Log cabin glossary: the terms used in our specifications

Structure

• Wall log (wall profile) — a machined timber board with tongue-and-groove edges and corner notches; logs stack to form the wall. Its thickness (28–70 mm) is the wall thickness.
• Double wall — two separate log walls with a cavity between them for insulation, written as 44+44 mm or 70+70 mm.
• Corner notch — the interlocking joint where two walls cross; it holds the building together without a frame.
• Foundation joists (timber base) — the timber beams the walls and floor stand on; 44 × 70 mm as standard.
• Tongue and groove — boards with a ridge on one edge and a slot on the other so they lock together; used for walls, floors and roofs.
• Settling — the small loss in wall height during the first year as timber adjusts to local humidity.

Dimensions

• Footprint (width × length) — the external size of the log walls, excluding the roof overhang.
• Building area — the floor area enclosed by the walls, in m².
• Terrace area — covered or open deck that is part of the model, stated separately.
• Wall height — height of the side walls.
• Ridge height — height to the highest point of the roof; the figure most permit rules refer to.
• Roof overhang — how far the roof extends beyond the walls, given per side in cm.

Roof and finish

• Apex (gable) roof — two slopes meeting at a ridge. Pent roof — a single slope, typical for modern garden offices.
• Bituminous shingles — flexible roof tiles laid on roof boards. Metal roofing sheet — profiled steel sheets, supplied with gutters.
• OSB — engineered wood panel used as an extra layer under roof covering.
• Impregnation — a penetrating primer against rot and blue stain, applied before paint or stain.

Ordering

• Kit — the building as delivered: pre-cut, numbered parts with drawings.
• Standard model — a catalogue design with fixed dimensions. Bespoke / custom — a building made to your dimensions or sketch.
• Lead time — time from order confirmation to delivery; typically 4–8 weeks.
• FSC — Forest Stewardship Council certification of responsibly managed forests and the chain of custody from them.