Log Cabin Buyer's Guide

We offer a huge choice of hundreds of log cabins, some of which are available in many sizes with a choice of features. Overall there are thousands of variations. With so much choice, it can be a challenge to find the best cabin for your needs. Our Search Options are designed to help.

FIND YOUR LOG CABIN FAST

Whenever you browse our Log Cabins, the Search Options panel can always be found at the top of the page. Even if you click on a log cabin to view the details, you can recall the Search Options panel at any time if you click on the Log Cabins button at the top of the page.

PICTURE: The Search Options panel at the top of the page.

• Click on our Search Options to narrow your search.
• Scroll down to see information about each Search Option, including Popular Sizes, Design, Log Size, Glazing, Doors, Roof and More Options.
• Try more than one search to be sure you find the best log cabin for your needs.
• For most searches you only need to select one or two filters.
• Scroll down to see additional information about Installation Options and Base Options.
• To see the correct local prices and availability we need to know your area. Click here to enter the FIRST HALF of your POSTCODE.

PICTURE: A typical unopened log cabin pack.

When you search for a log cabin there are a number of other words which could describe the ideal building for your needs. Somebody else looking for the same building could search for a summerhouse or a shed. It may help if you search more than one of our categories.

For information about other topics click here to see our Shed FAQs.

POPULAR SIZES and POPULAR WIDTHS

• We offer a huge range of sizes.
• You can use our Search Options to select a Popular Size or a Popular Width.
• If you want a specific size or width search for the next smallest and the next largest size - your ideal log cabin may be only an inch outside your search parameters.
• Remember to search for sizes and widths both ways. For example, search for 4x3m and 3x4m.

PICTURE: An 8'x8' or 2.4x2.4m corner cabin

A popular size for a smaller log cabin is 8'x8' (2.4x2.4m) with enough space for a 6 seater corner lounge set or a 4-6 seater dining set. Another popular size is 10'x10' (3x3m) which is already larger than most garden summerhouses. Larger log cabins range from 10'x13' (3x4m) up to 14'x20' (4x6m). Multi room log cabins may be even larger. Arranging furniture in your house or in a small room can often be a useful guide to the size you need. Most people buy the biggest size that fits comfortably within the available space in the garden.

DESIGN

You can use our Search Options to browse a wide range of designs. A log cabin is often a prominent focal point in the garden. In a highly visible position an attractive design is important and with a commanding view of the garden a large glazing area is a popular choice.

Apex Roof Log Cabins

PICTURE: An apex roof log cabin with front door.

The apex roof design features two sloping sides which meet in the middle. The roof slopes down from the highest point (the ridge) to the lowest point (the eaves). The apex roof design combines a strong angular design with a steep roof pitch to discharge rainwater quickly and easily. The apex design also provides generous headroom inside. There are two different apex roof log cabin designs, based on the door position. Traditionally the most popular log cabin design featured a front door, in the gable wall, and this remains a favourite.

View Apex Log Cabins With Front Door

PICTURE: An apex log cabin with side door

An increasingly popular modern variation features an apex roof with the door in the longer side wall. The overall height is reduced and the frontage is less imposing. With this design, decorative roofing options such as cedar shingles are often more visible.

View Apex Log Cabins With Side Door

Pent Roof Log Cabins

PICTURE: A pent roof log cabin.

Pent roof log cabins are increasingly popular. The sleek modern design is compact with a lower and less obtrusive profile than other designs. The monopitch roof is on one plane, which normally slopes down from the front to the rear. The roof is normally hidden from most angles so decorative roof coverings are often not required.

View Pent Roof Log Cabins

Corner Log Cabins

PICTURE: A corner log cabin.

With five side walls, our corner cabins fit neatly in a corner. The compact modern design of a low pitch corner cabin provides an unobtrusive profile. There are two popular roof designs, which are both similar in appearance. A single sloping roof slopes down from the door to the rear in a similar way to a pent roof. A double sloping roof is more like a shallow apex roof, with two roof sections each sloping down from the highest point, the ridge, which runs from the middle of the door to the rear corner.

The high pitched corner cabin design features a pyramid shaped hipped roof with four sides sloping up to meet in the middle. The hipped roof slopes down from the highest point (the ridge) to the lowest point (the eaves). The four hips run from eaves to ridge along the joins between the roof sections. High pitch corner cabins are generally a little more expensive than cabins with a lower pitch, because the roof is more elaborate. The high pitch roof can be a striking design feature.

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Clocktower Log Cabins

PICTURE: A clocktower log cabin.

A clocktower or clockhouse log cabin is similar to a standard apex roof cabin with the door in the side, except for a distinctive extra gable which could accommodate a clock, hence the name. A clocktower log cabin roof features a decorative false dormer with a valley each side.

Camping Pods and Barrel Saunas

PICTURE: A camping pod.

The modern trend for glamping has spread into the garden. Increasingly camping pods provide a stylish and comfortable extra bedroom in the garden. When not in use as a spare bedroom, these versatile buildings can also be a great playroom which the kids will love or a useful storage area for garden furniture and outside toys. Camping pods are also very popular as a garden office. The compact size and shape makes our camping pods much easier to heat than other buildings. Our camping pods have a lower profile than most other garden buildings so they are unobtrusive and less visible from within your property and neighbouring properties.

