The idea of a log cabin in the UK used to be reserved for holiday retreats, but garden log cabins are giving Brits an extra space to relax, work and play, and have soared in popularity since the COVID pandemic.
Log cabins are perfect for all seasons, as a cosy place to relax in the winter or a place to watch sunsets in the summer. But with nearly 40% of adults saying they need a home office space, a year-round log cabin has become a go-to addition to many homes.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to approach log cabin seasonal maintenance, how to maximise comfort and give you plenty of ideas to add a personal spin to your outside space.
Costs of a year-round log cabin
Transforming a log cabin for year-round living is an exciting investment. Initial costs include site preparation which can vary greatly.
Construction, utilities and finishing touches may add up, but a high-quality log cabin has the potential to increase your property value by up to 5%.
Long-term maintenance is manageable, with electricity being the bulk of any ongoing cost, as well as wear and tear or decorations depending on how much you like to personalise your cabin.
Log cabins are perfect for all seasons but it is important to know how to heat your cabin in the colder months, how to keep it cool in the summer, and how to safely approach maintenance.
Basic log cabin safety
Fire safety
According to UK Building Regulations, log cabins used as dwellings or located close to property boundaries must meet certain fire safety requirements. This includes the installation of fire-resistant materials, if they exceed specific sizes and distances from other structures.
Whether your log cabin is used as a garden office or just an extra space for entertaining guests, The National Fire Chiefs Council advises that all log cabins should have fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
Ventilation
Damp and mould in the home are damaging to your health and the same applies to log cabins. Moisture build-up can also compromise wood quality, making your cosy space of office-getaway a less appealing place to be.
Following these guidelines will help keep you and your loved ones safe, regardless of how you use your log cabin.
Log cabin maintenance and comfort for all seasons
Knowing how to winter-proof a log cabin is one thing, but maximising the comfort of your special space is another. By changing with the seasons, and by thinking about how you want to use your log cabin in each season, you can maintain a welcoming and comfortable space, no matter what the British weather throws at it.
Log cabins in winter
Winter brings out the best in log cabins, especially when you create a cosy atmosphere. With a warming blanket and a garden viewed through large windows, a log cabin is a wonderful place to work, play and relax as the mercury drops.
Wood is naturally insulating, and the interlocking nature of log cabins creates an excellent barrier against the cold. The thicker the logs, the warmer you will be in the winter, especially with 44mm log cabins.
The only thing which can be warmer than a log cabin is an insulated garden room. These have walls packed with insulation material such as expanded polystyrene or multifoil. However, they also have a higher price tag and may not deliver the same aesthetic appeal as a log cabin.
By treating the exterior of your log cabin you can maintain its rustic charm. Treating the exteriors is the best way to weather-proof your log cabin. The relentless rain and wind that the UK climate offers can discolour, warp and degrade the wood.
Inspect your cabin each year and remove any dirt to maintain a pleasant aesthetic. If your cabin does need treating, clean the wood beforehand and clear any nearby foliage. The period application of protective coatings is the best way to look after your log cabin
Log cabins in spring
As spring rolls around and the air becomes fresh and crisp, it is a chance to open windows and let in light and air.
If you’re working late, you may need to heat your garden office as the spring evenings can still be chilly in the UK.
Year-round heating solutions such as underfloor heating for log cabins can take the edge off those colder mornings too, and are perfect for those who like to walk barefooted!
Log cabins in summer
To keep a log cabin cool in the summer months, the best and simplest solution is to open the windows in the morning, letting cool air in. Create shade and close those windows later in the day, but still allow some ventilation to stop your space from becoming stuffy.
Log cabin cooling solutions for summer come in all shapes and sizes. Portable air conditioning units are a great option if you have electricity in your log cabin and a dehumidifier will help negate any excess moisture.
Insulated log cabins and garden rooms are naturally very good at helping you keep cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. But it is important to be mindful of excess heat from devices such as laptops or even guitar amps if you’re using your cabin as a rehearsal room!
Log cabins in autumn
Autumn brings with it unpredictability, a drop in temperatures and an onslaught of rain.
When the weather does play ball, it is the perfect time to get ahead and not only prepare your log cabin for winter but to make changes that will maximise comfort as the leaves start to fall from the trees.
