Mark Todd

Many people think that once a log cabin has been built on a certain spot, it must remain there forevermore. 

It is, however, entirely possible to move these structures, and there may be times when this is necessary. Examples of this could include if the owner is planning to move home, or the location where the garden cabin room is currently located becomes unsuitable.

To move outdoor huts and gazebos, there are a couple of options available. A compact building like a small BBQ hut could be relocated by creating a rolling foundation. This is achieved by raising the structure with jacks and inserting rounded poles like scaffolding or metal fencing posts underneath it. These can then be used to roll the BBQ shed to its new position or setting.

A larger garden cabin room can also be moved, though it is usually a more time-consuming process. Typically, the wooden structure will need dismantling. It is important to ensure there are no rotting logs or damaged elements before this is done. The roof and floor must be carefully removed, and extra attention to safety undertaken. Keeping track of each part and numbering each one is a good way of making the reassembly quicker and easier. 

A new base for a garden office cabin should be even and sturdy. Concrete is normally the recommended material to use for this.

Make contact with us here at Logspan today, and take advantage of our years of expertise to help you with any log cabin queries you may have.

Bespoke log cabins are often used as places of escape. They are special spaces created to embrace tranquillity, and are an opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural environment.

There are a number of ways to increase this sense of calmness, including making sure that windows are large and uncluttered. Keeping items away from the glass will ensure that natural sunlight is unobstructed.

Other ways to create a natural ambience in log cabins is to select a neutral colour scheme with plenty of taupe, creams and oatmeal tones. These shades are usually associated with peace and serenity. These colours can also be introduced in fixtures and fittings, as well as decorative touches like blankets and throws.

A garden cabin room or office will always benefit from comfy seating areas. Large cushions and plump sofas and chairs are extremely inviting, and offer the chance to get comfortable and relax.

Light bulbs should be of a warmer tones, and this could include those used on lamps and wall lights. Having dimmers is another way of adjusting the light to create a particular mood.

Another easy way to make buildings like hot tub garden rooms more relaxing spaces is to remove any clutter. Household items like rubbish bins can be easily disguised and hidden away, while adding plants and room fragrances will be highly impactful when creating an ambience.

Speak to us today here at Logspan and ask a team member for advice on our extensive range of outdoor huts and gazebos.

Double skin log cabins are those that have two layers of wood to create a small space in the walls. 

This increases the insulation properties of the building, making them more economical to heat and ultimately increasing its environmental credentials.

Not only do double skin outdoor huts and gazebos keep the structures warmer, but they also improve the sound insulation. These sorts of cabins are therefore perfect for areas that may be nosier or less secluded than others.

Having this increased density allows the space to be used for relaxation and hobbies away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The double skin technique is also ideal for school cabins or a garden office cabin.

Since these bespoke log cabins have a double thickness of walls, they immediately become more durable. This means they can withstand harsher weather conditions while being a long-term investment for owners. If they are maintained properly, they can last many years.

Like many other types of log cabins, these double skinned varieties could be used for many purposes from barbeque sheds to hot tub garden rooms. They could also be easily customised as desired, with outdoor porches and shaded areas, for example. 

Indoors, they could accommodate an open plan design, versatile room layout or even a range of features like fireplaces and luxury kitchens and bathrooms.

Contact the team today at Logspan, and one of our experts would be happy to discuss our range of bespoke log cabins with you. 

A log cabin is a building that can combine aesthetic appeal with functionality. Constructing a building from wooden logs ensures that it will be durable. It also captures a rustic look that conjures up images of escaping from the pressures of modern civilisation.

Log cabins can be suitable as somewhere to stay on holiday. They make for excellent garden rooms too; ideal home offices or gaming rooms. There are many advantages to them, but there can also be problems. Here are some of the most common log cabin issues and how you can avoid them.

Moisture damage

Perhaps the most serious problem that you can have with a log cabin is moisture damage. Extreme humidity can lead to this, as can heavy rain or snow. Rain in particular is something that most of the UK gets on a regular basis, so you will need to be able to protect your log cabin against its effects.

