Log Cabins BUYER’S GUIDE AWARD LEISURE www.awardleisure.com LOG CABINS ... WOOD TYPES PINE - NORTHERN EUROPEAN WHITE WOOD

Pine is known as a redwood, it’s widely used for a lot of things we use daily. No doubt you will have some pine furniture at home. Pine isn’t as dense as Spruce and therefore it does absorb water quicker. It’s the cheaper of the two types of wood we can use to construct a log cabin. Pine is mainly used in the garden for fencing, posts, furniture and play equipment. This is because it is less dense. It would normally be pressure treated to guard against rotting in the long term. It also tends to have looser knots and more of them, it also changes colour with sun light to a darker colour. It’s also not as structurally strong as spruce and has wider ring growth. WHAT IS A SPRUCE - NORTHERN EUROPEAN WHITE WOOD We like Spruce, it’s a white wood and there is no distinction between the LOG CABIN? heartwood and the sapwood. Knots are round and are of a similar colour to the surrounding wood. This gives a wall log a uniform colour and texture. It also does Throughout Europe, the log cabin is a very popular not warp as much as pine. The best Spruce is grown in fertile, old sea bottom fixture in gardens, usually replacing traditional workshop soils in a colder climate, this is the timber we prefer as it’s stable, strong and does sheds and summer houses. They are also becoming not warp too much. It also looks really good but does cost more than pine. extremely popular as holiday accommodation. CEDAR Log cabins have come a long way from the simple Bronze Age structures offering basic accommodation. 21st century You will automatically have protection from bugs or insects when you have residential log cabins and garden log cabins are of a high your home built from this material. Pine does not provide the same insect quality and such buildings are seen all over the UK. protection. Cedar is also very resistant to rot. Because the wood produces its own preservatives, it will be much more durable. Your cedar log home will remain looking The log cabins available today are fully illuminated beautiful for a much longer amount of time than could be achieved with pine. and aesthetically pleasing and are also popular for needing less maintenance and being energy efficient. Cedar wood contains a lower water content than pine and it acclimates much They are also fitted with double-glazed windows, more quickly. What does this mean for your home? Wood with high water reinforced doors and present an individual with a cosy content will be much more prone to rot, cracking, splitting and other damage. and warm living experience throughout the year. Your cedar log home will be more durable than pine in this manner as well.

They serve a multitude of purposes, such as gymnasiums, The rating for how a wood transfers heat is called an R-Value. The higher the home offices, spa retreats, gazebos, for storage solutions or R-value that your home has, the more energy efficient it will be. Cedar has a much as wooden garages. But the best part is that even today they higher R-Value than pine, making it the more efficient option for your home. retain their appeal and have that rich, classy and rustic feel that make them completely different from traditional houses. As Because Northern White Cedar is 100% renewable, you will not be doing any the needs of society change, we will see them acquire a more damage to the environment by using it for your own home build. In fact, the luxurious and comfortable look and feel. But log cabins have cedar forests offer high quality growth, providing a better environment and proved to be such a versatile building that its future is secure. a better habitat for the indigenous wildlife of the Northern Maine area.

2 3 The ONLY thing that matters is the type of timber used, the quality of it, where it is from and where it is cut from within a log. Moisture content makes a WOOD ... HUGE difference to the timber used in a log cabin. Windows and doors, fancy locks, glazing and roofing are very superfluous and will not have QUALITY MATTERS any bearing on the quality or longevity. The timber is the important part and in our opinion one of the most important qualities to consider when you are researching or buying a log cabin.

Our products are manufactured from high- quality kiln-dried spruce. Long cold winters and short summers, characteristic to our region, bring about a slow growth rate of timber, providing it with longevity and durability.

We value highly the aesthetic aspects of spruce – its fresh light hue and small knots.

Let’s assume you’re out to buy a log cabin, do not be fooled by an offer that is too good to be true!

You will be buying a cabin made from logs cuts from any available superfluous tree, and the poorer sections as shown opposite. These cuts are softer wood with higher moisture content. They are likely to twist, crack and shrink.

