How log cabins became Ireland’s fastest-growing solution for extra space — and why winter demand is at an all-time high.

Winter Is When Irish Homes Feel the Smallest

Every year as the evenings get darker and temperatures drop, homes across Ireland begin to feel tighter. Kids are indoors more. Remote workers need quiet space. Families welcome guests home for Christmas. And suddenly — the house that felt fine in September feels cramped in December.

It’s no surprise, then, that winter is now the busiest season in Ireland for log cabin extensions.

Whether it’s a warm home office, a spare bedroom, a teenager’s den, a rental unit, or a cosy playroom, more Irish homeowners are turning to log cabins as a fast, affordable, and energy-efficient way to extend their living space without months of disruption.

This guide explains why demand surges in winter, what’s driving the trend nationally, how much it costs, what planning rules apply, and why thousands of Irish families now view log cabins as the smarter alternative to traditional extensions.

1. The Winter Space Problem in Ireland

Winter changes how Irish homes are used. We spend more time indoors, entertain more, and work from home more. Here’s what’s behind the seasonal surge:

1.1 Remote Working Peaks in Winter

Hybrid work continues to dominate Ireland’s workforce, especially during colder months. Many homeowners simply don’t have a spare room that offers:

Privacy
Heat efficiency
Quiet for meetings
Fast setup

A dedicated cabin office solves this instantly — and without sacrificing a bedroom.

1.2 Children Spend Far More Time Indoors

Shorter days mean less outdoor play. Log cabins are becoming the modern version of the converted attic or converted garage — but far quicker, warmer, and more affordable.

Popular winter uses include:

Playrooms
Teen hangout rooms
Music rooms
Gaming rooms
Hobby and craft spaces

1.3 Visiting Family and Guests

At Christmas, many Irish households welcome home:

College students
Family travelling from abroad
Adult children returning temporarily

A warm, insulated log cabin provides independence and privacy — without the cost and disruption of a full home renovation.

1.4 The Rental & Passive Income Boom

Airbnb, long-term rental, and guest accommodation are increasingly attractive options for Irish homeowners facing rising mortgages and cost-of-living pressures.

A well-designed log cabin can become:

Guest accommodation
A long-term rental
A granny flat
A studio apartment
A short-stay Airbnb

And unlike building an extension onto your home, you still keep full privacy.

2. Why Log Cabins Have Become Ireland’s Favourite Winter Extension

2.1 Fast Turnaround — Ready Within Weeks, Not Months

Traditional block-built extensions can take:

3–12 months to complete
Require major disruption
Often run over budget
Need multiple contractors

A Timber Living cabin, by contrast, can be delivered and built in a matter of weeks. For homeowners who need space now, especially before Christmas, this speed is unbeatable.

2.2 Cost-Effective Compared to Traditional Extensions

With labour shortages and rising material costs, block-built extensions in Ireland can cost from:

€2,200–€2,800 per m², often higher depending on finishes

A 30–40m² traditional extension can easily surpass €70,000–€95,000, and that’s before overruns.

By comparison:

Timber Living’s cabins start at €26,000
Popular 2-bed options begin at €42,000
Large family-sized cabins start at €82,000

This makes them one of the most affordable ways to gain instant extra space.

2.3 Warm, Energy-Efficient, and Ideal for Irish Winters

Ireland’s damp, cold climate demands high-performance building materials. Timber cabins excel naturally because:

Timber is a better insulator than block
Our treated Nordic spruce performs exceptionally in wet climates
Cabins heat quickly and retain heat effectively
Running costs are significantly lower than most homeowners expect

Many families report their cabins being warmer than their main homes due to modern insulation and airtight build methods.

2.4 Minimal Disruption to Your Home

Extensions take over your house and garden for months.

A log cabin:

Is built externally
Does not disturb your main home
Avoids internal demolition or renovation
Eliminates dust, noise, and chaos

This is especially important during winter when the household is already under pressure.

2.5 Versatile for Every Stage of Life

Log cabins grow with you, adapting to your family’s needs at every stage:

Young children → Playroom
Teens → Den or study area
Adults → Home office or gym
Guests → Private accommodation
Later years → A rental or granny flat

This is why many Irish homeowners now view cabins as futureproof extensions.

3. Planning Permission: What Irish Homeowners Need to Know

One of the biggest drivers behind the surge in cabin extensions is the 45m² planning exemption many homeowners can avail of — with specific conditions.

While every case varies, planning permission is often not required if:

The cabin is under 25m² and used as non-habitable space (office/playroom)
Or up to 45m² for certain uses, depending on interpretation and council requirements
The cabin is placed behind the main house
It does not reduce private open garden space below the minimum requirement
It is not used as a separate dwelling

Important:
Planning permission is ultimately determined by your local council. Many homeowners consult with a planning expert or engineer to ensure compliance.

