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Preparing your log cabin for the winterI’m sure you’ve noticed right now, but winter is coming, which for the UK means plenty of cold mornings, rain and, if we’re lucky, some snow. It’s time to consider some winter care and preparation! I feel like most people would love to just stay at home in a cosy room all day when it comes to winter, almost like hibernation, and one way you can find your area of peace and warmth is within your Log Cabin.

Preparing your log cabin for the winter

Laying EPDM on log cabin roofsFor flat or sloping roofs on our Log Cabins we normally supply roofing felt. However as an option we do have the far more superior roofing material of EPDM.

Laying EPDM on log cabin roofs

Why does timber crack and split? Understanding your timber garden building or fencingTimber is a natural, living material that responds to its surrounding environment. If you’ve ever noticed the timber used in your decking, log cabin, summerhouse or other timber garden building cracking or splitting after installation, it’s not unusual and usually not a problem. At first glance, these issues can be alarming but they’re not necessarily a sign of poor-quality timber or structural weakness. Understanding why timber cracks and splits can help you make informed decisions when buying, installing and maintaining wooden structures. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of timber cracking and splitting, the natural characteristics of timber movement and prevention tips.

Why does timber crack and split? Understanding your timber garden building or fencing

Ventilation in log cabinsVentilation is something that is normally overlooked in a Log Cabin. Most of the time though it isn’t necessary. If you’re using it all year round as you’re wandering in and out the air will circulate nicely.

Ventilation in log cabins

The best timber for log cabins & garden buildings: Why Tuin chooses slow-grown spruce over pine & cedarIf you’re looking to buy a log cabin, summerhouse, gazebo or even a shed for your garden, it can help to know what type of timber your chosen supplier uses along with its pros and cons. There are a number of options to choose from, but most log cabins in the UK are usually made from pine or spruce.

The best timber for log cabins & garden buildings: Why Tuin chooses slow-grown spruce over pine & cedar

Log cabin insulation - Floor and roofIf you were one of my customers and you were buying a lovely new log cabin from me, especially one of our thicker wall log cabins such as 50mm upwards, I would be strongly urging you to insulate at the least the floor of your new log cabin. I would also try to nudge log cabin insulation for the roof as well. You may also be interested in this post on double glazing, R and U values and Log cabin thermal properties: Double Glazing in Log Cabins

Log cabin insulation - Floor and roof

Fitting felt shingles for log cabinsWe use IKO as our supplier for felt shingles. We find them to be the best on the market, they’re also the easiest to use. All our Log Cabins and Gazebos are offered with them as an option. Here we have some helpful guidance and tips on fitting felt shingles.

Fitting felt shingles for log cabins

Planning permission for log cabinsBuying a Log Cabin is a tricky enough thing itself with so many suppliers, makes, models and specifications to choose from, in fact it’s a minefield. But deciding whether you’re going to need planning permission can be equally as arduous as buying the cabin in the first place. There are loads of rules about it and all gets very confusing.

Planning permission for log cabins

Gazebo installation adviceI love our gazebos, I think you are hard pressed to find a comparable product for the money and in the materials that are offered. They are now in pressure treated, tanalised timber or the cracking Larch timber. This page shows our full range of gazebos. Meanwhile let me take you through some Gazebo Installation Advice. Price of course is always a consideration when looking at products but I highly recommend you look at Larch, yes it’s more expensive but the benefits may just outway the extra outlay. The gazebo I am featuring in this article is the Samos Larch Rectangular Gazebo. This post is about my advice about the installation of Gazebos, please note it is ONLY my personal view, other people fitting these gazebos may have a better way of doing it.

Gazebo installation advice

Log cabin contractionThis post follows on from Mr Currie’s comments on my previous post about Contraction in Log Cabins

Log cabin contraction

How long does it take to build a log cabin? Installation times and DIY tipsA common question we hear from either customers or people looking to buy a log cabin is: How long does it take to build a log cabin? The honest answer is it varies. Compared to building a traditional extension, a log cabin is very quick, but the exact time frame depends on factors such as size, complexity and your own DIY experience.

