If you’re thinking about investing in a log cabin, one of the first questions that comes up is: what exactly is included in the price of a log cabin in Ireland? At Timber Living, we believe in transparency, so here’s a full breakdown of what’s covered when you buy one of our log cabins in Ireland — and what additional steps you’ll need to plan for regarding log cabin prices Ireland.
What’s Included in the Price of a Log Cabin ✅
When you order a Timber Living cabin, you’re getting more than just walls and a roof. Our prices include:
Personalisation – Adjust layouts, room sizes, and window placements to match your needs.
Deposit & Production – Secure your design with a €4,000 deposit. Once paid, your cabin goes straight into production.
Clear Contract – A written agreement that lays out all the details, so there are no hidden surprises.
Timeline – Your cabin is ready for on-site assembly in just 10 weeks.
Quick Build – We construct the exterior (walls and roof) in as little as 3 days.
Finishing Touches – Our team returns to complete the insulation, flooring, and interior walls for a cosy, ready-to-use space.
What’s Not Included ❌
Some essentials are not built into the cabin price and need to be organised separately:
Concrete Base – The cabin requires a solid concrete foundation, which is arranged by you.
Plumbing & Electrics – After the structure is built, you’ll need to organise first fixes for water and electricity. These usually take about a week.
Planning Permission – Depending on the size and location of your cabin, you may need to apply for planning permission.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Log Cabin in Ireland?
This is one of the most common questions we get asked. The short answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no.
If the cabin is under 25 square metres and used for non-residential purposes (like a garden office or hobby space), planning permission often isn’t required. For larger cabins, or when the cabin is intended as a permanent residence, you’ll likely need approval.
👉 Important Update: The Irish Government is currently reviewing planning permission regulations for small-scale housing projects, including log cabins. We are awaiting the official verdict on whether exemptions will be expanded, and we will update this page as soon as the decision is announced.
At Timber Living, we’ve built hundreds of log cabins across Ireland — some with planning permission and some without. We can guide you through the process and help you determine whether your project will need it.
How Much Do Log Cabins Cost in Ireland?
Prices vary depending on the size and design, but at Timber Living our one-bedroom cabins start at just €26,000. Larger models, such as two-bed or three-bed log cabins, are available at competitive prices and include all the features listed above.
Why Choose Timber Living?
Over 20 years of experience building log cabins in Ireland
High-quality Norwegian spruce timber
Double-glazed windows and doors
Nationwide delivery and showroom locations in Carlow, Roscommon, and Cork
The Irish housing crisis isn’t slowing down—and neither is the growing demand for faster, more affordable, and more sustainable ways to build. With planning delays, rising construction costs, and a shift in lifestyle since the pandemic, more people are looking for alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar homes. Enter timber frame houses and log cabins, including innovative timber frame homes Ireland.
Timber frame homes Ireland are an innovative solution that meets the needs of modern living.
Among these options, timber frame homes Ireland stand out for their energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.
The increasing desire for more sustainable living solutions has led to a significant rise in the interest towards timber-frame homes and log cabins, particularly in the context of timber frame homes Ireland. This trend is not merely about aesthetics; it reflects a broader shift in societal values towards environmental responsibility and quality of life. For many, these homes represent a way to reconnect with nature, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy a more harmonious lifestyle.
With the introduction of eco-friendly building practices and materials, homeowners are increasingly prioritising sustainability. This has led to innovations in timber sourcing and construction methods, making timber-frame houses and log cabins not only appealing but also responsible choices for modern living.
As more people seek to live sustainably, timber frame homes Ireland are increasingly becoming a popular choice.
From government incentives to lifestyle changes, there’s a noticeable shift happening in 2025—and it’s worth paying attention to.
This trend includes a growing focus on timber frame homes Ireland that incorporate local materials and craftsmanship.
Timber frame homes Ireland are becoming a cornerstone of modern housing solutions, meeting both aesthetic and environmental needs.
Timber frame homes Ireland benefit from the sustainable management of local timber resources.
The government’s commitment to timber construction aligns with global trends in sustainable building. Countries like Sweden and Finland have long embraced wood as a primary building material, and Ireland is following suit, aiming to harness its own plentiful resources. This not only supports the economy but also signals a shift in how we perceive construction materials.