In recent years glamping or glamour camping has become increasingly popular. It is easy to see why. Instead of pitching a tent and struggling with ropes and tent pegs, visitors to a camp site can step into a camping pod with no set up required. Camping pods are also more comfortable, quieter and you can even enjoy a lie in. The substantial timber construction provides much better insulation than a tent. Our camping pods stay cooler in hot weather, warmer in cold weather and darker in bright sunlight.

PICTURE: A barrel sauna.

Our barrel saunas are an attractive and compact sauna. The rounded shape of the sides and roof requires a slightly different interlocking joint with a ball and socket shape. Stainless steel bands or hoops are stretched around the circumference to tighten the joints. These are similar to the steel hoops used in traditional barrel construction. The compact size and shape makes our barrel saunas easier to heat than other buildings. With less ground contact than other buildings, our barrel saunas also draw up less cold and damp from the ground during the winter months.

Hexagonal and Octagonal Log Cabins

PICTURE: An octagonal log cabin.

Octagonal log cabins feature eight side walls and hexagonal cabins feature six sides. The hipped roof design features six or eight sloping sides which meet in the middle of the roof. The hipped roof slopes down from the highest point (the ridge) to the lowest point (the eaves). The hips run from eaves to ridge along the joins between the roof sections. Although elaborate, hexagonal and octagonal designs are also functional, combining a strong angular design with a steep roof pitch to discharge rainwater quickly and providing generous headroom inside.

View Hexagonal and Log Cabins

Hipped Roof Log Cabins

PICTURE: A hipped roof log cabin with 4 pane folding doors.

The hipped roof design is pyramid shaped with four sloping sides which meet in the middle of the roof. The hipped roof slopes down from the highest point (the ridge) to the lowest point (the eaves). The hip is architectural term for the join between each side of the roof. The hipped roof is also a striking design feature. In addition to the attractive appearance, the efficient design provides maximum use of space while the hipped roof combines a strong angular design with a steep roof pitch to discharge rainwater quickly and providing generous headroom inside.

MULTI ROOM

You can use our Search Options to choose a multi room cabin. Most log cabins are a single room but if required many of our bespoke log cabins can include internal walls to suit your individual requirements. We also offer multi room cabin designs with a standard internal layout which you can change to suit your needs. Internal partition walls can be neatly incorporated in the design of many log cabins. The internal wall logs are normally interlocked with the external logs during assembly in a similar way to the external corners. As a result the internal walls are just as strong as the external walls and also look the same. Internal doors can also be included to suit your individual requirements.

2 room cabins

PICTURE: A 2 room pent roof log cabin with a large summerhouse area and a shed area.

Many of our 2 room log cabins are designed with 2 rooms as standard, including apex, pent roof and corner designs. 2 room log cabins are often used to accommodate a summerhouse and a shed neatly under the same roof. The larger room normally features double hinged glazed doors for use as a summerhouse. The smaller room is normally designed as a storage area with a fully boarded door.

3 room cabins

PICTURE: A 3 room apex roof log cabin with a large front room and 2 small rooms at the rear.

Some of our 3 room apex log cabins are designed with 3 rooms as standard, including a large front room and two small rooms at the rear. The front room is normally used as a summerhouse, a garden office or the main living room of a small lodge. The small rooms may be two bedrooms or a bedroom and a bathroom. There is often a loft area above the two small rooms, accessed with a ladder, which makes a useful storage space or it can be an exciting den or bedroom for the kids. One of the small rooms can be used as a shed if the design includes an external door.

4 rooms plus

Our largest multi room with 4 or more rooms cabins feature a standard room layout to give you a starting point but all aspects of the design can be changed to suit your needs. You can increase or decrease the number of rooms and move the walls as you wish. These bespoke log cabins are one off designs which are individually made to order. Commercial uses include holiday chalets and hotel lodges.

PICTURE: A 5 room log cabin with a porch.

Optional partitions

Many of our bespoke log cabins are a single room as standard with internal partitions available as an option. A wide choice of sizes and designs is available. You can add internal partitions and internal doors to suit your own individual room layout.

LOG SIZES

PICTURE: An old log cabin with interlocking tree trunks.

The first log cabins were built centuries ago with complete tree trunks and using just an axe. As modern woodworking techniques evolved the logs are now precisely machined but the principles are unchanged. Even today, most of our log cabins share the same basic interlocking log corners. Although some modern designs feature corner posts, even these are similar to the oldest log cabins with little or no upright framing. Modern machining allows for varying log sizes but even the thinnest logs are substantially thicker than the cladding boards in a typical wooden shed. Smaller buildings generally need thinner logs and larger buildings need thicker logs. Thicker logs also provide better insulation.

You can choose a log size for your cabin from the Wall Options menu in our Search Options.

19-22mm thick logs

PICTURE: An apex log cabin with 19mm thick logs.

Log cabins with 19-22mm thick logs are normally available in smaller sizes only. However, just like the larger cabins these logs are interlocking tongued and grooved logs and notched out to ensure strong corner joints. These strong and smart summerhouses have the same look and feel as larger log cabins at a great value price.

28mm thick logs

The 28mm log thickness is the most popular option for smaller log cabins. Although not as substantial or well insulated as thicker logs, the 28mm logs are nevertheless strong timbers with good insulation properties. Some of our 28mm cabins are available with double glazing and many are available with roof and floor insulation. Insulated 28mm cabins with double glazing are a very popular choice for garden offices and any garden room which may be used all year round.

View 28mm Log Cabins

PICTURE: A corner built with 28mm thick logs.

