Log Cabin Buyers Guide

When Choosing a Log Cabin look out for:

Wall Thickness

When you’ve outlined what you are using your log cabin for, you should be able to determine what wall thickness you will need. Keeping in mind that generally speaking, the thicker the wall, the better for insulation. However, this does not mean you need to have the thickest walls. It may be a luxury you don’t need. Thicker walls can come with some known construction issues which our Warmalog® Cabins get around. See our Warmalog® Insulated Log Cabin range for more details. Also, be wary of companies using mixed timbers, which aren’t as strong and will lessen the overall quality of your garden building.

34mm Cabins

34mm walls contain over 20% more wood than a 28mm wall.

(U-Value 2.26 W/m2 K)

45mm Cabins

45mm walls contain over 60% more wood than a 28mm wall and are ideal for use all[1]year-round.

(U-Value 1.93 w/m2 k)

62mm Cabins

62mm insulated walls are a sandwich of timber and polyisocyanurate. An innovative concept which helps retain heat far better than Rockwool or polystyrene. It produces a U-Value equivalent to 140mm wall thickness. Cool in the summer. Warm in the winter.

(U-Value 0.69 w/m2 k)

The lower the U-value, the better! Providing better sound and heat insulation.

Pent Roof

A pent roof offers a more modern design for a log cabin. The roof typically slopes backwards, allowing for additional headroom at the entrance. Many companies will give you the option of changing the configuration, so the entrance can be placed on the low side of the cabin.

Apex Roof

An apex roof provides the more traditional look of a log cabin. This design allows for increased headroom in the centre of the building. Many apex log cabins also feature an overhang to protect the building from rainfall. Make sure you do not install apex log cabins too close to a boundary fence, as the dual pitched roof could cause rainwater to pour into your neighbour’s garden.

uPVC or Wooden Windows
(or Aluminium)

While uPVC windows offers many benefits, it’s essential to consider personal preferences and design choices. Some individuals might prefer the appearance of other window materials like wood for a more rustic look. Always consider the specific needs of your log cabin project and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different window materials before making a decision.

Many of the log cabins available for sale offer customers the choice of uPVC and non-uPVC windows and doors. Both are perfectly fine, but you may want to consider the difference between the two. Firstly, when choosing a log cabin, look for 4mm toughened glass which is optimal for safety. In addition, be sure to go for a cabin that comes with 28mm+ double-glazed windows. Most cheap cabins offer 14mm glazed windows, but 14mm provides less sound and thermal insulation.  uPVC will require less maintenance over the years and as mentioned, provide a good level of insulation but, uPVC windows will cost a little more when making your purchase.

You will not know it at first, but unless aluminium windows and doors are thermally broken, you could quickly face unwanted issues.

Aluminium windows are thermally broken to overcome aluminium’s high heat conductivity, which causes significant heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, leading to energy waste and condensation.

Some competitors offer aluminium windows, which look great, but they are not thermally broken. Leading to;

• POOR thermal Efficiency (If not designed properly): While modern, “thermally broken” aluminium is very efficient, old or cheap aluminium can be a poor insulator, causing heat loss (offered by some of our competitors).

• HIGH Condensation Risk: Because aluminium conducts heat more quickly than wood or plastic, the frames can become cold, leading to potential condensation (sweating) on the inside if the building is humid and unventilated. SHOCKINGLY, some competitors, too, provide single glazing, which will make matters worse!

In a garden building, condensation could become a true nightmare with poorly manufactured aluminium windows. Not only will you find yourself having to clear condensation from window panes and frames, but you will start to see the build-up of damp and mould. Over time, not only will the clean-up operation become tedious, but you will start to see damage from damp appear in your garden building, and quite possibly to the furniture and flooring which you will have lovingly installed and looked after.

A thermal break isn’t visible, but you will quickly find out the hard way if a thermal break has not been considered. A thermal break in an aluminium window is a non-conductive material (like polyamide plastic) inserted between the inner and outer parts of the frame, creating a barrier that stops heat or cold from transferring through the highly conductive aluminium, drastically improving energy efficiency, reducing condensation, and keeping your cabin warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Our windows are to the same standard as those in your home!

Source: What Is Thermal Break Aluminum and Non-Thermal Break Aluminum? What’s the Difference? – Buildpano Building Materials

Style

The size and shape of your land may dictate the size and style of the log cabin that you choose, along with what you intend to use it for.

Corner Cabins

The corner log cabins are modern log cabins, designed to fit perfectly in the corner of your garden. Useful for where you have an unused area.

Multiroom Cabins

A multi-room cabins are cabins that have more than one room. Very useful when you have different uses in mind for your cabin and restricted garden space.

Side Store Cabins

SideStore cabins are cabins that provide a ‘shed’ like additional storage area, saving room in your garden as you do not need a further expense of another building.

What Log Cabin Base Should I Use?

As with any building, the base is key. For problem free longevity, a log cabin must be built on a strong level surface. If you are using an existing base, ensure it is level and damage free before installation. Concrete slabs such as an existing patio can be ideal.

If there is no existing base, your first option is to lay a new concrete surface. The area should be well prepared with deep foundations and compacted hardcore before any concrete is poured.

Alternatively, a quicker and easier solution to laying concrete is Dunster House’s RapidGrid Foundation System. A quicker, cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to concrete foundations. Costing much less than a concrete base would, the RapidGrid Foundation does not ruin the surrounding soil and needs very little soil to be removed compared to if you were laying a concrete base.
It is made up of weed control membrane and high quality, heavy duty plastic grids. These grids interlock for ease of placement and to help with rigidity, creating a strong support that spreads the weight of the building across the ground under the entire building.
Please note with this system you will need to purchase pea shingle type stones from a local builder’s merchant to fill the grids with.

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