Let's start by asking ourselves what a log cabin actually is. Most log cabins are a variation on a theme - a more attractive shed or a more robust summerhouse really. The garden log cabin provides an exceptionally useful extra space in the garden - adding an extra room to your house. Indeed many garden log cabins are used either as an office, a workshop or gym; giving you the extra room you need to carry out a craft or hobby - or even simply an extra space in which to store things. It's fair to say that a log cabin is as versatile as an egg.

Of course many log cabins are used as holiday homes and the most luxurious as residences but these are outside the scope of this article. You could live in your garden log cabin - certainly for a short period of time, as a garden log cabin offers the same kind of comfort and security as a caravan. You could even install plumbing and electricity if you desired. Most log cabins are robustly built from attractive materials and feature a mixture of closed and opening windows. In addition, the more spacious garden log cabin provides plenty of headroom and elbow room inside, plus good access through commodious single or double doorways. Most doors and windows are lockable and you can easily add extra security.

Whether you search online or visit a local garden centre or log cabin specialist, you will find that there is an exceptionally large choice of garden log cabins on the market to suit every need and every pocket. When it comes to garden log cabins, you need to consider your present and future use, because family activities change with time so the cheapest of the log cabins you might see will not necessarily be the best buy in the long term.

You may reasonably expect that your log cabin will be constructed from timber and indeed most garden log cabins usually are, although you may occasionally find smaller log cabins made from timber grained plastic or pressed metal. When choosing a real timber log cabin, look out for one that is made from FSC-approved, environmentally friendly timber, which is pressure treated to give all-weather protection against rot. Some have a pre-painted or dipped finish whilst others are supplied in a natural finish to paint or stain as you choose, enabling you to create an elegant feature that will give lasting enjoyment in every season.

In terms of design and style you are sure to find a log cabin that is exactly right for your house and garden style, whether it's a traditional cottage style property or a modern urban-chic development. Most garden log cabins are also offered with a broad range of decorative features and all kinds of accessories including shelving and storage. You can choose log cabin designs that incorporate a roof overhang for additional shelter and shade, or a verandah or sun terrace - there are even log cabins designed for hot tubs.

Only the smaller log cabins are really suited to assembly by the average DIY enthusiast, as the larger and more sophisticated kind of garden log cabin will need to be erected by a trained building team using specialist tools and lifting equipment. You may need to incorporate foundations, concrete bases and drainage for larger garden log cabins.