakes and cracks can appear unsightly but we have calculated for these in our designs. Minor adjustments may have to be undertaken on site due to the nature of timber.
The Most Important:
At Dunster House, we only use slow-grown Spruce, specifically sourced from cold climates. Why? Because these conditions lead to slower growth, resulting in denser growth rings. This then provides your garden structure with superior strength, durability, and a more consistent appearance throughout the timber.
While we’re committed to selecting only the highest quality timber, it remains a natural material – so each piece is unique. Once assembled, your product may begin to settle, and natural characteristics may appear. These can include:
- Knots,
- Small cracks,
- Splits,
- Shakes,
- Warping,
- Minor expansion and contraction,
- Striation (fine, natural lines on the timber surface)
These features are entirely normal and part of what gives timber its natural charm. They are not considered defects under our Terms & Conditions and, in most cases, won’t affect the structural integrity or function of your product. Our expert designs account for these natural variations, ensuring your structure remains strong, reliable, and built to last.
To enhance the durability of your garden structure we recommend the following:
- Apply a microporous water-repellent treatment as soon as possible after installation.
- If using multiple treatments (e.g. UV oil and water repellent), always check labels for compatibility and follow manufacturer guidelines regarding re-application.
- Avoid cutting pressure-treated timber, as this breaks the protective seal and voids the 10-Year Guarantee. If cuts are necessary, apply a suitable end-grain preservative, but note that the guarantee will no longer apply.
Log Cabins
You will likely have to (regardless of who installs the product and what log cabin you purchase):
- Perform maintenance such as repack window and doors, adjusting storm braces and tapping down logs
- Manipulate the timber if warped or twisted (wetting and weighting works a treat!)
- Regularly ventilate log cabins
- We recommend that if you intend to fix items to the walls that they do not attach over several wall logs. This can restrict the natural expansion and contraction of the product and create gaps.
- Regularly clear the roof of any debris to avoid water pooling on the roof
- Some customers like to modify their product by covering the floor however we would recommend that you check with your chosen floor covering supplier that it is suitable to fit over the top of spruce floorboards. This could potentially lead to rotting floor boards.
- A square, level and plumb base. No run offs, no unevenness, nice and sturdy and capable of supporting the weight of the product.
Climbing Frames
You will likely have to carry out maintenance on your climbing frame regardless if you or a 3rd party install your climbing frame:
- The timber will naturally crack however you can apply a water repellent to reduce the amount of splitting caused by the weather.
- Check all nuts and bolts and tighten when required. Check screws and replace any fixings if they have sheared.
- Check timber parts for evidence and deterioration and purchase replacements when required, remember cracks will naturally appear!
- Remove any swinging ancillaries to avoid damage in abnormal weather conditions.
Garden Offices
You will likely have to (regardless of who installs the garden office)
- Adjust the patio door bogey wheel (using a screwdriver)
- Keep it well ventilated to allow any wet works to dry (much like a new house)
- Keep drainage holes clear and free from debris
Other Products (we sell lots of other products however have narrowed down to the key points)
Some customers like to modify their product by covering the floor however we would recommend that you check with your chosen floor covering supplier that it is suitable to fit over the top of spruce floorboards. This could potentially lead to rotting floor boards.
- A square, level and plumb base. No run offs, no unevenness, nice and sturdy and capable of supporting the weight of the product.
- Ensure that any brackets are fitted at the correct height for the roof to sit properly.
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