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The pros and cons of PVC Log Cabin Windows

Easkey Log Cabin Side View

Quality PVC Log Cabin Windows and Doors

Your choice of log cabin window type (pvc or timber) is important and, as with most decisions, it boils down to three things: price, convenience and taste. Lets take a look in a little more detail.

PVC or Timber Windows and doors?

The choice between PVC and timber windows depends on your needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

Cost: with Timber Living, there is no difference in cost between white PVC and timber log cabin windows. If you are considering coloured PVC windows, the cost goes up, but minimally (approxiamtely €400 for a two bed log cabin. Ask one of our representatives if you’re thinking of coloured PVC windows.)
Maintenance: PVC windows are easier to maintain than timber windows, which require treatment every three or four years.
Durability: Timber windows can last a long time if maintained well. Our PVC windows come from Weatherglaze, so you can be very happy with their reputation on the Irish market.
Appearance: Timber windows have a natural and classic look that suit our log cabins better than PVC windows, particularly with the cross mullions. But they are not to everyone’s taste. Go with your own style is what we always say! And of course, PVC windows are available in a variety of colours.

All of our log cabin exterior windows and doors are double-glazed. And double-glazing gives a number of benefits to your log cabin.

  • Insulation: Double-glazing helps insulate your log cabin from heat loss. This is the first thing everyone thinks about when they think of double glazing. But there are other benefits too:
  • Noise reduction. A well-built double glazed window will provide a lot of quality noise reduction too! Just open your window and notince the increase in ambient noise. There you go!
  • Increased security: A quality double-glazed window or door is a good deterrent for any would-be burglar. All of our external doors come with five point locking as standard. And you can feel the quality of all of our log cabin windows and doors at any of our showrooms.

At our Limerick, Boyle and Galway showrooms you can compare the timber and PVC windows in our two bed Limerick Log Cabins. and try out the quality log cabin door handles.

What colour log cabin doors and windows?

Weatherglaze provide us with very high quality external log cabin windows and doors. If you visit any of our show houses and try the door and window handles on the NILA garden cabin, you will immediately get the sense of quality and strength intrinsic in these quality items.

Coupled with the build quality of these windows and doors, you will also be glad to hear that Weatherglaze windows have an extra special coating on their glass to improve the energy efficiency, out-performing standard glass by more than 50% – just one more element of a timber living log cabin that goes towards reducing your heating bills.

The energy efficiency of the window is also increased by reducing eat loss at the window edges, making the glass 3-4°C warmer, AND cutting
condensation by up to 80%.  The use of high performance gaskets reduces noise pollution, too.

When you come to visit us at our show houses, be sure to try the different windows and doors on display. You will be able to feel the quality of the hardware in the door handles and hinges. Ask our representatives about the different types of materials, finishes and maintenance required, and you’ll easily be able to make a clear decision on your choice of window type for your log cabin.

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Should I paint or stain my log cabin

Should I paint or stain my log cabin

Should I paint or stain my log cabin?

We got the following recommendation from David at McDonogh’s Hardware in Galway:

For the outside or inside of your cabins I recommend you using Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain or Fleetwood Super-Flex Wood Paint.

Sadolin Classic is a oil based product and the Super-Flex is waterbased. The temperatures need to be above 8 to 10 degrees to use either of them.

2 to 3 coats is the recommendation for both depending on soakage and surface of the timber.

All surfaces are recommended to be cleaned down with a cloth dampened with methylated spirits ( NOT WHITE SPIRITS ) to degrease the wood.

Both of those products can be used for inside and outside.

If it’s a colour you want to paint on for example a cream, grey, white, yellow etc then Super-Flex is the one to use.

If you want to keep the wood finish colour for example Teak, Antique Pine, Mahogany, Light Oak then Sadolin Classic is the one to use.

You should STAIN the exterior of your log cabin

When someone asks us “Should I paint or stain my log cabin?”  we ALWAYS say you should only stain the exterior timbers of your log cabin.

Previously we always recommended SIKKENS products too. But David from MacDonogh’s Hardware gave us the benefit of his experience, which has made us re-think our position.

