Trentan Log Cabins

It appears to be easy to purchase a log cabin – just 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 a large range of wooden log buildings available, the quality (or lack of it) varies considerably. You really need to tread carefully to ensure you are not disappointed.

You need to consider 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.

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

Optional Cabin Installation

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.

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

Double Glazed As Standard

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 log 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 and display areas are near Woking & Farnham in Surrey & Showcase Their Very High Standards Cabins

View Before Buying

The thinnest timber you should use for log cabins 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!

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! 28mm logs can be suitable, provided the right quality of timber is used. But certainly not any fast-growing timber

1st Choice Standard Cabin – Recommends 44mm Timber But 70mm is The Best!

Felt Tiles As Standard on Apex Cabins

The better log 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.

You will also find that double glazed windows are substantially stronger 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!

Optional EPDM Felt on Pent Cabins

Ensure that all gable and 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. True – it is more expensive but you can be sure that your new log building will be built correctly and all you need to do is to enjoy it with your family in your garden.

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

Over 60 Different Sizes and Styles

Our Trentan Scandinavian garden cabins are available in several sizes. The collection stretches to 50 different models, all of which feature superb light & airiness.

Installing one of these garden cabins in your garden will definitely enhance your and your family’s lifestyle! Trentan timber buildings are incredibly versatile, suiting all manner of uses, from a garden office, summer house, games room, or just a ‘hidey-hole’ to cut yourself off!

You will appreciate just how wonderful the outdoors is when you share with your family and friends. Superbly designed to fit into most garden – what good design should do.

Nordic timber, which is slow-growing, is renowned for its warmth and durability by the Swedish. It sits at the core of these superb Trentan log buildings. The timber, which grows in the colder part of the world for many years gives these buildings their great strength.

Trentan uses this timber in cabins from small buildings right up to their large log cabins to guarantee a very long life. The design and style of these buildings ensure they are suitable for British gardens.

Trentan standard windows look amazing, but optional Georgian windows are available on many of the models

Remember it’s your garden cabin so it should be your choice.

Trentan’s UK log cabin houses range is built from solid Nordic timber. You won’t find any chipboard, OSB (Sterling) board or any other cheap materials.

The materials used are always top quality which ensures the longest life for your cabin. Quality oozes from Trentan buildings. The timber used is kiln-dried and is sustainably sourced.

The clever design of these Trentan Scandinavian buildings makes them easy for us to install. This design originates in the factory where the various pieces are pre-assembled to ensure all they fit correctly.

They are then barcoded for ease of assembly and then flat-packed for delivery. Some people enjoy the challenge of self-assembly of a flat pack log cabin but you may decide you would like it installed for you.

We can help! Our assembly service option will ensure an easy life for you and your family. That’s got to be a great option!

We also offer a base building service in many areas, to make life even easier for you!

There’s only one sure way to find out what your home cabin will look like and that is to take a drive to view. By doing so you can be sure that the choice is the right one for you.

It will also ensure there won’t be any nasty surprises and you will know what to expect when your log cabin is installed!

Come and visit our large display sites near Woking, Guildford and Farnham in Surrey, where you can see examples of these log buildings and inspect the quality. We are open 7 days a week. You can be sure that your log cabin will meet your needs.

Our family business background in garden building manufacturing started in 1979. This experience is important to us and also helps to give us the know-how about the quality of materials which should be used.

Our Ethos is ‘Make to a Standard – NOT to a price’.

We, being a family business, have been involved in the manufacture of quality buildings since 1979 when Robin started his first production unit.

Craig, Robin’s son, joined in 1990 and trained at Guildford College in joinery. For over 20 years we ran one of the largest UK shed companies in the south of England and made the conscious decision to only deal with quality materials which we knew would last the test of time.

This ethos probably comes from our upbringing. Robin’s father and grandfather were Master Butchers in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire where quality and customer service was always the keyword behind their businesses.

Craig is a key member of the business and is helping 1st Choice to embrace the challenges of the 21st century. With his two children, Daniel and Rebecca, the future looks very promising. You can see we are not just salespeople selling a range of products we know nothing about.  We have the history behind us to ensure that when you choose ‘1st Choice’ then you know your building actually will be ‘1st Choice’!

