Frank Hale

Bespoke log cabins can be sanctuaries of peace and quiet, so it is important to keep them secure and safe. There are many ways to do this, though perhaps one of the easiest is making sure the location of your outdoor huts and gazebos is one of privacy. Keeping the cabin out of sight or away from public thoroughfares will ensure passers-by are oblivious to your well-hidden structure.

Another way to ensure your garden cabin room is protected is to install high standard doors and windows, ensuring they have good quality locks and chains. While increasing the security of your garden room, this method can also bring protection from the elements with additional warmth and damp-proofing.

Using good quality timber for the walls and floors gives durability and strength to log cabins, and acts as a deterrent to any unwanted visitors. Having a strong and sturdy roof will achieve the same effect, while adding extra insulation and keeping out the weather. 

Well-placed security lights can certainly help put your mind at ease, though these should not be intrusive to neighbouring properties. Solar lights are alternatives for those who want to retain the eco-friendly nature of their log cabins, and alarms may also be fixed.

Good solid construction with high specification accessories like nails, screws and hinges all add to the security and robustness of bespoke log cabins.

Call our team here at Logspan today for more information on our products. We would be happy to discuss the outdoor huts and gazebos we have on offer with you. 

Once the exterior of your log cabin has been completed, its usually time to get started on designing your interiors. 

The living or great areas are often the most important rooms of outdoor huts and gazebos, and consequently a lot of thought should be invested into how these spaces should look. A fireplace is usually one of the main structural features of log cabins, and a large open fire can add cosiness and warmth to the space, as well as providing a rustic atmosphere.

Bedrooms within bespoke log cabins should be located in the most private parts of the structure to guarantee a bit of peace and quiet. A small balcony or large window in these sleeping spaces will offer the chance to connect with the outside world during evenings or early mornings.

Bathrooms, no matter their size, should be tranquil and luxurious. Natural light, additional house plants and a calming colour palette are essential to achieving that ultimate “spa” space.

If there is sufficient room for a separate dining area in your barbeque lodge or open BBQ hut, it is generally considered appropriate to locate it as close to the kitchen as possible. Large windows will allow plenty of light in, and a table at an appropriate height and comfortable chairs will enhance your dining experience.

Our team here at Logspan are your log cabin experts, and will be happy to assist with any queries regarding your bespoke log cabins today. 

It is important to select the best locations to build your log cabins. Before choosing, it is usually appropriate to have a think about what you want from your bespoke log cabins. 

If the purpose of the build is to create somewhere where you can enjoy peace and quiet, then perhaps a piece of land in a rural area is best. For wildlife lovers, building outdoor huts and gazebos in a forested area is likely to contribute to the sense of well-being and being part of the natural world.

Many people prefer to have their log cabins closer to home and may decide to build a school cabin, for instance in a back garden or yard area. There are plenty of advantages in doing this, such as being close to amenities and, for those wanting to use their log cabins as work or learning spaces, there is not far to travel to get there.

Wherever the chosen location is, it must be accessible and for most, should be on a piece of land which has access to services such as drainage and power. This is especially important for structures like barbeque sheds, which often need an energy supply. 

It is also important to ensure the land does not get waterlogged during heavy rains or has all-year round shade; both of these scenarios will result in damage to the log cabins in the long term.

Please contact us today at Logspan to have a chat with our staff about your log cabins and the best locations for them.

One of the most commonly asked questions when starting to plan for a bbq hut shed is, will this structure need planning permission? There are several potential answers to this question and many of these depend upon the size, location and use of your hut.
    
It is important to fully understand the implications of this issue and to know if your barbecue hut needs permission or not so you can avoid problems in the future or, at worst, the dismantling of your hut if the appropriate rules have not been followed. Your planning office is usually part of your local authority, and it is accessible and open to all questions you might have before you start the process of developing and building your barbecue hut.

Most of the time, bbq huts do not require formal planning permission. Generally speaking, these barbecue cabins fall under the category of permitted developments which are designed to make building extensions and cabins easier and less bureaucratic. This means that planning permission is unnecessary, though there are still specific rules which must be adhered to. 

