Earlybird delivery discount: Check out reductions available on this page. Take advantage now.
Now is the time to pick up an ex-display building during our annual sale. See remaining models here At LEAST 30% Off

tablet
Earlybird delivery discount: Check out reductions available on this page. Take advantage now.
Now is the time to pick up an ex-display building during our annual sale. See remaining models here At LEAST 30% Off

Earlybird delivery discount: Check out reductions available on this page. Take advantage now.
Now is the time to pick up an ex-display building during our annual sale. See remaining models here At LEAST 30% Off

Log Cabin Features and Amenities: Making the Right Choices for Your Garden

How Do You Make The Right Choice?

Log Cabins Addlestone Model
It appears to be easy to purchase a garden log cabin in the UK – look on the internet to see a model you like and then try to find the best price – simple! Well – NO. Because there is such an extensive range of wooden log buildings available, the quality (or lack of it) varies considerably. You need to tread carefully to ensure you are not disappointed.

It would be best if you considered so many different things before you ‘sign on the dotted line’ so ask as many questions as you want and ensure you are happy with the answers. You can then be reasonably sure you won’t be disappointed. Ideally always talk to companies with their products on display and view.

Ensure you feel comfortable with any answers to queries. Do you feel you are being pushed into making a decision and do their answers given making your choice clearer?

1st Choice’s Trentan Wooden Cabins – are Made to Very High-Quality Standards

Optional EPDM Felt on Pent Cabins

Buy From an Established Business

Buy From an Established Business
By buying from an established business you can be reasonably sure that they have a great deal of expertise in the market. More importantly, they listen to their customers. This doesn’t mean avoid younger companies but just be a little more aware of their trading record.

Most established businesses have bricks and mortar premises where their website is simply a tool to introduce their products to the public. These businesses tend to have staff available to talk to about the range of buildings on offer.

Unfortunately there are some people out there who do not act in the customer’s interest. By being aware of whom you are dealing with can save a lot of hassle later and potentially money.

1st Choice has been in the outbuilding industry since 1979. We have a physical office where you can talk to us or visit.

View Before Buying

Ensure You Go For the Thickest Timber

Ensure You Go For the Thickest Timber
An ideal thickness which you should use for log buildings is 44mm. This thickness provides adequate strength to the building which makes it suitable for most uses. Thicker 70mm timber is the best as it is naturally insulating. This means that you do not need to install expensive wall insulation. Cool in summer and warm in winter is the best combination you could possibly have!

Provided the right quality of slow growing timber is used then 28mm logs will be suitable. The slow growth ensures the greatest strength of the wood. Avoid any fast-growing timber. I have seen cases where 19mm ‘logs’ (how they call them logs I don’t know!) are used which makes for a very cheap, lightweight building. I wouldn’t want to lean on one!

1st Choice Standard Cabin – Recommends Slow Growing Timber With Thickness of 28mm, 44mm or 70mm

Felt Tiles As Standard on Apex Cabins

Always View Log Cabins for Sale Before Buying

Always View Log Cabins for Sale Before Buying
With the internet, it’s often difficult to see what your new log outbuilding will be like. This is why it’s important it is so important to view your wood cabin before delivery. This way you can see how well it’s been made, whether there is sufficient head height, whether the doors and windows are solidly made and how good the timber is

Whilst some cabin internet-only companies may claim it’s best to buy online, it is not always possible to be sure what you are getting. If they are not prepared to let you see their log buildings beforehand, then be very wary. The cheapest price is not always the best value.

1st Choice Show Rooms are near Woking & Guildford in Surrey & Showcase Their Very High Standard Cabins

View Before Buying

Insist on Double Glazing in Your Garden Cabin

Insist on Double Glazing in Your Garden Log Cabins
The better timber cabins have double glazing as standard, but cheaper models only have single glazed windows. This does reduce the cost of the building marginally but it makes it harder to keep the building warm in Winter.

Conversely, it is also and harder (and not many people think of this) to keep the cabin cooler in Summer. Add in insulation and you have a great all year round cabin.

You will also find that double glazed windows are substantially more robust than single panes due to the two panes of glass with its vacuum inside it. So warmth and strength as standard.

1st Choice use Double Glazed Windows as standard – All pre-hung and framed with adjustable hinges!

1st Choice Cabins Are Double Glazed

Are All Sections Pre-Cut to Shape?

Are All Sections Pre-Cut to Shape?
Ensure that all apex and pent cabin shaped ends are supplied cut to size & shape. Many cheap cabin kit manufacturers supply shaped which need to be cut by you. This may save money but means more work for you, and the possibility of mistakes.

It makes good sense to have the least amount of work as possible. The best option is to have the cabin built for you. Right – it is more expensive, but you can be sure that your new potentially cabin will be constructed correctly and all you need to do is to enjoy it with your family in your garden. Also check the security features available on your cabin.

All 1st Choice Log Buildings have pre-cut panels to shape as well as size.

Over 160 Different Sizes and Styles

About Author:

Robin Antill is an established authority in the field of quality garden building manufacturing, boasting over four decades of experience. Having founded Titan Garden Buildings in 1979, he demonstrated a commitment to excellence from the outset by moving away from subpar materials and embarking on crafting buildings of superior quality.


His lineage of craftsmanship, traced back to his father and grandfather's business in Cleethorpes, underscores his dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Robin's son, Craig, who joined the business in 1990, brings additional expertise, having honed his skills at Guildford College in joinery.


Together, they elevated Titan Garden Buildings, which eventually evolved into 1st Choice Leisure Buildings. Their enduring focus on premium materials, top-notch manufacturing, and unparalleled customer service, along with Craig's digital acumen in creating the company's online presence, showcase their expertise and reliability in the industry.


Robin’s expertise was featured in Realtor.com, Homes&Gardens, The London Economic, and dozens other publications.


Woking Show Site
1st Choice Leisure Buildings
Woking Garden Buildings Show Site
Sutton Green Garden Centre,
Whitmoor Ln, Sutton Green,
Guildford,
GU4 7QA
Phone 01483 237550