The Trentan ‘Abinger’ Log cabins feature superb light and airiness, ensuring that using these cabins with your family and in your garden will enhance your life style. These are immensely versatile buildings and will suit all manner of uses which you can share with your family and friends. Superbly designed to fit into most gardens effortlessly – this is what good design should do.

With many different qualities of log cabin kits available it’s always wise to view before buying to ensure you are not buying ‘cheap’ and getting ‘cheap’. Visit our display site near Guildford and Farnham and judge for yourself how good these Trentan cabins are. You will be very welcome.

Optional Cabin Installation

The large glass double glazed doors and classic windows enables loads of light to flood inside these very smart looking Albury garden log cabins. So if you are looking for a garden cabin for those long warm summer evenings, or anytime of the year, then this should be your ideal cabin.

Before buying it’s always a good idea to inspect your prospective purchase to ensure you are buying a ‘cheap and nasty’ garden cabin. Take the opportunity and visit our Trentan garden room display site nor far from Woking and Farnham in Surrey. You will then be able to see for yourself how good these are. Don’t have regrets.

Double Glazed As Standard

These Ashtead large log cabins with the combined shed storage area ensures you have the answer to more than one problem in your garden. The sheer functionality is just one of the reasons to choose this cabin for your garden so give it some thought. Choice of Georgian or Classic style.

However, before committing your money, it’s a good idea to see examples of timber cabins to see the quality. Take a trip to our Log Cabins display in Surrey to see for your self. Don’t risk buying ‘blind’. These Nordic wood cabins are fully double glazed for comfort. This helps to keep the cabin warmer as well as being safer.

Trentan Cabin With Shed

These Betchworth garden cabins will make a statement in your garden besides being very attractive with its superb covered porch area. These cabins are an inspiration and come with a choice of Georgian or Classic windows to suit you. These Nordic wood cabins are fully double glazed for comfort.

However, before spending your money ideally you should take a look at examples beforehand. We have a log buildings display are near Woking, Guildford, Aldershot and Farnham in Surrey where you can see examples of the Trentan range for your self. Don’t risk wasting your money and be sorry.

Felt Tiles As Standard

These Bisley ‘ClockHouse’ Log Cabins will enhance your garden allowing you to spend time with your family and friends enjoying the ‘great outdoors’. The six opening windows allows air to flow inside creating a great atmosphere. Select Georgian or Classic style to suit you. These wood garden cabins are fully double glazed for comfort.

Where ever possible take a look at the quality of building you are buying and this is why we always encourage customers to take a look at our display site, near Guildford and Farnham, where you can see examples of the Trentan Log Cabins UK range. Our friendly staff will be very happy to offer free advice about the merits of each building.

Proper Glass Throughout (NOT Perspex)

Nowadays there are many garden cabins kits available which can tick all sort of boxes and are normally designed to meet our needs in this modern age. This Trentan ‘Brookwood’ with its recessed veranda is a very special large log cabin particularly. The modern, stylish look will stand proud in your garden and is very attractive.

When buying a timber cabin the best advice is to always see one ‘in the flesh’ to ensure that you are buying what you think you are buying. We have a garden cabin display site where you can see examples of the Trentan buildings so you can see for your self how good they are. The delightful veranda area is a very popular part of this building.

Delightful Porch Area on Garden Cabin

These Trentan ‘Chertsey’ log cabins are designed for relaxing and modern at your home, serving a multitude of purposes. Whether it’s for a fitness and exercise room, a den or games room for your lucky children or for relaxing with the family. Crucially it’s important that good design and quality are included as standard and this is where this Trentan ‘Chertsey’ wood cabin scores on all fronts.

To ensure that you buy what you think you are buying always view log cabins for sale beforehand by visiting a display site and taking a good luck at the buildings. We have a garden cabin display area near Woking and Farnham in Surrey where you can see how good these buildings are for your self. This is highly recommended.

Full Height Joinery Opening Window Included

These Deepcut flat pack log cabins are superb looking buildings and with a choice of Georgian or Classic windows. Further enhancing these log cabins is a great roof overhang and provides a degree of shelter against the weather. These will look great in your garden for you to enjoy. These full double glazed (for comfort) Nordic wood cabins.