How long does it take to build a log cabin? Installation times and DIY tips

Why choose a garden log cabin? Build the perfect garden room or home officeMore people than ever are choosing to make the most of their garden space by adding a Log Cabin. Whether you’re looking for a home office, a shelter for your hot tub, a garden pub or just a garden room that you can sit and relax in, a log cabin provides a stylish and practical addition to any home.

Why choose a garden log cabin? Build the perfect garden room or home office

Understanding moisture content in timberWhen it comes to protecting your log cabin from the elements and ensuring a long-term investment, choosing the best wood treatment is important. However, did you know that when you apply it is just as important? When it comes to treating log cabins, one crucial detail is often overlooked: Moisture content. Treating your log cabin too early, when the wood is still damp, can lead to peeling, flaking and even trapped moisture that causes rot further down the line. Understanding how moisture content works will help you get the best results from your treatment and avoid common problems.

Understanding moisture content in timber

Understanding log cabin dimensions: A practical guideWhen buying a log cabin, it’s essential to understand the different dimensions to ensure you choose the right model for your space and needs. Whether you’re planning a home office, garden retreat or you want additional living space for your home, accurate measurements help you prepare the right base, estimate usable space and avoid any surprises during installation. In this guide, we’ll explain the key dimensions used when buying a log cabin including external log size, footprint, roof size and canopy size so you can plan your new log cabin confidently and accurately. (this blog will use a 4 x 4m log cabin to illustrate each measurement).

Understanding log cabin dimensions: A practical guide

Log cabin glass removalLog Cabin glass removal. You may have a need to remove the glass from your doors or windows for maintenance or to paint behind. Most log cabins will have removable beading on the frame and it’s pretty straightforward to remove. Below is how I remove the glass without causing any damage. It may help you should you wish to take yours out for whatever reason. It’s straightforward to do and takes a few minutes to accomplish.

Log cabin glass removal

Fitting log cabin doorsWhen fitting Log Cabin Doors – No matter how good a fitter you are, with the most perfect eye you will always need to adjust the door frame during the install, especially if it is a double set of doors. This will need to be done to have a 100% perfect fit. It may also need to be done over the life of a log cabin due to seasonal variations in moisture content, direct sun, direct weather, all of which will affect the cabin. Of course as I talk about in previous posts, treatment makes a huge difference to this and how susceptible the doors or windows are to these changes.

Fitting log cabin doors

Common log cabin problems: Timber movement, contraction, gaps & how to prevent themWhen you invest in a log cabin or garden building, you choose the beauty and warmth of natural timber. However, unlike bricks or concrete, wood is a living material, even after it’s been cut and kiln-dried. This means your log cabin will naturally expand and contract throughout the year as temperature and humidity changes. You can find out more about why this happens in our blog: Understanding moisture content in timber. Many of the common ‘problems’ log cabin owners notice, such as small gaps appearing between logs, minor splits in the wood, or doors and windows sticking, are simply part of how timber behaves. They’re not usually faults with your log cabin, but seasonal movement that every wooden building experiences. In this guide, we’ll look at the typical issues you might see with your log cabins, explain why they happen and share practical tips on how to prevent or easily fix them. With the right care and understanding, your log cabin will remain strong, secure and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.

Common log cabin problems: Timber movement, contraction, gaps & how to prevent them

Log cuts in log cabinsLog Cuts in Log Cabins, This short article is the second in my timber series which tries to explain the types of timber we can use in log cabins. In this post I will try to explain how we can muck about with the timber to give you a really good price. But is it really good quality? Do you really want it? The first in the series is here: Types of Timber in your Log Cabin

Log cuts in log cabins

Electrics in log cabinsWhen we buy a Log Cabin there are a lot of considerations, not only what it looks like but the size, style, the quality of the log cabin and price. We also have to consider whether it is permitted development or whether it needs planning permission. If we want to have electrics in our log cabins we also have to consider Building Regulations. As well as being a reasonable fitter I do have experience of electrics in log cabins as I’m also a qualified electrician.

Electrics in log cabins

Expansion / Contraction in log cabinsExpansion / Contraction in Log Cabins is very commonon with the first year of life. However this is all to do with how timber naturally acts. We know that Log Cabins move, and certainly within the first year of life they can move a lot. I explain this in an article about moisture content in log cabins. It greatly affects the expansion and contraction of the wall logs.