34mm thick logs

The 34mm log thickness is not as widely available as the more popular 28mm and 40-45mm thicknesses. However, when available it is a nice compromise option, especially if the price is favourable.

40-45mm thick logs

PICTURE: A corner built with 45mm thick double tongued and grooved logs.

The 40-45mm log thickness is the most popular Wall Option, providing a substantial and well insulated log cabin. Some of these thicker logs feature a double tongue which provides slightly improved strength and weatherproofing. A double glazed log cabin with floor and roof insulation is the most popular specification for customers who want all year round use.

View 45mm Log Cabins

70mm thick logs

PICTURE: A 70mm log cabin.

The 70mm thick logs are the thickest in regular use, providing a little extra strength and durability when compared with 45mm logs and often for relatively little extra cost. Needless to say, these logs are extremely substantial and provide excellent insulation.

View 70mm Log Cabins

Twinskin

PICTURE: A twinskin corner built with 45mm logs and a 50mm cavity.

Twinskin log cabins with cavity walls are normally specified only when the highest level of insulation is required for a building which is in regular and prolonged use all year round. The twinskin construction features an additional internal wall with a cavity between the inner and outer skin. Cavity wall insulation is recommended to ensure the best performance. With double glazing and insulation fitted throughout, our twinskin log cabins are better insulated than any other garden rooms or garden offices available at almost any price. A twinskin cabin is a much easier and neater option than lining and insulating a single skin log cabin.

View Twinskin Log Cabins

PICTURE: A twinskin log cabin.

Pressure Treated Timber

Some of our log cabins are available with pressure treated wall logs. Pressure treatment is a lifetime preservative treatment. The preservative is forced into the timber under pressure in a vacuum and penetrates below the surface. All other treatments apply a coat of stain to the surface of the timber only. With pressure impregnated timber, the chemicals are permanently fixed in the wood. No further preservative treatment is ever needed. However, if you want a coloured finish you can paint over pressure treated or tanalised wood with normal wood preservative in any colour.

GLAZING OPTIONS

Use our Search Options to choose from a selection of Glazing Options. Many log cabins include a large glazing area so it is worth taking a little time to consider the most suitable glazing for your personal garden room.

Double Glazing

PICTURE: A corner cabin with double glazed doors and windows.

Double glazed doors and windows ensure that your log cabin is warmer and cheaper to heat. We recommend double glazing if you want to use your log cabin all year round, for example as a garden office. Double glazing also provides additional sound insulation. If you expect to use your log cabin frequently and for prolonged periods we also recommend floor and roof insulation. Insulation ensures a more comfortable environment on the hottest days in the summer and the coldest days in winter.

View Double Glazed Log Cabins

Georgian Glazing

PICTURE: An octagonal log cabin with Georgian glazing.

Many log cabins feature cottage style Georgian bar glazing. Georgian glazing is a traditional design, originally with small squares of glass. However, most Georgian style log cabins feature criss cross beads which are fitted externally over one large pane of glass. This makes double glazing easy, so you can enjoy the traditional appearance of Georgian glazing and the benefits of modern double glazing. Log cabins rarely include traditional Georgian glazing with individual panes of glass because it is expensive to make small double glazing units.

Panoramic Low Level Glazing

PICTURE: A modern pent roof log cabin with panoramic low level glazing.

Low level glazing provides a panoramic view from inside your log cabin so you can appreciate your garden fully and for longer while remaining sheltered. With low level glazing you can enjoy a better view of the garden, especially at sites where the garden slopes away.

Glass or Styrene

We recommend glass with your log cabin. Toughened glass is best if you can afford it, if not standard glass is better than styrene. Although fragile, glass is more rigid and durable than the styrene glazing supplied with many of the cheapest log cabins. Styrene glazing is normally less than 2mm thick and prone to blowing out in the wind, especially at an exposed location. Styrene is not as rigid as glass so it flexes in the wind. Over time styrene glazing becomes scratched and cloudy. By contrast glass remains clear and rigid for decades.We recommend toughened glass with your log cabin if you can afford it, if not standard glass is better than styrene. Even if you only clean the glass occasionally, each time it cleans up like new.

Toughened Glass

PICTURE: Broken toughened glass.

Toughened safety glass is around six times stronger than normal glass so it is less likely to break. When it does break, toughened glass breaks harmlessly into very small pieces. This makes toughened glass the best option for all the family including children, pets and the elderly. Many log cabin include a large area of glazing so the cost of toughened glass is higher, but the benefits are amplified.

View Toughened Glass Summerhouses

DOOR OPTIONS

The doors are an important part of a log cabin, partly for comfortable access but also for additional ventilation. The doors are also a striking feature of any log cabin. On a hot day the doors can be wide open, providing important extra ventilation to supplement the opening windows. Later in the evening the doors can be shut to keep the log cabin warm inside.

PICTURE: A pent roof log cabin with french doors fully open.

The most popular option in a log cabin is double hinged doors, often described as French doors, which can be fully opened when needed. Large fully glazed doors provide a panoramic view from inside and a contemporary style from outside. French doors also provide a wide range of ventilation options from one door ajar to both doors fully open. French doors provide most of the ventilation in a smaller log cabin. We also offer sliding patio doors in some of our best log cabins. Another popular option with a larger log cabin is folding doors. Folding hinged doors provide similar benefits to french doors but are even wider with more ventilation options. French doors include door leaves but folding doors normally include 3 or 4 door leaves.

PICTURE: A pent roof log cabin with 4 pane folding doors half open.