We have log wood cabin display area near Woking and Farnham in Surrey where you can inspect examples of the Trentan range of log buildings for your self. It’s always good advice to inspect a cabin before buying so you don’t get sold a ‘pup’ and waste your money. Always give a little extra thought to any purchase if you can’t see it beforehand.

Under 2.5m Tall. Good For Planning

Look at this Trentan ‘Dunsfold’ multi-room log cabin. When you walk in the double doors you can access two separate rooms so you can even have ‘his’ and ‘hers’ own rooms if you choose. Leaving the main area for relaxing with your family. The clever design combined with the useful porch area allows all of this so this should be a candidate for your garden.

Whenever possible ensure that you see a proposed building before buying. By doing so you can ensure that you are buying the log cabin you think you are buying. Come and visit our Guildford and Aldershot display sites and see examples of the Trentan cabin range and where you can judge how good they are.

Double Glazed Contemporary Windows

These Trentan ‘Effingham’ garden log cabins with their modern looks and featuring glazed double doors and tall airy windows are great looking buildings It also provides a degree of shelter from the sun and rain with its front roof overhang whilst you enjoy this lovely building. There are countless uses for these cabins from recreational, to fitness activities, to entertaining or for a home office or craft room.

When buying a log cabin the best advice is to visit a display site so you can examples for yourself. Only by doing this can you be sure you are not buying a ‘dud’. We will be delighted to see you at our display site in Surrey where you can see many examples of cabins.

Reverse Apex Garden Cabin

The garden log cabin of today is designed for modern living and relaxing in your home. However it’s important that quality and good design are included as standard and this is where the Trentan ‘Chilworth’ log cabin scores on all fronts. Designed to blend in with your garden it also has the strength to stand up to the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

It’s advisable to always view a log cabin before buying just to ensure that the ‘cheap log cabin’ you may have seen is not cheap for the wrong reasons. This will ensure you can judge the quality for yourself. Visit our garden cabin display sites near Guildford and Farnham and see actual examples for your self. Don’t take risks and regret it.

Nordic Slow Growing Timber

The Trentan ‘Knaphill’ clock house log cabin really delivers with its Georgian or contemporary appearance and ¾ length glass doors and 2 double opening windows. This allows light to flood into the building allowing your family and you to enjoy the garden environment. There are many different uses for the ‘Knaphill’ Clockhouse cabins and all will allow for the most enjoyment to be had. The great design is key to this log cabin and is very adaptable.

Before buying a log building it’s advisable to view them beforehand. This way you can make your own judgment about the quality and avoids you buying a ‘dud’. Visit our display site near Guildford and see how good the Trentan cabins are for yourself.

Crucially Under 2.5m Tall

This Mayford multi-room log wood cabin with its two rooms will swiftly become an integral part of your garden and leisure time. Enjoying time with your family and friends will be made easier with the large contemporary doors and windows which will allow light to flood into the building. It’s double glazed for comfort and uses proper glass NOT plastic.

Always, where ever possible, try to see examples of flat pack log cabins beforehand. We do have wood cabin display near Guildford and Farnham in Surrey where you can see examples of the Trentan range for your self although we don’t always have the Mayford on display. Don’t be sorry and risk wasting your money.

Separate Room With Integral Door

These Oxshott Log Cabins oozes style and class with its long glass contemporary style doors and windows. Combined with the offset roof and from overhang makes this building a delight and will create a statement in your garden. Surely one to share with your family and friends.

Don’t risk buying ‘blind’ so where ever possible try to take a look at the garden log cabin you are interested in or, at least, take a look at others in that range. Our Log Cabins UK Display Area is near Guildford and Farnham where you can see the Trentan range of garden cabins for yourself. Don’t risk your money. This Nordic wood garden cabin is fully double glazed for comfort.

Unusual Offset Roof on Garden Cabin

The addition of a cabin is a popular choice for the garden as it has a very strong natural appearance. This criteria is fulfilled by the Trentan ‘Puttenham’ buildings. It also has a very modern look to it with its ¾ deep glass double doors & two double opening windows. The overhanging roof style helps to set it aside and is particularly pleasing to the eye. The key to this is the great adaptable design.

