Typical shed or log cabin - best structure?

[DaMekon]

I need an outside space for storage, and also an occasional getaway where I can do some studying in peace...

Now cabins tend to be about twice the price of similarly sized building (looking at 12x8), but I don't want something that's going to fall apart in 5 years. Sheds tend to be T&G, or log/shiplap type, more often than not built in panels, a bit like a stud wall, and I wonder how well these will stand up to shrinking/expanding, twisting etc...

Whereas an interlocking structure just seems that much more stable, especially when options of thicker timber from 28mm - 44mm, are on offer.

Is a shed construction really that bad?

 

[AronSearle]

It is not the construction method that is the issue, a stud wall will be more durable than a log cabin.

But you are comparing a cheap nasty stud wall, to a fairly decent log cabin type construction.

 

[DaMekon]

It is not the construction method that is the issue, a stud wall will be more durable than a log cabin.

But you are comparing a cheap nasty stud wall, to a fairly decent log cabin type construction.

Fair point!

Like most things, you get what you pay for! Im just drawn towards the cheaper option, but know I would probably regret it in a few years time.

 

[AronSearle]

Well, you could build the stud wall yourself, most of the issues with the cheap option will be workship related.

 

[DaMekon]

I can barely drill a straight hole, or hammer a nail in straight or saw a straight line.. building a shed from raw timber is a little beyond my capability.. although I could prob handle a flat pack kit!

With a budget of £2k.. I basically have these options:

The traditional style shed
http://www.citycentresheds.co.uk/bulldog-timber-workshops

or the log cabin
http://www.gardenbuildingsdirect.co.uk/Log-Cabins/BillyOh-Traditional-Log-Cabin-Workshop/22586

Both 28mm timbers, but two different construction methods... The cabin perhaps looks more pleasing to the eye, but the shed seems more solid. I just want something that will last!

 

[AronSearle]

Either/or really.

If you want a belt and braces option that will last as long as you....

Both should be lifted of the ground, on good footings that keep the base dry and protected from splashback.

Both would benifit from a well maintained stain finish. The ends of the logs, particularly at lower level, would benifit from some extra preservative and end grain sealent as well as the stain finish.

The shed will be most vulnrable to water penetration at corners, butt joints and windows. Adding an L shaped corner piece to the shed will help, as well as properly maintaining seals around windows.

If you just wack them up and do nothing, they would still last a good 10+ years, but are both a bit cheap and start developing issues and looking dog eared at that point.

 

[DaMekon]

Can I just ask, if you say both are a bit cheap.. is there anything better I could get on a budget of 2k? (But suppose that's my issue!)

I had already taken on board the points you raised, thanks... I was concerned about the corners of the shed, thinking that the interlocking logs should form a better seal.

I had assumed that spending £1.6k on a 12x8 shed wasn't really cheap, when I coud prob get one for half that, with 12mm cladding etc, which I would consider cheap. But then, I suppose you can pay double /treble my budget for an office, or cedar clad, so I suppose as with most things, you only get what you pay for!

Trouble is, I speak with the people who make the sheds, and they tell me that they are better construction that the cabins, due to the use of the solid framing, which the cabins lack, and the fact that the timber is nailed to the framing; then if I speak with the cabin people, they slag of sheds with the points you mention. Which, I would have expected, but I would like some impartial advice, which is why I came here...

 

[ladylola]

Here's one for you , if you're a bit of a pessimist

http://www.tigerlogcabins.com/product/zombie-fortification-cabin-zfc-1/

 

[leeco]

I was working for tiger sheds the other month manufacturing log cabins and 28mm log cabins are pretty crap and I would go for the thicker gear.

Have a look at there website http://www.tigersheds.com/

 

[ladylola]

28 mm does sound a bit on the thin side , probably explains why they use 44mm to keep the zombies out

 

[AronSearle]

Can I just ask, if you say both are a bit cheap.. is there anything better I could get on a budget of 2k? (But suppose that's my issue!)

Build it yourself, anything at that price range you buy will be 'alright'.

I was concerned about the corners of the shed, thinking that the interlocking logs should form a better seal.

The end grain of timber sucks up water more readily, so the joint itself will be tight (if well done), but then it exposes lots of end grain. This should then be thoroughly treated and sealed, often it isn’t, and this is where decay first rears its head on these type of structures.

Trouble is, I speak with the people who make the sheds, and they tell me that they are better construction that the cabins, due to the use of the solid framing, which the cabins lack, and the fact that the timber is nailed to the framing; then if I speak with the cabin people, they slag of sheds with the points you mention. Which, I would have expected, but I would like some impartial advice, which is why I came here...

They are equal, they both have different strengths and weaknesses, and it is all about build quality.

And see the reply above, for 2k don't expect anything better than 'alright'.

Get some second hand doors and windows off fleabay, build a mini timber frame yourself, you will get much better quality for the same price.