Painting and staining exterior timber are two popular methods used to protect and enhance the appearance of wood surfaces, such as decks, fences, and siding. Both techniques have their advantages and considerations, so let’s explore them further:

Staining Exterior Log Cabin Timber:

  1. Natural Look: Stains preserve the natural beauty and texture of the wood, highlighting its grain and colour variations.
  2. Penetration: Stains penetrate the wood fibres, providing a deep level of protection against moisture, UV rays, and mildew.
  3. Maintenance: Stained surfaces generally require less maintenance than painted ones. Instead of peeling or chipping, stains tend to fade gradually, and a simple reapplication can rejuvenate the wood.
  4. Options: Stains are available in various opacities, ranging from clear or transparent stains that offer minimal colour change to semi-transparent and solid stains that provide more colour coverage.
  5. Prep Work: Proper surface preparation, such as cleaning, sanding, and ensuring the wood is dry, is crucial for the stain to adhere effectively.

Painting Exterior Timber:

  1. Protection: Paint forms a thick protective layer on the wood, shielding it from the elements, UV radiation, and moisture.
  2. Durability: High-quality exterior paints can withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, sun exposure, and temperature fluctuations.
  3. Versatility: Paint offers a wide range of color options, allowing you to choose from numerous shades to match your desired aesthetic.
  4. Coverage: Paint can cover up imperfections and provide a uniform appearance on different wood types and textures.
  5. Maintenance: Over time, painted surfaces may require periodic maintenance, such as repainting or touch-ups, as paint can chip or peel due to weathering or wear.

Factors to consider when asking “should I paint or stain my log cabin?”:

  1. Wood Condition: Evaluate the condition of the timber. Paint is ideal for hiding imperfections, while stain works better on well-maintained wood with an appealing grain pattern.
  2. Climate: Consider the climate in your region. If your area experiences intense sun exposure or frequent rain, paint with UV protection or a high-quality stain may be necessary.
  3. Desired Aesthetic: Decide whether you want a solid, opaque colour (paint) or a more natural, translucent appearance (stain).
  4. Maintenance Preference: Determine how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining the wood surface over the long term.

Ultimately, staining is the best option for treating the exterior of your log cabin.

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Lead-in Time for a log cabin

Do I have enough lead-time for a log cabin

What is the lead-in Time for a log cabin?

So, you’re planning on building a log cabin. You need to get your ducks in a row! Before the log cabin builders arrive, you need to get your base built. And you also need to contact a plumber and electrician, and of course, who’s putting in the kitchen! So many things to line up – so little time…

Do I have enough lead-in time for a log cabin?

There’s no need to panic! The lead-in time for a log cabin from Timber Living is from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on what we have in stock. That’s plenty of time to get your builder in and have them prepare the base for you.

How much will the builder do for me?

Before your builder starts, we will provide you with accurate drawings of your cabin, and will also let you know the EXACT size base that is required for your cabin. Base types vary, depending on whether you’re building a Garden Room or a Residential Log Cabin.

Your builder will carry out some key tasks, including:

Your builder might also be able to recommend a plumber and electrician. Depending on the region you are building in, we at Timber Living might be able to recommend builders, electricians and/or plumbers. Don’t hesitate to ask!

Also, when it comes to electricians, make sure your electrician can certify the work carried out. You’ll need this certification for insurance purposes. You can find a certified electrician here.

When do the electrician and plumber come?

Your plumber and electrician will come to your residential log cabin two times – once for the first fix, wires and pipes, and then a return visit to finish off. Normally this should take about half a day for both, depending on the complexity of the job.

This works for us because we come to you two times when building residential log cabins. On our first visit, we will build the outside walls and ceiling boards, and then we will install all the doors and windows. We return in a week or two to complete the job, after the electrician and plumber have done their first fix. So it is important to impress upon the tradespeople the importance of turning up when agreed!

Your electrician will tell you that the biggest cost for the job is the actual wire and switches/sockets/fuse-board etc., and that the labour is a smaller element of the overall cost.

Do I have enough lead-time for a log cabin?

Yes, you have plenty of lead-time for a log cabin. But you are bound to have lots of questions. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at any of our showrooms and we’ll be delighted to explain the ins and outs of building a log cabin.

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Do I need planning permission for a log cabin in Ireland?

Planning permission for a log cabin

Do I need planning permission for a log cabin in Ireland?

Your first step when considering going for planning permission for a log cabin is to go to the planners and ask the big question:

“Can I build a Scandinavian-style cabin on my site?”

What are the planners looking for?

There are two major issues your local planner will have with your chosen log cabin:

  1. It has timber on the exterior.

  2. It does not have enough insulation.

So, show them the page with your chosen log cabin (e.g., our current favourite three-bed, the ADARE.) Suggest to them that you will put 150mm of external insulation on this cabin, and see if they will pass it then.