Because it is less dense, it will be pressure treated to guard against rotting in the long term. It also tends to have looser knots and more of them, it changes colour with sun light to a darker colour. It’s also not as structurally strong as spruce and has wider ring growth. In other words, it is better suited to be used for fence posts and decking. 4 5 4. GUARANTEE? 6. SUSTAINABILITY? The type of timber used for a If you want to buy timber with a 7 TOP THINGS TO garden building affects how long it clear conscience, knowing you’re not will last. Slow-grown timbers are damaging forests and the wildlife denser than fast-growing trees, so that live in them, look for garden CONSIDER ... are more durable. Other details also buildings with the FSC-certified icon. boost longevity: for example, using laminated wood for doorframes, and The timber for these products pressure-treating foundation joists. will come from sustainable and 1. HOW BIG? well-managed sources. A cabin should be big enough to Also ensure you check the size evolve with your needs - for example, of the roof purlins; if you want to to go from children’s playhouse to invest in a garden building that can 7. DIY? entertaining space. But it shouldn’t be be enjoyed for decades to come, Not all of us are DIY enthusiasts with out of proportion to the rest of the ensure you pick a building that has time on our hands. So check out how garden, create too much shade, or be thicker roof purlins running from easy it will be to construct the garden more space than you can furnish. apex to apex (it’s a straightforward building that you buy. Is it designed to mark of quality and durability). To help visualise how a building will be built by someone with DIY skills? sit within your garden use tent pegs We recommend to always buy Does it need specialist equipment, or is or canes to mark out its dimensions. slow grown spruce to ensure professional installation recommended? . quality and longevity. If you’re looking for more straightforward 2. HOW THICK? construction, much of our modern garden building range feature pre- We have a detailed timber wall 5. assembled wall and roof elements; thickness guide to help you choose ROOF & FLOOR? ideal for a hassle free build. the best log thickness for your garden, If the gradient of the roof is very but if you plan to only use a building different to other nearby buildings, As a rule, most of our garden on summer days, then timber up then your cabin may not blend buildings can be erected by two to 28mm thick should be fine. in well. Try to get a rough match people with a decent level of DIY in terms of roof gradients. experience and a basic tool kit, For summer evenings or spring days, and it’s only the large chalet style 34mm timber should be sufficient, but As a rule cabins come with either felt buildings and log cabin homes that for all-year-round use, look for 44mm or or felt tiles (known as shingles). Felt require professional installation. preferably 70mm logs. The log thickness is supplied by the roll and although is always shown in millimetres (mm). waterproof, is thin and has to be attached to the roof via wooden strips. High winds and its lack of 3. WINDOWS? durability will provide up to a 2 Choose windows according to how year life span (if you are lucky). you plan to use a building. Plexiglass windows keep costs down, but offer Felt roof tiles are a great solution and less insulation than glass. Single glazing are thicker, more aesthetically pleasing REMEMBER is warm enough for summer and spring, and easier to attach to the wooden but double glazing provides more roof. They are more expensive, but THERE IS A warmth for all-year-round cabins. will last you up to 3 times longer.

There are different styles of window DIFFERENCE (such as large single panel, divided panels and tilt and turn opening BETWEEN CHEAP mechanisms) so you can choose the best option for the use of your cabin. AND CHEAPLY MADE

6 7 Log cabins available today are aesthetically pleasing, fully illuminated and very energy efficient. Fitted with double-glazed windows, reinforced doors they LET’S TALK can create a cosy and warm living experience throughout the year.

Log Thickness is a big consideration depending on how you desire to use THICKNESS your Log Cabin, here we look at the different thickness of logs.