ROOF OPTIONS

Use our Search Options to choose a high performance decorative Roof Option.

Roofing Felt

PICTURE: Roofing felt

Decorative roof options are more popular with a log cabin than a typical garden shed or summerhouse. Due to the wide range of roof options available, many log cabins include no roof covering as standard although a few include roofing felt. Roofing felt is a practical and affordable option, which is widely used with the majority of garden sheds in the UK. Bitumen based with a durable and attractive mineral surface, roofing felt is generally easier to fit than other roof coverings but over time it may require more maintenance, especially at an exposed location. More decorative roof options are available with many of our log cabins, including the options listed below.

Cedar Shingles

PICTURE: A log cabin with a cedar shingle roof.

Attractive and durable, cedar shingles make the ideal roof for high specification log cabins. These genuine cedar roof shingles are traditionally made from Western Red Cedar and fitted on top of a felted solid pine inner roof. Each individual cedar tile is a known as a shingle. Cedar shingles have long been a popular roofing material for domestic and public buildings in large parts of North America where cedar shingles have a reputation for warmth and longevity. Cedar has an unrivalled reputation for durability and cedar shingles often last for many decades. A cedar shingle roof takes time to fit, especially if the roof is hexagonal, octagonal or hipped, but the results are stunning and most people find it a very satisfying project. The finished roof will also last for a very long time. A cedar shingle roof is easier to fit on a simple apex roof.

Felt Tiles

PICTURE: A log cabin with felt tiles.

Mineral coated bitumen felt tiles are an attractive and durable roofing material which is more hardwearing than standard roofing felt. Traditionally used in the UK for garden buildings such as log cabins, felt tiles are used much more in Scandinavia and North America where they are used widely in general housebuilding. Mineral felt tiles are often described as felt shingles because they resemble traditional cedar shingles. The felt tiles are much thicker and stronger than standard roofing felt. However, felt tiles take longer to fit, especially for a hexagonal, octagonal or hipped roof log cabin.

Granular Steel Tiles

PICTURE: A log cabin with steel tiles.

These lightweight granular steel roof tiles are both durable and attractive. Designed to last for many years, these tiles are tried and tested in every climate throughout the world from hurricanes and hailstones to heatwaves. Uses include homes, flats, schools, offices and all types of buildings. The tiles are pressed from galvanized steel with further protective layers of weather resistant acrylic and a coverage of natural stone chips. The natural stone chips are bonded to the tiles to give a weatherproof surface with an attractive textured appearance similar to clay tiles.

EPDM Rubber

Most of our pent roof log cabins are available with an EPDM roof, either as an option or included free wth some cabins. A tough EPDM rubber membrane is made in one piece to the size of your roof with no joins. It is easily fitted at normal temperatures with no heat required. EPDM rubber is completely inert, UV stable and not affected by extreme temperatures. It never perishes and it will not rot, split, crack or degrade. EPDM rubber lasts for years with little or no maintenance. It has been widely used in flat roofing for over 40 years from Alaska to the Middle East. It is increasingly popular in the UK where it is widely used for re-roofing flat roof garages and extensions. Even in extreme weather conditions EPDM rubber remains flexible and it will stretch to absorb any movement as a timber roof expands and contracts with the seasons.

PICTURE: A one-piece EPDM rubber roof.

Under 2.5m High

This is another useful Roof Option, which helps to ensure that in most cases your log cabin should not need planning permission. Under current planning regulations garden buildings which are within 2 metres of a boundary and over 2.5m high (8'2") normally require planning permission. Some log cabins with apex or hipped roof designs may be over 2.5m high. Log cabins with a pent roof are often less than 2.5m high but always check,. The ridge height is normally listed in the specifications section of our online product descriptions. Remember to add enough for roof insulation, a platform base and other factors which may increase the building height. For more information about planning please see our FAQs.

MORE OPTIONS

The More Options menu allows you to narrow your search even more. Be careful when using narrow and specific searches. It is normally a good idea to search with and without setting the search option, just to be sure that you do not miss any suitable log cabins. Useful search filters such as Porch and Usable loft allow you to focus on a limited selection of cabins to suit your requirements. You can also search for a preferred option such as Insulation or Paint finish or a specific design feature such as Verandah, front or Verandah, side.

PICTURE: A modern pent roof log cabin with an integral porch.

Integral Porch

An integral porch is primarily a distinctive architectural enhancement but it can also be a useful feature if your cabin is used in all weathers, for example if it is a garden office or studio in regular use.

PICTURE: An apex roof log cabin with an integral porch.

Usable Loft

Many of our larger log cabins are available with more than one room and suitable for use as a small lodge in the garden. An easy way to increase the usable area is a loft. If the walls are a little taller and the roof pitch is a little steeper this allows enough height inside to include a loft area, which can be used as a cosy sleeping area. This extra bedroom is normally accessed by a steep ladder and a square hatch in the wall which makes it a firm favourite with young adults and children.

PICTURE: A taller apex roof log cabin with a usable loft.

The loft is a fairytale retreat for the kids. After a few years as a fantasy den for sleepovers while the kids are younger the loft can be used later as a useful storage area. A log cabin with a loft is sometimes chosen as a sumptuous playhouse for lucky children, with their own mini-home in the garden.

PICTURE: The loft area uncovered, with the roof removed.