It’s advisable to always view a log cabin before buying just to ensure that the ‘cheap log cabin’ you may have seen is not cheap for the wrong reasons. This will ensure you can judge the quality for yourself. Visit our garden cabin show rooms near Farnham and Guildford and see actual examples for your self. Don’t take risks and regret it.

Georgian or Contemporary Style

The large full length windows & double doors makes the Trentan ‘Shalford’ large log cabin an ‘airy’ building and adds a new look to the ‘norm’. This enables the maximum number of uses for this building as well as allowing for a great deal of wall space inside. You can use this superb log cabin as a recreation room or fitness room, a home office, a ‘crash room’ for your children or whatever your needs are.

It’s advisable to always view a log cabin before buying just to ensure that the ‘cheap log cabin’ you may have seen is not cheap for the wrong reasons. This will ensure you can judge the quality for yourself. Visit our garden building show sites near Farnham and Woking and see actual examples for your self. Don’t take risks and regret it.

Massive Very Solid 70mm Logs

The Trentan ‘Walton’ log cabin fulfils the criteria as being strong in style and appearance with its very modern look with deep full length double glass doors and 3 windows. The unusual offset roof sets it apart from your ‘run of the mill’ normal log cabins and is particularly pleasing to the eye. Key to this is its great design and lend itself to many uses in the garden.

It’s always advisable to view a selection of log cabins in the ‘real world’ before parting with any money so try to visit a display site beforehand. We have a range of garden cabins on display, near Woking, where you can make your own judgment on them and are able to see how good they are.

Stunning Front Roof Overhang

The summer was invented for this Woking log cabin with its attractive ‘clock house’ feature and pavilion style. The deep glass in the windows and doors allowing light to floor inside making it a superb place to relax in throughout the year. These Nordic wood cabins are fully double glazed for comfort.

Where ever possible try to visit a Scandinavian cabin display site before committing yourself. Just to ensure you don’t get sold a ‘pup’. Our range of log cabins are available for you to inspect beforehand and is not far off the M25 in Surrey. Don’t make a bad choice and be sorry!!

Stylish Clockhouse Log Cabin Style

This Wonersh Multi Room Log Cabin is an inspiration with the main building and a separate storage area combined making for a seamless and gorgeous appearance. You also have a choice of classic or the delightful Georgian windows. These Nordic wood cabins are fully double glazed for comfort.

Take a look at examples of wood log cabins before spending your ‘hard-earned’ money so you can be sure of the quality of them. Our log wood cabin display are is close to the M25 in Surrey so take a trip down to judge our range of wood cabins for yourself. Don’t take chances with your money.

Integral Annexe Side Shed Store

These Trentan Bagshot cabins are great looking buildings and by using with your family and in your garden will enhance your life style. Being very versatile they will suit all manner of uses from a home office, to a summerhouse, or a games room, or ‘hidyhole’ from the world. Share with your family and friends and you will then appreciate how wonderful the outdoors really is. Superbly designed to fit into most garden effortlessly – this is what good design should do.

Always, if possible, ensure that you view a building before buying. This ensures that you are buying the building you think you are. Come and visit our pent log cabins UK display site and see examples of the Trentan range and where you can judge how good they are.

Pent Cabin Style With Roof Overhang

This Banstead Log Wood Cabins is a delightful and stylish pent cabin building with the great roof overhang transforming this building to another level. You have a choice of windows so this cabin will reflect your taste ensuring it will be a proud asset for you and your garden. This Nordic wood cabin is fully double glazed for comfort.

When purchasing a log cabin it’s always a good idea to view them beforehand. Our wood log cabins display area in Surrey gives you the opportunity to view a range of these Trentan log wood cabins for your self so you can choose. Don’t take chances with your money! You know it makes sense.

Proper Glass Throughout (NOT Perspex)

Trentan ‘Chessington’ log cabin shed with its clever shed section blends in seamlessly making it a superb garden building for you. The single solid door to the shed is set to one side & the glazed double doors to the log cabin section it creates the maximum amount of uses for this building. These qualities enables it to have the greatest amount of usages to suit all your family’s requirement.

If possible, always, ensure that you see a building before purchasing. This ensures that you are buying the pent roof log cabin you think you are. Come and visit our Surrey show rooms and see examples of the Trentan range and where you can judge how good they are. Also on offer is free advice on the different options.