There are three other points you can expect your planner to bring up when looking for planning permission for a log cabin:

  1. All window sills may need to align. (In effect, this might mean you will need to enlarge the bathroom window)
  2. An extra entrance might be required, depending on the size and layout of your log cabin.
  3. The verandah/overhang might not fit in with the style of housing in the area.

Any other tips when applying for planning permission for a log cabin?

Do not say it is a LOG CABIN. Say you want to build a timber frame home in the  Scandinavian style. Planners baulk when people ask about “planning permission for a log cabin“, and for good reason. Many inferior-quality log cabins have been built in Ireland, with only single walls, without weather-boards on the corners, and on poor foundations.

It’s frustrating when a “contemporary” building gets planning permission, but when someone applies for planning permission for a log cabin, they’re often told that the Scandinavian look doesn’t match “with the vernacular”…

Timber Living Timber Frame Buildings

If you’re going for planning permission, we can build you a timber frame home, with the same footprint as any of our log cabins.

Take a look at our page on Timber Frame houses, which features three models:

  • The Connacht, which is modelled on the Limerick Log Cabin
  • The Leinster, which is modelled on the Tullow log cabin
  • The Barrow, which is a new design, three bed timber-frame home.

What’s the difference between a log cabin and a timber frame?

The difference between log cabins and timber frames is all in the walls, floor and roof. The two key factors are insulation level and exterior finish. There’s a lot more insulation in a timber frame building (although we never get any complaints about the insulation levels in our log cabins – seems 100mm of insulation and 75mm of timber is sufficient for most people’s needs).

The other major difference is that you’ll struggle to get an engineer to pass the construction for your mortgage application. So, if you’re going for a mortgage, you need to talk to your engineer first about the design of our timber frame walls.

We asked ChatGPT about applying for planning permission for a log cabin…

As expected, some of it was quite generic:

In Ireland, the need for planning permission for a log cabin depends on various factors such as the size of the cabin, its location, and the local planning regulations. I should note that as an AI, I don’t have real-time information on the latest updates to planning laws and regulations in specific areas, so it’s important to consult with the relevant local authorities or a qualified professional to get accurate and up-to-date information.

But there was some useful information:

In general, planning permission is typically required for any new construction or substantial modifications to existing structures, including log cabins. However, there are some exemptions and allowances that may apply in certain cases. For example, if the log cabin falls within certain size limits (such as under 25 square meters) and is not intended for permanent habitation, it may be exempt from planning permission.

This next point was very good, and appertains to what we wrote at the start of this article:

It’s crucial to check with your local planning department or the appropriate local authority, such as the county council, to determine the specific requirements and regulations for log cabins in your area. They can provide you with the most accurate information based on your location, as planning rules can vary across different regions in Ireland.

Additionally, if you are part of a housing development or a specific neighbourhood, there may be additional rules or guidelines that you need to adhere to. It’s always best to consult with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with all regulations before proceeding with any construction project.

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Are log cabins sustainable in today’s climate

Two Bedroom Log Cabin in snow

Are log cabins sustainable?

Log cabins can be considered a sustainable way of building under certain circumstances. Here are some of the reasons:

  1. Renewable resource: Wood used for log cabins is a renewable resource, which means that it can be regrown and harvested again and again.
  2. Low carbon footprint: The carbon footprint of a log cabin is generally lower than that of a conventional house.
  3. Energy-efficient: Log cabins have excellent insulation properties, meaning they retain heat in cold weather and stay cool in hot weather. This reduces the need for fossil fuels to heat or cool the home.
  4. Durability: Log cabins can last over a hundred years, which means that they require less reconstruction or replacement as long as they are properly maintained. (We have a video of this on our videos page: https://timberliving.ie/videos
  5. Local sourcing: Building a log cabin often involves sourcing materials locally, reducing transportation costs and minimizing the carbon footprint.
  6. Concrete is a hugely unsustainable product – the energy used in creating cement for concrete and concrete blocks is enormous and creates a huge carbon footprint.

However, some concerns can also be raised regarding the sustainability of log cabins, so you need to be sure the company you deal with have responsible environmental policies in place. Appropriate harvesting of timber is essential, preventing deforestation and land degradation. Our cabin suppliers only purchase their lumber from providers with sustainable re-planting policies.

Also, precise cutting and fitting of log cabins can result in significant waste of lumber. At Timber Living, the latest and best timber fabrication technology is used in production, keeping waste to a minimum, and therefore reducing costs to the consumer.

Our timber is kiln-dried to European standards, ensuring that there is no threat of pest infestation, and also meaning there is no need for chemical treatments, which are not entirely environmentally friendly.