Floor and Roof Insulation

Most of our log cabins include the option of floor and roof insulation. This option is especially popular if your log cabins feature thicker wall logs, due to the high natural insulation properties of timber. For the best insulation, our twin skin log cabins include a cavity wall which can also be insulated with standard mineral wool insulation. A well insulated log cabin has practical benefits, being more comfortable in extreme heat or cold. If you want to use your summerhouse as a garden office or a studio throughout the year we recommend insulation and double glazing. Double glazing is especially important if your summerhouse or garden office includes a large area of glazing.

PICTURE: PIR foam insulation.

Our roof insulation is rigid PIR (Polyisocyanurate) foam boards with reflective silver alloy laminate facings on both sides, certified by the British Board of Agrement. The roof insulation is laid over the roof boards and below the roof covering. This ensures that the internal appearance is unchanged with attractive tongued and grooved boards. No internal lining boards are required. The kit features rigid foam boards which are lightweight and easy to install. If your order includes roofing felt or felt tiles longer nails are included for fixing through the insulation. If your order includes cedar shingles or granular steel tiles additional decking boards are supplied which are laid over the insulation to provide a suitable surface for fixing the tiles. The underfloor insulation is designed to suit our timber floor. The rigid insulation boards are suspended between the floor joists and above the ground. The top face of the insulation is just below the floorboards. The solidity of the floor is unaffected by this design. The internal appearance is also unchanged with attractive and durable tongued and grooved boards. Detailed instructions are supplied.

Paint Finish

PICTURE: A log cabin with a paint finish in two colours.

Log cabins are normally supplied untreated, because a layer of conventional paint can adversely affect the way the logs interlock during assembly. Preservative treatments are normally applied after assembly. However, we offer a specialist treatment option developed for log cabins, which is available with a selection of log cabins. A high quality preservative finish is professionally spray applied in the factory to both sides of the timber. The cabin is treated inside and out in a choice of translucent colours. The microporous woodstains are impervious to water but not to water vapour, which allows the wood to breathe.

Verandahs

Another popular log cabin design feature is a verandah. We offer a wide range with a choice of either a front verandah or a side verandah. The word verandah can also be spelled as veranda. It is one of many words which were imported from India during the colonial era.

PICTURE: A pavilion style log cabin with a side verandah.

Verandahs can be either open or partially enclosed with a balustrade. A log cabin is often used as an informal seating area with wide open doors and windows, which is open to the garden. The verandah is an obvious extension of this use, providing a more open covered seating option between the cabin and the garden. The verandah may be more popular when it is warmer outside but as the evening cools being inside the log cabin is more comfortable. Larger log cabins with a side verandah are often specified as sports pavillions, especially with cricket clubs and bowls clubs.

PICTURE: A log cabin with a front verandah.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

We offer a wide range of accessories so you can customize your log cabin with everything you need to finish it off and kit it out from one supplier at a competitive price. We often deliver several accessories together which keeps our prices competitive. However, some accessories are delivered separately for a variety of reasons. For example, preservatives are delivered separately in specialist packaging designed to reduce messy spillages. We often offer package deals with a bundle of several accessories at a reduced price. With many of our log cabins there is a choice of some free offers and some low cost offers. In addition, our package deals are a genuine opportunity to save money with a bundle of accessories at reduced prices to tempt you to buy our log cabin in preference to a log cabin from another supplier.

DIY Preservatives

PICTURE: A painted corner cabin with two contrasting colours.

Our quality microporous preservatives are impervious to water but not to water vapour. This allows the wood to breathe. We offer a selection of woodstains and natural wood oils in a wide choice of colours. These preservatives are safe for use with children and pets. Our wood preservatives and wood oils are only available when you purchase one of our log cabins or if you ever purchased one of our log cabins in the past. We are always happy to supply our past customers at any time, even years after your purchase.

Solar Lighting

PICTURE: Solar powered string lights with large bulbs.

Our ingenious and affordable solar powered lighting is easy to install with no mains wiring and it costs nothing to run. During the day the externally mounted solar panel converts daylight into electricity and recharges the batteries. The solar panel is weatherproof and suitable for outside use. It is normally positioned on the roof of a log cabin or high on the walls. For best results the panel should be in direct sunlight for hours every day.

PICTURE: Solar powered string lights with small fairy lights.

Decorative string lights automatically turn on at dusk. The string lights can be set to constant or flashing mode. String lights are especially popular with log cabins and garden rooms. Often the lights are stretched along the corners and edges of the roof and walls to frame the log cabin. String lights vary from small fairy lights which are decorative and the larger replica bulb style which provide more useful light when required.

PICTURE: A solar powered inside light.

Internal wall lights solve the problem of seeing inside your log cabin at night. Using the simple pull cord the light can be turned on and off as required. The solar panel absorbs light all day to provide hours of light whenever required.

PICTURE: A solar powered security light.

Security lights with passive infra red movement detectors switch on when movement is detected. As you approach the security light it switches on, illuminating the approach to your log cabin at night whenever required. It may also deter burglars.

PICTURE: A solar powered table light with programmable colour changes.

We offer a selection of solar powered mood lighting and garden lights. Some of the more sophisticated mood lights change colour periodically and this is programmable to suit your preferences. You can also programme these mood lights to remain constantly the same colour if you prefer.

