DIY Builds
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh Pexels Logo Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh

Do you need a air vent in a summer house?

Ventilation prevents condensation on the inside of your summerhouse. This is why it's important to install ventilation grates. For effective aeration, place one ventilation grate at the front and one opposite, on the back of the log cabin or summerhouse. Most of the moisture comes up through the floor.

How high above the ground should a shed base be?
How high above the ground should a shed base be?

Allow at least 12" (300mm) all around and 36"-48" above the roof of the building. The base must be firm, level, square and designed to suit the...

Read More »
How long should logs sit before splitting?
How long should logs sit before splitting?

six months Let the wood dry at least six months and preferably longer The hardest lesson: firewood takes a very long time to season Most folks who...

Read More »

Gravel for protection against water

A layer of gravel around your summerhouse protects the underneath of the house from splashes of rainwater. The timber stays dry and your summerhouse lasts longer.

Door hooks

We advise you to install door hooks immediately after assembly. A door hook prevents a door from suddenly blowing open. This prevents the door and glazing from being damaged by gusts of wind or other weather conditions.

Ventilation

You may not really have considered ventilation. But does your summerhouse have adequate ventilation? Ventilation prevents condensation on the inside of your summerhouse. This is why it’s important to install ventilation grates. For effective aeration, place one ventilation grate at the front and one opposite, on the back of the log cabin or summerhouse. Most of the moisture comes up through the floor. For this reason, you are advised to install an internal floor. You can also choose to have your summerhouse or log cabin insulated. Lugarde offers various forms of insulation.

Resistance of your summerhouse

Do you have unconventional plans for your summerhouse or log cabin, such as a roof terrace or a green roof? Or do you live in an area with extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall or wind? Then it is important to inform yourself about the resistance of the chosen garden construction before buying. Our buildings are in general very stable. This is due to the quality of the wood and the construction method that Lugarde uses. However, this does not guarantee that our products can withstand all weather conditions or special projects. Depending on the size of your summerhouse, its load-bearing capacity can vary. A smaller roof area for example can withstand more weight per square meter than a large one. The same principle applies to the wall surface. Do you want to be on the safe side? Then it is possible for us to arrange an exact and individual structural analysis of your garden house for a fee. Thus we can assure you, if necessary, whether your chosen summerhouse is suitable for you, your projects and the location. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Movement of the timber

A wooden summerhouse or log cabin expands or contracts depending on humidity levels. This is a normal feature of wood. Wood expands, but doesn’t get longer. Every plank expands by around 1.5 mm. Since every summerhouse is around 15 planks high, this amounts to a full expansion of around 2.25 cm (15 x 1.5 mm). In order to shrink or expand, the wood needs a little room to move. Most problems are caused by nails and screws secured in the walls, windows and doors. These prevent the from moving. All of our systems take into account the movement of the wood. Lugarde doesn’t use nails or screws, yet all of our summerhouses and gazebos are very stable and both wind and watertight. Our highly advanced systems and precise production methods mean the walls fit together with millimetre precision. If you plant to install pipes or built-in furniture, you must consider the movement of the wood.

Treat your summerhouse immediately

In order to protect your summerhouse against the sun, wind and rain, we advise you to treat it both inside and out before the unit is assembled. We can supply pre-treated summerhouses, log cabins and gazebos. Read more about our treatments.

Questions or more information?

Have questions, or want to learn more about our products, customer benefits and extra options? Please contact us or find the nearest dealerin your area. We will be happy to help you!

What size log cabin can I have without planning permission?
What size log cabin can I have without planning permission?

Keep under 2.5m at that 2m point, most log cabins from several suppliers have an eaves height less than that so you're fine and within permitted...

Read More »
What really adds value to a house?
What really adds value to a house?

The top five projects that add the most dollar value to a sale in 2022 are refinishing hardwood floors, installing new wood floors, upgrading...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Are shipping containers waterproof?
Are shipping containers waterproof?

Because the decks of the ships are exposed to the elements, containers are equipped with heavy-duty rubber door seals that keep water and wind out....

Read More »
Is cinder block stronger than concrete?
Is cinder block stronger than concrete?

Concrete blocks are far stronger than cinder blocks. Several building codes explicitly prohibit the use of cinder blocks in building and...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »
Do I need vapor barrier for shed floor?
Do I need vapor barrier for shed floor?

Sheds that have 6 or more inches of air flow under them shouldn't need a vapor barrier underneath. The air flow should keep the understructure dry....

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
How do I avoid paying tax on a second home?
How do I avoid paying tax on a second home?

There are various ways to avoid capital gains taxes on a second home, including renting it out, performing a 1031 exchange, using it as your...

Read More »