How to operate an off-grid log cabin
- 3 May 2024
To extend the lifespan of log cabins, it is important to correctly finish the woodwork.
This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to ensure outdoor huts and gazebos are safe and weatherproofed throughout the year.
There are many options when undertaking this task, so choosing the correct stain is vital. These decisions are usually driven by issues such as location and the type of log cabin you are applying a finish to.
Many people who want to enhance the appearance of their log cabins may choose an oil-based stain. These can render the woodwork a little harder to clean, but solvent based cleaners could be applied.
Water based stains are also an alternative, which are much easier to apply, and the planks can quickly be cleaned with soap and water.
If an outdoor barbeque hut or garden office cabin needs staining, using one that is specifically designed for log cabins is vital. These will usually include UV protection and are more hard wearing than the alternatives. This means that log cabins will have greater protection from weather and pests such as insects, resulting in less damage to the wood and increased longevity of the building.
Whichever stain is chosen, it’s a good idea to fully clean the logs beforehand, making sure they are dry before the coating is applied. Adding a second layer for good measure is also recommended.
Here at Logspan, we have a range of bespoke log cabins available. Speak to our friendly team today for more information on our services.
When looking to build log cabins or other types of outdoor huts and gazebos, it’s important to follow some simple yet effective rules.
By adhering to sensible precautions, the structures will last longer and be easier to maintain, meaning that their owners will be able to enjoy these spaces for longer.
One of the first steps is to make sure the spot chosen for any garden cabin room is perfectly even. It can be helpful to use a spirit level to determine this quickly.
Once the location has been finalised, the structure bearers should be placed on the ground in a square shape. Each section will need to be at an equal distance to make sure the garden office cabin is stable.
Once the bearers have been attached and secured, the walls can then be added. It’s important at this stage to make sure each wooden plank is secure, so using a hammer to bang them into place is a technique that is often called upon.
Once the walls have been added, the triangle frames for the roof may also be attached to your bespoke log cabins. Rafters can then be attached, before finally allowing for the rest of the roof to be completed - ensuring that each section is perfectly parallel.
Other additions to log cabins can include door and window frames and supports. Floorboards are the next step, which should be laid down in a way that is even and stable.
For more information on our range of bespoke log cabins, speak to the friendly team at Logspan today.
If you’re considering building your own log cabin from scratch, our guide will cover all the steps you’ll need.
Garden log structures can increase the market value of a property, through the installation of lucrative liveable spaces such as log cabins. These offer aesthetic appeal and provide additional space that is usable all year round, either as an extended home office, for recreational usage or storage for barbeques, tubs and gazebos.
Embarking on a DIY log cabin project is a challenging task, requiring careful planning and the skillset and resources to successfully complete the project. It should be a straightforward procedure for anyone with a good level of DIY. It demands a logical approach, a basic knowledge of construction and carpentry and the ability to understand instructions, diagrams and componentry.
How long your log cabin will take to build will depend on several variable factors, such as the intended size of the cabin, the materials you have access to and even things such as the location of the project and the weather. On average, the process can typically take between one and five days.
Log cabins are considered temporary structure buildings without foundations, albeit on concrete or a slab base. If there is a minimum two metre gap with garden fences and the cabin does not exceed the maximum four metre legal height requirement, they do not ordinarily need authorisation. However, it’s worth contacting your local authority if in doubt.
Setting a realistic, affordable budget is one of the most crucial aspects of a DIY log cabin project. There are many economical floor plans and blueprints that offer practical and efficient log house builds. Some are free, while others are premium or paid projects. Log cabin insurance coverage should offer protection from the start of construction through to completion.
When siting the Log Cabin be aware that surrounding raised ground may drain onto the base or underneath. Build the base correctly. Cutting corners at the stage could complicate assembly and jeopardise the longevity of your log cabin. Take into account any roof overhang in proximity to boundary fences and ensure a distance of approximately 18 inches around the perimeter to facilitate routine maintenance or treatment.
You will require a reliable set of DIY tools. These may include an electric drill driver, a Stanley knife, chalk line, pilot drill, planer, spirit level, saw, white-faced rubber mallet, ladder and wood adhesive. Do NOT attempt assembly until you have checked the component list to ensure all parts are present.
Different types of wood work well for log cabins for the garden. Logs tend to expand or shrink according to the temperature or weather.