1. Timber is Taking Centre Stage
These homes often feature designs that maximise natural light, making timber frame homes Ireland bright and airy.
Discover the Benefits of Timber Frame Homes Ireland
Ireland’s government is now openly backing timber construction. Under the new “Wood First” policy, public buildings—including schools, housing projects, and libraries—are being built with homegrown Irish timber. This move supports local jobs, lowers carbon emissions, and speeds up delivery times for new homes.
Even Forestry Minister Micheál Healy-Rae has said that Ireland’s forests can meet this rising demand while supporting rural communities.
The growing acceptance of timber frame builds can also be attributed to advancements in engineering and construction techniques. Modern timber frames are designed to withstand the same stresses and strains as traditional brick-and-mortar homes, offering the same level of safety and durability while being quicker and less expensive to build.
This shift is not just about speed; it’s about creating homes that respond to the needs of contemporary living. For example, many timber frame homes are being designed with open-plan layouts that foster a sense of community and connection among family members. Features such as large windows are also popular, allowing natural light to flood the interior and reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
2. Timber Frame Builds Are on the Rise
Log cabins are not just limited to rural retreats; they are being embraced in suburban settings as well. Their versatility makes them suitable for various uses, such as home offices, artist studios, or even small rental properties. This multifunctionality appeals to homeowners looking to maximise their property’s potential without committing to larger, more expensive builds.
In addition to their affordability and quick installation, log cabins offer unique aesthetic benefits that resonate with many homeowners. The natural wood finish creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that is often associated with relaxation and comfort. For those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, a log cabin provides an ideal escape.
In 2023, nearly half of all scheme-built homes in Ireland used timber frame construction. Fast-forward to today, and it’s clear this method is becoming the norm, not the exception.
Why the switch? Timber frame homes can be built in half the time compared to traditional builds, are more energy efficient, and create less waste on site. Projects like the one in Clondalkin, South Dublin—where Coillte and the local council have teamed up—are already showing what’s possible when you go all in on timber.
3. Log Cabins Are the New Must-Have
Whether it’s a garden office, a rural escape, or a staycation-ready guest cabin, log cabins have exploded in popularity.
And it’s not just a trend in Ireland. Globally, the log cabin market is growing at over 6% a year and is expected to be worth more than $10 billion in 2025. People are choosing log cabins because they’re:
Affordable
Quick to install
Naturally insulated
Ideal for remote working or renting
With rising interest in remote working, timber frame homes Ireland provide flexible spaces for home offices.
We’re seeing more people use them as backyard additions, home studios, or even full-time homes in scenic parts of the country.
As regulations surrounding planning permission evolve, the barriers to building a log cabin or timber frame home are being lowered. This is particularly relevant for those looking to create spaces that accommodate home office needs or multi-generational living arrangements. By simplifying the process, more families can consider these options without the stress of navigating complex regulations.
As regulations evolve, timber frame homes Ireland will likely see increased acceptance for various uses, including guest accommodations.
The appeal of timber frame homes Ireland is bolstered by their aesthetic versatility and energy efficiency.
4. Planning Permission: What’s Changing
For those seeking a sustainable lifestyle, timber frame homes Ireland make a compelling case in 2025.
There’s talk of relaxing planning regulations for cabins under 25–40 m², especially if they’re not used as a main residence. This could mean less paperwork and more freedom to build garden cabins, small homes, or granny flats.
For larger log cabins or timber frame homes, planning permission is still required—but companies like Timber Living help with site plans, drawings, and everything in between, making the process much easier for homeowners.
5. What This Means for You
Whether you’re looking for your first home, an extra space to rent out, or a peaceful weekend escape—timber living makes sense in 2025.
With a focus on sustainability and modern aesthetics, timber frame homes Ireland continue to attract attention.
Exploring timber frame homes Ireland opens up a world of sustainable living options that are both stylish and practical.
It’s:
Every design choice for timber frame homes Ireland can enhance the connection with the surrounding environment.
Each timber frame homes Ireland offers unique opportunities for creativity and personal expression.
Discovering options for timber frame homes Ireland can lead to exciting possibilities in home design.