Integral Shed Can Be Fitted To Suit

The Trentan ‘Dorking’ log cabin feature superb light & airiness and this ensures your family can share these log cabins and enhance your life styles. This is a very versatile building and will suit all manner of uses. Share with your friends and friends and this will help you appreciate how wonderful the outdoors really is. Superbly designed so that if effortlessly fits into most gardens and this is what good design should do.

Wherever possible always try to view your proposed cabin before buying. This will ensure you will get the cabin you think you are getting, NO nasty surprises. This is always the best way when buying a pent building.

Double Glazed Glass Windows (not single)

This Ripley Combination Log Cabin is a very clever and resourceful building. With the main cabin and internal partitions you have three areas. The doors into the shed sections allow for easy access. It’s your choice. The wide contemporary sliding doors and windows also allow light to flow in ensuring a great area for enjoying. Fully double glazed for comfort.

If possible, you should always try to view any building before purchasing to ensure you are buying a well made building. Visit our display site in Surrey and see for yourself how good they are. Don’t risk wasting your money. The amazing sliding doors are a great feature on this building.

Sliding Log Cabin Doors

This Ockham Log Cabin with its long glass contemporary style windows and doors oozes style Combining with the veranda balcony area this makes this building a delight and will create a statement in your garden. This solid Nordic wood cabin is fully double glazed and this helps to keep the building warmer as well as being safer for the children.

Don’t take a chance buying ‘blind’ so where ever possible try to view the cabin you are interested in or, at least, take a look at other cabins in that range. Our Log Cabins Display Area is near Woking and Farnham in Surrey where you can see the Trentan range of log cabins for yourself. Don’t take chances. You won’t regret it.

Delightful Balcony Area

Log cabins available nowadays are designed to tick all sort of boxes and to meet our requirements in the modern age. In particular our Trentan buildings are very special multi room log cabins with their multi rooms. The modern look of theses buildings will look proud in your garden and some with recessed veranda is useful and particularly attractive.

When buying log cabin kits the best advice is to visit a display site so you can examples for yourself. Only by doing this can you be sure you are not buying a ‘dud’. We will be delighted to see you at our UK display sites in Surrey where you can see many examples of wooden garden cabins.

Many Different Models

The fact how attractive these Corner Log Wood Cabin amazes me and with the tall contemporary glass doors and windows makes these building the ‘ones’ to choose. Certainly if you are looking to fill that spot in the corner of your garden. These corner cabins will be an asset to you. These Nordic wood cabins are fully double glazed. Also Georgian versions if that is your preference.

To appreciate the quality fully of a log cabin you should view them before purchasing. We have a display of log wood cabins near Guildford to help you and where you can view examples of the Trentan log wood cabins range for yourself. Don’t risk buying ‘blind’. With several different sizes available there should be one that fills your needs.

Several Different Sizes To Suit

An addition to the modern garden is a log cabin as they are strong in appearance and the natural wood blends in naturally. And this is where the ‘Pyrford’ L Shaped log cabin scores. Its delightful design and its ability to fit into any garden in a corner plot makes this an ideal garden room for your family and the ‘Pyrford’ L shaped cabin ticks all the boxes. Key to this is the great design built in as standard.

To ensure that you buy what you think you are buying always view the cabins beforehand by visiting a display site and taking a good luck at the buildings. We have a garden cabin display area near Woking in Surrey where you can see how good these buildings are for your self.

Interchangeable Panels

Our Trentan clock house log cabin really delivers with either Georgian or contemporary appearance and proper glass doors and opening windows. This allows light to flood into these building allowing your family and you to enjoy the garden environment. There are many different uses for the Trentan log cabins and all will allow for the most enjoyment to be had. The great design is key to this log cabin and is very adaptable.

Before buying a log cabin it’s advisable to view them beforehand. This way you can make your own judgment about the quality and avoids you buying a ‘dud’. Visit our UK display site near Guildford and Farnham and see how good the Trentan cabins are for yourself.

