What is The Difference Between a Garden Room and a Log Cabin?
If you’ve been researching garden buildings you have undoubtedly heard about garden rooms and log cabins. However, you may be struggling to see a difference and understand which one is better (if either). In this article, I aim to arm you with knowledge so you can decipher the garden room vs log cabin debate and see which one is suitable for your premises.
What is a Garden Room?
A garden room is a standalone structure that sits in your garden. Garden rooms are typically made from timber but have a multi-layered construction and this is the main underlying difference with log cabins. A garden room may also have external cladding added onto the timber frame. These structures will have doors and windows and can be used all year round when fully insulated.
What is a Log Cabin?
A log cabin is also a standalone structure that sits in your garden. Insulated log cabins typically use thicker timber and may only have a single layer for the external construction which is how they differ from garden rooms.
It’s important to realise we are not talking about traditional log cabins, but garden log cabins. Traditional log cabins are those you see in films that sit out in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness – they are essentially homes built with thick timber. Garden log cabins are smaller and use different types of timber as opposed to the logs that traditional log cabins are made from.
Choosing the Perfect Garden Building
As you can see, garden rooms and log cabins have many similarities and they can serve the same purpose depending on the materials and design choices you make when purchasing either. Below, I have listed the main considerations to make to get your perfect garden building!
Comparing Costs
There is little difference in terms of cost when looking at the garden room bs log cabin debate and either could cost an average of £15,000. Compared to other space options like loft conversions and building extensions, garden rooms and log cabins are considerably cheaper. They are the cheapest option aside from conservatories and offer better functionality.
Functionality and Usage
Traditionally, people think of garden rooms as the more functional option that can be used all year round with log cabins being more akin to a seasonal summerhouse. Today, however, that is not the case as you can get fully insulated log cabins too that can be used in any season.
With both structures, you can use them for a myriad of purposes including:
- Home office.
- Gym.
- Art studio.
- Bar
- Living area.
- Kids play area.
- Games room.
They are both incredibly versatile and allow you to create a unique space on your property.
Materials
Typically, log cabins are made from thicker timber and may not have external cladding over the timber structure. You can have them insulated though which makes them suitable for all year-round use.
Garden rooms have a layered timber construction and can have external cladding. Like log cabins, they can also be insulated and finished in a variety of colours.
Design Considerations
The great thing about both of these structures is that you have loads of customisation options including:
- Size
- Shape
- Material finish
- External cladding colour
- Windows and doors
- Insulation
Both log cabins and garden rooms can be customised heavily so you can get the look, shape, and design you want.
Planning Permission
Neither a log cabin nor a garden room requires planning permission providing it complies with the necessary regulations that make it a permitted development. This includes:
- Must be a single-storey structure.
- Have eaves no more than 2.5m from the ground.
- Cannot take up more than 50% of the original land around your property.
- Cannot be built at the front of your house (principal elevation).
- Cannot be used for self-contained accommodation.
Personal Preferences and Lifestyle
When looking at the garden room vs log cabin debate you have to think of what you want from the structure. How often do you intend to use it? What function do you want it to have? Are you attracted to a particular style, colour, or shape? With these questions in mind, you should then be able to select a garden room or log cabin that is suitable.
Garden Room vs Log Cabin – A Battle of Preference
Hopefully, you now have a clear understanding of the garden room vs log cabin argument. Essentially, these structures are incredibly similar and both can be used for all-year-round use providing you have an insulated variant.
Garden rooms are traditionally seen as the more longterm structure that you would use as a home office or gym for example. Garden log cabins can be used for these purposes too, but oftentimes people view them as more akin to a summerhouse that you would use to relax in during finer weather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is The Difference Between a Garden Room and a Log Cabin?
- Can I Live In A Log Cabin In My Garden In The UK?Living in a domestic log cabin in your garden in the UK is indeed possible. However, there are important regulations and restrictions to consider. Planning permission is required if the cabin will be used as a separate dwelling or permanent residence. The cabin must also comply with building regulations, particularly regarding insulation and structural stability. Factors such as utilities, waste disposal, and access must also be addressed to ensure a suitable living environment. Consulting with local authorities and professionals is essential to navigate the legal and practical aspects of establishing a habitable log cabin on your property in the UK.
- What Are The Disadvantages Of A Domestic Log Cabin ?The disadvantages of a domestic log cabin include potential issues with maintenance, as the wood can be prone to rot, insect infestations and mould growth if not properly cared for. Another drawback is the limited design flexibility compared to traditional homes, as log cabins may have constraints on layout modifications due to the structure's nature. Additionally, modern houses may be more energy-efficient than log cabins, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.
- What Is The Difference Between a Garden Room and a Log Cabin?A garden room is typically a modern, stylish outdoor structure for relaxation or entertainment. At the same time, a log cabin is a more rustic and traditional building usually used for accommodation or storage. Garden rooms often feature large windows and bi-fold doors, creating a seamless connection with the outdoor space, whereas log cabins are characterized by their solid log walls and cosy, cabin-like feel. Garden rooms can be constructed using various materials, offering flexibility in design and appearance. At the same time, log cabins are primarily built using log-type cladding or timber for a more natural look. The critical difference lies in these two outdoor structures' aesthetic, purpose, and construction methods.
