HOW TO MAKE YOUR CABIN

Building Your Cabin

Building your own cabin is easier than you might think, and can even be enjoyable with a few people helping. Our cabins are designed to be simple to assemble.

Please note that cabins do not come with step-by-step instructions. Instead, you receive plans, measurements, and a cutting list showing where each part goes. This guide explains the main stages of the build process.

Before you begin, keep all timber dry and well ventilated. Once the cabin is built, the wood should be treated as soon as possible.

Preparing the Base

The base is the most important part of the installation. It must be:

  • Firm
  • Dry
  • Completely level

A concrete base is usually the best option. It should match the footprint of the cabin closely to help prevent water collecting underneath.

All cabins include pressure-treated bearers that sit directly on the base.

Take time to ensure the base is square and level before starting the build.

Before You Start

Open the packages and organise all parts using the cabin plans.

You may notice a few spare logs or boards included in case of damage during transport or installation.

Check all parts before building begins and report any missing or damaged pieces.

Avoid placing timber directly on grass or dirty surfaces.

Installing the Floor Bearers

The pressure-treated bearers form the base frame of the cabin.

  • Larger bearers support the wall
  • Smaller bearers support the floor

Lay the outer bearers first and screw the corners together securely.

Check that all corners are square by measuring the diagonals — they should match exactly.

Building the Walls

The cabin walls are built by stacking logs layer by layer.

  • Always install wall logs with the tongue facing upwards
  • Ensure the tongue and groove joints fit properly
  • Keep checking the walls remain square as you build

The first row of logs is especially important. Measure diagonals again after fitting the first layer to confirm everything is level and square.

Continue adding logs until the walls reach window and door height.

Installing Doors and Windows

Doors and windows slide into prepared openings once the walls are several logs high.

Important points:

  • Do not screw frames tightly to the wall logs
  • The cabin will naturally settle as the timber adjusts
  • Final door and window adjustments should be made after a few weeks

Doors and windows should be treated and painted inside and out for protection.

Completing the Walls and Roof Structure

Continue building the walls up to the gable ends.

Next:

  • Install the roof beams
  • Secure the gable ends
  • Fit the remaining upper wall timbers

Check regularly that all roof beams remain level before fixing them permanently.

Storm braces should then be fitted inside the cabin to improve stability in strong winds.

Installing the Roof Boards

Roof boards are fitted across the roof beams.

  • Start from the front edge of the roof
  • Leave a small expansion gap between boards
  • Ensure boards fit tightly together

Roof coverings such as shingles, felt, or Onduline are optional extras and are not supplied as standard.

Once the roof covering is installed, fit the fascia boards and roof trims.

Fitting the Floor

The floor is usually fitted last to avoid damage during construction.

Install the floor bearers first, then lay the floorboards on top.

Leave small expansion gaps between boards and around the edges to allow the timber to naturally expand and contract.

Timber Care

There are two things you need to do with your cabin. You MUST use a preservative first, and then use a stain or wood colour.

We would recommend using either Sadolin or Sikkens, as they are high quality, and have a wide selection to chose from.

Generally speaking, the more you pay, the better the product, but do shop around.

Whatever you use, make sure:

  • It is a preservative, and not just a paint
  • It must have at least a small amount of pigment to provide sun protection.
  • It must be a waterproofer (many preservatives do not contain any waterproofing)

Whatever you do, don’t just use regular paint on your cabin. It will not allow the wood to breathe, and it doesn’t stretch, so it will soon ruin your wood.

It is just a log cabin though, so any good quality wood treatment will ensure a longer life.

As the wood is in individual pieces, you can take the opportunity to paint inside and out, and also get into the grooved areas, where you will be unable to paint later on.

Please ensure you treat your cabin within a week of it being put up.

For best results:

  • Treat the inside and outside of the cabin
  • Apply treatment within one week of installation
  • Protect doors and windows carefully

Maintenance

Inspect your cabin every six months.

Common issues include:

Gaps Between Logs

Usually caused by restricted movement while the timber settles.

Doors or Windows Sticking

This can happen as the cabin adjusts to weather conditions. Minor adjustments to hinges or frames may be needed.

Keeping the cabin level and properly maintained will help prevent most problems.

Insulation

Most cabins can be insulated in the:

  • Floor
  • Roof
  • Walls

Double-walled cabins include space for solid insulation boards and come with a double roof structure as standard.

If you would like internal roof cladding or extra insulation options, these can usually be added during installation.

If you are unsure about any part of the installation, we recommend speaking to a qualified builder or joiner before starting work. Or get in touch with any questions.