For example, to avoid having to apply for planning permission, your barbeque lodge must not be intrusive to your neighbours. It must also not contravene rules about these structures being positioned no further forward than the front elevation of your house; usually, it must also be located no more than two meters away from the boundaries of your land or garden. These structures must be no taller than four meters, including the addition of a pitched roof. However, if you intend for your bbq shed to have a flat roof, then you are not permitted to build it higher than three meters.

If you are planning to have your barbecue hut in your back yard, then it cannot be any bigger than half of your garden space. There are also rules about the total surface area which your hut can take up; it should be no bigger than half of your house's original floor plan size.

It is always advisable to check with your local planning office, even if you think your bbq hut shed falls under these permitted development rules. It is also not uncommon for some paperwork to be needed in order to submit to your planning staff, even if permitted development is granted. These may include certificates such as building regulations compliance and a right to light for your neighbours statement.

Although it is usually avoidable, there are times when formal planning permission is required for these sorts of buildings. If you are intending for your outbuilding to be a permanent residence, for instance, it will need to be approved by your local planning department. You could also need planning permission if you use your barbecue hut as the site of a commercial business and have customers coming into the premises. The addition of a bedroom of any size or a bathroom or toilet would usually warrant a conversation with your local authority planners. Planning permission may also be needed if the bbq hut will be built on designated land or woodland, or if you live in a listed building, which is admittedly unlikely.

If you do need permissions, there is usually a very clear process to follow to secure this and it is usually best to chat to your own local office since there are often variations in rules depending on the geographical area. Often, an application via the Planning Portal, which has been created by the government can be submitted. Decisions will often take up to ten weeks and the total cost of planning permission could be £500 including the planning application and the consents for building regulations, though these are often not required if the bbq hut is a basic building.

Some of the paperwork you may be expected to submit if planning permission is needed include detailed site and location plans and technical drawings of the proposed building. Adding plumbing and an electrical supply will also need additional safety and compliance checks; specialist tradespeople would need to be involved in signing off this work and certificates of conformity issued. This paperwork should be kept in a safe place for future reference, along with proof that these works have been carried out appropriately.

It is also worth bearing in mind, if you are planning on selling the property which contains your barbeque hut sometime in the future, a lawful development certificate may be useful. This shows that all compliances have been met and it would put your buyers mind at rest that the construction of the barbecue shed was of the highest quality and met all safety and legal requirements.

Please contact us today here at Logspan and talk to our experts about the different aspects of possible planning permissions for your bbq shed.

There are several easy steps to designing your perfect log cabins. Normally, it is usual to consider and finalise your design concept at the earliest stage possible. These bespoke log cabins could range from the traditional to the ultra modern.

Once the look of the cabin has been chosen, the thickness of the garden cabin room walls is the next choice. These can range from the low-cost options of approximately nineteen millimetres to the thickest and most weatherproof which could be up to seventy millimetres; there are several options in between these sizes.

The roof is often the next consideration and there are numerous designs which can be chosen. These could include a pitched or flat roof and issues such as the location of the garden office cabin and the overall appearance you wish to achieve.

Doors and windows must then be selected. Generally, these are matched and have a similar appearance whether this is the material or the finish. Having matching or complimentary windows and doors will achieve a cohesive look for the cabin.

Finishing touches will include the treatment applied to the external wood. You may choose to use a wood stain for the log cabins, or a colourful paint may be a more appropriate coating. Again, much of this will come down to personal preferences.

Contact us now here at Logspan and a member of staff will advise you on all of your options when you decide to build your log cabins.

To ensure your garden cabin room or bbq shed is maintained and looking in tip-top condition at all times, there are some easy maintenance tasks which can be carried out on a regular basis. In this blog, we’re taking a look at some of these.

For example, it is important to routinely clean the outside of the structure with water. This can be done by hand on smaller cabins, or for larger varieties a hose pipe or jet wash could be used. This is a vital step in keeping log cabins free from moss or dirt.

