Content by:
Robin Antill, Senior Garden Building Specialist at
1st Choice Leisure Buildings with
47 years experience in outdoor structure manufacture, design and installation
After overseeing 2500+ log cabin installations across the UK, I’ve learned what makes these structures truly transformative for homeowners, thanks to their versatility, and our garden log cabins provide 80-400 sq ft of dedicated space that functions independently of your main home. The most common uses for our cabins year-round are as home offices, guest accommodation, hobby/craft spaces, or fitness studios.
We recommend OPTIONAL Demidekk Ultimate log cabin paint range which can be colour matched to suit. See examples in
our photo gallery. Painted Options

L Shaped Cabin

Multi Room Log Cabin

Show Rooms

Please note that all colour shown are indicative only and will vary depending upon the light on the day the photo was taken. Additionally all screens will display the image differently. If exact colour is essential then please order a sample pot.
Garden log cabins come in various sizes to suit different garden layouts and usage requirements:
Compact cabins are ideal for smaller gardens and simpler needs. Perfect as a single-person office, a personal retreat, or a small summer house, these cabins combine charm with a minimal footprint.
- Basic Package: £3,200-£4,800
- Premium Package: £5,500-£7,200
Our medium-sized garden log cabins offer the perfect balance of space and integration with the garden. Large enough for serious functionality, yet still suitable for average UK gardens, these cabins provide ample space for multiple uses.
- Basic Package: £5,800-£8,500
- Premium Package: £9,200-£12,800
With dimensions from 16×12 ft to 27×10 ft and beyond, these spacious garden buildings open almost limitless possibilities for enjoying your outdoor space. Imagine shaping an environment that reflects your passions and lifestyle, offering more room for the experiences that matter most to you.
If you’re envisioning a spacious retreat, a large cabin could house a microbrewery workshop alongside a kids’ game zone, accommodating both personal hobbies and family activities. These cabins can host a home business, a large entertainment area, or even a compact living space. Explore the full potential of your lifestyle and get in touch to see how a cabin can be tailored to your needs.
- Base/Foundation: £600-£2,400 (depending on size)
- Electrical Installation: £800-£1,500 (certified electrician)
- Planning Permission (if required): £206 application fee
- Delivery: £150-£400 (based on location)
- Professional Installation: £600-£1,800 (or included in premium)
Prices accurate as of
January 2026. Request
detailed quote for specific requirements.
Compared to brick-and-mortar extensions or loft conversions, garden log cabins provide a more affordable way to add functional space to your property.
Often, no planning permission is required for wooden cabins (though local regulations should be checked), and our installations are quicker and less disruptive than traditional building work.
By installing a log cabin now, you avoid the risk of missed income opportunities or rising construction costs that can come with delaying your decision. Take the next step and speak with our team to unlock your property’s potential today.
We recommend OPTIONAL Demidekk Ultimate log cabin paint range which can be colour matched to suit. See examples in
our photo gallery. Sadolin 'Atlantic Blue-Old English'

Sadolin 'Articulate' Stain

Sadolin 'Blue Grey' Stain

'Brunswick Green' Wood Stain

Please note that all colour shown are indicative only and will vary depending upon the light on the day the photo was taken. Additionally all screens will display the image differently. If exact colour is essential then please order a sample pot.
The most appealing aspect of our Surrey garden cabins is the opportunity to create a space tailored specifically to you. While rooms in your main house often serve several functions, a log cabin can be dedicated to your chosen interests and can be designed to your exact preferences.
Whether you want a reading nook with natural light, a home cinema with blackout features, or a craft space with tailored storage, these buildings can fit your exact needs.
We offer several distinct styles of garden cabins to suit different needs and garden layouts:
With their distinctive design featuring a central peaked roof section and extended frontage, Clockhouse log cabins create an elegant and spacious interior. The characteristic clock tower element adds architectural interest while providing excellent natural light.
Make the most of unused garden corners with our cleverly designed corner log cabins. These space-efficient structures fit neatly into right-angled garden boundaries, turning often wasted space into a functional area. The angled design creates interesting interior spaces while maximising your available garden area.
Add a splash of colour to your garden with our painted log cabins. Available in a variety of shades, these pre-treated and painted cabins offer both style and protection against the elements in Surrey.
We recommend OPTIONAL Demidekk Ultimate log cabin paint range which can be colour matched to suit. See examples in
our photo gallery. Sadolin 'Burlesque-White Accents'

Sadolin 'Various' Stains

Sadolin 'Cosmos' Stain

'Light Green - White Accents'