Faster to build
Better for the environment
More affordable than traditional options
Timber frame homes Ireland present a chance to create a lifestyle that is in harmony with nature.
The growing popularity of timber living also reflects a shift in consumer priorities. Today’s buyers are more informed and value sustainability, affordability, and the ability to customise their living spaces. This has led to a surge in companies offering bespoke solutions tailored to individual needs and preferences, further enhancing the appeal of timber homes.
At Timber Living, we’ve been building log cabins for over 25 years. And today, more than ever, we’re seeing a growing number of people turn to timber as a smart, stylish and sustainable solution.
Exploring the possibilities of timber living can also involve considering different styles and designs. From contemporary minimalist aesthetics to rustic traditional looks, there is a variety of options available to suit every taste. The flexibility in design means that homeowners can create a space that truly reflects their personality and lifestyle needs.
Ready to explore the possibilities?
Come meet Valerie and Fergus in our Tullow showroom, open Monday to Saturday, and see for yourself why so many people are making the switch.
The housing crisis is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. A potential solution that has been gaining momentum is the use of log cabins. These structures offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional homes, while also showcasing a unique aesthetic appeal. With their versatility and environmentally friendly features, log cabins could hold the key to alleviating the housing shortage and creating a more balanced market.
With double wall insulation, PVC windows and doors and a well-insulated, pressed aluminium, tile-effect roof, thee cabins will certainly last a lifetime. In the video below you can see Dermot Bannon saying that your log cabin can last a lifetime, “and all you have to do is re-paint it. You know, timber doesn’t rot if it’s built properly.”
Planning for a Housing Crisis
It seems half the nation is consumed with the housing crisis. We nearly spend more time talking about the housing crisis with visitors to our show cabins than we spend talking about he cabins themselves! But, I suppose it’s only natural. The cost of building in Ireland has gone through the roof (if you’ll excuse the pun!) And people are extremely worried about their own ability to put a roof over their heads, or over their children’s heads.
What is the solution to the housing crisis?
Rent Control?
The Irish Government’s Rent Control Scheme has been a complete disaster. The clue is in the title – rent control. Sure, the rents have not been controlled at all! Rents increased by 11% in new tenancies in 2023. ELEVEN PER CENT! Some control!
Talk to your TDs
Far be it from us to push anything political here, but we all need to contact our TDs and ask them what they plan to do to alleviate the housing crisis in their area. Let them know that log cabins are certainly an affordable option for building, and that a serious approach needs to be taken by them and the planners to find a way to make house construction cheaper.
There are a number of modifications that can be made to our standard log cabins to make them more appealing to planners.
Increase the wall, floor and roof insulation. (This is very straightforward, although it does, of course, increase the overall cost of the cabin.)
Use external insulation. The result of this is two-fold: increasing insulation, and protecting the external timber from the elements. (As you can see from the video above, the timber is perfectly well able to withstand the elements, if treated properly (every four years or so). But with external insulation, there is no need to for any treatment after construction.
Change the roof pitch. (This is just to make the log cabins look more like the “vernacular”. (Not necessary, but it might be a demand of the planners.)
Removal of the pronounced overhang at the front of the cabin. (Again, and aesthetic detail which might be a requirement for planning.)
In conclusion, yes, our cabins are an ideal solution to the housing crisis. We might say that is is not a “housing” crisis per se, but a crisis of poor management and governance in this country.
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:
It has timber on the exterior.
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:
All window sills may need to align. (In effect, this might mean you will need to enlarge the bathroom window)
An extra entrance might be required, depending on the size and layout of your log cabin.
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.
Planning Permission for log cabins – it’s a bit of a chore. And you’re going to hear lots of opinions about it, so the best thing to do is to talk to a planning expert in your local area.
YES! You CAN get planning permission for log cabins!
Let’s be clear – YOU CAN GET PLANNING PERMISSION FOR LOG CABINS!
Do I need planning permission for a log cabin on my land?
Lots of people come to us at Timber Living to buy log cabins – and one of the main questions we are asked is about planning permission for log cabins. You need planning for anything over 25 square metres that you intend to live in – even a mobile home! But don’t worry – A lot of people have been given planning permission for our log cabins.
How long does planning permission take for a log cabin?
Can I build a log cabin on my land in Ireland?
What size can you build without planning?