The simple fact is that water and wood do not mix together well. Among the issues that moisture can lead to are mould, fungus, staining and rotting. Some of these are just unsightly, but rotted wood is unsafe and will eventually make the cabin impossible to use. Fortunately, it is not all that difficult to prevent moisture from ruining your log cabin.

The first step you can take to avoid this problem is to remove any plants or bushes that are near to the walls of the cabin. This is because they attract moisture. You can still have greenery within its vicinity, but it should be a minimum of six feet away.

Another thing that you can do is to install overhangs and guttering. These are designed to drive rainwater away from buildings and will protect the walls of your cabin. You should also make sure that cabin is completely sealed and watertight. Check for gaps in the sealant on a regular basis and get them repaired.

The best way to ensure that moisture from the ground does not cause rotting, mould or fungus is by building the cabin on top of a foundation of around two-feet in height. You can clean the logs at the bottom of it regularly too, so that they are kept free of dirt and moss.

Insect issues

Insects are attracted to wooden buildings, but not many owners of those buildings welcome them with open arms. Carpenter bees and ants, as well as termites and wood beetles, are all common and they can cause damage. They make holes in the wood that look terrible and also weaken it. So, what can you do to prevent this?

Well, the insects that are such a pain for log cabin owners are attracted by wood that is either wet or rotting. This is another good reason for making sure you keep the wood used for your cabin in a healthy condition. Beyond that, you should also take care to avoid leaving rotting or dead wood lying around near your cabin. That could be a pile of old firewood that you have forgotten to clear away, or it could be wood from dead trees. Either way, it should be nowhere near a log cabin.

Bushes and plants are a magnet for insects too, just as they are for moisture. Therefore, if you follow the six feet rule when it comes to planting them, it will help to keep your cabin insect free as well as moisture free. There are also sprays that you can use to repel ants, carpenter bees and other troublesome pests.

Squirrels could potentially pose a risk, as they can cause damage to the wood, wires or heating systems. If you resist the urge to put up a bird feeder and make sure that tree branches are some distance from the cabin, it will help to keep them away.

Sun damage

The last of the major issues that you can have with a log cabin is damage caused by UV sun rays. This ultraviolet radiation will slowly lead to the outside surface of the wood breaking down. The resultant damage will attract micro fungi, which will accelerate the degeneration. 

The best way to avoid this becoming a problem with your cabin is to provide some form of shade for the walls. Decking that has a shade cover and overhangs will help to shield the cabin from the glare of the sun.

At Logspan, we stock a variety of log cabins in different styles. Get in touch with us today to place your order.

Bespoke log cabins are the perfect structures to use as workspaces and studios. One of the many reasons for this is that the buildings will provide the security needed to protect the tools stored there, as well as providing the peace and quiet many desire during the creative process.

Those using the space may be creatively inspired by the atmosphere of the log cabin itself, and a feeling of calmness may be evoked by working in this natural setting. Wooden buildings are also easy to maintain, so there will be fewer distractions or stresses to consider.

The location and orientation of a garden cabin room will also have an impact on those using the space. Having larger windows with views of nature, for example, can be comforting to many. Where log cabins face the sun, there will also be plenty of natural light to work in without using power, thereby decreasing running costs.

Having workspaces situated in a larger, sunnier space inside the log cabin can make it easier to complete projects. Not only will layouts like this have the potential to boost moods, but they will also help separate from other areas where tools are stored, or keep precious work away from the kitchen or bathroom. The inclusion of comfortable places to sit and rest or inspiring artworks on the walls could also prove to be stimulating. 

Speak to us at Logspan today and request more details about our range of bespoke log cabins.

One of the best ways to preserve log cabins and make sure they last a long time is to use wood treatments. 

There are many different types of coatings, and each has its own purpose, so choosing the most appropriate is essential.

