How to prepare for your log cabin or summerhouse installation

In this blog, we explain how to prepare for your log cabin or summerhouse installation.

Why is it important to prepare before your log cabin or summerhouse arrives?

Many problems encountered during installation can be avoided by preparing properly before the building arrives. Common problems such as an uneven base, access problems during delivery, missing tools or installing utilities can make installation more difficult and delay the process. 

Watch our video for a detailed overview of everything you should do before your log cabin or summerhouse delivery arrives.

1. Prepare your base or hardstanding

The most important part of your log cabin installation is the base. For the best results, to prevent problems during installation and future problems such as warping and cracking, your base should be level, square and strong enough to support the full weight of your garden building. 

If the base is even slightly unlevel, you might experience the following problems during and after installation:

• Wall logs not slotting together properly 

• Doors and windows not lining up properly 

• Uneven roof 

• Sloped roof

• Gaps appearing between the logs 

• The building settling incorrectly over time 

It can be difficult to correct these issues after the building has been assembled so it’s important to get this right before installation starts. 

There are three different base options to choose from: 

• A concrete slab base 

• A patio base 

• A raised timber frame 

For more information on the base options and requirements for your log cabin or summerhouse, read our blog: A guide to base requirements for log cabins.

2. Plan utilities before installation

If you want to use your log cabin as a workshop or garden office, or use it as a residential space, it’s likely you’ll need electricity, water, internet or drainage. It’s much easier to plan and install these now than it is to install them retrospectively. 

Many people make the mistake of only thinking about electrics and services once the log cabin has been built but, by this time, the floor is laid and the walls are complete which can make it much more difficult to install utilities. 

Before installing your garden building, think about how you’re going to be using it so you can plan which utilities you’re likely to need. 

If you’re not sure about installing the electrical or plumbing elements of your building, we recommend speaking to a qualified electrician or plumber beforehand. 

Find out more about adding electricity to your log cabin in our blog: A guide to installing electricity in your log cabin.

3. Check the delivery access to your property

Your log cabin or summerhouse will arrive on a large truck with a detachable forklift so the packs of timber and components can be unloaded to the front of your property. Before your delivery day, make sure there is suitable access to your property. 

If you live in an area where heavy goods vehicles won’t be able to get through, please contact our customer service team so we can check access to your property before your order is due to be delivered.

4. Plan how you will move the timber

Your log cabin or summerhouse will be delivered to the front of your property. It will be made up of large, heavy pieces of timber that can be bulky and awkward to move. 

Before your building arrives, think about how you’re going to move all the components from the delivery area through to your storage or installation area. Ensure you’re able to carry the pieces to the rear of your property and check for any narrow entrances or obstacles that can make it difficult to move large pieces of timber. 

If access is very tight, you might need to move the timber through the house but this can be difficult if there are any tight turns.

5. Ensure you have the right tools

Having the right tools available before installation day arrives will save time and ensure you’re able to properly construct your garden building without any delays. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through the installation and realising you’re missing an important tool. 

Watch our video to find out more about the tools we recommend for installing your log cabin or summerhouse.

We recommend ensuring you have the following tools: 

• Handsaw 

• Cordless drill 

• Stanley knife 

• Rubber mallet 

• Hammer 

• Pencil 

• Tape measure 

• Spirit level 

• Building square

6. Ensure you have enough time and helping hands

Our log cabins and summerhouses are designed for DIY installation. However, they are much easier to install with two people due to the heavy parts. So, before installation, make sure someone is available to help you, you leave enough time to complete the build, and you’ve checked the weather forecast. 

A small summerhouse may only take a day to install but some of our larger log cabins can take several days depending on the size and complexity. It’s usually better to build on a dry, calm day so check the weather forecast for your planned installation date and have another date in mind just in case.

Ready to install your log cabin or summerhouse?

Proper preparation will help your installation to run smoothly and ensure you have a garden building that stands the test of time. Ensuring your base is ready, planning utilities, checking delivery access and gathering the right tools will give you the best chance of a smooth and successful build. 

Once you’re fully prepared, you can start to think about what you’re going to do once your log cabin or summerhouse has been delivered. Read our next blog for more information: Log cabin delivery day checklist: What to do once your garden building arrives

If you’d like further advice or guidance on preparing for your log cabin or summerhouse installation, please contact our customer service team.