Decorating your log cabin
Change with the seasons
Bring the essence of autumn inside by using dried flowers, branches and small pumpkins to incorporate colours such as burnt orange and golden yellow.
Add more blankets in the winter for a cosy aesthetic, and extra lighting and candles to warm off those cold nights.
When spring and summer roll around, keep it lightweight. Add seasonal flowers to celebrate this fertile period, and swap blankets for beach-inspired decor.
Create a vibe
Whether it is a bar, a space for the kids to play or a workshop, make sure your log cabin has a purpose. This will make it more inviting and inform your decorating decisions.
78% of remote and hybrid workers say that it gives them an improved work-life balance, and you can reflect that in your decorating choices. For a garden office log cabin, try and limit distractions while still embracing home comforts.
Creating a garden bar? Keep it fun! Think about your intended purpose and how decorations can complement or hinder it.
Think light and modular
A log cabin is like a mini-universe away from your home, but it isn’t part of your home.
So should you need to redecorate, the last thing you want to do is haul large items back to your house for safekeeping.
Lightweight furniture is also easier to move around when you need to clean your log cabin.
Log cabin inspiration
Here we’ll look at how people from across the log cabin UK community have used their garden spaces to create the perfect year-round space.
Create a log cabin garden gym and office
Ben Sully has cleverly combined a space to exercise and a space to work and incorporated it seamlessly with his garden. His standing desk, situated next to a large window, allows him to work in lots of natural light.
Ben’s simple but bold colours of the sofa work for all seasons, and the exterior paint choice provides a welcoming aesthetic.
Flowers at the entrance to the log cabin also provide a dash of colour during the summer months.
Ben’s choice of log cabin was the BillyOh Kent.
Create a simple log cabin bar
The cost of eating and drinking out has skyrocketed in the last decade. Creating a bar of your own, where you can relax and entertain friends is a great investment for your pocket as well as your mental health.
This lucky log cabin owner opted for simple furniture and a classy colour scheme.
It’s easy to imagine sipping on a nice cold beer on a warm day or perhaps a mulled wine during the festive period.
Create a space for your business
Around 70% of businesses start from home, and Instagram user @beautybyrhianna_j is no different.
She created a log cabin garden salon, with plenty of space for her to work.
Naming and adding a sign to your cabin like Rhianna has also helped develop a sense of identity that can make your space feel more homely and welcoming.
Quick tips for year-round log cabins
Q: Can a log cabin be used as a home office year-round?
A: Yes, with adequate insulation and ventilation, a log cabin can be a comfortable home office all year, providing a quiet and dedicated workspace.
Q: Can I add heating to my log cabin?
A: Yes, portable electric heaters and underfloor heating are the best options. Electric blankets and heat mats are great for remote workers.
Q: What’s the best roof for a year-round log cabin?
A: A sloped, weatherproof roof with insulating materials will provide protection and temperature control year-round.
Q: Can log cabins withstand heavy wind and rain?
A: Log cabins are structurally strong and built with treated wood to resist moisture.
Q: Is a log cabin suitable as a year-round guest house?
A: Yes, with heating, cooling, and proper insulation, log cabins can provide comfortable guest accommodations throughout the year.
Q: Can I light candles in a log cabin?
A: Yes, candles are a great way to add pleasant aromas and additional cosy light during the darker months. But be careful as candles are a common cause of home fires should the flame get too big. Always extinguish candles when you aren’t in your log cabin.
Q: How do I ensure my log cabin is energy-efficient year-round?
A: The Energy Saving Trust recommends investing in insulation, using energy-efficient windows, and installing a programmable thermostat.
Q: Are log cabins suitable for families with children?
A: Yes, log cabins can be a great family space. Just take the same precautions as you would in the home!
A home near home
Log cabins are versatile spaces that cater to the needs of 21st-century Brits.
In the colder months, they provide a rustic and cosy retreat where you can fend off the damp and dark, while in the summer and spring, their airy qualities lend well to those who like to stay connected to the outdoors.
With the potential to increase the value of your property, and a certain way to improve your day-to-day life, a log cabin is the perfect addition to a garden no matter your intended purpose.
Follow our maintenance steps, be inspired by those in the log cabin community and create your unique all-season log cabin hot spot!
Get involved
Do you have a log cabin? What are your top tips for creating the perfect year-round log cabin? Share your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to tag us on social media with your seasonal snaps!