Log Cabins For Sale

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 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 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 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.

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 Buildings have pre-cut panels to shape as well as size.

Over 60 Different Sizes and Styles

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 with its insulated log cabins which would be good use as a cabin in the UK.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? When I started my insulated garden cabin factory back in 1979 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.

A log cabin is used mainly during the warmer parts of the year but it’s a shame to close it down when the weather turns cold. The answer is an insulated log cabin as this will help to keep the cabin warmer all year round. There will be a bit of investment to do this but the rewards are great with this added insulation. Your children could use it as a den and out from under your feet and they would love you for it. Or you could use is for your self and get away from your busy life or your wife could use it as a hobby room. Even better you can share it with all your family which as got to be good. Other than that an insulated garden cabin could be used as office where you could run your business or run a small min-factory. In this instance it could be tax deductible so even better.

You can insulate your garden cabin after delivery if you have reasonable DIY skills and you are going to build the cabin yourself. All you need would be some polystyrene or fibreglass type insulation and some sheets of plywood, hardboard or something similar and 2×2 timbers. After you have fitted the roof you would nail the 2×2 timbers to the roof and then fit the fibreglass or polystyrene inside these timbers. You would then line over the top with some sheet material before fixing the roofing material. With the floor you would again nail 2×2 timbers onto the floor, fit the insulation in between and then line with plywood (at least ½” but ideally ¾” thick). This would raise the floor by 2″ if you go on top of the floor. Ideally put the insulation in between the floor joists but ensure it does not touch your base as you need to allow some air flow underneath.

The walls are normally at least 44m thick and sometimes 70mm thick. This in itself provides good insulation values so it not always necessary to insulate the walls any further. Having said that any extra insulation added will help even more to keep the temperature right. All the Trentan log cabins come with double glazed doors and windows, unlike many cheap garden cabins.

On all our log cabins we have an option to supply a lining and insulating kit for the roof and floor so nothing else would be required (supplied within a 50 miles radius of Guildford). And if you took the option of having the cabin built then the floor and roof insulation would be fitted for you within the price. The other plus is that the floor insulation would go under the floor boards so you would not use any height within your cabin. Well worth considering if we are arranging the installation for you.

The cabins are supplied with chunky timber walls (good U-values) and double glazing as standard and you can ensure that they are comfortable year-round with the addition of our insulated floor and roof upgrade. We use 50mm PIR Celotex / Kingspan in the roof and cover this with a structural grade 18mm OSB roof deck atop before fitting your specified roofing material. We will use 25mm PIR Celotex / Kingspan in the floor. The fitment of insulation will not affect the internal headroom in any way and prices shown will include for fitting when our teams install your cabin.

By adding insulation to the roof and floor then this will make a massive difference and help to keep the building warmer in the winter and a little cooler in the summer. The standard 44mm logs do provide a reasonably amount of insulation – the 70mm more so. However, it’s reasonably easy to add insulation to the walls after you have had the building built, if you choose to do so, but you should ensure that the wall logs are still able to move according to the time of the year. You would, like in a house, need to provide heating during the cooler months and I would recommend a dry source of heat such as electric radiator. Never use a Calor Gas type of heater as, beside the flammability of it, gives out a lot of moisture and can make you cabin damp. Avoid at all costs.

One thing which most people don’t think about is keeping the log cabin cooler in the warmer months. Insulating the building will help massively in this aspect. And this is something I only learned by chance. On a hot summer day I went from one of our display buildings into an insulated one and was astonished by the difference in temperature. I double checked and the insulated building was far cooler so this is well worth considering.

On all of our Trentan log cabin pages you will find links to the prices of the basic buildings and on the order form, you will see the cost for that particular model. And if your are not sure then just have a chat with us and we can help. Being able to use your garden cabin all year round is well worth considering at the stage of buying it. You will find it harder afterwards to add it. So sometimes it better to ‘bite the bullet’ and get the right building at the right time.

We are, of course, very happy to provide you with a no obligation quote to meet your needs so just call on (0800) 999 6995, (0333) 800 8880, (01483) 237550 or (01252) 311085 use our contact form or call into one of our display sites near Farnham and Guildford and have a chat. You will be glad you did.

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.

Felt tiles in a choice of colours are included FREE on all apex garden cabins. On pent cabins we supply a superior polyester-based green mineral rolled roofing felt with an option for EPDM rubber felting for amazing weatherability.

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 new 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 building 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’.

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 cabin 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, again, 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 the wooden 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.

On some garden cabins they are tanalised, or pressure treated, is a pretty good treatment 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 garden 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 building, whether you have it delivered as a self build flat pack log cabin or assembled for you. 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 in the UK it will last many many years.

