A guide to log cabin thicknesses: Everything you need to know

The short answer is that there isn’t one best thickness. The thickness you choose will depend on how you intend to use your log cabin, where it’s located and whether you plan to use it throughout the year or seasonally. 

In this guide, we’ll explain the most common log cabin wall thicknesses, their advantages, disadvantages and popular uses to help you decide which option is best for your needs.

Log cabin thickness guide

If you want a quick rundown of log cabin uses and recommended thicknesses, take a look at the list below:

• Shed => 19mm

• Summerhouse => 28mm-34mm

• Garden Office => 40mm-58mm

• Hobby Room or Gym => 40mm-58mm

• Garden Annexe => 70mm

• Residential Building => 70mm

You might be able to use a garden building with thinner wall logs during the colder months, but thicker logs provide better insulation and comfort throughout the year. Thinner walls can affect energy efficiency so if you’re heating your garden building, you might find it costs more than a better insulated building.

Why does log cabin wall thickness matter?

The thickness of your log cabin walls will have an impact on how well insulated it is and how comfortable the building will be throughout the year.

Here’s just a few of the factors that can be impacted by log cabin wall thickness:

• Thermal performance: Thicker logs provide better insulation and thermal mass which helps to regulate internal temperatures. This means thicker cabins will be cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

• Structural strength: Thicker wall logs help to make your structure more robust which is particularly important for larger buildings and for the longevity of your log cabin.

• Longevity: Thicker logs tend to be more durable and resistant to movement over time which extends the overall lifespan of your log cabin.

• Comfort: A thicker cabin wall can help make the interior feel more comfortable throughout the year so you can use your log cabin for a range of purposes.

• Noise reduction: Thicker walls provide better sound insulation from external noise.

Understanding common log cabin thicknesses

Here’s a quick guide to different log cabin thicknesses, their common uses and their advantages and disadvantages.

19mm Sheds

19mm sheds are the thinnest garden buildings available. Some suppliers provide 19mm summerhouses but, at Tuin, we don’t believe that this thickness offers enough insulation to be used comfortably during the warmer months of the year. 

19mm buildings are usually only suitable for garden storage so, if you’re looking for a log cabin you can spend time in and which will provide you with a sheltered space, you will benefit from a thicker wall.

28mm & 34mm Summerhouses

We recommend choosing a 28mm or 34mm garden building if you’re looking to build a summerhouse. This is the best thickness for use as a summerhouse because they offer durability and better thermal performance than a 19mm shed. 

These buildings are suitable for use as: 

• Summerhouses 

• Hobby rooms 

• Children’s playrooms 

• Occasional home office 

A 28-34mm summerhouse will provide you with a space you can enjoy throughout the spring, summer and autumn months comfortably. If you want to use your garden building in the winter, we recommend a higher thickness.

40 & 44mm Log Cabins

A 40mm or 44mm log cabin is one of the most popular thicknesses. It provides an affordable garden building that performs well throughout the year. 

You can use a 40mm or 44mm log cabin as a: 

• Home office 

• Garden gym 

• Studio 

• Hobby room 

• Entertainment space 

These buildings offer better insulation which makes them more energy efficient and allow you to use it beyond the warmer months of the year.

Is a 44mm log cabin warm in winter?

Yes, 44mm log cabins are warm in winter especially if you add roof and floor insulation, use a heating system and the cabin has double glazed windows and doors. 

44mm cabins are perfect for use as a home office throughout the year and can be used comfortably throughout the year.

Do you need to insulate a 44mm log cabin?

You can use a 44mm log cabin without adding insulation. However, if you want to use it regularly during winter, we highly recommend insulating the floor and roof.

58mm Log Cabins

If you want a log cabin that can be used regularly and comfortably throughout the year, a 58mm log cabin is the perfect option. 

These buildings provide better thermal performance and can be used as: 

• A home office 

• A garden room 

• A gym 

• A creative studio 

• A business space 

With double glazing and insulation, you can comfortably use one of these log cabins throughout the year, extending the use of your garden building and allowing you to get more from your investment.

70mm Log Cabins

70mm log cabins offer a premium option if you want to use your log cabin as an additional living space or create a comfortable space you can use, even during the winter. 

These log cabins offer superior thermal performance and increased structural stability due to the thickness of the logs. These buildings can be used for the following purposes: 

• Large garden office or workspace

• Annexe guest accommodation 

• Year-round entertaining or leisure space

How thick should a log cabin wall be?

The answer to this question depends on how you plan to use your log cabin, and we’ve already touched on the wall thickness and recommended uses above. However, here’s some of the most common uses for a log cabin and the wall thickness we’d recommend. 

If you’re not sure which thickness to opt for when purchasing your garden building, please contact our customer service team who will be happy to advise you. 

• A summerhouse: A wall thickness of 28-34mm is plenty. 

• A garden office: 40mm-48mm will provide you with a comfortable space.

• A home gym: 40mm-58mm provides enough insulation for you to comfortably use your building as a gym. 

• An annexe: A 70mm log cabin is recommended if you want to use your log cabin for overnight stays or for residential use.

• For residential use: Always opt for a 70mm log cabin alongside high-quality insulation and double glazing to provide maximum comfort.

Is a thicker log cabin always a better option?

No, a thicker log cabin is not always the best option. A thicker log cabin provides better thermal performance but can come with higher initial purchase costs, increased weight and more substantial foundation requirements. 

The best thickness matches your intended use. So, when buying your log cabin, think about how and when you want to use it to find the right thickness.

Does log thickness affect planning permission?

No, log thickness does not usually have an impact on whether you’ll get planning permission for your log cabin. Planning usually focuses on the overall height, building footprint, location within your property and the intended use of your log cabin. 

We recommend checking with your local authority before installing your garden building.

What’s more important: thicker logs or insulation?

Both log thickness and insulation are important. Log thickness is an important factor, but insulation will provide the biggest improvement in year-round comfort and energy efficiency. Insulating the roof and floor of your log cabin will provide you with a space you can use and enjoy, even in the colder winter months.

Considering wall thickness when buying your log cabin

Choosing the right log cabin thickness is an important consideration to make when buying a garden building.

Thinner log cabins are better for use in the spring, summer and autumn but, if you want a building that you can use throughout the year, you’d benefit from buying a 44mm, 58mm or 70mm log cabin with high-quality insulation and double glazing.

The best thickness depends on how you intend to use the building. Matching the wall thickness to your intended use will provide you with a practical, durable and practical space for years to come.

At Tuin, we offer a wide range of log cabins in varying thicknesses and styles. Browse our full range to find the perfect garden building for your needs.