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Identify the optimum location. Many log cabins for the garden are positioned close to the main property for easy access. Then, prepare your foundation, ensuring that both the foundation and the piers are both poured specifically beneath the frost line
Place the logs on the foundation. You can buy pre-cut ones or do the cutting yourself. Ensure you have the necessary cutting equipment and machinery
Position the joist and install the flooring in a horizontal direction. Log cabin kits can be purchased to aid a more simple installation.
Use a nail ramp. Face it on the side wall to easily raise the log. Pull up the log using the block and tackle. Wear safety gear and get help for heavy lifting
Once the walls are up, the roof should go on immediately. When framing the roof, you can install heavy rafters and choose to leave them exposed or go for a concealed dimensional lumber. When choosing metal roofs for the roof framing, barn tin is grooved in or corrugated in a range of patterns. For decking, select wide boards or plywood.
Energy efficient doors and windows tend to be double glazed and double sealed. Choose high-quality joinery timber, as these can make log cabins cosier and warmer in winter and cooler during the summer.
Your cabin has not been treated pre-sale and should receive an appropriate internal and external treatment. After that, give it a weatherproofing finish. Any protective treatments should be applied before the doors and windows are sealed. Otherwise, the sealant can repel the treatment when applied retrospectively, resulting in premature rotting around these fittings.
Here at Logspan, pride ourselves on providing the very best bespoke log cabins on the market. Take a look at our expert advice page for more information about how to put together your log cabin. Contact us today to find out more.
For novice owners of log cabins, or for those who simply aren’t able to spend large amounts of time looking after their structures, low upkeep outdoor huts and gazebos are a great option.
Often, these sorts of bespoke log cabins are more affordable to maintain and allow owners to spend more time enjoying their garden cabin room.
Choosing an optimal position for these log cabins is important. You should look to avoid windy areas, or places that are in direct sunlight, as this will help to preserve the wood and overall structure, meaning there is less need for continually adding protective coatings to the timber.
Building a large overhang to the roof means that the structure is protected from rain and UV rays, and including guttering can help to prevent wood rot.
Another way to avoid too much maintenance time is to ensure any sealants and stains you select are specifically designed for log cabins. Often, the timber contracts and expands, so your bespoke log cabins or BBQ huts must be protected fully to prevent damage and costly repairs.
Other ways to make sure these cabins require less upkeep is to avoid piling logs or fuel against the outside walls, since this could result in dampness or attract insects. It is also advisable to keep large shrubs and trees away from the external shell, for the same reason.
For more information on our range of quality outdoor structures, call or visit our friendly team at Logspan today.
Many BBQ huts are made up of the basic components to create a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor dining and cooking space.
However, there are a number of ways to elevate these outdoor huts and gazebos to make them even more welcoming and user-friendly.
An easy way to make sure a BBQ hut shed is a striking structure is to add an overhang or side extension. These may be used in a number of ways, such as a place to provide shade on sunny days, and to add extra space or more defined areas to the log cabins.
Adding an outdoor bar to bespoke log cabins will create an even more desirable space to entertain guests. Installing luxury items like pizza ovens or an outdoor kitchen can extend the use of the building and allows hosts to cook whatever they want, both indoors and outdoors, no matter what the weather is like.
Other items that could be added to indoor barbeque rooms include pergolas to create additional space to bespoke log cabins, or a garden fireplace, perfect for those cooler days and evenings.
Internally, adding timber counters and shelves can help to create a natural looking space within your BBQ hut, while remaining practical stylish. This also makes sure that any items are left outside due to lack of space, therefore exposing them to adverse weather conditions.
For more information about the products and services we provide, call or visit our team at Logspan today.
Although many people may believe that owning bespoke log cabins are beyond their financial means, there are tips to follow that can help make these structures more achievable.
For example, electing for smaller log cabins can be an easy way to keep within a specified budget. Not only do these outdoor huts and gazebos require smaller amounts of materials, they are also cheaper to heat and maintain in the long run.
There are ways to save money on the foundations of a garden cabin room, too. Normally, for larger buildings, a solid slab base is needed; however, for more petite varieties, a range of substances can be used in their place, such as recycled patio stones or cinder blocks. These are more affordable and will work perfectly well with smaller structures like barbeque sheds.
To help keep the commissioning of your bespoke log cabin on a budget, it is vital to make sure planning is carried out during the beginning of the project. Doing this can ensure that there are no nasty surprises when the build is carried out, and all aspects of the log cabin’s features has been considered.
