Like other customers Ms G was kind enough to send in a detailed review of her experience and journey with her Yorick Log Cabin. The Yorick is a modern looking garden building with full height windows and of course double glazing. Its size is 5. x 3.8m and is made from 45mm wall logs.
This is Ms G’s notes:
I purchased a Yorick Log Cabin from Tuin earlier in the year.
We were cautious about buying a high value item without seeing it in a showroom. However following asking questions through the contact us section of the website, all of my questions were answered promptly.
I also thoroughly read the blog entries and other reviews. Likewise, the blog was very helpful. It provided me with sufficient instructions to build the foundations for the cabin to sit on with confidence.
The Delivery
It’s well worth reading the information regarding delivery of the cabin as in the case of the Yorick cabin. The pallet on which the cabin was delivered was approx 5m long. Therefore you need to make sure that there is somewhere appropriate for it to be delivered to. See delivery below.
I had requested the instructions for the cabin prior to it being delivered. The instructions consist of the plan for the cabin and a set of written instructions. It’s well worth reading both in detail and running through the process of putting it together, as advised. I would say that putting the shed together is a lot like building lego. Similarly, pieces all arrive numbered, so if you sort them all before putting it together it’s pretty straight forward.
Building the Yorick Log Cabin
After a bacon sandwich (essential requirement) armed with a set of instructions, we started building the cabin at about 9.00 in the morning. The wood base was already in place. See progress below:
The cabin was at the point of the purlins being in place by lunchtime (including time for a mid morning cake break). Then the roof boards were on by 13:30. We used a level on each log we installed making sure they fully slotted into the tongue and groove fitting. It worked really well and made sure the whole thing stayed level. It was a bit tricky fitting all the unstable front windows and doors until the top log is on. Luckily we had a lot of hands to hold up them up, as it was a bit breezy when we put it up.
The following day we added the extra insulation to the roof (50mm kingspan).
Although instructions came with the EDPM roof, due to the size, we got a roofer with experience for assistance. (PLEASE NOTE: EPDM instructions are linked from the main installation page and are here: EPDM Roof Instructions for LOG CABINS)
Things Which Went Well
Preparation – all of my “gang” (me, my mum, my boyfriend, sister and brother in law) had all read the instructions over a few times before starting. For building this cabin, the more people available the better. Although I think you could do it with two people, due to the size and weight of the window units, it was a lot easier having extra people.
Make sure the base is completely square before starting. We checked by checking the diagonals and were about 1mm out which I think made the whole thing very easy. Also, the whole thing won’t work if your base isn’t entirely level.
Two mallets. You need at least two rubber mallets, deally one per helper so you can all have a go. It’s quite fun!
Try not to stand on the logs prior to assembling. I spent ages wiping off dog and cat paw prints and human footprints prior to treating the logs.
Positive persuasion, to put the purlins in. They were a very snug fit and required a really good whack. Good to remember that wood is very forgiving and will take some positive persuasion.
Things Which Could Be Better
- The design of the cabin does not easily facilitate guttering, we worked out a way for it to work by dropping the rear facia board and adding a lip which would overhang guttering. It would be better if the cabin was designed to have guttering fitted as the roof of the cabin has a large surface area and good drainage is a key requirement.
- Better instructions regarding fitting the roofing material. No written instructions were given, and when I asked for instructions I was told, it’s very straightforward and to just spray around the edges. I thoroughly recommend looking at some YouTube videos re-fitting an EDPM roof prior to fitting. (PLEASE NOTE: EPDM instructions are linked from the main installation page and are here: EPDM Roof Instructions for LOG CABINS)
- I made an error. The nails I used to fit the facia boards, which are a significant feature, bled and so now the facia boards have black streaks on them. I can live with it, but with hindsight I would have bought better quality nails or used Brass screws, or treated the facia board before putting up.
- The quality of the materials in terms of the wood and windows is great, although the door handle and window stays are a bit cheap and cheerful. However, accept that Tuin are great at log cabins and the log cabin bit couldn’t be better, I suggest that they spec the fittings slightly higher.
- A few pieces were missing from the kit, so it’s really important to check the kit once received to confirm all parts including fixtures and fittings are there. These were sent next day delivery when identified, which was fine, though would have been happy with something which specified the fixings required.
- I think on the website they offer a service to pre treat the cabin. Not sure how much this costs, but I would suggest taking this option. We spent a lot of time applying treatment to the cabin!
The Finished Log Cabin
I would rate this cabin very highly, the space is great. Also, by adding extra insulation in the floor and roof, it’s pretty warm. I have already recommended it to other people, and trades people who have come to fit the electrics etc have commented that they think the quality is really high. The customer service was also great (although I got the impression that they were starting to lose patience with the questions I was asking by the end!) I would highly recommend reading through all the information on the tuin website and following it to the letter as the advice is great and easy to understand. It really was easy to put the cabin together.
Thank you Ms G for your review and notes. This is extremely useful for us and customers alike. I hope you enjoy your ‘thank you’ that we have sent you.
Other customer experiences, build and ideas are here if you would like to see more: Pictorial Tuin Reviews
