If you've found yourself in the market for a garden log cabin, garden bar, or even just small garden shed, you might have also found yourself scratching your head at the glaring price differences.
Why do these structures swing from a few hundred quid to thousands? You might be wondering: Are some sheds secretly fitted with underfloor heating and room service? Or could they have a bunch of super cool features that aren’t even advertised? It’s actually a lot more transparent than that—you’ve just got to know where to look and how to understand what the key differences are between log cabins and garden sheds of varying prices, beyond just design and size.
To really know whether a cheap wooden log cabin is worth getting over a more expensive option like a wooden summerhouse, start by asking yourself: What makes a "good" shed for my needs? And then consider what these needs might be in the long run.
Some factors, like making sure it stands up straight, holds your tools, and doesn’t blow over in the first gale, are pretty universal. But other things, like how long it’ll last into the future or whether you can store your lawnmower without worrying about water damage, are more specific to your needs—and your budget.
This is where the concept of ‘durability’ comes in.
We’ve all heard the word, and have an overall sense of what it means—your log cabins or garden office’s ability to survive the weather and wear and tear. But what is it that makes one wooden log cabin or shed so obviously more durable than another? Why is there an observable price difference?
Well, when it comes to garden sheds or even wooden summerhouses, remember to choose right in terms of durability in the following areas:
(T) The Type of Timber:
The type of timber used will determine how well your log cabin or shed will fare in rainy or snowy weather and with pests over time. It is important to remember that softwoods are more permeable to moisture and pests, which is why they are generally cheaper and often used in more basic sheds. Softwood sheds may be a cheaper initial investment but could be more expensive in the long run because they require more maintenance and replacement over the years. Hardwood sheds, such as those made of cedar or oak, are often found in more expensive large log cabins and garden office outdoor setups, as they are more resistant to weathering, pests, and decay. Pressure-treated timber is an excellent choice for added longevity, especially if you're considering 19mm log cabins for a garden office or log cabins for winter use that will require insulation and protection from precipitation.
(C) The Cladding:
Cladding is like the shed or wooden summerhouse’s jacket—it’s the outermost layer that shields everything inside from the elements. Cheap log cabins or sheds often come with low-grade plywood or basic timber cladding, which might seem like a steal at first but offers little protection. If you’re serious about protecting your tools or using your shed as a garden bar, it’s worth splurging on higher-quality cladding. More expensive options like tongue and groove cladding, found on our website, fit together snugly, keeping out rain, pests, and drafts—this is a good feature to look for in any shed you might be exploring!
(R) The Roof:
The roof is another essential component that impacts your shed’s overall durability. The design and materials used in the roofing play a significant role in how well a wooden log cabin or garden office outdoor shed handles environmental stress. In cheaper small garden sheds, you’ll often find basic materials like felt or corrugated plastic, which may require more frequent replacement. On the other hand, more expensive log cabins garden options come with robust roofing solutions like asphalt shingles or metal roofing, offering better protection against leaks and superior insulation. By evaluating the roof type—whether Apex or Pent—you can ensure your shed or log cabins are well-equipped to withstand the elements specific to your garden and fulfill their purpose effectively over time.
If you’re looking to add a waterproofing layer to an existing roof, check out our Watershed Roofing Kits, available on the Norfolk sheds website.
So, Are Cheap Sheds Worth It?
The short answer: It depends. If you find a garden office outdoor shed or log cabins for sale that’s cheaper but still ticks the boxes of timber, cladding, and roof (our trusty TRC trio), then it could be a smart buy. If you need a short-term solution, a cheap tool shed might be fine. But if you’re looking for something that’ll last and that you could potentially transform into something else down the line, it’s better to spend a bit more upfront than to fix leaks, repair rot, and replace dodgy roof panels down the road. It’s like buying a car: you could buy the cheapest option, but don’t be surprised when you’re stuck on the hard shoulder after the first roundabout.
How Much Should You Spend on a Shed?
After considering the TRC features, think about your budget and what you might want to spend on a shed, wooden summerhouse, or large log cabins. Don't forget other factors that could influence your decision when selecting a quality garden shed option.
Such as…
The Foundation:
Cheaper log cabins garden or sheds often come with a basic timber base, which, due to its porosity, could lead to seepage and damage from mold and pests. A solid foundation, like concrete or pressure-treated timber, such as the wooden mobile bases we offer at Norfolk sheds, will help protect your log cabin or shed from groundward damage.
Construction Quality:
More expensive sheds are generally built with better craftsmanship. Think solid doors, windows that actually close, and joints that won’t come apart at the first sign of a stiff breeze. It’s the difference between a shed that’s more like a cosy little garden retreat, and one that might just blow away into Oz during the next storm. The Glentress Log Cabin, for example, that is one of our higher end sheds, comes with all external windows and doors fitted with the shire draught seal system and a full length verandah!
Customisation and Features:
High-end sheds often come with extra features that take your shed from basic to brilliant. Imagine the time and money you might save with built-in shelving, electrical wiring, or even some swanky paint finishes.
So, back to the initial question, What’s the difference between a cheap and expensive shed? It’s really a matter of what’s right for you. Consider what you need your shed for now, and how long it might serve this purpose, then consider what you could use it for after. In other words, think of a shed as a long term investment rather than a short term storage facility and you will automatically spend your money wisely.
In short: What’s cheap now, might not be that cheap in the long run, so go ahead, pick the right shed!