Have you ever dreamed of owning a home that’s faster to build, kinder to the planet — and still genuinely Irish? 🏡
For many Irish families, the dream of owning a home feels increasingly out of reach. Prices are soaring, supply is shrinking, and the traditional path to home ownership — years of saving followed by a long and costly build — just doesn’t fit the reality of 2025.
But what if there was another way? A way to build your own home faster, at a lower cost, without compromising on comfort, design, or quality?
That’s where log cabins and timber-frame homes come in. They’re not just garden buildings anymore — they’ve become a modern housing solution for people across Ireland who want affordable, energy-efficient, and beautiful homes that reflect a new way of living.
What’s Happening with Housing in Ireland Right Now
Ireland’s housing market continues to challenge first-time buyers and families alike.
According to recent data, property prices have risen by over 12% across Ireland in the past year alone. Demand continues to outstrip supply, and new homes are becoming harder — and slower — to build. Delays in planning permission, rising material costs, and shortages in skilled labour have made traditional brick-and-mortar homes less accessible than ever.
In response, many Irish homeowners and investors are turning toward alternative building methods such as timber-frame and log cabin construction.
These homes can be built in a fraction of the time — often within weeks — and provide the same level of comfort and durability as traditional houses, but at a much lower price. Timber Living has seen a dramatic increase in interest for both log cabins and cement board-wrapped timber homes, particularly among families looking for permanent housing, home offices, or rental opportunities.
Why Log Cabins and Timber Frames Make Sense in 2025
1. Cost Advantages
One of the main reasons so many people are switching to timber construction is affordability.
A high-quality log cabin in Ireland typically costs around €1,000–€1,200 per square metre when fully finished, compared to €1,300+ per square metre for a conventional block-built home.
That means a comfortable two-bedroom log cabin could be built and fully finished for under €50,000–€60,000, including delivery, assembly, and VAT. For those needing a larger home or cement-board finish, the price still remains significantly lower than a traditional build.
With no hidden costs and faster build times, you can move into your home sooner and start living — not waiting.
2. Sustainability and Speed
Timber is one of the most sustainable and renewable materials available. When responsibly sourced (as all Timber Living cabins are), it leaves a much smaller carbon footprint than steel or concrete.
A log cabin or timber-frame build also produces far less waste and requires less energy to construct. Once built, its natural insulation properties mean lower heating bills and a warmer, healthier indoor environment all year round.
And then there’s speed. Unlike conventional houses that can take 9–18 months to complete, most Timber Living cabins are built in a matter of weeks. Your foundation is prepared, the cabin arrives, and within days it’s standing proudly on your site — ready to furnish, wire, and make your own.
3. Lifestyle Shift
The way we live and work has changed dramatically in recent years. With remote and hybrid work becoming the new norm, more Irish people are choosing flexible spaces that adapt to their lifestyle.
A log cabin isn’t just a home — it can be a home office, art studio, therapy room, or guest accommodation. Many Timber Living customers have even created small businesses from their cabins — from hair salons and yoga studios to wellness clinics and creative spaces.
In short, log cabins give you freedom — the freedom to live, work, and create on your own terms.
What You Need to Know Before You Build
Before you order your dream log cabin, there are a few practical things to keep in mind.
1. Planning Permission and Usage
In Ireland, if your cabin is under 25m² and used as a garden building, office, or guest space, it may fall under exempted development, meaning no planning permission is required.
However, if you plan to live in your cabin full-time or if it’s larger than 25m², you’ll need to apply for planning permission, just as you would for any residential building.
At Timber Living, our team can help guide you through that process, providing drawings, insulation specs, and everything you’ll need for your planning submission.
2. Budget Transparency
Be sure to check what’s included and not included in your cabin quote. At Timber Living, every price includes delivery, build, and VAT — there are no hidden costs.
What’s typically not included are the foundation, plumbing, and electrical works, as these depend on your specific site conditions. Don’t worry, though — we’ll guide you through each step and can recommend trusted local contractors to get your site ready.
3. Long-Term Value
Log cabins are extremely durable when properly built and maintained. With regular sealing, insulation, and ventilation, they can last for decades — especially when constructed to the high standards that Timber Living provides.
They’re also energy-efficient, with lower heating costs and a smaller carbon footprint than concrete homes. And if you ever decide to sell or repurpose your cabin, you’ll have a valuable, flexible structure that can serve multiple uses for years to come.
Why Choose Timber Living
Choosing the right builder makes all the difference. Timber Living isn’t just a supplier — we’re a 100% Irish-owned family business, run by partners Valerie and Fergus, with over 20 years of experience in crafting high-quality timber homes.
Our builds are specifically designed for the Irish climate, using only the best materials and insulation to ensure comfort, warmth, and longevity.
We offer three clear categories to suit different needs and budgets:
- Log Cabins – Classic, natural timber builds ideal for garden offices, studios, or living spaces.
- Log Cabins with Cement Board Wrapping – A modern, rendered look with the strength and insulation of timber construction.
- Timber Frame Homes – Fully residential structures (under 180m²) that comply with Irish building regulations for permanent living.
Every cabin is built with precision, care, and a deep commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.
Irish Expertise You Can Trust
When you buy a Timber Living cabin, you’re supporting an Irish business — not a foreign importer. Every project is handled by our in-house design and build team, and we’re always just a phone call away for questions or advice.
You can visit our showrooms in Tullow, Boyle, or Carrigaline to walk through the cabins yourself, see the materials up close, and discuss your vision face to face.
Customer Success Story
When one Irish couple came to us after being priced out of the Dublin market, they were unsure if a log cabin could truly feel like a home.
We worked together to design a custom two-bedroom cabin, complete with large windows, high ceilings, and a veranda overlooking their garden. The total cost came to just over €65,000, including build and delivery.
Within six weeks, they had moved in. Their new home now boasts an A-rated BER, a low heating bill, and — most importantly — peace of mind knowing they own their space outright.
Practical Value: Quick Checklist Before You Build
Before you make your decision, here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’re ready to go:
✅ Do you own the land or plot where you plan to build?
✅ Have you checked the planning requirements for your county?
✅ Have you compared the cost per square metre of log vs brick builds in your area?
✅ Do you know what’s included in your log cabin or timber-frame quote (foundation, insulation, transport, assembly)?
✅ Have you considered energy efficiency and running costs — such as insulation, heating systems, and BER rating?
If you can tick all of the above, you’re ready to move forward.
Imagine the Possibilities
After a long day, you drive through quiet country roads back to your own timber-clad home. The scent of pine and fresh air greets you as you step onto your veranda. Inside, it’s warm, natural, and peaceful — no concrete, no chaos, just you and your vision brought to life.
Your home didn’t take years or endless mortgage meetings — it took courage, creativity, and the right partner to make it happen.
That’s the freedom a Timber Living cabin can offer.
📞 Thinking of taking the leap into a log-cabin lifestyle? Visit one of our showrooms or call us to speak directly with a specialist who can help you design your dream home.
📍 Showroom Locations:
Tullow, Co. Carlow: +353 59 918 1039 / +353 86 821 4537
Boyle, Co. Roscommon: +353 86 817 0429
Carrigaline, Co. Cork: +353 87 646 4280
Schedule your free consultation today – let’s explore your plot, your ideas, and how quickly your new cabin could become a reality.
