FAQs

We know that choosing a solid timber log cabin is an exciting step—and it always comes with many questions. From materials and design options to council approvals, delivery, and long-term maintenance, we understand that you want to feel confident before making any decision.


To make things easier, we’ve gathered the most common questions (and answers) below, grouped into helpful categories.

Product / Materials

  • A. What type of timber is used in your log cabins?

    All our solid log cabins are made from "Pinus Sylvestris" (more commonly known as "Baltic Pine" or "Scots Pine”).

    For more info go to  https://logcabinsaustralia.com.au/timber-info/

  • B. Are the logs solid or glued (“GluLam” etc.)?

    Our timber log garden sheds, available in either 28mm or 50mm wall log thickness, are made from solid tree trunks.

    All our residential solid timber log cabins are constructed using "GluLam" logs made from the same trees.

    For more info go to https://logcabinsaustralia.com.au/components/glulam-logs/


  • C. Where is the timber sourced from? Is it sustainably harvested?

    There are vast pine plantations in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), planted by Russia in the 70s and 80s before the Baltic States gained their independence in the mid 90s. In those days, Russia identified a future shortage of good-quality timber building material, and consequently planted a huge number of Scots Pine saplings.

    All of these are now becoming mature, guaranteeing a constant supply of excellent quality timber for the building industry and other general applications.

    All timber used in the manufacturing of our cabins is sourced from these sustainable plantation timbers.


  • D. What types of windows do you supply with your cabins?

    This varies depending on the log cabin model.  In general, basic garden sheds with 28mm wall thickness are supplied with single-glazed std opening windows, and our 50mm wall thickness sheds come with residential-grade windows.  These windows feature double-glazing,  European-made “Tilt’n’Turn” opening mechanisms and an aluminium window sill.

    All windows are made from knot-free, finger-jointed timbers like Larch, Spruce of Birch

    For more info go to   https://logcabinsaustralia.com.au/components/double-glazed-windows/


  • E. What roofing should I use for my cabin?

    We strongly recommend COLORBOND® roofing for all our timber log buildings in our range.  Your basic 28mm wall thickness smaller garden shed cabin kitsets are supplied with bitumen roofing, as used overseas.  However, Australia’s harsh climate makes using a better roofing material almost mandatory.  We import our 50mm wall thickness range without any roof covering (other than the timber t&g roofboards supplied by the factory) and offer adding COLORBOND roofing in the colour of your choice. 

    For more info go to https://logcabinsaustralia.com.au/components/roofing-colorbond/



  • F. How thick are the walls and roof beams?

    This varies with the intended end use of our log cabins.  For smaller garden sheds our 28mm wall thickness is sufficient. 

    NOTE - warning – timber garden sheds are now also being offered in 19mm (!) “planks” as well as (wait for it...) 14mm (yeap, you read correctly) by yet another slick on-line order website, with the all-important wall thickness (and in individual bolt-together wall panels instead of interlocking logs) “hidden” among other information.  On top of this these are offered at eyewatering prices!

    We do not believe that these “sheds” will withstand our climate for any length of time, especially not tropical cyclonic conditions.  


    Thicknesses of roof beams step up in our 50mm and 70mm wall thickness log cabins – they come in heavy-duty 70x145mm.  Residential cabins with GluLam logs are again thicker, in line with the additional structural strength required for larger cabins (i.e. 80x240mm).


Design / Customisation

  • A. Can I customise a design or floor plan?

    That depends.  We aim at keeping all our garden sheds in stock, ready for immediate delivery, so altering the dimensions for these is impossible.  But you can still add a window or a front roof extension on some models.

    Besides the cabin models we have ready-to-go, you can order any size you like, these will just take some time to arrive at your site as they will be ordered with out next container.

    For all our residential cabins, you will find design plans on our website, at the bottom right of each model’s page under “Floor Plans”. These are suggested plans only, and can be altered as per your ideal design.  This does not even cost anything extra except for additional materials used.

    Please note that on occasion, these plans are in languages other than English. Please contact us if you need help with these.


  • B. What sizes/bedroom options do you offer?

    We offer solid timber log buildings from backyard garden sheds all the way up to 3+ bedroom single and double-story residential log cabins.  We specialise in custom designs and can start with a basic drawing on a napkin!

    The cabin models shown on our residential log cabin website https://logcabinsaustralia.com.au/ have been built somewhere in the world before, and are often named after their owners (Shirley, Carmen, Richard, etc.), or the area in which they were built (Cheshire, Inverness, Yok, etc.).



  • C. Are there display models I can visit?

    Yes.  We LOVE to show you our superior quality, like log thicknesses and inclusions!  We have our most popular models, SAM10 and OSCAR20, on display in Northern NSW and the Gold Coast (our home turf…); both of these can be viewed by appointment.