The most commonly used for outdoor huts and gazebos are preservatives that are designed to protect timber from a range of issues, such as pests and dampness. Typically, there are two main types, and these are water based and oil based. While they essentially perform the same job, water based versions will not change the colour of the wood, whereas the oil based ones might.

Other types of wood treatments for garden cabin rooms or hot tub garden rooms include stains and finishes. These will provide protection from the sun and other weather conditions that may cause the wood to fade. 

Usually, these finishes are available in transparent and semi-transparent options. The transparent ones will offer the protection without changing the appearance of the wood, while the semi-transparent types may alter the appearance of the planks.

Finally, there are sealants and chinkings to consider. A chinking, when applied, will seal any gaps in the structures of buildings. This will help to prevent drafts, while increasing the energy efficiency of log cabins. A sealant is placed at the end of the timber to stop moisture from decaying the wood. 

Here at Logspan, a member of our friendly team is waiting to provide advice on the best log cabin for your needs, so reach out today to find out more.

Although many people choose to use their log cabins for personal use to have time to relax or enjoy their hobbies, others may decide to commission them into commercial properties to be rented out. 

There are several ways to do this, and it often depends on the size of the plot or design of the cabin.

Bespoke log cabins, for example, can be used as rented holiday accommodation or lodges. Assessments and checks may need to take place to ensure the lodge is structurally sound, and planning permission may also be required. 

BBQ hut conversions are another way that people may chose to earn a passive income from their cabins. They can be adapted to accommodate large numbers of people who may wish to use these facilities for a special occasion. Alternatively, a chef service could be offered where attendees pay to enjoy a meal. 

Similarly, hot tub garden rooms could produce an income when guests are charged a fee to enjoy the benefits of these steam baths.

Outdoor huts and gazebos can be easily adapted for use as gyms, pool rooms and bars. Each of these could provide an owner with a revenue if they charge individuals or groups to use these buildings and spaces. 

Offices, workspaces and school rooms are also facilities that people will pay for. Whatever the option, it is essential to liaise with local planning and safety offices to ensure you’re not breaking any rules.

Here at Logspan, we have a range of structures available for a variety of purposes. Visit our team today to find out more. 

There are numerous reasons to invest in outdoor huts and gazebos. 

For instance, they are versatile structures that can be used for a wide variety of purposes. They are the perfect addition to any garden or outdoor space no matter what the size, and they are available in a range of shapes and dimensions.

Since these sorts of structures often have open sides and a roof, they can offer protection from the weather while simultaneously allowing users to have full view of the land around them.

Wooden varieties are robust and can withstand extreme wind or rain. As hot tub garden rooms, they are perfect. With the addition of drapes, the buildings can be converted into a space to change privately into swimsuits.

A gazebo may also be used as an open BBQ hut, as they afford the type of space that is perfect for cooking and dining, and offer the type of open plan nature diners enjoy. Since these structures naturally provide ventilation with their open sides, there is an easy escape for smoke and cooking smells, making the area more comfortable for guests.

In warmer months, a gazebo may also be utilised as a school cabin or a garden office cabin. Enough light will be able to enter to make it a comfortable space to learn or work.

Here at Logspan, we can provide the most up to date and expert advice available about a range of topics on bespoke log cabins, so contact us today to discover more. 

One of the more unusual shapes available in log cabin designs is the L-shaped version. 

There are numerous benefits to having one of these, such as the versatility they offer. The layout usually includes additional space that can be divided up into different zones, or alternatively can be used as a larger open plan area, perfect for entertaining.

L-shaped bespoke log cabins are also designed to maximise natural light. When designed with larger windows or French doors, especially at the corners, the views and sunlight will be unparalleled. Of course, the influx of daylight can ultimately save money on heating and lighting bills, too.

Many of those who buy outdoor huts and gazebos do so to have some privacy for their hobbies or work. The L-shaped structure provides not only seclusion from the outside world, especially when located in a busy spot in a garden, but also internally. The configuration makes creating private areas easier, and each part can be used for a different purpose without disturbing others.

