Difference Between a Log Cabin And Garden Room
If you have come across a log cabin and a garden room, but you couldn’t tell them apart, don’t worry. You are not the only one. Although you think it’s easy to tell them apart, that’s not always the case. Today, log cabins are made much more modern than they used to be, which is one reason why it is difficult to tell them apart. In this article, we’ll talk about the main differences between log cabins and garden rooms. So, let’s start!
What Is the Difference Between a Log Cabin And Garden Room? The primary difference between a log cabin and a garden room lies in their design and construction: log cabins are traditionally made from interlocking logs and have a rustic appearance, while garden rooms have a modern design, often with timber-frame construction and large windows.
Log cabins often exude a classic wilderness vibe, whereas garden rooms present a contemporary, sleek look. Although that is not all, there are some other differences that should be mentioned, but we will do so in the rest of this article. But before we start with the main differences, let’s first see what a log cabin and a garden room are.
Table of Contents
What Is a Log Cabin?
A log cabin is a house made from big wooden logs stacked on top of each other. When many think of a Log Cabin, they think about large, sturdy logs stacked together, set in a remote place with a lot of snow – kind of like what you see in classic American films.
People have been building these cabins for a very long time because they are strong and simple. You usually find them in places with lots of trees. They look old-fashioned and cozy, with the ends of the logs sticking out. Today, some log cabins have electricity and running water inside.
What is a Garden Room?
Think of a Garden Room as an additional space for your home. It’s set up in your yard and not connected to your home, but it feels just as cozy and functional as any room inside your house. You can use it all year round, day or night.
Whether you want to eat, rest, work, or do a hobby, a garden room covers you. Some people even live in the garden room full-time! They come in all sorts of stylish designs.
The garden room is a great place to go if it is raining outside and you want to relax. Plus, it’s made to keep you comfortable – cooler during hot summer days and warm during cold winters. However, this comfort level might not be the same in modern log cabins because of how differently they’re built.
Since Garden Rooms are meant for daily living or work, they must follow specific building rules. These rules cover things like keeping you safe, saving energy, and making sure the place is secure.
On the other hand, modern log cabins don’t have to follow these same rules because they’re not primarily built for everyday living. Now, let’s dive into the differences between Log Cabin and Garden Room.
Here you can see what a modern Garden Room looks like:
Related Article: Differences Between Log Home And Log Cabin
5 Main Differences Between Log Cabin And Garden Room
To better understand the main difference between log cabins and garden rooms, we will go through five examples that distinguish them. Each of the given examples will give you a better look between these two:
1. Appearance
First, let’s start with the cabin. Log cabins have a unique look that’s easy to spot. Some people love this classic style. With their triangle-shaped roofs, smaller windows, and fancy trims, they give off an old-school charm. Very few people can walk past a log cabin without noticing it.
Garden Rooms, on the other hand, have a fresh and modern vibe. They come with big windows, smooth shapes, and simple designs. However, some log cabins try to look modern, but you can still tell them apart by the way their log corners are arranged.
2. Structure
Log Cabin Structure:
Log cabins are basically single-layer structures. They’re made of logs that fit together, particularly at the corners. This setup provides the cabin’s basic support and outside look. Log cabins often have added layers inside to improve insulation and hide other features.
Garden Room Structure:
On the other hand, garden rooms are more complex. They usually have a timber-frame foundation, like many houses. On top of this foundation, there are added layers both outside and inside to complete the room’s look.
For any garden room that is designed for living, it’s vital to focus on the foundation, protection against moisture, and floor insulation. Always know the details of how your building is made. Sadly, we’ve seen issues like mold and moisture damage in log cabins and other garden structures.
Related Article: Difference Between a Log Cabin And Timber Frame
3. Levels of Comfort and Use
Traditional log cabins made from thick pine logs need extra insulation if you plan to use them all year round. While wood does offer some insulation, you’ll need more to ensure warmth during the cold winters. Since wood naturally shifts, making the log cabin last is another thing to consider.
However, with a Garden Room, if everything’s done right – like insulating the frame, the floor, the roof, and sealing the windows – you can stay warm and snug all year with little heating. This is the main difference between a log cabin and a garden room regarding comfort and use.
4. Longevity
The materials that are used and how they’re put together matter a lot for how long a structure like a log cabin or a garden room will last. Plus, nobody wants to spend a lot of time maintaining these structures.
The kind of wood, how the wood “breathes”, and the materials used to join things together (best if it’s stainless steel) all make a good-looking and long-lasting building without the need for constant touch-ups. Log cabins use a lot of wood because they’re thick, and often, this wood is a more affordable pine that’s not as durable and needs more care.
5. Cost
Log Cabins:
When it comes to saving money, log cabins are typically the winner in this battle. A simple log cabin usually costs less than a Garden Room of the same size. However, if you add things like insulation, fancy finishes, electricity, and better roofs to your log cabin, the price starts to climb closer to that of a Garden Room. If you just want a place for occasional use, like a play area in the summer, a log cabin is a budget-friendly choice.
Garden Rooms:
A Garden Room is the way to go if you want something that feels more like an extension of your home. Although it costs more than a log cabin, remember that this is a long-term investment. Spread out over many years, the extra cost might not seem so big.
Related Article: Difference Between a Log Cabin and Brick House
FAQ: People Also Ask
What defines a log cabin?
A log cabin is a structure built using horizontally stacked logs, often characterized by its rustic appearance and simple design. Originating in Europe, log cabins in America hold a historical significance, commonly linked with the pioneering settlers’ initial homes.
What are the different types of cabins?
Typically, cabins can be categorized as handcrafted, timber frame, stick built, or full scribe. Contemporary cabins tend to be more spacious, accommodating families, with the specific cabin type and its design influenced by its intended use and locale.
Final Thoughts
Log cabins, and Garden Rooms each have their unique looks. While beauty is subjective, log cabins showcase a classic vibe with triangle-shaped roofs, petite windows, and intricate trims. On the other hand, Garden Rooms provide a modern feel with big windows, smooth outlines, and clean details.
In this article, we went through all 5 main differences between a log cabin and a garden room and explained these differences in detail. I hope this article helped you, and for any additional questions, feel free to leave a comment.