Please note that all colour shown are indicative only and will vary depending upon the light on the day the photo was taken. Additionally all screens will display the image differently. If exact colour is essential then please order a sample pot.
For those needing versatile space with distinct zones, our multi-room log cabins provide the perfect solution. Featuring separate areas divided by internal walls, these cabins can accommodate multiple functions under one roof.
Our insulated log cabins offer superior comfort and energy efficiency for year-round use in the British climate. With optional insulation in the floor and roof, these cabins maintain comfortable temperatures year-round.
Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Our wooden cabins can be customised to your exact specifications. From size and layout to window placement and interior features, we can create a cabin that perfectly matches your vision. Please contact us with your requirements.
The garden cabin’s roof style impacts both appearance and functionality, depending on which type of roof you choose:
The classic apex design features a central ridge with slopes on both sides, creating the traditional triangular profile. This timeless style offers excellent headroom in the centre of the cabin and efficient rainwater runoff.
With a single sloping surface, pent roofs offer a sleek, contemporary look. This modern design is ideal for positioning against boundaries or when height restrictions apply, as they can often stay under the crucial 2.5m mark near property lines.
Distinctive and eye-catching, the Clockhouse roof combines a central apex section with side extensions, creating an attractive silhouette reminiscent of traditional coach houses or stables with clock towers.
Specially engineered for corner cabin designs, these roofs feature multiple planes that meet at the corner junction. This clever design allows the cabin to fit snugly into garden corners while ensuring proper rainwater drainage.
The thickness of your cabin walls also affects both appearance and performance:
Our 40mm log cabins offer a good balance of strength, insulation, and value. This thickness provides a substantial feel and better thermal performance than thinner options, making it suitable for use in three seasons.
Our Surrey, Berkshire, and Trentan cabins feature interlocking logs that create a stable structure with the authentic look of a traditional log cabin, all at an affordable price.
Stepping up to 44mm logs provides enhanced durability and better thermal performance. This popular thickness provides a robust structure with improved insulation, making it a good choice for extended-season use.
The additional thickness is particularly valuable in the British climate, helping to maintain more stable internal temperatures throughout changing weather conditions.
For premium log cabins designed for year-round use, our 70mm cladding option provides superior strength and excellent thermal properties. This substantial wall thickness creates a building that feels solid and permanent.
Combined with proper insulation and double glazing, 70mm log cabins offer the best performance in all weather conditions, with significantly improved heat retention during colder months.
We recommend OPTIONAL Demidekk Ultimate log cabin paint range which can be colour matched to suit. See examples in
our photo gallery. 'Polynesia - White Accents'

Sadolin 'Prince Charming'

'Tokyo Bay - White Accents'

Sadolin 'White' Wood Stain

Please note that all colour shown are indicative only and will vary depending upon the light on the day the photo was taken. Additionally all screens will display the image differently. If exact colour is essential then please order a sample pot.
To truly enjoy your garden log cabin throughout the British seasons, proper shed insulation is incredibly important:
Our cabins can be fully insulated to create comfortable environments, regardless of the outside temperature. Quality insulation in the floor and roof works with the timber’s natural insulating properties to maintain stable internal temperatures.
This not only enhances comfort but also offers ecological advantages by significantly reducing energy bills. By choosing our well-insulated cabins, you may achieve estimated annual savings on energy costs, aligning your sustainability goals with budget-friendly benefits.
Double-glazed windows and doors prevent heat loss while reducing condensation, and proper ventilation systems ensure fresh air circulation without compromising thermal efficiency.
For year-round use, we recommend:
- Floor insulation to prevent cold from rising from the ground
- Roof insulation to prevent heat loss through the top of the cabin
- Double-glazed windows and doors with proper seals
With these features, your garden cabin becomes a true extension of your living space that you can enjoy in January just as much as in July.
Make your garden log cabin truly your own individual space with our full range of customisation options:
We can adjust internal layouts to suit your specific needs, whether that’s creating separate zones for different activities, adding internal walls, or designing custom storage solutions. Your garden cabin’s interior can be optimised for exactly how you plan to use the space.
Select from a range of treatments to protect and enhance the beauty of your cabin. From clear preservatives that maintain the natural wood appearance to coloured stains and paints that complement your garden design, the finish you select both protects your investment and expresses your personal style.
Improve your garden cabin features with practical additions such as:
- Extended verandas for outdoor seating
- Additional windows for extra light
- Security features for peace of mind
- Custom door styles and window configurations
- Electrical packages for lighting and power
- Guttering systems for rainwater management
Because when it comes to investing in a garden log cabin, quality and service are important:
Our garden cabins are built to exceptionally high standards, with meticulous attention to detail that ensures long-lasting performance and durability. Many of our log cabins are UK-manufactured, meaning they’re designed specifically to withstand the unique weather conditions of the British Isles.
Unlike many suppliers who offer only standard models, we can tailor our garden cabins to suit your specific requirements. From adjusting dimensions to modifying layouts, we can create a cabin that fits perfectly with your Surrey garden and lifestyle.
All of our log cabins come with optional professional installation services, ensuring your garden building is assembled correctly by experienced teams. This attention to detail during construction ensures your cabin will perform as expected for years to come.
From initial enquiry through to after-sales care, our team provides expert guidance and support. We’ll help you choose the right garden cabin for your needs, advise on planning requirements, and ensure you have all the information you need to maintain your building.
Contact us today to discuss your garden log cabin requirements or visit our Surrey display site near Ripley, Woking and Guildford to experience the quality firsthand. Or book a no-obligation design session this week and let our experts bring your vision to life.
We offer free site surveys to ensure your chosen cabin integrates perfectly with your garden space. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to get customised advice and turn your dream into reality.
L Shaped Cabin