WPC Composite Decking Kits

Many of our log cabins include a terrace or a covered verandah, either as an option or included in the price. With our decking kits you can create your own terrace to a size and shape that fits your garden. Our superb quality WPC wood plastic composite decking closely resembles real wood, with the same look and feel. However, it is virtually maintenance free and it will never rot. Our WPC composite decking is a revolutionary material which provides all the benefits of real wood without the maintenance. Unlike real wood this synthetic wood is a weatherproof material with no knots, splinters, machining marks or other imperfections. It will never develop splits or shakes and no sap will ever ooze out of it. Occasional cleaning with soapy water normally restores the original appearance. If any dirt or stains become ingrained after prolonged neglect even the most stubborn marks can be cleaned with a pressure washer.

PICTURE: Grey woodgrain WPC composite decking.

Log Cabin Furniture

A log cabin is often used as a relaxing garden room or summerhouse, primarily for sitting in. You may prefer informal lounge furniture or more formal dining sets. We offer a huge choice of garden furniture, much of which is ideal for use in a log cabin. Popular furniture for a log cabin ranges from a couple of reclining chairs, a love seat or a bistro set to a spacious corner sofa with thick cushions and footstools. Our dining furniture sets are also suitable if you plan to use your log cabin as an enclosed dining area. The only type of furniture you may want in your log cabin which we do not currently supply is office furniture for use in a garden office. We are an experienced specialist supplier of garden furniture but office furniture is not our speciality.

PICTURE: A love seat with cushions and foot rests.

Our lounge sets often include a small coffee table. Our dining sets include larger and taller tables to suit dining. Our wooden furniture ranges from benches, love seats and swing seats to larger lounge and dining sets which accommodate 6 or 8 people in comfort. We offer a choice of wood including pressure treated timber, hardwood and teak. We also offer artificial woven rattan furniture with a wide range of lounge sets, corner sets and dining sets. Our metal furniture is both affordable and lightweight and includes our elegant vintage range and our comfortable textilene sets. Some of our furniture is fully assembled for your convenience and some is designed for DIY self assembly at great value prices.

PICTURE: A 6 seater rattan corner sofa with coffee table.

We have always been interested in helping our customers at every stage of their garden building project. As a result, since we were established in 1981 we have developed a unique expertise. We offer expert advice and we can answer any query, however technical. We can also actively assist at every stage from making a planning application to advice about ongoing care and maintenance after completion. We can even help you with base preparation. Although fitting options are available in most areas, most of our log cabins are designed for DIY assembly. If you prefer to install the log cabin yourself we provide useful tips for DIY customers. We also provide a comprehensive range of low cost DIY base kits.

INSTALLATION OPTIONS

• Low cost installation is available as an option in most areas if you want to have your log cabin professionally fitted.
• The fitting service does not include base preparation. A flat and level base is required, which can be made using concrete, paving slabs, pressure treated timber or plastic base grids. In many areas a low cost base laying service is available as an option. We also offer heavy duty plastic base kits as a DIY option in all areas.
• Instructions are supplied to help with DIY assembly.

DIY Assembly

Our log cabins are designed for simple DIY assembly with cut to size components. Basic hand tools are required although a power saw may be useful for trimming the final floorboard or roof board. DIY assembly is not difficult although it may take time with so many individual timber logs and boards. Most of our log cabins are flat-packed with few if any prefabricated panels. The doors and windows are often partly or fully assembled although you may need to assemble the outer frame with some models. If you are a keen DIY enthusiast, self assembly is an excellent way to ensure a cheaper price and better value for money.

Optional Installation

Since we were established in 1981 we have connected thousands of customers to our unique network of independent fitters. Specialist teams have offered to install our log cabins in many areas at low fixed rates in return for recurring work. The prices are offered within a specific area and subject to conditions. You deal direct with the fitter which keeps the prices low and you pay them separately on completion. We make no commission except for a small upfront referral fee. The fitters pay us nothing and we pay them nothing. Although we do not manage or supervise the work directly we listen carefully to feedback and any team who provides a poor service is removed from our network. For decades this effective system has provided a low cost option for our customers with high levels of satisfaction.

PICTURE: A log cabin fitter fixing roof boards to an apex roof.

In addition to our unique network of installers, we also maintain a national network of baselayers who can build a base for many of our log cabins. Although our network of baselayers covers many areas we are unable to offer blanket nationwide coverage. This is one of the reasons we developed our unique postcode based website, so that once you have set your delivery postcode you only see services and products available in your area.

BASE OPTIONS

PICTURE: A hexagonal concrete base.

• We can introduce you to independent baselayers in many areas offering to build paving slab bases, concrete bases and pressure treated timber bases.
• Alternatively, we can offer a choice of DIY base options if you want to build the base yourself.
• To see prices for any base options you need to be viewing a specific product.
• To see accurate prices and availability in your local area you need to first enter the first half of your postcode at the top of any page.

Independent Baselayers

Since we were established in 1981 we have connected thousands of customers to our unique network of independent baselayers. Specialist teams have offered to lay bases for our buildings in many areas at low fixed rates in return for regular work. The prices are offered within a specific area and subject to conditions. You deal direct with the baselayer which keeps the prices low and you pay them separately on completion.

PICTURE: Click on the blue "i" symbols to see fitting and base laying prices (circled in yellow). See how many jobs each fitter or base layer has completed in brackets (circled in red).

We make no commission except for a small upfront referral fee. The baselayers pay us nothing and we pay them nothing. Although we do not manage or supervise the work directly we listen carefully to feedback and any team who provides a poor service is removed from our network. For decades this effective system has provided a low cost option for our customers with high levels of satisfaction.

