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Most garden log cabins on the market today are sold as log cabin kits, delivered as a pack of log boards, nails, roof felt and other parts to be constructed at your property. They are prefabricated log cabins, manufactured with the parts already cut to exact measurements and ready to fit together. Some providers offer to install the log cabin for you as an add-on service, which often adds between £500 and £2,000 to the total price of the cabin. But is it worth paying this fee, or should you get your tools out and build it yourself to save the money? Read on to find out.
How easy is it to build a Log Cabin Kit?
You do not need to be a professional builder to install a DIY log cabin. Nor does it require specialist tools.
Building a log cabin kit requires:
- A hammer, for nailing some of the wood together and securing the roof
- Common household screwdrivers for securing adjustable parts with screws
- A saw, for trimming certain parts to size
- A drill, for making precise screw holes
- Measuring tape, to ensure exact alignment
- Spirit level, to make sure the parts are fitted straight
- Gloves, to prevent splinter injuries
- Protective eye wear
- One other adult to help.
With the log boards already pre-cut with notches to enable them to lock together, it is a simple process of following the instructions to assemble the log cabin atop a solid and level base.
Of course, this all requires the physical ability to use the tools confidently and to lift the log boards. People with physical disabilities, and those who do not feel confident with DIY tasks, may need to hire a contractor to take on the work for them, or purchase a log cabin with an installation service included.
How long does it take to build a DIY Log Cabin?
The process may take 2-3 days depending on how many hours you can commit to building a DIY log cabin in a single day. Of course, the larger the cabin, the more materials there are to fit, and therefore the longer it will take.
One of the most time-consuming elements of installing a garden log cabin can be the floor and roof. Some models come with floorboards and roof boards that must be installed individually, placing their tongue and groove connections together and lining them up precisely so that the ends are perfectly aligned. Others have large panels which are much easier to install.
Depending on how you value your time, you might find it worthwhile to spend the money to have a professional do the job more quickly. Unless, of course, you really enjoy the concept of working on a multi-day project with someone close to you!
Here’s a video from one of our customers, showing their experience of building the BillyOh Winchester.
After the log cabin is installed, there is also the matter of essential maintenance. Unless you have bought a treated log cabin, you should paint it with a wood treatment as soon as it is finished. An installation provider might not include this as part of the service.
Log Cabin Builder vs Self Assembly
The choice between building your own log cabin or paying for installation is a matter of understanding your own ability to do it, and then making an assessment of the value.
Regardless of whether you build your DIY log cabin or have a professional do it for you, it is essential for it to adhere to the do’s and don’ts of new wooden buildings. Check out our guide on how to prevent log cabin problems.
