Why aren't Log Cabins pre-treated?

Log cabin timber is kiln dried– a process that reduces moisture content to approximately 18%. This drying ensures that all wood is reasonably sized and capable of locking together tightly and securely.

If timber was to be pre-treated for customers, the rigidly sized pieces of wood would have to be coated with preservative at this stage of production. Each piece would absorb varying amounts of treatment and drying times would be inconsistent. Clearly, the timber pieces would expand to different sizes and this movement would prevent the interlocking log walls from fitting together tightly and securely, if at all.

The only way to eliminate this problem and provide customers with a pre-treated cabin is to do away with the traditional interlocking log corners (by which a log cabin is defined) and build a structure with straight corners and straight walls - also known as a shed.

It’s worth noting that all Dunster House log cabins are made with pressure treated bearers – therefore any wood that comes into contact with the ground is powerfully treated to prevent against decay and insect infestation.

The main cabin structure does require treatment after assembly (when timbers are already secured) and this should be carried out with a micro-porous solution available directly from Dunster House (see our optional extras when purchasing a log cabin) - enabling you to choose a preservative that suits your location and a shade that complements your surroundings.