Extras such as heating, lighting and storage should be costed early on, and form part of the affordability checks.
Whatever methods are used to save money, it’s important to still select the best quality timber, as this can save from costly repairs later down the line.
For more information, and to explore our range of bespoke log cabins, speak to our staff here at Logspan today.
A large garden is not always necessary when looking to purchase bespoke log cabins.
Outdoor huts and gazebos are available in a range of sizes, so many external spaces can accommodate these sorts of buildings.
A school cabin, for example, needs to be just big enough to fit in a desk and chair, as well as possibly bookcases and a computer station. A pent log cabin will offer the style expected of these sorts of structures, while maximising the available area internally.
Often, BBQ cabins require little space, with some designs containing dimensions no bigger than seven metres squared. This means there is still room to install all the vital components needed to enjoy outdoor dining, but without the need for extensive grounds. A small BBQ hut still offers many of the same advantages and comforts of the more sizeable versions.
For those looking to install hot tub garden rooms, the minimum space needed could be as little as approximately a metre circumference around the tub itself. Building a garden cabin room around a jacuzzi will require minimal ground space, so even the smallest plot should be able to hold one of these.
There can be many other uses for log cabins built to accommodate smaller spaces, such as home gyms, reading rooms and even rooms specifically designed to sit and enjoy the views available in your own back garden.
For more information on these customisable structures, speak to our team at Logspan today, and find the perfect bespoke log cabin for your garden.
Carports are popular ways to securely store vehicles, and usually have one or two walls and attached to a main building.
Although they do offer less cover than a traditional garage, they are an affordable way of protecting a car or van from the worst of the weather, while also allowing for plenty of ventilation.
Usually, these bespoke log cabins do not need planning permission, but they must be less than two and half metres high and under thirty square metres in total floorspace. Anything larger than these dimensions may require planning permission.
Other ways to avoid the planning permission processes is to make sure your carport does not have any raised elevations or verandas. Similar to other types of bespoke log cabins, like barbeque sheds and hot tub garden rooms, the overall floor space must not take up more than half of the garden space.
The location of the carport must also not be any further forward than the front elevation of the main house.
If you live in an area of outstanding natural beauty or other specially designated area, the overall floor area must be no more than ten metres, but it can be a good idea to check with your planning office for further information and guidance.
Due to the materials used for carports, they have the potential to be flammable, so it is important that these outdoor huts are not located too close to a property boundary. The usual rule is that they can be two metres from a fence, but no closer.
Due to fire regulations, it’s also recommended that you don’t install your carport against the wall that forms the main entrance of your property.
When your neighbours have a physical boundary, it is important to take their feelings into consideration when you construct your bespoke carport.
It is vital that you remain no closer than two metres to their wall or fence, but remember to consider overhanging roofs or guttering.
It is also worth remembering to use non-combustible materials to avoid damage to neighbouring properties. It is imperative that you know where your neighbours’ boundary starts and finishes to avoid any potential problems.
At Logspan, we have a range of carports available, and our knowledgeable team can provide guidance when looking to install your own. Contact us today for more information.
Many people who own bespoke log cabins choose to decorate them with interiors that reflect a rustic, more natural appearance.
However, there are others who may prefer a more modern design, and who enjoy a minimalistic approach to living. There are a number of ways of achieving this, and carefully chosen interior design is often the key.
To achieve a contemporary feel to a bespoke log cabin, it is important to remove clutter. Having plenty of storage space can help to achieve this, and many log cabins can be installed with cupboards and drawers.
Lighting is another effective way to bring a space up to date. Fitting in wall sconces, for example, will illuminate nooks and crannies for a cosy feel. Lamps can be adjusted with different coloured light bulbs, and dimmer switches will allow for a range of moods.
Having these fixtures in hot tub garden rooms will ensure the area feels relaxed, while they can also serve to brighten up a school cabin.
Decoration should be carefully considered, with white and greys often considered modern options. This can help to create a sense of openness and airiness. A garden office cabin, on the other hand, often benefits from more muted tones.
Modern amenities will guarantee that bespoke log cabins are comfortable and current. Installing the latest cooking technology, for example, will greatly enhance any barbeque lodge.
Here at Logspan, we have a range of bespoke log cabins available. Our friendly team are on hand to help with any inquiries you may have.