Unique shaped garden cabin rooms are easy to customise and can be fully integrated into the natural environment surrounding it. L-shaped cabins, whether they are BBQ huts or hot tub garden rooms, are often considered to be aesthetically pleasing. They may also be designed to appear organic, with the appropriate choice of timber profiles and finishes.

For more information about the products and services we offer here at Logspan, reach out to a member of our experienced team.

When installing a timber garage, there are various factors you need to know to ensure it meets your requirements. 

As a potential asset that could ultimately enhance the value and look of your property, it is therefore important to conduct thorough research before going ahead.

The benefits of a timber garage

Timber offers an immediate aesthetic and rustic charm strongly associated with natural beauty, integrating well into a garden environment. This is a major source of its popularity. Equally, Scandinavian style log cabins or BBQ huts can offer a more modern appeal. 

Timber is always in demand with homeowners as a material, particularly when sourced sustainably, bringing humanity closer to nature. It is robust and, when properly treated, highly resistant to adverse weather conditions. 

It is worth paying attention to the type of timber required. Garages made from this material can be constructed with hemlock wood, cedar and redwood, among others. They can be painted in any colour and fitted into any landscape, to complement other buildings and adjacent installations such as outdoor huts and gazebos.

Timber garages serve multiple uses, whether as an extension or aesthetic enhancement, or as a secure unit providing extra security for vehicles and tools. It is worth considering that some timber garages can double up as a posh BBQ shed, offering additional use as storage for a workbench, power tools, shelving or cupboards, serving a valuable role in both DIY tasks and routine vehicle maintenance. 

Timber garage structures

Standard timber modular garages measure out at 4.8m x 3.0m, rising to 7.2m x 7.2m for more ambitious spaces. These are typically assembled as single, double, triple or 4-bay vehicle storage units, sometimes with a connected office or workshop. 

Doors can be located in either the gable end or built for side access with windows providing natural light. Roof options vary, but are usually offered as either a boarded felted finish 22-degree pitch, or a steeper trussed rafter alternative, compatible with tiles, slates or cedar shingles.

In terms of the ground, a solid base reinforced concrete raft foundation is vitally important, which finishes approximately 150 millimetres above ground level. It should have set at least a week before the materials are delivered for assembly. Such a task is normally designated to professionals, but is not beyond the scope of an enthusiast with a strong DIY skillset.

Another aspect to consider is nearby vegetation, which should be kept at distance from the wood, while gutters should be cleaned on a regular basis. Timber suppliers also recommend that with the fading of the external cladding, spirit-based wood preservatives are used to treat the material to ensure greater longevity, and that locks and hinges are periodically oiled at least once a year.

Do you need planning permission for a timber garage?

This will depend on individual circumstances, but they can usually be installed without any need for planning permission. 

In general terms, single storey timber garages won’t require local authority authorisation if they are under four metres high. As such, they meet the requirements for ‘permitted development’ provided they are over two metres in distance from the property’s boundary. You should try to allow at least one metre of space surrounding the garage to enable maintenance. 

Furthermore, they must not be installed in front of the house or take up more than half of the garden space. Meanwhile, anyone wishing to turn them into a holiday home will need to satisfy planning regulations.

How much does it cost to build a timber garage?

Timber garages, and the cladding styles they come in, are sold in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and prices will vary accordingly, potentially costing many thousands of pounds. It is a good idea to approach a professional contractor to discuss a customised, structured plan for assembly. 

If you are after a straightforward space, it may also be possible to combine it with a garden office cabin or workshop. By being aware of every step in the process, you can more easily keep a firm control on your budget. 

How long do timber garages last?

While timber is durable it can also wear over time, particularly if not looked after properly with long life preservatives that serve a restorative purpose for buildings. Regular maintenance is therefore necessary to keep it dry and preserved in good condition. 

In order to ensure security and protection from intruders, wooden doors must be prioritised as the most important – and expensive – feature of the garage.

For more information on our range of timber garages, get in touch with the team at Logspan today.