Georgian or Classic Style

Our Trentan Apex Log cabin kits all feature superb light and airiness, ensuring that using these log cabins with your family and in your garden will enhance your life style. These are immensely versatile buildings and will suit all manner of uses which you can share with your family and friends. Superbly designed to fit into most gardens effortlessly – this is what good design should do.

With many different qualities of log cabins available it’s always wise to view before buying to ensure you are not buying ‘cheap’ and getting ‘cheap’. Visit our display site near Woking and judge for yourself how good these Trentan cabins are. You will be very welcome and we are able to provide guidance on the different apex models.

Georgian or Contemporary Style

During the cold winter months it makes you wonder how we can sit outdoors in shorts and tee shirts or ladies with their short dresses. With the heavy snow over most parts of the country during the winter makes us think of the Swiss Alps maybe its luxury log cabins.

The snow can be welcome for a short while and children enjoy playing about in it, I know my grandson Daniel, does. When the snow arrived my wife went to the local hardware shop and bought 2 sledges. One made of unsympathetic plastic and one made from wood. Guess which one I preferred?

I started my log cabin factory back in 1979. In that year the snow didn’t last too long and the sledges stayed in the cabin!

This time of the year can be spent planning for the winter with decisions to be made about whether the garden furniture can should stay outside or be removed to the safety of our cabin.

The barbecue often is showing signs of rusting so maybe I’ll pull that inside as well. Having said that I don’t use it very often and remains in my garden for most of the year.

The British love their gardens and there are many garden shows are spread throughout the year.  This gives us the opportunity to see the latest gardens, plants, shrubs garden equipment and also the range of log cabins for sale. The sheer range of displays is breathtaking and besides giving people ideas of what can be achieved in their gardens, are superb social events.

The Chelsea Flower Show is probably the ‘biggie’ and is highly prestigious with Royalty, celebrities, film stars and all the ‘top dogs’ making their way there. After the press day the pubic get the opportunity to take in the show. Whilst it used to be the largest flower show Hampton Court Show, about 6-7 weeks later, is now larger. However this does not make the Chelsea Flower Show any the less because of this.

The show does have entries from all over the world and who display the latest and innovative gardens to whet the taste buds of  the gardening community.

In all its years exhibits has included flowers from nurseries and model gardens. Both are looked forward to but the model gardens are probably the most thought provoking.

The Royal family traditionally always attend the on the opening day each year and see the gardens at its best. This show which has been held at the home of the Chelsea Pensioners, the Chelsea Hospital grounds, every year since 1913 except during war time.

How the exhibitors manage to get their entries to bloom at the right time is awe inspiring! Over the years there have been untold numbers of exhibitors but two, McBeans Orchids and Blackmore & Langdon, have appeared at every one since 1913. A truly remarkable record.

The show does have some restrictions as to what can be displayed and the use of coloured sculptures is banned. This means that the very British gnome has not been seen in these exhibits for a while. However, it’s believed that some have been smuggled in!

An application to the council to build a number of garden log cabins in a north-east England would have been turned down. Durham County Council rejected the application for six new cabins in the wood after two petitions and a number of objections against the proposal were received.

Local resident, Malcolm Sutcliffe, described the planned buildings as ‘Swiss Chalets’ (which I think look rather good!) it was reported in the Wear Valley Mercury.

The idea behind the scheme was to bring tourists to the area and to help the local economy. One of the issues was the fact that a number of pine trees would have needed to be removed to enable the cabins to be built. However, I am sure that the they could have been screened to ensure they blended into the surroundings.

The committee chairman, Mike Dixon, said it was always a fine balancing act between the need for tourism revenue, which would help the local businesses and what would be best for the area.

He went on to say that the woodland is an attraction for tourists and if they disturbed that then they would lose these visitors. He never said how much income the visitors to the woodlands brought in and what the projected benefits could have been if the log cabins had been allowed to go ahead.

Durham Council’s arborculturalist had suggested that the trees were of low quality and it was only the sheer number of them made them an important landscape feature. Why people would want to visit a wood with low quality trees, as important as they are to the air we breathe, seems to be a very strange argument in rejecting the plans.

Recently a similar plan for luxury log cabin construction was passed in South Derbyshire despite local objections. Whether the arguments were the same, I don’t know, but obviously the council in Derbyshire took a different view. The moral is to always check if you are in any doubt.

