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What is the Best Thickness for a Log Cabin?
Our log cabins are ideal for a wide range of settings and uses. Our easy to construct interlocking log cabin kits make it easier for you to create your perfect garden building. We also aim to make it easier for our clients to make the right choices when it comes to all the details of their log cabin designs. To that end, we’ve put together this guide to help you decide what log thickness to choose for the walls of your new log cabin. This guide will also help you learn how best to maintain your log cabin, whatever wall thickness you choose.
What To Consider When Choosing Log Thickness for a Log Cabin
There are a number of different things to think about when choosing how thick the walls of your log cabin should be. You should consider:
- When you intend to use your new log cabin. For example, will it be used only in the summer months, or only for occasional use, or year-round?
- How to intend to use your new garden building. Will it be used for storage, or recreation use, or as an additional living space, for example?
- The general climate and weather conditions in your area and where exactly your log cabin will be placed. (Will it be in a sheltered and sunny, or an exposed location, for example?)
- Your budget.
Typical Thickness Options
Log cabin logs generally come in a range of thickness options. Here are details of some of the most common options on the market:
19mm-28mm
19mm cabin walls are the cheapest option on the market. These can be interlocking, and can be a budget-friendly option, though of course will not be as strong or as weatherproof as thicker walls. 28mm cabin walls are somewhat sturdier, of course, can can be a better option for budget cabins to be used only during the summer months.
35mm-44mm
35mm cabin logs are one step up from the budget-friendly options mentioned above. They can be suitable for three-season use. If you do opt for cabin walls of this thickness, double glazing is recommended for better insulation. Cabin walls of at least 40mm are constructed using double tongue. This means that cabins with walls of this thickness are better equipped to deal with harsher weather conditions and can be suitable for year-round use.
70mm Log cabins
If you wish to construct a cabin that you can use year-round, however, 70mm walls can be a better choice. 70mm walls can cope with a wider range of weather conditions and climates. They use purlins that make the buildings stronger than those made with thinner walls. However, while offering greater strength, durability and insulation properties, 70mm are the most expensive option. So this is something to bear in mind when making your decision.
How To Maintain Your Log Cabin
Whichever thickness of log wall you choose, it is important to understand how to maintain your log cabin over time. It is important to choose an appropriate treatment for the timbers, so as to keep them healthy over time.
Choosing Your Log Cabin Treatment
The best log cabin treatment will either be oil based, water based or solvent or spirit based.
Oil based treatments offer UV protection that is long-lasting. The treatment can be stable and enduring, and will generally have to be reapplied only once every five years or so. The oil based treatments soak into the timbers and can provide it with strong weather protection.
Water based treatments require no primer and can be applied directly to the wood. It must, however, be free of grease, wax, dirt or rot before application. Water based treatments must generally be reapplied at least once a year.
Solvent or spirit based treatments are another option. These types of treatment must be stirred before use. They are generally carefully applied with a brush, and good coverage is essential in order for adequate protection to be maintained.
Whichever option you choose for protecting the timber of your log cabin, we recommend that you seek out a non-polluting and eco-friendly option in order to maintain a sustainable build and way of life.
Applying Treatment
Whichever treatment you ultimately choose, when applying the treatment, it is essential to make sure that you have prepared the timber appropriately. Windows and doors should be masked off using tape to protect the glazing and hinges.
We recommend that you begin at the top of the structure and work your way down. Work methodically to make sure that the treatment is applied thoroughly and evenly.