For habitable use — such as bedrooms, long-term rental, or guest accommodation — additional requirements may apply, including:

Foundation and services
Insulation and energy performance
Access to water and waste
Fire safety requirements

Many of our customers begin by contacting their local engineer and then returning to us to finalise their design.

4. How Much Does a Log Cabin Winter Extension Cost?

Pricing depends on:

Size
Insulation package
Internal finishes
Windows & doors
Electrical and plumbing layouts

However, Irish homeowners typically choose from these popular categories:

4.1 One-Bed Log Cabins — From €26,000

Ideal for:

Guests
Teenage den
Home office
Studio space
Hobby rooms

4.2 Two-Bed Log Cabins — From €42,000

Perfect for:

Family accommodation
Older parents
Young adults returning home
Rental income

4.3 Three-Bed Log Cabins — From €82,000

These are full homes — often chosen by:

Large families
Multi-generational households
Homeowners seeking long-term rental income
Those building a permanent, affordable home

4.4 Garden Cabins (Small Extensions) — From €9,813

Used for:

Home office
Gym
Beauty room
Therapy room
Small business space
Studio

Payment Options

Most homeowners are surprised to learn how easy it is to start:

€4,000 deposit to secure your cabin
The remaining balance is paid in three split payments across the build

This makes budgeting far easier than traditional construction.

5. Irish Market Trends: Why Winter 2025 Demand Is Surging

5.1 The Housing Crisis Continues

With house prices and rents still rising, more families are investing in extra space where they already live, rather than moving.

5.2 Multi-Generational Living Is Increasing

Parents, grandparents, and adult children are increasingly living together under one roof.

A cabin provides privacy, independence, and comfort without the cost of buying a secondary property.

5.3 The Rise of Home-Based Businesses

Ireland’s cottage-industry economy has exploded:

Hairdressers
Therapists
PTs
Makeup artists
Music teachers
Remote workers

A cabin allows entrepreneurs to build a business at home without altering the main home or renting a premises.

5.4 Energy Awareness Is Higher Than Ever

Homeowners want:

Lower bills
Better insulation
More control over their heating

Cabins, with their high insulation and low running costs, fit perfectly into this shift.

6. Real Examples: What Irish Families Use Their Cabins For in Winter

From our recent builds, here are the most common winter use cases:

6.1 A Warm Home Office for Remote Workers

A quiet, heated cabin in the garden creates a physical and mental divide between work and home.

6.2 Teenager’s Private Space

Parents often say the cabin gives teenagers a safe place to relax, study, and socialise — without taking over the living room.

6.3 Guest Accommodation for the Holidays

Christmas visitors get a private, comfortable space, and homeowners avoid the stress of overcrowded rooms.

6.4 Rental Cabin for Extra Income

Many families rent out their cabin for:

Airbnb
Long-term tenants
Seasonal workers
Visiting relatives

It becomes an investment that pays for itself.

6.5 Extra Bedroom or Mini-Apartment for Elderly Family Members

Warm, accessible, and private — perfect for older parents who want independence but stay close.

6.6 Playrooms for Winter Months

A cabin becomes a warm, safe, dedicated play environment — keeping the main home tidy and quiet.

7. Comparing Log Cabins vs. Block-Built Extensions

Feature	Log Cabin	Block-Built Extension
Build Time	Weeks	Months
Cost	€26k–€82k	€70k–€150k
Planning	Often exempt	Usually required
Disruption	Minimal	Major
Energy Efficiency	Very high	Varies
Flexibility	Can repurpose anytime	Fixed use
Aesthetic	Warm, natural, modern	Depends on build
Seasonal Demand	Peaks in winter	Low in winter due to weather

The comparison makes one thing clear: for Irish families seeking space this winter, cabins offer unmatched value.

8. Why Winter Is the Best Time to Order Your Cabin

8.1 Avoid 2026 Price Increases

Material and labour costs rise each year. Ordering before year-end secures current pricing.

8.2 Faster Lead Times Before Spring Rush

Spring and summer are the busiest periods. Winter customers enjoy shorter queues and faster delivery.

8.3 Enjoy Your New Space By Early 2026

Order now → Build in weeks → Start the new year with more comfort.

9. Visit Timber Living — See the Cabins in Person

The best way to understand the warmth, insulation, and design of our cabins is to walk through them. That’s why thousands of Irish customers visit our showrooms before ordering.

📍 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

Why Irish Homeowners Are Choosing Log Cabins as Winter Extensions (2025 Guide)