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Log Cabin Buyers Guide

Make your garden the ideal space, whether it be for work, rest or play. A log cabin can create a focal point and provide the ideal outdoor garden room for almost any garden.

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Log cabins carry a wide range of benefits making them the perfect addition to your garden or outdoor space.

Start by making sure a log cabin is manufactured from high-quality Scandinavian timber, supplied with double-glazed windows, and importantly, make sure the glass is toughened for safety. Beware that some cheap competitor log cabins may be supplied with cheap plastics. There are so many other things to be aware of, and our guide aims to highlight some of the key log cabin features to look out for. In addition to what has been mentioned, also ensure your log cabin is provided with a “manufacturer guarantee” on pressure treated timbers. Make sure the bearers are pressure treated too, as cheaper dip-treatment methods are far less effective at preventing rot and insect infestation.

You may find that some companies do not manufacture their products. Be aware of this as it may have an impact on the quality of the final product you receive. In addition, you may find their products to be more expensive with additional costs passed on the customer. Buy direct and cut out the middle man!

You want to ensure your investment has longevity. Any business offering a long guarantee is confident in their product. Garden buildings should provide an attractive, spacious and long-lasting structure. Read on for lots more useful guidance.

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.

Roof

When selecting a roofing style, start by thinking about which one is most aesthetically pleasing to you. Where you situate the cabin may be a consideration factor too.

If you opt to not use guttering, consider where rain water will run-off, and if you want to see more or less roofing. The pent roof is your best bet to create a contemporary look. An apex on the other hand may achieve a more traditional finish, but you may see a little more roofing when viewing the cabin side on. You will end up with a beautiful garden building, whichever you choose!

uPVC or Wooden Windows

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.

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.

The corner log cabin is ideal if space is at a bit more of a premium, as the cabin can sit nicely in an unused corner of your garden. A multi-room or side store cabin may be a great addition if you’re less worried about space. SideStore cabins can actually save you space as the separate storage area may even remove the need for a shed.

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.

Why Buy a Dunster House Log Cabin?

With many unmatched features, tens of thousands of customers have chosen Dunster House for their garden buildings.

What Will You Use Your Log Cabin For?

Pub Shed
Arts and Crafts
Beauty Salon
Garden Office
Home Gym
Lounge
Man Cave
Music Room

No matter the use for your log cabin, ensuring you get the right cabin to suit your needs should be of utmost importance.

Our log cabin buyers guide provides you with of all of the detailed information you might need when considering what wooden log cabin to buy. Be an informed buyer.

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Log Cabins FAQ

What is a Log Cabin?

A Log Cabin is a garden building constructed using individual lengths of timber (logs), which interlock to form a solid structure. Log Cabins can have numerous uses, such as a garden retreat or garden office, an extra family room, a games room, a music room, a gym… the list is endless.

Our Log Cabins are made from slow-grown spruce, and feature pressure treated bearers, 4mm toughened glass, and domestic multi-point locking systems.

Does a Log Cabin Require Planning Permission?

Due to the unique design of a Dunster House product, in the vast majority of cases our garden buildings can be installed without the need for planning permission. However, there are a few other factors to consider. As all properties are different in size, shape and style we can only advise based on how we have designed our products, not on your property.

When to consider planning permission:

If the garden building is over 2.5m tall – The majority of Dunster House buildings do not exceed this.
If you intend on putting an outbuilding in front of the main elevation of your property (as it was originally built or as it was on 1st July 1948) it will require Planning Permission.
If you live in a listed or graded building.
If you live in a designated area such as areas of outstanding natural beauty, national parks, world heritage sites and conservation areas.
If there is a possibility that over 50% of your garden would be taken up by outbuildings.

What are U-Values?

U-values tell us about the heat loss properties of the material you are measuring. The lower the number, the better insulated the Log Cabin will be.

How do I Keep my Log Cabin Warm?

There are several options available when looking at how to keep your log cabin warm. Firstly, if you are only planning to use your log cabin occasionally, we would just recommend putting in a small electric heater. Usually you would turn that on 20 minutes before you are going to use the cabin, to kill of the chill.

However, if you are planning to use your log cabin all year round for either business purposes or a play area etc, we offer different wall thicknesses on our cabins. 28mm, 34mm, 45mm and 62mm (insulated) are the options available.

We have designed a unique concept – the Warmalog range, which is our insulated range of log cabins. The cabin walls, roof and floor have all been insulated with polyisocyanurate to help you keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The wall thickness is equivalent to having a standard cabin with 140mm thick walls.

How Many Years do Log Cabins Last?

Look after a log cabin and it could last for many, many years. So long in fact, it’s likely to far surpass the use you have for it. Treat your log cabin from time to time with wood preservatives, but importantly, make sure the floor bearers of your cabin are pressure treated, NOT dip treated!

Log Cabin Buyers Guide