Another chore to complete once the outside is clean is to apply a coat of UV protection. This should be specifically formulated to prevent sun damage; the treatment will also ensure that the wood remains looking fresh and polished.

Pruning back large bushes or removing plants which are located close to the likes of bespoke log cabins will prevent dampness from seeping into the building; normally about twelve inches distance from the log cabin wall is appropriate. These sorts of tasks can also be extended to clearing soil directly from the outside wall to avoid mud splashing up the walls during heavy rain.

Obstructions such as leaves, twigs and mud must be removed from guttering. This is because it is important to stop rainwater from overspilling onto the exterior walls. Rainwater may be diverted from gutters into a water in order to be used for other cleaning and maintenance tasks.

Please contact our team here at Logspan and ask our advice about looking after your log cabins.

To ensure that you can use your garden cabin room all year round, it is important to keep the structure warm and dry. Not only does good insulation help prevent damp and moisture, it can also help block out unwanted noise. Ultimately, well installed insulation will reduce energy bills and make staying in log cabins much more affordable in the long run. This can be achieved by insulating the cabin properly and effectively. There are many different types of insulation materials available such as rock wool, sheep wool and insulation boards. 

Quite often, if log cabins have thicker walls, insulating this part of the building may be unnecessary. However, if the walls are thinner and do need insulating then materials like spray insulation could be used or alternatively, insulation boards can be cut and shaped to fit the profile of the sides. The flooring and roof of any buildings, like a Swedish barbeque hut or garden office cabin, must be fully insulated though to keep them habitable and comfortable no matter the weather or time of year.

To insulate log cabin floors, there should be a frame made from wood underneath the surface where the insulation can be inserted. When insulation boards are used, these will be attached to the underside of the frame as securely as possible. To help avoid any dampness, there must be enough space for air to move under the floor. With the addition of insulation tape, often with a foil back, the floor will be fully sealed and impermeable. To hide this work once it has been completed, floorboards should be added to directly onto the frame.

Another important part of log cabins which should be insulated are the roofs. This process can be achieved in a number of ways; for example, when the cabin is being build, the insulation can be added before any shingles or felt are attached to the roof. As an alternative to this method, insulation boards could be added to the eaves of the roof actually inside any log cabins. This is done by making sure the boards are cut to the right shape to easily slot between the soffits. Again, in a similar way to insulating floors, there must be gaps left between the insulation boards and the planks in the interior roof to allow airflow. 

To learn more about successful insulation of log cabins, contact us now at Logspan.

There are many reasons why people choose to have log cabins, but having a high-end outdoor huts and gazebos can bring additional benefits. For example, it is often believed that having a log cabin will improve your mental health. This is for a number of reasons but could include the advantages of being close to nature and greenery and the sense of ease staying in a pleasurable space.

Well-made, bespoke log cabins are generally extremely durable so are the perfect getaways in any weather conditions, at any time of the year. Having somewhere to retreat to, no matter the climate, can give you a sense of security and peace. Access to a safe, secure and watertight garden cabin room will bring with it a feeling that no matter what, no matter when, there will be a place to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Investing in luxury log cabins can bring reassurances that due to the good quality materials used, there will be fewer occasions when repairs and maintenance are needed. This means that these structures will more likely be stress-free environments and there will be little need for additional spending for upkeep. It is also possible to add bespoke details to luxury cabins so you can choose your perfect kitchen, bathroom and other features which can meet your every need.

Call our team at Logspan today, our experts will advise you on everything you need to know about purchasing a high-end log cabin.

Log cabins are now extremely popular and are nowadays constructed for many different reasons. These buildings are versatile and can be used for numerous functions, depending on the needs and preferences of the owner. Although many choose to use them for their own general leisure time, there are other, more unique ways to maximise the space log cabins offer. The 10 most popular uses for log cabins so far in 2023 are:

1) Having a garden office cabin has become increasingly popular, since home and hybrid working options are more commonly available. These buildings offer a quiet place to work with fewer distractions compared to other busy work environments. With the addition of internet access and office accessories like a desk and office chair, the perfect working environment can be created.