70MM PLUS 19MM - 28MM 34MM - 44MM 70MM THICK THICK TIMBER THICK TIMBER WALLS THICK TIMBER WALLS TIMBER WALLS WALLS

19mm or 28mm timber walls are With 28mm timber, you should 34mm - 44mm timber walls 34mm, 40mm and 44mm thick 70mm thick walls are required These bespoke style cabins ideal for use in summer. Many also be able to use your cabin on can provide warmth in spring, timber walls also give you for timber buildings that will be includes buildings with different of our summer houses, sheds warm spring and autumn days. summer and autumn. Hot Tub the option to entertain in the used all year round and contain room layouts, double glazed and playhouses and available Cabins, Garden Rooms, Summer garden for most of the year. Swim Spas, Hot Tubs and Pools. windows and doors (with with these wall thicknesses A ‘Summer House’ thus Houses, Workshops and Pavilions 3-9-3 mm glass) and a choice and are perfect if you need becomes much more than with 34mm, 40mm or 44mm A 34mm to 44mm cabin is If you don’t want high winter of timber wall thickness to work within a budget. its name suggests, and walls are a versatile investment insulated enough for spring heating costs (as 70mm ranging from 70mm, 88mm, extends the possibilities for because they are warm enough sleepovers, whatever the skies timber will help much more 114mm or even 134mm. Because Award Leisure buildings summer entertaining and to use for much of the year. throw at you in the way of with heat retention). are constructed from slow- siestas in the garden into late March squalls or April showers. With 70mm+ timber walls all growing timber, the grain of spring and early autumn. The dense, thick timber is well Then when damp autumn sets This log thickness also provides these buildings can be used the wood is dense and close. insulated against heat loss and in, the building should be warm a more luxurious environment. throughout the year, and they So even for these relatively A garden building with 19mm draughts, and is also robust and enough to use as a games room. provide the best durability, low log thicknesses, the timber or 28mm walls makes a great durable. This opens up many Thicker logs also provide better warmth and security. provides enough insulation storage building too. The more possibilities for how you If you and your children are sound insulation, so you’ve for all the summer months. timber is robust enough to use your garden building. jostling for space in your home, more chance of cutting out In fact they provide a great offer protection against the then a garden building with the world outside (including dwelling and permanent Even on a chilly or windy June elements, and secure enough Wall thicknesses of between this type of wall thickness better protection from wind). residence. We find these are day, Award Leisure’s 19mm to keep bikes and garden 34mm and 44mm are very could help solve the problem. mainly used as chalets and and 28mm buildings are warm equipment out of harm’s way. popular for workshops, because 70mm thick timber walls are restaurants in colder climates. and dry places to entertain. the building should be warm Some of our customers also use also the best option if you plan enough to use for most of the 44mm timber for Garden Offices to use a cabin as a spare room, If you are looking for a dwelling DIY and gardening season. too, especially if they’re not extra living space, or holiday with a pioneer approach to using them all day, every day. retreat. Thicker logs mean you life and have the land with can use the space all year round. planning permission, you are the envy of us all.

8 9 WHAT TYPE OF BASE WILL I NEED?

The answer to which type of base you need for your log cabin depends primarily on the size of the cabin, what you will be using it for, and what the ground is like where it is to be sited. CONCRETE

If you want a really durable log cabin base capable of If you want a really durable log cabin base capable of supporting heavier loads a concrete supporting heavier loads a concrete base is essential. base is essential. To obtain this concrete slab, you’ll need to pour concrete onto good, level ground or compacted hardcore. Make sure your base slab is larger than the size of your cabin! It should exceed the size of the footprint by 100mm on all sides of the structure. The concrete base should be the same size as the footprint of the The concrete should also be laid 100MM thick for level ground or 150mm for uneven cabin; this will assist in shedding rainwater to the surrounding and undulating ground. You won’t generally need to use a reinforcing mesh unless you are ground and prevent rainwater splashing back onto the logs. making a slab for a large cabin. In which case, a reinforcing mesh will help prevent cracking. When the sub base is complete you can surround it with gravel for better drainage and to prevent rainwater splashing back. PAVING SLABS

Some people have quite happily used concrete paving slabs as a foundation. As long as the ground is level and very solid or supported with hardcore. This is not too much trouble to go to for a smaller size cabin, but it can quickly turn into an expensive and laborious project when creating a foundation for a larger cabin.

WOODEN BASE

This should only be considered where a concrete base is impossible due to steeply sloping ground. A wooden base will not last as long; posts in the ground rot – go and check your fence posts! Vermin love the void under timber cabin bases; rats are far more difficult to get rid of than to prevent. Vegetation, weeds, oak trees etc will grow in the void under the cabin, which will get to be a nuisance!

GRAVEL

REMEMBER If your cabin is quite small you may get away with siting it on a base of gravel. This option is the easiest, quickest and cheapest – maybe that’s why the log cabin companies rarely even mention it! Simply mark out an area say 12 inches larger TO ENJOY YOUR than the cabin footprint, excavate to say 6 inches, tamp down with the end of a heavy timber, fill with shingle of a grade no more than say 20mm, tamp down BUILDING FOR YEARS TO again and level using a spirit level on a long board. Simple, quick, cheap! COME - CHOOSING THE RIGHT BASE IS ESSENTIAL

10 11 LOG CABINS COMMON USES

GARDEN HOUSES AND PLAY ROOMS GYMNASIUMS & SPA ROOMS Sometimes you need a new space to practice yours or your children’s The beauty of a home gym is that you can use it on your terms, without hobbies. Be that painting, knitting or playing a musical instrument. lots of super-fit people hanging about and putting you off. You can Often it can also be useful to have a space for the children to play also use the space as a yoga studio or recreation room when not being and take their friends; this frees up the house and helps to keep used as a gym. This is also a great way to keep bulky equipment out of clutter to a minimum. We have a wide range of log cabins to suit these the main house –free from clutter you will be more likely to use it. functions; some are even big enough for a pool table and a mini bar.

