Log cabins vs summerhouses: Which building should you choose for your garden?
If you’re looking to add a wooden garden building to your home, you’ve probably researched the right option for you and found both log cabins and summerhouses as suitable options.
The buildings may look similar at first glance but there are key differences between the two and understanding these can help you choose the right building for your lifestyle, budget and intended use.
You might be looking for a peaceful retreat at the bottom of your garden, a home office or extra living space for guests. Whatever you’re looking for, a log cabin or summerhouse can fit your lifestyle and provide you with a dream outdoor space that you can enjoy throughout the year.
In this blog, we explain the key differences between a log cabin and summerhouse and how to choose the right building for you.
What is a summerhouse?
A summerhouse is usually between 28mm and 34mm thick and is designed for use during the warmer months of the year. It does not provide enough insulation for use during the winter.
Usually, a summerhouse features large windows or full banks of glazing to maximise views and provide you with a building that provides shade from the sun in the height of the summer as well as shelter during spring showers.
Summerhouses are often used to create relaxation spaces, hobby spaces, garden bars, entertainment rooms or occasional home offices.
Modern summerhouses are available in a number of styles including pent roof summerhouses and apex roof summerhouses, as well as a range of sizes.
What is a log cabin?
Log cabins are available in higher thicknesses than summerhouses. At Tuin, our log cabins are available in 40mm, 44mm, 58mm and 70mm thicknesses so you can choose the garden building that suits your needs and lifestyle. The thicker the logs your log cabin is built with, the better insulated it will be. When installed and maintained properly, log cabins can become a fully functional outdoor room that you can use throughout the year.
Log cabins are commonly used as:
Garden gyms
Studios
Garden pubs
Due to the thickness of the timber used to construct your log cabin, they offer better insulation, security and longevity than other garden buildings.
Key differences between log cabins and summerhouses
Understanding the key differences between a log cabin and summerhouse will help you to choose the right building for your needs.
Wall thickness
The biggest difference between log cabins and summerhouses is the thickness of the timber logs used to build them. The thicker the wall logs, the better the natural insulation of your building will be. Adding roof and floor insulation can improve this and allow you to use your log cabin throughout the year comfortably.
Summerhouses use 28-34mm logs which are thinner than log cabin wall logs and are designed to be used during the spring, summer and autumn. So, if you want a building you can use throughout the year, you’ll need to carefully consider the wall thickness you choose when purchasing your log cabin or summerhouse.
Size and dimensions
Traditionally, summerhouses have been considered as smaller garden buildings but, at Tuin, both our summerhouses and log cabins are available in a range of sizes so you’ll be able to find something to suit the available space in your garden.
We have small summerhouses and small log cabins for more compact gardens so you can create a quiet, peaceful retreat. We also have large summerhouses and large log cabins so you can create a home office, home gym or simply somewhere to relax after a long day.
Intended use
A log cabin is a multi-purpose garden building that can be used for a range of purposes throughout the year. This makes them ideal for creating a home office, added living space or even a home gym that you can use even during the colder months.
Summerhouses are seasonal buildings that are designed to provide you with a leisure space during the warmer months of the year.
The way you plan to use your garden building will have a huge impact on which type you should choose. If you’re only going to use your building as an occasional space to extend your outdoor living space in the warmer months, a summerhouse is the perfect option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something you can use as an office, guest accommodation or living space, a log cabin is a better option.
Quality and material
For many suppliers, there is a difference between the materials used to build a log cabin or summerhouse and the quality of the materials used. Many summerhouses are a shiplap construction (the same as a shed) and log cabins are made from interlocking logs.
At Tuin, both types of building are made from interlocking logs, providing you with a higher quality building. When comparing summerhouses, you may see buildings that are 19mm thick. However, we do not supply buildings in this thickness because they’re a similar thickness to a shed and will not provide enough insulation for a comfortable garden building throughout the year. 28mm and 34mm summerhouses provide better protection, insulation and longevity than thinner buildings.
How does a log cabin or summerhouse compare to a garden shed?
When researching garden buildings, you might be wondering whether a simple garden shed would provide you with what you need. Sheds, summerhouses and log cabins serve different purposes so the type you choose will depend on how you want to use your outdoor space and how you want to use your garden building.
Sheds are used for garden storage to keep garden tools, equipment, bicycles and furniture safe, dry and protected throughout the seasons. Most sheds are built using thin shiplap timber panels that provide very little insulation. At Tuin, we stock 19mm sheds that are built in the same way as our log cabins but this thickness is not enough to provide you with a comfortable space that you can enjoy throughout the year.
During the winter, these buildings are cold and then uncomfortably hot during the summer so they’re not suitable for providing you with an extra garden room or relaxation space.
If you simply want to store garden tools and furniture, a simple garden shed will be enough. But if you want to create a space you can get maximum use and enjoyment from, a log cabin or summerhouse will provide a much better option.
How to find the right garden building for your needs
When deciding between a log cabin or summerhouse, think about how you want to use the building, your budget and how it will fit into your existing outdoor space. A garden building is a significant investment so it’s essential to find the right building for your needs.
If you’re looking for somewhere to shelter from the sun during the height of summer or entertain friends on a summer evening, a summerhouse will provide everything you need. On the other hand, if you’re looking for somewhere you can use as a home office, hobby space or even guest accommodation, a log cabin is the best option.
For further advice and guidance on choosing the right building and thickness, please contact our expert customer service team.
We stock a wide range of garden buildings in a number of styles and sizes. Browse our full range of log cabins and summerhouses here.