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 flat pack 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 wooden 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 wooden 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 self build log cabin came onto the market a bidding war broke out. The garden cabin was an insulated 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 for sale, 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!

Log cabins are rather special buildings more, associated with the Swiss Alps or in Canada where snow stays on the ground for many months through the winter, and are seen as quite romantic, warm and cosy. In this country wooden cabins are becoming more and more popular as we strive to have something a little different. Made from interlocking planks of wood flat pack log cabins are a truly click together building – a log cabin kit – not like garden buildings at all.

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These log cabins were initially imported into this country and as time went on more or more factories were jumping onto the ‘band wagon’ and producing flat pack cabins. As always quantity takes place over quality as these ‘band wagon’ merchants strive to sell as many as they can at the cheapest price. And only one thing happens when they do this and that the quality of the building suffer and with poor quality timber and fittings leading to a much reduced life with splits in the wood and knots dropping out. Our Trentan log cabins are made in a state of the art factory where they can be produced to suit your needs and design before being flat packed for shipment to you.

There is an answer to this which is the Trentan Log Cabins range which are not only produced in nordic pine – there is a very large choice available. With so many models there is nearly certain to be one which will meet your needs and all at a very attractive price. And if you want to see them at a display site then you can, unlike most other web sites where you buy from a brochure and you don’t see what you get until it’s too late.

Over in Baltimore in the States a historically significant log cabin has been opened for the public. The timber shed is a replicate of Benjamin Banneker’s garden cabin, who was a famous figure in American African, where he lived. He was born in 1731 and his grandfather and father had been slaves. Amazingly Mr Banneker went on to be a great scientist and was described as ‘the first African American scientist for his contribution to astronomy.

He had various exchanges with Thomas Jefferson, the third USA president, pleading the case for abolishing slavery. However, even though his achievements were great he lived in a simple log building which he had built himself. (So of your want to build your own log cabin it’s possible with a flat pack option.) It is hoped, by the local authorities, that the replicate of his cabin will help to educate and inspire future generations about his life and to show that what one can achieve even from humble backgrounds.

Log Knowledge was a log cabin company based in Colorado where they made the very heavy duty log cabins seen in the ‘wild west’. Amazingly built to withstand everything the weather could throw at them. Their mission statement was as follows:-HANDCRAFTED THE LOG KNOWLEDGE WAY – For 30 years, Log Knowledge, Inc. has been designing and building the finest custom handcrafted log and timber homes and commercial structures. Located in Northern Colorado near Fort Collins, Log Knowledge specializes in log shells, post & beam and timber frame construction, as well as both structural and applied log and timber accents. As an industry leader, Log Knowledge prided itself in crafting distinctive and timeless creations of exceptional quality. Their reputation of superior craftsmanship and attention to detail were exemplified in everything they did. Customer satisfaction was their trademark and was the foundation of their company. Timeline Of Supply Of these Log Building.

1. Preliminary Design and Architectural This is where their log knowledge was used whilst working with their clients to ensure the cabin was going to reflect the purchasers needs and requirements. When the design is settled on drawings for the new building are produced.
2. Log Selection The log selected come from the finest Rocky Mountain trees which ensure the highest quality and the most attractive. These logs can be up to 48 inches in diameter but any size logs can be used to suit. The standard size is normally about 10 to 12 inches. Naturally tapered Lodgepole Pine, Engelmann Spruce and Douglas Fir – Larch timber used primarily.
3. Fabrication Log knowledge is essential when is comes to making the log cabin as this ensures that the natural character and beauty of each log is displayed perfectly. The connections between logs are hand scribed and notched to match the contour of the adjoining logs. The cabin was pre-assembled at their facility to ensure everything when together perfectly. When all the building is finished it is labelled before dismantling and then shipped to the new owner’s site. This pre-fabrication allows a rapid build when the crew get on site.
4. Handcrafted Log Construction Log Knowledge use this method for the log shells and ensures that there are no butt-joint splices. As above the logs are notched to fit perfectly into the adjoining timbers. They also take into account the fact that log cabins need to breathe.
5. Post & Beam Timber Frame Construction The knowledge gained over the years allows for a log frame construction and stone or other types of wood as cladding which creates a truly rustic looking building. This type of construction is quite similar to the Trentan log cabins method of construction as they use square and rectangular timbers.
6. Type of Supply Depending on the customer’s needs the service offers – LOG SHELL ONLY – LOG SHELL & WEATHER TIGHT CONSTRUCTION or a full TURN KEY CONSTRUCTION. This choice reflects the many different clients needs and requirements for their project. At all time the log knowledge is crucial and this ensures a perfect job every time.
7. Costs This will reflect the customer’s needs, the location, the type of timber logs chosen as well as the construction package ordered. Clearly these buildings are not a normal type of building for a day to day guy. It’s a bit like when you go into a Rolls Royce showroom and ask about the prices. If you have to ask you can’t afford it – unfortunately.