As in England Australian first time buyers are desperately trying to get on to the property ladder. When a log cabin came onto the market a bidding war broke out. The Garden log cabin was a luxury model, not anything like the normal sheds which might be found in most gardens. This cabin which was 42 ft long was originally used to promote the state of Tasmania and was made from plywood and fibreglass; an unusual combination. However, its appearance resembled a whole tree trunk laying on its side.

This unique cabin had in addition to the doors on both ends, wheels attached which meant it could be transported anywhere. It certainly would be a very strange sight to see on the roads. A major bidding war broke out between prospective 1st time buyers, desperate to get on the property ladder.

The winner eventually having to pay £7600 for this unusual cabin. The entrepreneur who was selling it had put in his advert ‘ if you put in some plumbing and windows and obtain a plot of land to site it you will have your house which will become your home’.

The design company, Treehugger, which makes some of the best garden log cabins, claimed that they were the most efficient types of property when it comes to cutting carbon emissions. These type of property are certainly different to what most people would consider as a home and just goes to show what a little thought and initiative can do!

There are many types of ways from water based paints to fully pressurised tanalised treatments.

Years ago one of the favourite coverings was creosote, often mixed with old engine oil. This did a sterling job protecting the timber from the harsh weather. It had a distinctive smell, quite strong, which tended to linger for quite a while.

Not ideal if you had treated the inside of a building you wanted to work in. Improved safety rules were introduced in 2003 as creosote it had proved dangerous to use indoors. From 30th June 2004 it became illegal to even store it or keep it in any form. A new substitute, Crecote has been introduced for people who wish to get a similar effect.

Water based preservative are commonly used on the cheaper log cabins, mainly serving the purpose of a base coat. The water is actually a carrier for the chemicals and helps the them to adhere and react with the wood thus protecting it.

It can be either painted on or sprayed on. The shed panels can also be dipped into a bath of this treatment.

Solvent and spirit based shed preservatives are the preferred method of treating timber. The solvent is a carrier for the chemicals and works far better than water. It gives greater protection to the timber. Again this can be painted on, sprayed on or the panels can be dipped. Very few people dip their shed panels because the process can be quite dangerous.

Oil based treatments are sometimes used. The oil holds the chemicals and bonds the chemicals to the wood. The oil soaks into the timber giving a certain amount of ‘give’, helping with the natural movement of your timber panels.

For cheaper sheds tanalising, or pressure treating, is the very best you can do for the timber. The process consists of the timber being put into a sealed vat. Tanalith E fluid is forced into the wood under pressure. This ensure that the preservative goes a great deal further than just brushing or spraying.

The treatment also protects against fungal and insect attacks giving your cabin a long life. The appearance of the timber is quite attractive having a light natural green tint to the wood which can blend into the garden. However, you can add a colour treatment if you wish. This treatment is ideal for any building in an enclosed space where you like the idea of low maintenance.

Whatever treatment you have it is important to keep an eye on it to ensure that you re-treat when necessary. The only extra treatment which the tanalised cabin may need is a water repellent such as Thomsons WaterSeal. This would stop any dampness coming through if the building was subjected to heavy rain. (the timber is treated against rotting and is not a water repellent in its own right)

Water based treated flat pack log cabins should be treated within 4 weeks of delivery and then every 2-3 years depending on the weather conditions. The same applies with the spirit or solvent based treatments. With the oil based treatment, after the building has its first coat you could get up to 4-5 years before anything needs doing again.

I do not recommend any of the water based treatments for the top coats and would only recommend spirit, solvent or oil base preservatives despite what the manufacturers may say. Water based treatments are fine for base coats or for fences.

Some cabin manufacturers claim to offer a 10 year guarantee, even with the water based treatment, however, like most things in life this is not as good as offer as it seems.

There are strict conditions stating that if the building is not treated EVERY year then the guarantee would be null and void. Clearly this means that the treatment they are applying only last for ONE year, leaving you to carry on with the upkeep!

With the benefit of my 40 years in the garden cabins business I hope that the above advice is useful for you to understand how to get the best out of your new garden shed or garden building. Over the years there have been many improvements and changes to the treatments available, some good and some bad, however, if you look after your log cabin it will last many many years.