Planning permission for a log cabin on agricultural land?
A lot of people have built on their own land without planning. It depends on the area you’re in sometimes. Some people have argued that they’re a flat-pack build, and not fixed to the ground so they’re a temporary structure, although this statement might not be an accurate reflection of the current planning regulations.
Can you get planning permission for log cabins?
Yes, you can get planning permission for log cabins.
If you do go for planning permission for a log cabin, best to apply for a “timber frame” construction rather than a “log cabin”. Anecdotal evidence suggests that planners, in general, are averse to the term “log cabin“. But there’s a strong environmental argument for building log cabins. The fact that the carbon footprint of one of our cabins is minuscule compared to a block-built house is a strong argument.
You will need to contact an engineer to work on your log cabin build if you go for planning. The engineer will need to certify the construction method for the building – how the walls, floors and roof are constructed. This certification is required in order to demonstrate that your building complies with the latest building regulations.
Timber Frame Houses from Timber Living
We have developed a range of timber frame buildings at Timber Living, to cater for people who want to build an affordable, stylish, comfortable home, and who are going for planning permission. The main differences between our log cabins and our timber frame houses are as follows:
higher insulation levels in walls and roof
Cement board finish on the exterior
PVC windows and doors
The steeper slope on the roof
Log Cabins and Building Regulations
With the new NZEB regulations, (that’s Nearly Zero Energy Building Regulations), the insulation levels in our timber frame buildings are a lot higher than in our log cabins. Our timber frame buildings have 300mm of wall insulation:
100mm Ext Insulation (EPS),
150mm Metac Insulation
52.5mm Insulated Board compared with 100mm of METAC insulation in our log cabins.
Because of the required higher level of insulation, the overall cost of your build will be higher than that quoted on our website, unfortunately. That’s due to the requirement for more insulation in the build, improved air tightness and “greener” heating systems.
Can I build without planning permission for log cabins?
Lots of our customers have built their log cabins at the back of an existing house, or in a farmyard, without planning permission. There are some restrictions in relation to maximum log cabin sizes, which are addressed in the next paragraph.
The beauty of building close to an existing structure is that there are generally connections to water, sewerage and electricity, which means your log cabin can be built a lot quicker and cheaper than otherwise.
Many of our customers have told us that getting an ESB connection is not a problem – of course, it is not free, but you do not need to have planning permission to get a new ESB connection for your cabin.
What is the maximum size I can build without planning permission?
There are some restrictions when it comes to building a log cabin without planning permission. You can build a cabin up to twenty-five square meters in area if it is not connected to your house. But a better option might be to build an extension to the house. With an extension, you can build up to forty square metres without planning permission, as long as the house has not been extended previously. Our Roscommon Log Cabin (click here) is a good example of a cabin that fits under the 40-square-metre limit for house extensions. It is also an ideal fit for many extensions. One minor change would be required in order for this cabin to work as an extension – moving the windows from the front to the side of the cabin. As long as the existing building was suitable – wall length, position of door and windows etc. – this might be a perfect fit for your extension!
Of course, if this cabin did not suit, there might be another cabin in our collection that is ideal, or we could build you a bespoke model.
Appealing a Planning Decision
While the planning process in Ireland does seem to be overly cumbersome, at least we have an appeals system through An Bórd Pleanála. (Click here to visit their website.) It is important to appeal a planning decision if you are refused by your local council. We have heard of a few examples where log cabin planning refusals have been overturned.
The environmental argument is always a very strong one with An Bórd Pleanála. Although we cannot say this about all county councils, there seems to be a bias against timber construction, and in particular, timber exteriors on buildings. If you make the argument that the carbon footprint of a timber construction is minuscule compared to a conventionally built block house, this can help your case immensely. As already stated, the sustainability/eco-friendly/environmental argument has won quite a few cases for log cabin owners.
Please remember that planning regulations vary over time and between regions. What we state here is just general information. You need to check the finer details with your local council.
If you are thinking of going for planning permission, we would be glad to chat with you about all of the different options – type and quantity of insulation, internal and external wall coverings, and heating systems. Make sure you bring your plans with you when you come to our showrooms.
Contact us or visit our showrooms in Tullow, Boyle and Cork for more information.
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