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 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 building 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’ 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

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 garden cabin as they are strong in appearance and the natural wood blends in naturally. And this is where the ‘Pyrford’ L Shaped 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 clockhouse 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

We believe that it is vital that you are given the opportunity to inspect a log cabin before parting with your money so we have established two easily-accessible display sites near Guildford and Farnham in Surrey which, hopefully, is not too far away where you can come and see over 100 buildings from all of our main ranges of buildings. You can browse our garden cabins and log buildings at your leisure without worrying about any high pressure salesmen pouncing on you (not that we would employ that type in any case!). If you need any help then we are there to advise.

Besides supplying some of the nicest buildings to you we can optionally (chargeable) arrange the assembly of these cabins for you providing there is a suitable base. And if there isn’t, don’t worry, we can build that for you too for a small extra charge. Experts in timber cabins, wooden huts and log buildings. And so much more so take a small drive and come and see us.

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’!

If you need help about planning permission take a look at the Planning Portal Official Site

If you need help and general buying tips with flat pack log cabins and related issues then take a look at our page with advice about buying on our web site

Log cabin kits in the are multi-talented buildings and are used for many activities from the mundane storage of garden tools and equipment as well as the lawnmower. They also provide safe secure storage for bikes, children’s toys and barbecues but can also be used as a garden workshop where the owner can make items or complete DIY jobs from the house. It also can provide an area for engaging in the owner’s hobby and this can range from one end of the scale to the other.These garden cabin kits can also be used as home fitness centres but, in this case, care must be taken to ensure the floor is strong enough and that there is sufficient height in the building. The general ‘run of the mill’ kits which can be bought very cheaply (and there is a reason why they are cheap) on the web will not fit the bill. If you are planning to put an exercise bike or running machine in there then you need to do some research and contact a company such as 1st Choice Leisure Buildings.

This will ensure that the floor is strong enough and you don’t want any chipboard or OSB (oriental strand board) floors as these are unsuitable. (You may see these advertised as ‘solid sheet materials’ as the cabin kit suppliers don’t want you to know you are buying a cheaply made floor) The other main consideration is height. Many of the cheap models are suitable for friends of Snow White a.k.a as the seven dwarfs. If you fit into that bracket then they may do the trick for you. If not then ensure your new garden cabin kit has a minimum of 6½ feet headroom (2.0m) or more. Always check out the height beforehand

Another option is to go for a purpose built garden log cabin kit complete with lining and insulation. This will ensure that it’s easier to keep warm in the winter and cooler in summer. Many people don’t give a thought to how hot it may be in the summer but 1st Choice, who has been involved in this business since 1979, understand this and are able to advise on the suitability of a building for you.

If you are not quite the athlete type and enjoy your sport in an armchair then buying a log cabin kit can fit the bill for you as well. This is according to Marks and Spencer (M&S) who say that nearly 1½ million men (surely some women?) have a den of some sort in their outbuilding or garage and this enables them to watch sport, such as the World Cup, Champions League or European Championships, in peace.

M&S stress that thought should be given to ensuring that the equipment in their cabin is covered by adequate insurance. This applies to the flowers, plants and trees in the garden as well. The head of general insurance, Andrew Ferguson, said that owners should check their home contents policy as to whether garden goods and items out in the cabin are covered. In any instance, the owner is responsible for the security of it to ensure items can’t be stolen.

A survey by Halifax showed that British men will be spending over £4 billion converting buying log cabin kits and the like and turning them into dens and installing wide screen TV’s. The moral of this story is that you ensure you have the correct insurance policy in place BEFORE any claim is required. Without it, you will feel as sad as most England supporters after the latest penalty shoot out.

Log cabin have developed massively over the years and are now quite a popular choice for garden leisure or recreation rooms in the garden. They also are quite popular for home offices or for temporary sleeping accommodation for the odd guest that appears. If you are using it as a home office and employing somebody to work in the cabin then you are likely to need permission. In this instance it’s important to realise that approval from the local council is not likely to be forthcoming unless several safety criteria are met.The choice of log cabin kits is great but you will find that most are made abroad and are delivered to the UK in set sizes and styles which is fine if you can live with that particular size and style. However, a wooden cabin should reflect your personality and it’s great to know that your new building has been built to suit YOUR requirements and to the style to suit YOUR garden. This is where the Trentan Log Cabins score big time.