Therefore, ensuring responsible harvesting of lumber and sourcing materials should be taken into account when considering the sustainability of a log cabin.

Are log cabins sustainable? We use the same timber from the same source in all of our cabin buildings, including our saunas and garden offices.

Deloitte suggests in their article  that “The higher upfront cost of sustainable buildings can be offset by a lower long-term life cycle cost.” But we would contend that a more sustainable building does NOT have to cost more!

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Log Cabin Garden Room – the perfect solution

Quality Saunas Ireland

A log cabin garden room from Timber Living is a great solution to so many issues surrounding modern living. Whether you’re looking for a garden office, office pod, gym, therapy room or evening getaway, our garden rooms are an excellent solution.

Our garden log cabins are affordable, sustainable, long-lasting, easy to heat and stylish. Take a look at the wide range available on our Log Cabin Garden Rooms page and you can see for yourself!

Why buy a log cabin garden room?

  1. Extra space: Our log cabin garden offices provide additional living space without the need for expensive home renovations or moving to a larger house.
  2. Versatility: Our garden office pods are incredibly versatile, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, including a home office, a gym, a guest room, or even a workshop.
  3. Eco-friendly: Log cabins are constructed using renewable resources and are naturally energy-efficient, which makes them eco-friendly.

More Advantages of a Timber Living Log Cabin Garden Room:

Our best-selling garden room

Our Nila Log Cabin Garden Room is our best-selling Garden Office. It is immediately appealing, with its long windows and full-height, double-glazed French doors offering plenty of light to the interior of this class-looking cabin.

It can be viewed at all of our locations, in Tullow, Boyle, Cork, Galway and Limerick.

Optional extras include roof and floor insulation, and extra windows (fixed and tilting.)

Download our Garden Log Cabin Catalogue here!

Whether you’re looking for

  • a garden office,
  • a gym,
  • a yoga room,
  • therapy room,
  • hairdressing salon, or
  • just somewhere to get away from it all

our garden log cabins are ideal!

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Bases for garden cabins and saunas

Joy One Outdoor Sauna

Building a base for your garden cabin

Whatever you’re building –  garden office, a playroom, a meditation room or a sauna – you’re going to need a good base or foundation.

By good foundations, we mean foundations/bases that are both SQUARE and LEVEL. Square so that the building we supply sits directly down on the base, and overhangs evenly all around. (One thing is for sure – our building will be square! If there is a problem, it’s going to be with your base :-))

Slab foundation or decking base?

There are a few differences between a slab foundation and a decking base, but let me firstly explain what I mean by the two different types.

Slab Foundation:  A slab foundation is a solid piece of poured concrete, generally four or five inches thick, and usually with a steel re-bar included. (Some people say you won’t need the re-bar. That might be true, depending on the weight of the building you’re putting on the slab, but as some other people say “it’s better looking AT it than looking FOR it”. Re-bar really strengthens your slab and is relatively cheap when considering the overall cost of the slab, so stick it in!

Decking Base: A decking base is a timber frame sitting on top of a set of blocks, usually set on the flat, and best sitting on a bed of hardcore or gravel. It’s important that there are no gaps in your block ring where rodents can get in. The timber frame is made of four by three treated timbers, at 400mm centres. It is important to talk to us about the direction of those timbers. On top of this frame sits a 50mm marine ply, which operates as a support for the floor insulation in your cabin, if specified for the build.

Here’s a interesting video for you on how to build a decking base, although we’d recommend you get a full-time builder to do this for you if you need to watch a video in order to build bases for garden cabins.

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Furnishing your log cabin – on a budget

Cozy log cabin interior

Furnishing your log cabin on a budget

Furnishing your log cabin is definitely the fun part of getting a log cabin. And it can really be done for not a lot of money. See below how we found so many bargains online:

  • Kitchen: €1200
  • Sofa: €120
  • Bathroom suite: €300
  • Bedrooms: 250
  • Stove: €650
  • Total: €2,520

While a log cabin is a great buy – setting yourself up mortgage-free is something a lot of people can only dream of – its still going to cost a lot of money. Cutting corners on the log cabin itself is a mistake – you need a quality cabin that will last, be easy to heat, comfortable and DRY.

So, once your cabin is built, you will need to set about furnishing your log cabin to make the cabin your own. Or converting a log cabin into your dream home!

Adverts.ie and DoneDeal.ie are great sources of quality furnishings at great prices. Once you get browsing, they’re also a source of log cabin interior design ideas. A lot of people, once they get themselves a new couch (say) just want to get rid of their old one as quickly as possible. Sometimes you might even get a couch for free. (The couch in the featured image of this post was free! Worth over €3000 new, from Adverts!)