A base completion date is specified when you order. This is normally four weeks after the order date unless an alternative date is agreed. The building is delivered shortly after this date. The completion date may be longer at busier times or due to holidays.

PICTURE: See where to set your delivery postcode (circled in red). See the pop-up window with each fitter or baselayer's prices (circled in yellow).

We regularly monitor the prices charged by our baselayers. In over 80% of cases the actual prices charged and the prices quoted above are exactly the same. However, there are circumstances in which additional charges may be required including, for example if site clearance is required, if the ground is not level or if access is restricted. We recommend the customer to confirm the price payable with the baselayer before work starts. We also recommend the baselayer to advise the customer at the earliest opportunity if the price is likely to exceed the prices quoted above.

Site Clearance and Preparation

A tape measure should be used to mark out the area of the base. The corners can be marked with canes or bricks. To ensure that the area is square the two diagonal measurements should be the same. The edges are easier to cut with a straight edge such as a wooden plank and a spade or turf cutter. All vegetation and roots should be removed otherwise as the organic material decomposes the base may settle unevenly. Large trees should only be removed by professionals. Small trees and shrubs can be removed by untrained people if care is exercised. To remove turf cut horizontally using a spade just below the roots at a depth of around two inches.

PICTURE: An area of lawn neatly excavated prior to base construction.

Excavation and Levelling

The soil can be levelled using a rake to even out minor peaks and troughs or a spade to dig away higher ground. Any large stones or roots should be removed. Before starting to lay the pavers a spirit level should be used to thoroughly check that the soil is level in all directions. The dimensions should also be checked with a tape measure. Extra time spent at this stage will be rewarded later. The base must be flat and level and large enough before proceeding to the next stage.

If possible allow space around a building to ensure comfortable access for installation and maintenance. If the base is sited near a wall or fence remember to allow for the roof overhang. Any overhanging trees or branches should be cut back.

Professional baselayers often charge extra for significant excavation, for the removal of existing obstructions such as existing buildings, garden walls, trees or compost heaps and for rubbish disposal if the spoil cannot be disposed of on site.

Paving Slab Bases

PICTURE: A paving slab base with smooth vibrated grey concrete slabs.

A well built paving slab base is a durable base for any garden building, as strong as a concrete base but normally cheaper. Slabs are also easier to handle than concrete and easier to remove if the garden is redesigned. Professional baselayers should include supplying and laying paving slabs on sand, mortar or concrete.

Concrete Bases

A concrete base is the most permanent and durable base for a garden building but a paving slab base is cheaper and more popular. A concrete base requires shuttering boards with a sturdy frame. Wet concrete is poured in and tamped smooth with a straight edge. A concrete base is often the best option for a building with no floor, such as a garage or a commercial workshop, or for a building which contains heavy machinery or equipment, such as a pump room or a hot tub enclosure. The concrete is normally finished a few inches above the ground. Inexpensive steel reinforcing can be placed within the concrete for extra strength at sites with poor ground conditions, for example where trees and shrubs have been removed.

PICTURE: Ripple finish concrete with smooth floated chamferred edges.

We recommend 100mm thick concrete with a thickened toe beam tapering to 300mm thick at the edges. An interval of up to seven days is advisable between the base and installation. However, if required in warmer weather it may be possible for installation to proceed with care after a shorter interval.

Pressure Treated Timber Platform Bases

PICTURE: A timber platform base.

A pressure treated timber platform base is suitable for any building with a timber floor, especially at a sloping site or a site with made up ground or a recently remoived tree. It is also an option for building without a floor but the platform needs boarding over, for example with decking. The substantial timber platform is an ecologically sound alternative to more traditional bases such as slabs or concrete. It can be easily built over sloping or unstable ground without expensive excavation or levelling. The base is made from pressure treated timber bearers and posts. Pressure treatment is a lifetime preservative treatment. The platform should be finished a few inches above the ground allowing for better airflow than other base options. The support posts are concreted into the ground to ensure the base remains flat and level. If you choose quick setting concrete to hold the posts in place you can start installing your new building if you are careful within about half an hour.

DIY BASE OPTIONS

Our durable eco-grid and eco-paving base kits are a practical and affordable alternative to slabs or concrete. Lightweight and easy to install within a few minutes, these 100% recycled polypropylene pavers simply click together with no fixings needed. The interlocking design helps to spread weight and ensures greater rigidity. Weed membranes are not needed below a timber floor. The self draining design prolongs the life of a timber floor. Unlike paving or concrete our plastic bases are fully relocatable. The base is normally at least 2" or 50mm larger than your building. Where space permits the base is normally laid full size but if required in a tight location our plastic pavers can be cut. Fast delivery within 3-5 days ensures that you can start work quickly.

Eco-Grid Bases

PICTURE: Eco-grids viewed from above (to the right) and below (to the left).

Eco-grids are recommended if the sub-base is soil, sand or pea shingle but not on hard surfaces such as concrete, because the underside is not flat. Integral pegs on the underside help to level the base grids more easily in soil or sand or shingle. Our eco-grid plastic bases can support up to 200 tonnes per square metre. We offer exactly the same eco-grids as driveways and carparks. Gravel or shingle infill is not required below a timber floor. Whatever you store in your building, our eco-grids will support the weight easily. Each eco-grid is 472mm x 472mm and 40mm thick with an immensely strong 60x60mm hexagonal cell structure. Extensive preparation is not normally required - just level the soil and lay the pavers directly on soil or on a thin layer of sand or pea shingle. Any exposed edges around the base can be left unfilled or filled with gravel or shingle.

