FAQ for Log Cabins and other Wooden Buildings

What wall log thickness is most suitable for a home office?

We recommend a minimum thickness of 44 millimetres for a home office log cabin.  However, for all-year-round use you should consider a 70mm plus cavity insulation cabin, as this will ensure your office stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Should I insulate my cabin?

We recommend the 70mm plus cavity insulation option if you want to fully insulate your cabin. That includes floors, ceiling and walls. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Is the timber treated?

All our log cabins are delivered with pressure-impregnated foundation beams, but the remaining timber is untreated. All external timber must be treated after construction and regularly maintained to prevent any rot.

Where can I purchase the finishing stain treatment?

Please contact us for further details.

Do I need planning permission for my cabin?

This depends on the size of the cabin, where you propose to put it and your intended use.  See our guide to log cabin planning permission, or contact you local council for further advice.

What is the best way to lay a base for my cabin?

For cabins under 25 m² a sharp sand and paving slab base can be used. For larger cabins a concrete base should be used. We always recommend laying a DPC/DPM below the base timbers.

What type of wood are the cabins manufactured from?

European Redwood, sourced from eastern Europe and Scandinavia. This is a softwood, also known as Scot’s Pine when grown in the UK. For the wall logs and roof beams we use glulam timber – this consists of several smaller sections of European Redwood glued together with the grain reversed. Glulam timber is stronger than an equivalent size of solid timber and more stable, which means your cabin is less prone to warp or twist if the timber gets damp.

Are the floors included in the price of the cabins?

The price of the floorboards is included, as are battens for fixing the floorboards. However, you will need to provide a solid, level base to site the cabin on.

Are there a choice of roof shingle colours?

We offer a choice of green, red, black, brown and grey roof shingles.

How long will it take for my cabin to be delivered?

All of our cabins are built to order. We aim to deliver within six weeks from your order; sometimes it may be slightly longer due to stock levels, seasonal demand or other unforeseen circumstances. We will notify you if there is likely to be a significant delay to your order.

How can I place an order?

Please call our experienced sales team on 01208 850376 or 01208 850849.

What deposit is required to place an order?

A 50% deposit is required and then full payment is required seven days before delivery of your cabin; this can be paid by Maestro/debit card, cheque or credit card.

Can I change the doors and windows from the standard package?

We can offer PVCu or aluminium doors and windows. Please call our sales team for further details.

How easy are the cabins to build?

The cabins are very easy to build, they are built like a giant jigsaw. Each cabin comes with assembly instructions. You must be DIY minded though! Click here to see our construction guide.

What fixings will I need to build the cabin?

Standard wood screws can be used (and standard roofing nails for the felt roof shingles). Please note that these are not supplied with the cabin.

What happens if I get stuck when building?

Our technical team is always on hand for advice.

Can Log Cabins South West build me log cabin?

Yes, please call our sales team for further details.

Are the cabins available double glazed?

All of our are cabins are double glazed as standard.

If there is not a cabin in your range that meets our requirements, do you make bespoke cabins?

Yes, as long as you supply us with a floor plan we can build the cabin to your exact requirements. Please note: bespoke cabins will cost more than an off the shelf design as we need to produce new plans etc.

Can the cabins be used for permanent residency?

Our garden log cabins are not suitable for permanent residency as they do not meet the Building Regulations requirements. Please see our mobile home range of log cabins or North Coast Log Cabins (the website for our timber frame buildings) for bespoke cabins suitable for permanent residential use.