How To - Design a Log Cabin in 4 Steps

This all starts with the trusty tape measure. You will need to go outside and measure the area you are thinking of putting your log cabin in. You might want to fill all the space you have or just use some of it.

Think about what you are using the log cabin for - a 3m x 3m log cabin will not be big enough for a pool table but your Wii will fit OK!

Remember - Most log cabins have roof overhangs around the top that stick out further than the base dimensions so check these out when measuring up.

Handy Tip 1 - Bigger is always better! It is best to have the largest log cabin you can fit in, if you go for a smaller one you might regret it later when it is full to the rafters.

Handy Tip 2 - Most log cabins are measured in metric - millimetres, centimetres and metres. Your tape measure should have both metric and imperial measurements on so you can use it to cross check if you are more used to imperial.

What would you like your log cabin to look like?

Some people want the full on Swiss Chalet experience with its traditional looks, big overhangs, veranda and possibly a St Bernard with a Toblerone coming out of the door!

Other people prefer a more modern look with the gable on the side, smaller overhangs and straight cut log ends.

Perhaps you are looking for something completely different? L-Shaped log cabins are popular right now as are ones with partitions to create separate rooms.

It is always important to think about where the log cabin is going in the garden.
If it is in full view of the house then it needs to look exactly how you want it, you will be looking at it everyday!
If it is tucked away where it won't be seen that much then maybe a basic design will suffice.

Also think about other people that might be able to see it, for example the neighbours or people passing in the street. At this point you have to decide if to go for something simple that won't offend or if you should go all out and make everyone jealous!

Next you will need to decide what kind of windows and doors you would like, how many of each and where they are going to go on the log cabin.

It is usually best to start with the front of the log cabin first and then move onto the sides (and maybe back) later.

There is usually a choice of the following log cabin doors and windows :
Single Door
Double Door
Full Glazed Double Door
Single Window
Double Window

Handy Tip 1 - Think about why you need the doors and windows.

If you need to be able to get something large inside the log cabin such as a lawnmower or motorbike then you will need to check the width is large enough. More often than not you will need a double door.

If you are using your log cabin as an artists studio or similar then you will want to add lots of windows so you make the most of natural light.

Handy Tip 2 - The position of your log cabin may dictate where you place the doors and windows. There is no point having a window on a side that opens into a hedge!

Once you have decided on all the important parts you need to add the finishing touches to your log cabin.

You might like to have a veranda at the front so you can sit out when the weather is nice.
Standard verandas are 1.5m long but you can also get 3m long verandas which are great for putting BBQ's or hot tubs on.

The roof of the log cabin must be covered to make it waterproof - roofing shingles are the standard product used to do this. The mosts popular ones are hexagonal and are normally available in a choice of colours such as red, green and black.

Often you have a choice of how the log ends are going to be finished - chamfered or straight cut.
Chamfered gives a more traditional swiss chalet, cottagy kind of look whereas straight log ends may fit better in a more modern setting.

Have a thing about whether there was anything else you need such as insulation, guttering, flower boxes. Some things, like wood preservative, will be essential.

YOU NEED TO ORDER THE LOG CABIN

You will need to get in touch with a log cabin company that manufactures and sells bespoke log cabins and will deliver to your area.

Of course I would recommend AIC Log Cabins...

But, im sure there are other log cabin companies...

Handy Tip - If you are lucky enough to live on one of the islands off the coast of the UK then there will probably be extra delivery charges.