Key Takeaways -

• Summer houses are smaller, affordable, and ideal for seasonal use.
• Log cabins are larger, more expensive, and suitable for year-round use.
• Summer houses offer diverse shapes and contemporary designs.
• Log cabins provide robust construction with better insulation.

Choosing between a summer house and a log cabin for your garden is important. The right choice can offer a perfect space for relaxing, hobbies, or even a home office, adding value to your property.

We will explain the key differences between garden summer houses and log cabins, including size, wall thickness, construction, design, and cost.

Keep reading to learn about the factors to consider when choosing between a summer house and a log cabin. This will help you make the best decision for your garden and lifestyle.

What is a Summer House?

A summer house is a garden building designed for relaxation and leisure. It's perfect for activities like reading, hobbies, or social gatherings. These garden buildings provide a cosy retreat where you can enjoy your garden in comfort.

Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day or entertain friends, a summer house offers a versatile space that enhances your outdoor living experience.

Key Features

Summer houses come in various sizes, typically ranging from 7x5 to 14x10 feet, making them suitable for both small and large gardens. The walls are generally between 7-12mm thick, providing adequate shelter for seasonal use and allowing you to enjoy it mainly during the warmer months.

They offer diverse design options, including traditional and contemporary styles, and can be square, rectangular, octagonal, or hexagonal.

This variety in shapes and styles ensures that a summer house can fit seamlessly into different garden layouts, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space.

What is a Log Cabin?

A log cabin is a sturdy, versatile garden building designed for a variety of uses. It can serve as a home office, gym, or additional living space. Log cabins are built to be robust and provide a comfortable environment that can be used year-round, making them a practical addition to any garden.

Whether you need a quiet workspace or a personal fitness area, a log cabin offers the flexibility to meet your needs while enhancing your outdoor living space.

Key Features

Garden log cabins come in various sizes, typically ranging from 2x1 to 8x5 meters, accommodating different space requirements. The walls can be up to 70mm thick, offering excellent insulation and durability, making them suitable for use in all seasons.

Design options include both traditional and contemporary styles, usually in square or rectangular shapes, but some models also offer modern designs with stylish features.

These features ensure that log cabins not only provide functional space but also enhance the overall look of your garden, adding both utility and aesthetic appeal.

Differences Between Log Cabins vs Summerhouses

Size

Summer houses are generally smaller, ranging from 7ft x 5ft to 12ft or 14ft wide. Their compact size makes them suitable for smaller gardens and spaces where you need a cosy retreat without taking up too much room.

These buildings are perfect for limited spaces while offering a comfortable relaxing or entertaining area. Log cabins are larger, ranging from 8ft up to 23ft wide.

This makes them ideal for expansive spaces with more room for activities like a home office, gym, or extra living area. Their larger size allows for more versatility and functionality, catering to various needs (1).

Wall Thickness

The walls of summer houses are thinner, typically between 7-12mm. This makes them best suited for seasonal use during the warmer months. The thinner walls are adequate for summer usage but might not provide the necessary insulation for colder weather.

Log cabins feature thicker walls, ranging from 28mm to 70mm. The added thickness provides better insulation, making them suitable for year-round use, even in colder weather. The substantial wall thickness ensures that log cabins maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year.

Construction

Summer houses are constructed using shiplap or tongue-and-groove cladding, allowing for a variety of shapes such as octagonal and hexagonal. This construction method provides a good balance of durability and aesthetic appeal.

The cladding options offer flexibility in design, making summer houses adaptable to different garden styles. Log cabins are built with solid logs that have overlapping corner connections, resulting in a traditional, sturdy, and durable structure.

This type of construction is excellent at withstanding the elements and provides a classic log cabin appearance. The robust build of log cabins ensures long-term durability and reliability.

Design and Shape

Summer houses offer a variety of shapes, including square, rectangular, octagonal, and hexagonal. They come in both traditional and contemporary designs, making them versatile for fitting into irregular-shaped gardens. This variety allows for more creativity in garden design and layout.

Due to their overlap log construction, log cabins are mostly square or rectangular. While they often feature traditional designs, some modern log cabins include stylish elements like pent roofs and large windows.

These modern features add a touch of contemporary flair to the traditional log cabin look.

Cost

Summer houses are generally more affordable, starting at around £400. This makes them an economical choice for those looking for a garden retreat. Their lower cost makes them accessible for a wider range of budgets, offering great value for seasonal use.

Log cabins are more expensive, starting at around £800. The higher cost reflects their larger size, thicker walls, and robust construction, making them a long-term investment for year-round use. The additional expense is justified by the enhanced durability, insulation, and functionality of log cabins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Log Cabin Summer Houses Hybrid Models?

Yes, there are hybrid models that combine features of both log cabins and summer houses. These hybrids offer the robust construction and insulation of log cabins with the varied design and size options of summer houses.

They are ideal for those looking for a versatile garden building that provides both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Can I Turn Any Of These Garden Buildings Into A High-Quality Garden Shed?

Yes, both summer houses and log cabins can be adapted to serve as high-quality garden sheds. Their sturdy construction and customisable designs make them suitable for storage as well as other uses.

Adding shelves, hooks, and other storage solutions can easily transform these garden buildings into efficient and organised sheds.

Are Corner Summer Houses More Expensive Than Regular Designs?

Corner summer houses can be more expensive than regular designs due to their unique shape and construction requirements. The cost difference is often justified by the efficient use of space and the aesthetic appeal they add to a garden.

However, prices can vary based on size, materials, and additional features.

Is Having Double Doors An Option For Both Summer Houses And Log Cabins?

Yes, having double doors is an option for both summer houses and log cabins. Double doors provide easier access and can enhance the overall appearance of the building. This feature is particularly useful for moving large items in and out and creating a more open and inviting space.

Conclusion

Choosing between a summer house and a log cabin depends on your specific needs and garden space. Summer houses are ideal for seasonal use, offering a variety of shapes and affordable options for smaller spaces.

Log cabins provide robust, year-round functionality with thicker walls and larger sizes. Consider factors like size, wall thickness, construction, design, and cost to make the best choice for your garden.

Whether you need a cosy retreat or a versatile extra living space, understanding the differences will help you make an informed decision.

Sources -

1. https://www.norfolksheds.co.uk/blogs/news/log-cabins-vs-summer-houses-a-detailed-comparison