SUMMER HOUSES SHEDS, GARAGES & WORKSHOPS

Log Cabin’s make ideal use as summerhouses. Whether you Log Cabins are built using a strong and sturdy construction, need a compact or large unit, it provides a great space to they naturally make a great workshop for your garden. escape from the hubbub of urban life and allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of your garden. In your summerhouse you can If you are looking for extra storage space and need a garden building enjoy a good book, take tea or breakfast in the garden or even that has a solid and sturdy construction, a Log Cabin is a great choice for use the space to carry out your favourite arts and crafts. your garden. Log Buildings come in some great guises—windowless and even with up and over garage style doors. Where you can store your car.

GARDEN OFFICES LUXURY RETREATS As the name suggests, this is an office in your garden which is separate from the main house. These can be for additional staff or for the The garden provides a quiet living environment, away from the housing of a home business or an extension of your own office. distractions of the home. Our lives so easily outgrow our living space, so using a log cabin for extra entertaining space is a cheaper Using a log cabin as a base for your office in your own from home, alternative to moving home or building an extension. The versatility saves you money on office rental, commuting and is far cheaper of a log cabin allows for a multitude of uses from creating your very than an extension to your house. Quite often you don’t need own spa resort, dining al fresco area, home cinema room or even a planning permission, provided it is placed at least two metres place for you and your friends to retreat to after a Summer BBQ. (6’6”) from your house, doesn’t cover more than half of your total garden area and is no taller than four metres (13’1”).

12 13 BUDGETING ... WHY BUY A Check out exactly what you will get FINAL THINGS TO for your money and if there’s warranty LOG CABIN on all fixtures and fittings. CONSIDER ... FROM Some products are made more affordable and don’t include floors (ideal for positioning on existing concrete or paved surfaces) AWARD and to keep costs down some don’t come with roofing material (allowing you to LEISURE? finish the building your own way).

Also, many of the more expensive models (made from 70mm timber with double glazed windows) are also available in a similar designs but with thinner (and cheaper) timber and single glazing.

PLANNING PERMISSION ... If the log cabin will be sited within two metres of the boundary and no higher POWER ... A family-run business established than 2.5m, then the answer is NO. Have you considered the number of lights and sockets you will need for over 30 years, that has become in your log cabin? Some common questions are - Are you having a the number one retailer for Otherwise, planning permission must be Hot Tub? What is the distance from the main supply or consumer Cabins, premium Hot Tubs, the starting point for any log cabin search. unit? Do you know whether there are any spare ways within it? Swim Spas & Outdoor Leisure This is because planning constraints dictate What is the route of the supply cable to your log cabin and exit Products, in the UK your choice of cabin both in terms of its size route from your consumer unit in the house to the outside? (height) and location. A word of warning With five award-winning outlets here; log cabin sellers are interested in providing an extensive choice selling log cabins. Whether the log cabin is INSULATION ... and an impressive display, for suitable for your needs and will comply with You can fit Celotex board between the floor joists. The walls can customers seeking quality planning regulations is YOUR responsibility. be studded, insulated and panelled. Damp Proof Membrane can products and exemplary service. be fitted in your base. Celotex boards can be fixed between your Before you choose a log cabin check the rafters and Insulation boards can be fixed under the roof tiles. We cater to all aspects of planning laws in your area as different rules customers’ requirements, with apply for Conservation Areas, National Parks, professional site surveys so the Listed Buildings etc.. And before you buy PAINTING ... purchasing journey is easy and a log cabin once again make a final check Leave the assembled cabin for at least a week before you paint smooth, as expected with the that it conforms to planning regulations, not or stain it. This will allow all of the sap to dry out. Make sure the purchase of any luxury product. just in general, but in the exact location in the garden where the cabin is to be sited. wood is dry and always choose a good quality product (paint, stain or varnish) to coat the inside and outside of your cabin. 14 15 With the Valkea Garden Buildings product range from Award Leisure you can make your outdoor LET’S LIVE dreams come true. MORE OUTSIDE

Our specially chosen designs for Buildings, Gazebos, Hot Tub Enclosures, Saunas, BBQ Huts and Wood Fired Hot Tubs are sure to provide the perfect solution to your garden building or outdoor leisure needs.

Quality is assured with our 5 year guarantee. AWARD LEISURE

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