How Long Can You Live in a Log Cabin?

One of the biggest appeals of log cabins is that you can use them in a variety of different ways and constantly repurpose them as time goes by. 

The versatility of log cabins is partially due to them coming in an assortment of different types, shapes, and sizes, all of which can be found on Gardenhouse24.

Log cabins can make for excellent homes when compared to traditional housing, which is why some people wonder how long can you really live in a log cabin. 

So, without any more delay, let’s talk about the lifespan of log cabins, whether you can safely live in them or not, and what steps you need to take to do so.

 

What is the Lifespan of a Log Cabin? 

 

Log cabins are known for their sturdiness and ability to withstand harsh weather. The average lifespan of log cabins is about 60 years, with some lasting for as long as a century. 

However, the lifespan of a log cabin heavily relies on how well it is maintained. 

Regardless of what a log cabin is or how it is used, it needs to be regularly taken care of throughout the year for it to have a longer lifespan. 

Additionally, the structure of a log cabin can also help determine how long it is going to last.

Log cabins can be built in different environments and locations to accommodate those different environments. 

At the same time, the structure of the log cabin needs to be able to withstand those different conditions as well. 

Especially in harsh weather conditions, the quality of materials used for the foundations of your log cabin structure can be an indicator towards the lifespan of the structure.

 

Log Cabins Can Last Sixty Years and Longer

 

As we have already established, log cabins can last a lifetime with strong foundations and when properly maintained. 

When you properly take care of the wood and the logs used to build your cabin, they will be happy to return the favour for years to come, keeping you warm on cold winter nights and cool on hot summer days. 

Hence, it is important that you are aware of the type of logs or wood you are using and make sure that it is treated accordingly. 

In harsh weather conditions, the wood in your log cabin may be affected if you don’t properly proof the structure. In rainy weather, the wood can be prone to moulding, and in extremely hot weather it can dry up and cracks can start to form. 

Therefore, you should be aware of the weather conditions your log cabin can be exposed to and add proper proofing or insulation to your walls or roof.

 

 

Can You Live in a Log Cabin in Your Garden?

 

Now to answer this question we first need to establish some of the differences between log homes and log cabins. 

For starters, all log homes are log cabins but not all log cabins are log homes. Log homes are usually used to refer to bigger and more complex structures with all the necessities required for living space such as electricity and wiring while log cabins usually refer to smaller structures with a simpler design. 

However, regardless of the size of your log cabin, its location, and its complexity - you can live in a log cabin as long as you add all the necessary living requirements, such as running water and electricity. 

So even if you have a log cabin in your garden, you can turn it into a comfortable and cosy living space. 

In fact, log cabin owners sometimes choose to utilize their garden log cabin as a guest house or guest room, completely isolated from their main home, and it tends to be warmer and more peaceful than any form of traditional housing, like an apartment or conventional homes.

 

Log Cabin Insulation

 

A huge upside of living in a log cabin is having the benefits of log cabin insulation. 

After all, wood is a natural insulator, which means that it can retain heat more effectively than other construction materials. 

In other words, the wood used to build your log cabin stops the heat indoors from escaping and keeps it warm when it’s cold outside, while preventing heat from permeating into the log cabin when it’s hot outside.  

When properly constructed, a log cabin is an ideal living space during harsh winters. Additionally, wood is a humidity regulator, which means that it can actually improve the air quality indoors, making it easier to breathe. 

To top it all off, log cabins are easily adjustable, so in case you live in exceptionally harsh weather conditions, you always have the option of adding further insulation to your log cabin’s walls.

 

Draught-proofing a Log Cabin

 

A great way of adding to your log cabin’s insulation and improving thermal efficiency is through draught-proofing the entire structure. 

Draught proofing is both easy and cheap, you won’t even need to hire any professionals or specialists to implement it. 

The first step in draught-proofing your cabin is by finding its source. So, try and look around your log cabin for any unwanted gaps in your log cabin, such as rattly windows or big gaps between the doors and their frames.

The next step is to draught-proof your windows and doors by adding rubber strips to the frames to prevent any air from coming in when they are closed. 

You can also use secondary glazing for your windows if you want to be thorough. If you find any sources of drafts in wall joints or floorboards, you can always use silicone to fill in those gaps. 

In case you can’t identify where the draught is coming from, you can use a smoke pen to help you find the source.

 

Log Cabin Planning Permission

 

Now there is only one last thing you need to do before moving into your cosy log cabin. It is important to know if you are going to need planning permission before building or setting up your garden house.  

Building a log cabin usually requires planning permission from the local authorities. Keep in mind, in some cases, you may not require planning permission depending on the size and nature of your log cabin. 

However, the only way to know for sure is by contacting the local planning authority in your area where they can also advise you on the application process to retrieve it and its requirements. 

The process of applying for planning permission can be gruelling at times but the reward is certainly worth it, just picture yourself sitting in your dream log cabin in front of the fireplace with a drink in your hand as you are filling in that paperwork.