Lets look for log cabin furniture!

I thought it would be interesting to go through Donedeal and see how much it would cost to furnish a standard two bed limerick log cabin from Donedeal. I’ll spend the next hour browsing and see what’s available in my region now. Once you get going, you’ll get great ideas for decorating your log cabin.

Your cabin kitchen

kitchen bargain

The secret when looking for a QUALITY kitchen in Donedeal is to search for “granite” in the kitchen section. Anyone who can afford a granite counter-top will have spent money on quality timber for the doors and presses too , appliances, the drawer fillers and handles.

Here’s the best I found after ten minutes looking:

Ivory shaker kitchen for sale included granite tops, double oven and microwave, ceramic hob, sink and taps, extractor fan, dishwasher

Only €1,200!

Lets find a nice sofa!

contemporary sofa

Of course we’re going to need leather to make our cabin evenings extra special. There are all sorts of styles and conditions available on Donedeal. And everyone has their own taste when it comes to furnishings.

I found this large white sofa for only €120! I think it looks great, but it’s white! So if you have pets or kids it might not be an option. Anyway, when it comes to log cabin furnishing, there’s a lot of choice out there!

Sofa price: €120

 

Bathroom fittings can run to a tidy sum, depending on what you’re buying, but once bought, bathroom fittings don’t really go out of fashion. So what you buy should be still with you for the duration. What we need for the cabin is a shower enclosure and electric shower, sink and loo. Shouldn’t be too hard to find!

pedestal sink for furnishing a log cabin

After ten minutes I found a fascinating suite, including a loo, very modern circular sink with under-sink unit, and a Jacuzzi bath! And all for only €300!

OK, not everybody’s cup of tea, but it illustrates the point again that you can get some excellent deals online when furnishing your log cabin.

Bathroom suite: €300

Furnishing your bedroom

Wardrobes and beds next. Lets look for a double bed, a single bed, a wardrobe and chest of drawers. .

Wow! The first ad I see is a double bed for €60. I’ll take it!  And a single bed for free! There’s a nice large wardrobe for €30. Throw in a lamp or two and a chest of drawers. Shall we say €250 in total?

Bedrooms: €250

stove

Heating your log cabin

There’s a gas stove for €50 on Donedeal! including a necessary flues etc. It’ll cost you €250 to get that fitted if you’re not up to doing it yourself.  It’s a Tiger gas stove, which cost about €1,000, and you’re not doing too badly with this one!

You’ll have to get someone to put the flue out through the wall or roof, and make sure it’s fireproofed. You’ll also need tiling on the wall behind in order to protect the wall from the heat. Your plumber should be able to set up the gas connection and ensure its safe. If we add on the €250 for fitting, and let’s say €300 for a hearth and tiling, you’re on fire for a total of €600.

Stove: €600

Keep hunting! There are loads of bargains out there!

 

 

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Flat pack garden room

Best Garden log Cabins Ireland has on sale

Flat-pack garden room benefits

TimberLiving log cabins are excited with our new flat pack garden room range. Originally sourced and fabricated in Germany, these high-end garden log cabins are available as flat packs or delivered and built.

NILA flat pack garden room
Quality Garden House Log Cabin

 

Garden room flat pack vs. Log cabin

Our German flat pack garden rooms are built using only the best Arctic-grown Norway Spruce, sourced mainly in Scandinavia. The main difference between these flat-pack cabins and our residential log cabins is the insulation levels in the walls, floors and roof. If you’re only using your garden room for a couple of hours at a time, or mainly in the Summer months, there is no need to spend the extra money on insulation. Because, along with the insulation are a double wall construction, and you are increasing the amount of timber in your cabin, putting up both material and building costs.

Garden office solutions

Our garden rooms are ideally suited for a lot of uses, including:

  • garden office
  • gym
  • playroom
  • music room
  • getaway space (my favourite!)
Green NILA Garden Cabin
Poolside Garden Cabin

Building a flat-pack garden office kit

Building flat-pack garden room kits will keep you busy, but busy is good! Our flat-pack cabins come with clear instructions on how to build, but if you think it’s too much for you, we can build it for you, or you could get help from a friend or local handyman.

Any questions about our flat pack cabins?

Of course there are lots of questions about our products, including:

  • What is the cheapest way to build a garden room?
  • What is the cheapest garden room?
  • Is it worth getting a garden room?
  • Does a garden cabin add value?

Just call our offices or visit our showrooms and we’d be glad to let you know of all of the benefits.