Expansion / Contraction in log cabins

Log Cabin Treatment PanicWhen it comes to treating your log cabin, timing is everything. If you apply your wood treatment too soon, you risk sealing in moisture which can lead to peeling, black patches or rot. Wait too long, and your log cabin could suffer from weather damage, UV degradation, or warping. In this guide, we’ll help you to understand just what happens if you treat your log cabin either too early or too late and show you how to get your wood protection just right.

Log Cabin Treatment Panic

Garden verandas from TuinWe normally just supply and deliver the Garden Veranda kit ready for self-assembly following our step by step English instructions and videos. But in this instance our own fitting team performed the installation on their behalf. This presented us with a unique opportunity for one our young apprentices. A chance both viewing and helping with one of these things going together. It also allowed us to hear a younger person’s point of view. This also helped us understand some of the key concerns that our potential customers may have before ordering

Garden verandas from Tuin

Install a log cabin - Fitting tipsI’ve written this to give as many tips as I can to help YOU install your log cabin. This will include more information over time, but hopefully what I have done so far will help you and give you some confidence. This post is aimed at customers who would like to install a Log cabins on their own but are a little worried or inexperienced. Before we start – Remember: fitting a log cabin is EASY and very rewarding. It is also for customers who have an installer lined up but want to know how it is done properly. There’s a few hints at the beginning to make sure they are!

Install a log cabin - Fitting tips

Timber deliveriesWe here at Tuin offer a wide range of Garden Timber used for all manners of projects. But with timber, as any merchant will tell you, delivery can sometimes be tricky due to the lengths they’re sold in and the overall weight. If we were lucky enough to have a number of branches scattered all over the UK then it would be easier. We could employ our own local drivers on our own fleet of flatbeds. However we aren’t quite there yet and only have the one depot here in Norfolk.

Timber deliveries

Garden shed insulationA crucial aspect often overlooked for garden buildings. As the temperature drops and winter sets in, ensuring your garden shed is well-insulated becomes essential for both comfort and functionality. Whether your shed serves as a summerhouse or a storage space, the right insulation can make a significant difference.

Garden shed insulation

Garden decking guideWith Summer ending, you may find that you have more time on your hands. So why not use this to your advantage and spruce up your garden ready for next year? With some garden decking you can really spruce up your garden. Why not choose one out our decking options for simplicity and ease? In this article you will be presented with our preferred decking ideas and handy recommendations that will help you have the perfect decking at your house.

Garden decking guide

Log cabin connectionsIf you’re looking to buy a log cabin and are looking for advice, if you take nothing else away from my blogs and ramblings please at least read this one and check with your log cabin supplier they use these log cabin joints. We’ve got something we call Wind and Watertight Connections in the corner where our logs interlock. They’re pretty much the standard these days for any good manufacturer of log cabins as it is really very bad not to joint using this system or a variation of it. It’s not something we shout about and nor do many other companies who use them as it should be a standard feature. Not using a W&W joint leads to lots of problems in the future for the log cabin. It does though save the manufacturer a lot of money in machining costs and machinery. No one in the UK would be that cheap to save on manufacturing costs, would they?

Log cabin connections

Introducing Philip: Tuin Installation And Independent Garden Building FitterWe do offer an installation service for our products but with VAT and all the expenses a company faces we can be rather expensive. A few years ago, I asked for an alternative and cheaper way of doing things since I don’t like things to cost more than they should. Yes we can install for you as a company but we will also give you details of recommended installers. We take nothing from them and ask nothing from you. This way you get the benefit of a very experienced fitter at a reasonable price who is self employed and without VAT.

Introducing Philip: Tuin Installation And Independent Garden Building Fitter

Log cabin treatment mistakesTreating your log cabin is essential if you want to preserve its beauty and structural integrity. However, many owners unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to premature deterioration, discolouration, or even structural damage. Whether you’re getting ready to treat your new log cabin or you’re maintaining your existing log cabin, this guide will talk through the top 5 most common log cabin treatment mistakes, and most importantly, how to avoid them.