2) Creating a home gym is now a real option. Many people long to get fitter and healthier, but often do not have the time to attend their local gym. Having a log cabin close by with appropriate fitness equipment installed will offer a convenient and accessible place to work out. Using log cabins as a gym space allows those seeking to get fitter to avoid busy public gyms and offers the privacy that most changing rooms in these venues simply cannot.

3) Making a chill out space is now becoming more important to owners of log cabins. Having a space to rest and relax is invaluable and when a garden cabin room is built, it offers immediate access to a quiet and private area. These cabins can become the most important part of a home since these spaces could be used to sleep, read, watch television or to simply sit quietly and enjoy the natural surroundings.

4) To have a creative or art room is often a priority for lots of owners of outdoor huts and gazebos. Many people dream of having a space to be creative and to carry out activities which give them satisfaction often away from their everyday work or family responsibilities. To paint, sew or to undertake any kind of activities which are productive in a private space is the perfect opportunity to unwind. 

5) Developing a school room is easy when log cabins are built. A school cabin offers the chance for children, young people and even adults to study in a peaceful and private room. Many families choose to educate their children from home and these structures give the perfect place for them to do so. These are also ideal for those studying at university and want to avoid busy libraries or study halls.

6) Having a yoga studio is now an accessible dream. Wellness activities are on the increase; yoga has always been a popular activity. Having a private yoga studio is an ultimate luxury, but one which also offers the peace and quiet often needed to properly carry out this practice. 

7) Creating a home cinema is a luxury which can be achieved with log cabins. Home cinemas are ideal for those who enjoy relaxing and watching movies but want to avoid busy and often crowded public cinemas. These log cabins are ideal for family time, children's parties or simply a chance to watch a movie alone in peace and quiet without any disruptions.

8) Building a playroom can be invaluable for some families. Log cabins converted into playrooms are spaces where children can enjoy their games and playtime in a safe and nearby space. Parents are still close enough to keep an eye on the children without interfering with their fun. Adding specific spaces such as reading corners or an arts and craft table allows children to experience a range of activities.

9) Owning a holiday let is possible. Earning extra money is always popular and many people choose to convert their log cabins into holiday lets. This is the perfect opportunity to start a small enterprise and to earn extra money. Monies earned from this sort of business can be used for many things including the upkeep and maintenance of the cabin itself.

10) Building a BBQ room is easy. Barbeque sheds are very popular and allow owners to enjoy outdoor cooking and dining without the inconvenience of having smoke and cooking smells drifting into the main house. These spaces can be converted into private dining areas which can be open to the outdoors during the warmer months.

Log cabins offer owners the chance to make their dream spaces, no matter what these may be. Using good-quality building materials and expert advice on how to maximise the space, almost anything can be created within the walls of these structures.

Here at Logsapn, we can offer the best advice around on how to construct and use your bespoke log cabins, so contact us today.

It is easy to avoid common issues when owning log cabins. Read on to find out some of the most common problems owners face, and how to deal with them.

Contraction is perhaps one of the most frequent complications, although this is a natural part of the settling in period. Having sufficient treatment added to the planks before the build should help to deal with this issue. Green wood should always be avoided too. Expansion is the opposite dilemma; this can be minimised by having plenty of ventilation and adding damp proofing membranes in the appropriate places.

Too much moisture in log cabins and barbeque sheds can lead to mould, so it is imperative that not only the wood on the outside is treated, but also the internals planks. Using the best quality materials for the roof is also a key part of keeping the building damp-free. Another potential headache is if the wooden planks split or crack. The easiest way to avert this is to ensure that any outdoor huts and gazebos are built on a perfectly flat base. If minor cracking does occur, these can be easily treated with a wood filler.

UV rays can cause damage to wooden slats of log cabins making them weak and damaged so adding a UV protection every two years is an easy way to prevent this from happening. Storm braces and the right positioning of the structure in more sheltered areas will prevent storm and adverse weather damage.

At Logspan, we can advise you on how to keep your log cabin in tip top condition, so give us a call today.