    Our garden sheds have also been built in many locations all up and down the Eastern Seaboard.  Over many years, we have worked for many happy log cabin owners who are proud of their cabin and do not mind showing it to interested parties.  However, these cabins are on private land, and as such, we rely on their generosity to welcome you.  Please contact us if you are interested in seeing one of these.


Costs, Pricing & Shipping

  • A. How much does a log cabin cost? What is the price range?

    This varies greatly.  Sizes of the log cabins go from a garden shed for about $3,000 all the way up to a four- bedroom double story residential log cabin for $400,000. The final price is also dependent on the different inclusions and the level of the fit out you choose.  In any case, you will find prices for our log cabins on their respective page.

  • B. What is included in the price (e.g. internal linings, windows, doors, shipping)?

    A complete list of what comes with our residential cabins is shown here: 

    https://logcabinsaustralia.com.au/what-is-included-and-what-is-not/

  • C. What are the shipping/freight costs?

  • D. What payment schedule is required?

    This depends on the log cabin you order.  In general, for all garden shed log cabins we have in stock a 50% deposit is required upon ordering.  These funds secure “your” cabin, and we use it to order your roofing, flooring and the foundation if applicable.  The second half of the payment is due 5 days before delivery.

    For all custom-made log cabins, the second half of the payment is due when the shipment leaves overseas.


Building, Construction & Delivery

  • A. How is delivery done? How long does it take from order to delivery?

    We use a variety of delivery methods for the different sizes of the flat-packed log cabin pallet.  We prefer to deliver all garden shed cabins ourselves, directly from our warehouse in northern NSW.

    This ensures that your cabin never leaves our sight, we keep control over the entire delivery procedure – we call it “white glove delvery”!

    Some larger residential cabins will be shipped to your closest major seaport and delivered directly to your site by a road carrier.


  • B. How quickly can construction / assembly happen on-site?

    This depends on our build schedule.  Sometimes, log cabin constructions can commence within a few days of receiving an order, but more often than not, this will need to wait 2 or more weeks.  It is a good idea to book this in as soon as possible, so we can reserve your ideal build date for you! 

  • C. What site preparation is required?

    Your build site needs to be cleared of all vegetation and levelled.  We recommend placing weed matting and a layer of road base or gravel on top of the bare soil.  Your build site should exceed the footprint of your cabin by one meter all around.

  • D. Do I need to install plumbing or electrical services?

    Plumbing connections are not always needed for garden shed constructions; however, please let us know if you are planning to do so.  Electrical leads can easily be run through the centre of our unique 50mm thick log walls, as electrical holes have been pre-drilled by our factory.  If we do the construction for you, we will install lighting cable from the front door switch to the external and internal lighting, as this needs to be installed prior to the roofing.

Regulations, Approvals & Compliance

  • A. Do I need council approval / building permit?

    As a very general rule, VIC and QLD allow garden sheds up to 10sqm without any approvals, NSW up to 20sqm.  Of course, there are other rules that need to be followed, such as a staying away from any fence by a min. of 1m, height restrictions etc.  Different rules apply to 1A residential type buildings – please contact us so we can help appropriately.

  • B. Are the cabins built to withstand the Australian climate ?

    Absolutely YES.  Due to their excellent insulation properties, heating and cooling costs are vastly reduced, resulting in an extremely low carbon footprint.  It needs to be noted here that proper protection of your log cabin from the environment (oiling, painting etc) is your responsibility. 

Energy Efficiency, Insulation & Performance

  • A. How energy efficient are these cabins?

    Wood is a brilliant natural insulator offering protection from the often extreme weather conditions outside.   A solid timber log structure requires very little maintenance, and it is ecological and energy-efficient to live in. This is made possible by the breathing yet tight wall structures and the characteristics of wood as a material. Wood walls naturally store thermal energy provided by the sun and then release it to the rooms when needed.


    During the colder months of the year, the internal temperature of log cabins remains at a very comfortable level.  During the warmer summer season, the excellent insulation value of the solid timber walls guarantees the utmost comfort for all inhabitants.


    During winter, a timber log building offers warmer interiors, and in summer, the internal temperature remains relatively cool. It reduces the dependency on high-energy-consuming equipment such as heaters or air conditioners.  Just a small energy-efficient reverse cycle air conditioner will look after all your heating and cooling needs all year round.


    It makes your log building a comfortable and cosy place. Living in a wooden house means having better physical and mental health due to living in an environment with more stable temperatures.  Provided the home is sealed properly (between the foundation and the first course of logs, between log-to-log connections and where the roof system meets the log wall), you will have a super energy-efficient home - also aided by fully sealed double-glazed European-style windows and solid wood core doors with double rubber seals.


  • B. How do log cabins perform with respect to insulation, condensation, noise etc.?

    Log cabins, by their very nature, are far superior regarding temperature and noise insulation to any other Australian construction method compared like-for-like.  Timber Log Cabins have ZERO problems with condensation, despite the fact that they are classed as "single skin" buildings, meaning they do not normally have a cavity in the outer walls.