Log cabin treatment mistakes

Pent installation roof adviceA little insight to how you can format the parts of our Modern log cabins. If you would like to follow along to a video tutorial, see our Installing a Pent Log Cabin video filled with tips on ensuring the longevity of your Log Cabin. So you have built up your new log cabin up to roof height and you will come across a sight like the one below. Now comes the installation of your Pent Roof.

Pent installation roof advice

Log cabin hot tub covers: Real customer inspiration for garden spa coversHot tubs have become a popular addition to many gardens. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, privacy or a stylish garden upgrade, a log cabin or gazebo hot tub shelter is the perfect solution. In this blog, we’ve rounded up some of the best customer examples of our log cabins, gazebos and pergolas being used to create unique hot tub sanctuaries to help inspire you and show you how to create your dream garden setup.

Log cabin hot tub covers: Real customer inspiration for garden spa covers

Adding a window to a log cabinImagine you’ve built your Log Cabin and you find you need more light. Perhaps you already know another window needs adding to your log cabin. Or maybe you cannot block out that amazing scenery you have from your garden.

Adding a window to a log cabin

Sap removalVery occasionally you may be faced with a sap pocket in one of the logs within a Log Cabin. This is unavoidable unfortunately and this does sometimes happen with timber. Sap is very sticky and can leave quite a mess. This post covers sap removal, especially larger pockets of it. Removing sap in wood, you can either leave it to dry and then cut off with a sharp knife, your can also wipe it off with white spirit.

Timber frame base for log cabinsI’ve been pondering this post and am slightly reluctant to write it as I am NOT a structural engineer. I have lots of experience with timber but I am not at all qualified to give technical advice and specifications, so please read this post in the spirit it is meant. You have no come back on me personally if anything goes wrong, the design of this is completely down to you but I will give some advice and ideas based on my experience.

Timber frame base for log cabins

Double glazing in log cabinsNo doubt you will have seen across a lot of the suppliers of log cabins in the UK that EVERYONE offers double glazing, AND they offer it with everything, I’ve even seen a 19mm cabin with double glazing as an option – amazing! You may have noticed we do NOT offer double glazing with everything. There’s a reason for this ….

Double glazing in log cabins

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Log Cabin Fitting Walkthough and Advice - TuinThe fitting of a Tuin - Tuindeco apex 45mm log cabin with detailed annotations of each step of the install.

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Log Cabin Fitting Walkthough and Advice - Tuin

Log cabin floor as an optionYou will no doubt have noticed our Log Cabins have a floor as an ‘option’ and, perhaps like some customers comments in the past, you’ll be aghast at this. Surely it must come with something? How can you not have a floor? Let me explain why we offer a wooden floor as an option:

Log cabin floor as an option

Log Cabin Construction Advice

Log Cabin Construction Advice

Base requirements for log cabinsLog Cabins are not built like a shed, at least the good ones aren’t. Especially when it comes to the cabins’ base requirements. What I mean by this is; Sheds: When a shed is installed the floor is placed down first, the walls go on top of it and the build is continued. Log Cabins: With the majority of log cabins, the cabin is first built and the floor goes in afterwards and sits within the cabin and is not an integral part of it. The floor system acts as a ‘floating floor’ and should not actually touch the cabin walls. Despite this, the floor joists may touch. More often than not, the joists attach to the log cabin foundation beams.

Base requirements for log cabins

Minimum Order Value - £150Starting March 21st, we are introducing a minimum order value of £150 when placing an order online. If you have purchased a log cabin or other garden building from us and require an item(s) under £150 in order value, please give us a call and we will be happy to assist you.

Minimum Order Value - £150

Gardening Calendar - What to Plant in 2025As we settle into 2025, our gardens continue to evolve, shaped by changing climate patterns, eco-conscious trends, and a growing desire to cultivate thriving, sustainable outdoor spaces. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your green-thumb journey, there's no better time to embrace the joys of gardening. From British favourites to kitchen garden staples and pollinator-friendly plants, this year brings endless possibilities to breathe life into your garden.

Gardening Calendar - What to Plant in 2025