Eco-Paving Bases

Eco-paving is recommended if the sub-base is a hard surface such as concrete or paving slabs, because the pavers feature a flat and level underside. Our eco-paving is less brittle than concrete paving slabs. The pavers have a strong lattice structure underneath and the surface looks and feels similar to pressed concrete slabs, with a slightly textured finish. Each eco-paver is 385mm x 385mm and 40mm thick. The pavers are quickly and easily easily laid over an existing hard surface.

PICTURE: An eco-paving base, viewed from above, with two extra tiles upside down to show the underside.

We love wood so we specify timber which originates from sustainable forests. We research our supply chains, regularly assessing the risks and testing different species in accredited labs in the UK for verification purposes. We are also fully paid up and longstanding members of FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification). We are regularly audited to confirm our compliance with FSC and PEFC accounting requirements, to check our supply chains in detail and to verify our claims regarding individual products.

Recent developments in the timber industry include extraordinary shortages and unprecedented price increases following the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Timber from Russia and Belarus is now banned from UK and European markets and FSC certification has been suspended. As UK and European reliance on cheap Russian timber has ended, supplies of more expensive timber from Scandinavia has increased.

Sustainability of our log cabins

All timber used in our log cabins is from Northern Europe, including boards, wall logs, framing and pressure treated timber. Until recently much of this timber came from Russia and Belarus but now it comes from Scandinavia and the Baltic. Our cedar roof shingles feature cedar from Canada and the USA. The forests of Northern Europe and North America are among the most well managed and sustainable forests in the world.

Chains of custody

It is not easy to prove a chain of custody all the way from the forest to the log cabin in your garden. It only needs one broken link to break the chain. The only way to be sure is to follow an unbroken trail of sales invoices and purchase invoices all along the chain. We are members of FSC and PEFC because they specialise in certifying chains of custody and they have global reach. Any log cabin we describe as FSC certified or PEFC certified has verified chain of custody certification from the forest to the finished cabin.

Valid FSC claims

• If you want to buy an FSC or PEFC certified timber product you can only buy it from an FSC or PEFC member.
• Many of our wooden products do not include FSC or PEFC certification, but some do.
• We only make legitimate FSC and PEFC claims when we have full chain of custody certification.
• If you cannot see a prominent FSC or PEFC claim against one of our products, then it is not certified.
• An FSC certified product must be described as FSC 100% or FSC Mix Credit or FSC Mix 70% and this claim must be accompanied by a valid licence number and/or certificate code from a genuine FSC member. Any other claim is invalid.
• A PEFC certified product must be described as 100% PEFC Certified or 70% PEFC Certified and this claim must be accompanied by a valid licence number and/or certificate code from a genuine PEFC member. Any other claim is invalid.
• The FSC Mix claim can be a different percentage, but in our experience we have only ever known 70% to apply to our products.
• There are 3 other FSC claims and 1 other PEFC claim which are never relevant to our wooden products (FSC Recycled XX%, FSC Recycled Credit, FSC Controlled Wood and PEFC Recycled).

PICTURE: Our entry in the PEFC members database.

Invalid FSC or PEFC claims

• Retailers often make vague claims that products are "FSC certified" or "all timber is from a PEFC certified supplier" or "we only use FSC approved timber". However, these claims are dishonest because FSC and PEFC certify products and not suppliers. If the claim is invalid the timber is not certified.
• Any FSC or PEFC claim is invalid unless it is accompanied by a certificate code and/or a licence number from a genuine FSC or PEFC member.
• Many FSC and PEFC members regularly sell non-certified products - indeed, we are a good example of this. Buying from a member is no guarantee that the wood is certified.
• Many FSC and PEFC suppliers have two production lines, one for certified and one for uncertified wood. This practice is perfectly acceptable, as long as the certified wood is correctly accounted for.
• To remain members we must pay for regular audits to confirm that our FSC and PEFC claims are valid. Auditors compare our purchase invoices with our sales invoices to confirm that the quantities balance. All other members are also audited regularly to verify the supply chain from the forest to the consumer.

Verify our FSC and PEFC membership

• To verify our FSC membership visit the FSC Member Search and search for Summer Garden (full name "Summer Garden and Leisure Buildings Ltd"). Our FSC licence number is FSC-C109654 and our FSC chain of custody certificate code is INT-COC-003944.
• To verify our PEFC membership visit the PEFC Find Certified and search for Summer Garden (full name "Summer Garden and Leisure Buildings Ltd"). Our PEFC certificate number is INT-PEFC-COC-1119. Our PEFC licence number is PEFC/16-37-2190.
• If you suspect that an FSC claim on a website may be invalid, use the FSC Member Search to check if the supplier is a valid FSC member. If the claim is invalid you can report it to FSC.
• If you suspect that a PEFC claim on a website may be invalid, use PEFC Find Certified to check if the supplier is a valid PEFC member. If the claim is invalid, you can report it to PEFC at info@pefc.co.uk.

PICTURE: Our entry in the FSC members database.

About the FSC and PEFC: The FSC and the PEFC are non profit international organizations which promote responsible forest management throughout the world. Around 430 million acres of forest worldwide in over 90 countries has been certified. FSC or PEFC chain of custody certification verifies that certified material has been identified and separated from non-certified and non-controlled material at every step throughout the supply chain.

See more information About FSC and PEFC

Visit the FSC website

Visit the PEFC website