Durability, Maintenance & Lifespan

  • A. How long will the cabin last? What maintenance is required?

    Log cabins have been known to last 50 years +.  However, this largely depends on a proper initial construction as well as on the ongoing maintenance performed on the timber.  Left untreated, the timber will deteriorate quickly, thus shortening the expected lifespan of your log cabin.

    Timber can easily be protected from the environment by applying either oil or paint.

    Oil (tinted to the colour of your choice) will preserve and also enhance the natural appearance of the timber, which is often the preferred look of a log cabin.  Oil penetrates the timber and will stop water from entering the log surface.  It needs to be re-applied every now and then; the frequency depends on the level of exposure of your log cabin (North facing, on-shore winds, fully exposed to the sun etc).

    Painting means more work initially when the cabin is built, but it is less work in the long run.   The first coat needs to be applied straight after construction, using a good quality outdoor acrylic-based undercoat – making sure it is marked as “graffiti or stainblocker” to avoid tannins in the timber branch knots showing through.  On top of the primer, two coats of external acrylic paint should be applied (MaxiFlex or SolaGuard or similar).

    Other maintenance required includes tightening of the strom bars as needed, oiling hinges of the doors and windows, emptying gutters and so.



  • B. How does the timber behave with seasonal changes?

    After harvesting, timber logs are kiln dried to about 12 to 14% water content before being milled.  This avoids warping and splitting to the largest possible extent.  However, after construction, the timber will go through a natural dying process, resulting in shrinkage of about 1mm per log.

    For the first about 12 months of the life of your cabin please do not install any items to the log walls vertically, to allow the natural shrinking process to occur.

    Please also hand-tighten the external strom bars (if applicable) that loosen during this process. After about a year the shrinkage and expansion of your logs should be minimal.


  • C. Do you provide warranties or guarantees?

    Yes – 5 years.  However, we never had a single issue after the initial construction period that could not be directly attributed to the lack of maintenance.  A log cabin is not like your TV or car, they can break down at any time during use.  A log cabin is different in the sense that it simply can NOT “stop working”.  In all cases, whatever comes up, we will be able to help (check our 5-star Google reviews!).

After-Sales / Support

  • A. Do you assist with technical drawings/plans for approvals?

    Yes.  For existing cabin designs, these are readily available; for custom designs, our overseas supplier can create them for you for a small charge.  Please note that often these need to be altered by a local draftsperson or architect to comply with Australian Building Approvals requirements.

  • B. What happens if there are issues on site or during assembly?

    Not a problem – just get in touch!  Luckily, we have close to zero issues with our current suppliers with regards to overall quality, missing parts etc, but nothing is ever perfect.  Just let us know anything you come across, and we will do all we can to fix it.

  • C. Do you provide instructions, support or installers?

    Yes to all.  Over many years, we have written “Aussie” instruction manuals for our steel bases, the cabin construction and for installing COLORBOND roofing, after realising the instructions supplied from overseas sometimes lacked in clarity.  You will also always receive a parts list showing all components supplied and where they are used in the construction of your cabin.

    Support is only a phone call away – always.  In fact, we thrive on service, which includes after-sales support.  For us, a handshake deal means much more than a lengthy contract!

    We have our own crew for the installation of garden shed-type log cabins that do not need Council approvals.  For residential cabins type 1A, you will need to find a local builder for the construction (incl. foundations, roofing, electrical, plumbing etc) but we are happy to be on site for at least a few days during the build period (details to be worked out).


Freight and Deliveries

We are stoked to confirm that we are now able to offer FREE DELIVERY to anywhere between BALLINA and the SUNSHINE COAST and offer HEAVILY SUBSIDISED DELIVERIES to SYDNEY and NSW


Your new timber log cabin comes on a pallet weighing from 1t upwards, and measuring 6m long by 1m square or thereabouts.  Obviously this poses logistical challenges, and costs of course, when delivering cabins all over Australia.


However, we are now offering FREE "White Glove Delivery" on all our garden shed cabins in stock, saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.


White Glove Delivery means that we:

  • safely store your cabin in our warehouse
  • personally load your cabin
  • use of own fleet vehicles
  • deliver cabins ourselves, rather than using third parties
  • offer a site inspection when dropping off the cabin
  • are able to answer any questions you might have
  • keep full control over the delivery schedule
  • insure the cabin in transit
  • help hand unloading
  • never let your cabin out of our sight


The size of the kit set cabin sometimes places limitations on delivery locations (such as steep driveways, islands, 4WD access only and so on). We will work together with you to find the easiest and most cost-effective solution.


Please get in touch - we look forward to hearing from you.

Great News regarding all cabin installations!

"
TimberGardenSheds.com.au" can help with the installation of your cabin not only anywhere between Brisbane and Canberra - but also all over Australia!


Wherever you are located, chat with us and we will do our best to work something out for you.

Still have a question?

Not to worry - fire away!  We are here to help, we live the log cabin dream - and so can you!  We love to hear from you....

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