Painted Cabins

UPVC Log Cabins

Multi Room Cabins

Clockhouse Cabins Range
Corner Cabins

Insulated Cabins

Under 2.5m Tall Cabins

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Are log cabins hot in the summer?
Yes, log cabins can be appropriate in hot weather as long as they are designed and constructed with proper insulation and ventilation. In fact, log cabins can be naturally cooler in hot weather due to the thermal mass of the logs, which helps regulate the interior temperature by absorbing and releasing heat slowly.
However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of this natural cooling will depend on various factors such as the type of logs used, the thickness of the walls, the orientation of the cabin, and more. Proper shading, window placement, and insulation can also help keep a log cabin comfortable in hot weather.
A good option is to select the insulation pack from 1st Choice which insulates the roof as well as the floor. You will find this will make a great difference to the useability of the cabin
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Can I Build a log cabin without planning permission?
For many individuals, having a log cabin in the garden is the ultimate dream. You finally have as much space as you need for your mowers, tools, gardening supplies, and leisure activities. Unfortunately, planning permission is always a cause for concern in the UK. Concerns regarding its capacity to create an unrestricted log building are common. The answer varies. While some wooden cabins require planning permission, most do not due to legal developments. Read our
full guide on this page and save hours of research. Our in-depth guide shows in minutes whether your cabin needs permission. By the end, you should understand whether you need planning clearance for your new construction.
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Should I view a log cabin before buying?
Before buying a log cabin in the UK, you really need to see one in situ. This will allow you to see the construction quality, as well as the quality of the roof, floor, doors, and windows. Seeing the building will give you a far better idea of the layout and space, as this may appear different in a brochure or online.
Overall, a physical visit provides invaluable insights that inform your buying decision. Visit our Surrey Showroom close to Woking, Ripley and Guildford to find your perfect new log cabins. We are open seven days a week.
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What is the life expectancy of a log cabin?
The lifespan of log cabins can vary depending on several factors, such as the surrounding climate, level of maintenance, type of logs used, and more. On average, log cabins can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years or more.
However, untreated log cabins may only last around 20-30 years if not properly maintained, while modern log cabins built using high-quality materials and construction techniques can last for generations with proper care. The key is to ensure the building is treated externally to protect it from the weather,
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What kind of maintenance does a log cabin need?
Log cabins do require some maintenance, but the amount can vary depending on various factors such as the type of wood used, the climate, and the level of use. Generally speaking, log cabins may need to be stained or sealed every few years to protect the wood from moisture damage and UV rays.
You will find a certain amount of movement throughout the season which is quite normal. Cabins are designed to move accordingly. Other maintenance tasks may include cleaning gutters, trimming vegetation around the cabin, and checking for pests such as termites or carpenter ants. With proper maintenance, a log cabin can last for generations.
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What to look for when buying a log cabin?
You need to decide what the most important feature is for your home. The following are a few important things to consider before buying a cabin.
* Quality of Materials: Ensure that the logs and other materials used are of high quality and durable.
* Customisable: Opt for a cabin that offers potential for customisation regarding size, design, and features so that you can tailor it to suit your needs and preferences.
* Warranty and Installation Service: Consider cabins that come with a warranty and professional installation services to ensure that the setup is done properly for the long term.
* Insulation and Energy Efficiency: Choose a cabin with good insulation to stay comfortable regardless of the weather.
* Ease of Maintenance: Make sure you choose materials and design that don't require a lot of maintenance - this means less work and less chance of deterioration.
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Why buy a log cabin in the UK?
A log cabin is a great investment for your property – it offers a versatile and comfortable space that enhances your garden’s overall aesthetic. Whether you’re envisioning a cute, cosy hideaway, a luxurious entertainment area or a fully functional workspace, our cabins can be customised to meet your specific needs.
The nice thing about wooden cabins is that they provide superior insulation and energy efficiency compared to other types of cabins made from different materials, ensuring comfort throughout the year, regardless of the weather.
Additionally, they can significantly boost the value of your property, making them a wise and lucrative long-term investment.
Last Updated: January 28, 2026