They have a massive range of garden cabin kits which will meet most needs. Even the doors and windows can go where YOU would like them to go on most of them and not where they are dictated to be the retailer. Made from Scandinavian pine you can see that the Trentan garden cabin kits are designed around you and your needs.

Whilst log cabins can happily be situated in a domestic situation, subject to a few limitations, such as overall height, if the cabins are to be used in a commercial situation then planning and building regulations are required. And this can be a touchy subject depending on the location. I was watching a program recently about the work of planning officers and plans had been submitted for six holiday log cabins to be situated on green belt land.

There was support for this however the planning officer, who had no idea how these log cabin kits were delivered, (they come in individual log sections which are slotted together and this build up into the completed log building) objected on the grounds that the proposed site was on green belt, which is a valid point, but mainly because the large sections of the flat pack cabins would cause damage to the established trees.

Even when it was pointed out that the wooden cabin is made in small sections and would be carried in by hand she refused to relent and recommended refusal and this is what happened. The locals were a little disappointed by this as they believed it would bring income into the area.

However in another part of the country, an application for cabins to be used on green belt land caused controversy. Bolton councilors approved the building of a self build interlocking garden cabin at Shore LodgeFarm in Egerton even though the development was on green belt land. The reason for this was for security reasons after there had been a spate of thefts and vandalism at the site. This cabin was given approval only hours after Gary Neville, the former Manchester United footballer, had been refused permission to build an eco house on green belt land in Harwood.

Clearly it seems that these planners are a law onto themselves in connection with issues about the green belt. The strange decisions made can make you wonder what is the green belt all about. It’s clearly a good thing to protect the countryside from urban expansion but the planners do need to ‘sing from the same hymn sheet’ (what a terrible expression) when making decisions about people buying a garden log cabin kit for their garden.

The common garden building, or maybe that cabin you bought, is home to a great of items and the value of its use it usually not appreciated. However if you stop and think about the many virtues of these flat pack buildings you will not take its use in vain again. Where would you put all the garden equipment, the children’s bikes, garden furniture and garden tools? There’s not really any space indoors and even if there was you would not really want these items in there.You do need to take a look in your cabin and add up all the value of the items and ensure, where ever possible, to make sure these items are covered by insurance. This is not always possible as insurance companies are not very keen on insuring risky garden cabin type buildings. However if you persevere and show that your garden cabin kit is secure and, as importantly, is kept secure you may be able to get cover.

However, after building your log cabin kit, which can be challenging but rewarding as well, you may get insurance cover. You do however need to keep the cabin securely locked with all security measures in place because if you don’t and it gets burgled the insurance company are likely to refuse to pay out. A little similar to leaving your car keys in your car and a thief driving it away. So if you do pay for insurance make sure you don’t regret it. Don’t let all your self build DIY work on your cabin go to waste

The other side of the coin is to take a calculated risk and just make the most of any security procedures supplied as standard which the flat pack cabin would have. This will make it hard for thieves to get at your valuables and will encourage them to move onto easier targets. I would be a little wary of having any very high value items in the building unless you can lock your garden gate to stop thieves getting at it. The garden gate can act like a moat around the castle. In this instance the flat pack cabin is the castle being protected and the locked gate and surrounding fence is the moat, or first line of defence.

If you do this then you can relax a little and use your self build log cabin kit for a range of purposes whether it’s a bar to share with your friends, even a church – which I must admit is a very unusual use for a building but which needs must – maybe an artist’s studio, from a log cabin kit, such as one made by a man in Malmesbury. His creation morphed from a simple cabin, donated to him by his father-in-law, and evolved into a workshop cum party shed cum ‘man space’ with help from his friend. If you take a look on this web site’s photo gallery you can get some very good ideas.

This is all very good advice as the value of items in the average log cabin is well over £1000 and which increases year on year. This is according to a report by M&S Money, the financial arm of Marks & Spencer. Some of the most expensive items included lawn mowers in nearly 40% of buildings. Bikes were also a very popular items with over a quarter of cabins protecting them from the elements followed up by DIY equipment in general.

Astonishingly the survey found that nearly half of all self build garden buildings were not locked, which must be music to the ears of thieves, and this figure had risen substantially over earlier years. This I find amazing as I would have thought that, as budgets are reduced, more measures would be taken to protect ones’ own property.

However, whatever you do don’t follow the action of a lady in Leominster who, when her log cabin kit was cleared out, showed that there was a World War 2 incendiary bomb among the items in there. Action was taken to dispose of this bomb safely when it was exploded safely outside of Leominster by bomb disposal officers.