Log cabins and garden buildings in Ireland

Extra space at the end of the garden

Log cabins and garden buildings in Ireland range from simple timber sheds and stores to insulated garden rooms used as a home office, gym or studio. The right choice depends on how you will use the building, how often, and in which months of the year.

On Archizone you can browse listed suppliers of log cabins, sheds and garden rooms, see what they offer and contact them directly. It is free for buyers. For fully insulated, year-round rooms, see also our list of garden room suppliers in Ireland.

What to look for

• Wall thickness. Thin log walls suit storage and summer use. For a building you want to use in winter, look at thicker logs or an insulated wall build-up, and ask about floor and roof insulation too.

• Timber and treatment. Ask which species is used, whether it is pressure treated or needs treating on delivery, and how often it will need re-coating.

• Roof covering. Felt, shingles, EPDM and metal sheets all behave differently in wind and rain. Check what is included and how long it is expected to last.

• Windows and doors. Single glazing is common on basic cabins. Double glazing makes a real difference for a room you plan to heat.

• Electrics. Lighting, sockets and heaters should be installed by a Registered Electrical Contractor, with the supply run safely from the house.

The base matters

A level, solid base keeps the building square, stops doors sticking and protects the floor from damp. Common options are a concrete slab, paving slabs on a compacted sub-base, or a ground screw system. Ask the supplier what base their building needs, its exact size, and whether building it is in the price. Leave room around the walls for air flow and maintenance.

Planning exemption

Most back-garden sheds and cabins are assessed under the Class 3 exemption, which since July 2026 allows up to 30 sq m of garden structures in total, including any existing shed or garage. The building must be behind the front wall of the house, no higher than 3 m (or 4 m with a tiled or slated pitched roof), leave at least 25 sq m of private open space, and must not be used for sleeping or living in. Protected structures, conservation areas and conditions on your original planning permission can change this, so check with your local council if in doubt.

Ask the forum

Not sure which wall thickness or base suits your garden, or whether your plans fit the exemption? Ask in the Outdoor living forum, where homeowners and suppliers share practical experience.

List your business

Do you supply or build log cabins, sheds or garden buildings in Ireland? List your business on Archizone so people planning garden projects can find you and contact you directly. Plans start at €14 a month + VAT, with Growth and Premium options for more visibility.

FAQ

Do I need planning permission for a log cabin in Ireland?

Often not, if it meets the Class 3 conditions: behind the front wall, within the height limits, 30 sq m or less of garden structures in total, at least 25 sq m of open space left, and not used as living accommodation.

Can I sleep in a garden cabin?

A cabin built under the exemption cannot be used for human habitation. Using it as a bedroom or self-contained unit normally needs planning permission and must meet the Building Regulations.

How long does a log cabin take to build?

Many kit cabins go up in a few days once the base is ready. Insulated garden rooms and made-to-measure buildings take longer, so ask suppliers for lead times when you request a quote.