Save ££££ by building your own garden office. If you’re looking to create some extra space at home, then a log cabin in your back garden could be the answer. In this post, I’m going to show you how to build your own and save thousands off the price of a professionally installed garden office. This step-by-step guide will show you all the different elements required to accomplish this job as simply and cheaply as possible. Forget the £15k+ price tag of a garden building supplier and build your own for as little as £5000.
Your own garden office can be as big or as small as you like. You just need to use your imagination a little bit and work within the confines of your property. For this build, I’d like to show you how a log cabin kit can provide the main structural element of your build, making it faster and cheaper than trying to build from scratch. My building has been purchased from Garden Buildings Direct, based in the UK. It’s provided me with a fantastic-looking structure that can easily be modified to suit my needs as a garden office.
My modifications include electricity, decking area, insulation, internal finishing and a custom paint job. These buildings can also be extended with your own materials or by purchasing one of their lean-to add-ons. You can select different roofing via their website, or again, add your own. At some point down the line I’d like to add some thin slate tiles to the roof to really make this building pop. But for now I’m on a bit of a budget.
Planning
You should understand the building’s restrictions from your local authority before you do anything. Read these carefully to ensure your building doesn’t breach planning restrictions, or it could get taken down. The first port of call for this would be the online planning portal. If you are still unsure after checking this, then it’s worth contacting your local authority to double-check any details.
Now that you know your restrictions, it’s time to get in the garden with a tape measure and start measuring up. Where is your building going to go? Think about things like:
- Where the sun sets and rises,
- Are there any overhead or underground electrical wiring to avoid?
- Are there any water drainage points, pipe works or gas pipe works to avoid?
- How level is the ground?
Select Your Design
Once you’ve chosen the right spot in your garden, the next step is selecting a design that suits your space and how you plan to use it.
For this project, I chose the BillyOh Kent Garden Office in a 4m x 3m size. It offered the footprint I needed while still leaving room around the structure. The layout appealed to me because the internal space can easily be divided into separate zones, ideal if you want a dedicated workspace and a small storage area, or even a meeting nook.
If you’re planning to build your own log cabin, think beyond just appearance. Consider:
- How much usable floor space you need
- Ceiling height and natural light
- Door and window positioning
- Future insulation and electrical plans
There are plenty of garden office and log cabin kits available, each with different layouts and finishes. Many can be customised before ordering, and they also lend themselves well to modifications once installed. You can extend the structure, alter internal walls, upgrade roofing materials, or change the external colour to complement your home.
Starting with a well-designed kit gives you a solid structural base, while still allowing enough flexibility to create a garden office that feels bespoke rather than off-the-shelf.
How to Build a Wooden Frame Base for Your Log Cabin
How to Build a Wooden Frame Base for Your Log Cabin
For my garden office project, I chose to build a timber framed base because it is one of the most cost effective and practical foundation options. It works particularly well if your garden is slightly sloped or if you are completing the build on your own.
A strong and level base is essential when building your own log cabin. It supports the entire structure and helps prevent future issues such as movement, water damage, or uneven walls. The base should always be slightly larger than the cabin footprint to allow for airflow and any additional features such as a small decking area.
I extended my base to include space at the front for decking and used standard construction timber sizes to keep cutting simple and reduce waste. The finished dimensions were 4.8m by 3.6m, which comfortably supported my 4m by 3m log cabin while allowing for a small overhang.
Key Base Specifications
- Joist spacing: Approximately 500mm centres
- Support posts: One at each corner, plus two at the front and two at the rear
- Additional supports: Extra central posts for load distribution
- Cost-saving reinforcement: Breeze blocks positioned beneath joists where needed
Using pressure-treated timber throughout helps protect the structure from moisture and ground contact. With correct installation and periodic treatment, a wooden frame base can easily last 20 years or more.
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how I constructed the base, followed by the full materials list.
Step 1. Lay the Outer Edge Pieces to Find the Corners
Some ground works have been completed to level out the ground.
Once finished with the base, I’ll need some grass that grows fast to repair the muddy ground. Fast-growing grass seed should only take a few weeks to grow back and will get these patches back to normal in no time.
Step 2. Dig Holes for the Support Posts
Place about 10cm worth of 20mm gravel in the bottom. This provides support, strength and drainage.
Step 3. Fit the Support Posts
Place the wooden post into the hole. (No need to cut it just yet)
Add a bag of Postcrete to the water and stir with a stick.
Quickly level out the post with a spirit level. The mix should set within 10 minutes.
Fix the joists and cut the top off the post with a hand saw.
Step 4. Fix the Joists to the Support Posts
Step 5. Fit the Rest of the Joists and Add Additional Support
There are 7 internal joists and one either end. 9 in total.
Add breeze blocks for support. (or dig additional holes for posts.)
Step 6. Add Joist Bridges and Weed Protection
Finally cover the frame with weed protection barrier. This can be fixed in place with a staple gun.
You should now have a strong wooden frame base on which to build the log cabin. The bearers for the log cabin will run lengthways across the wooden frame.
Materials Required for this Log Cabin Wooden Frame Base
Here’s a list of all the materials I’ve used on this wooden frame base.
| Material and Retailer Link | Quantity | Cost each | Total cost |
| C24 Sawn Treated Timber 47mm x 150mm x 4.8m | 2 | £33 | £66 |
| C16 Sawn Treated Timber 47mm x 150mm x 3.6m | 9 + 2 (11) | £19.80 | £218 |
| Treated Incised UC4 Fence Post Green 100mm x 100mm | 3 | £24 | £72 |
| Bullet Gold Wood Screw 5.0 x 100mm Box of 200 | 1 | £30 | £30 |
| Blue Circle Ready to Use Postcrete 20kg | 4 | £6.64 | £26.56 |
| Gravel and Shingle Trade Pack 20mm | 4 | £3.47 | £13.88 |
| 4Trade Creocote Dark Brown 4L | 1 | £15.60 | £15.60 |
| Weed Control Landscaping Fabric 1m x 20m | 1 | £24.60 | £24.60 |
The total cost for this log cabin wooden frame base was £466.64
Now it’s time to start work on the log cabin.
How to Build a Log Cabin, a Step-by-Step Guide
Following the instructions carefully and referring to the technical documentation is the key to success with this BillyOh log cabin kit. Take your time and check measurements carefully.
Here is an example of the log cabin instructions provided with a BillyOh kit: BillyOh Kent log cabin assembly instructions
Step 1. Organise the Wood Pieces into Equal Lengths
Also organise the fixings.
You can now quickly access what you need, when you need it.
Step 2. Lay the Bearers and First Wall Pieces
Lay the first wall sections and square off the corners. (Use large set square)
Measure the width of the doorway using the dimensions from the technical drawings.
Screw these sections to the bearers.
Screw the bearers to the wooden frame to hold everything in place.
TOP TIP – Double check your measurements at this stage. Once you go past this point it’s very difficult to go back without taking everything down! Measure the door width and the length of the internal wall in 3 places.
Step 3. Build up the Walls Until the Bottom of the Window
There should be 6 pieces at the front window.
5.5 pieces at the side window.
Step 4. Lay the Floor Boards
The boards are nailed into place starting from the narrower end.
The final piece will also need to be cut length ways to fit.
Step 5. Continue Adding Wall Pieces and add Window Frames
Tap the window frames into place with a rubber mallet.
If it is tight, place a piece of wood on top of the frame and hit with a rubber mallet.
Do not hit the internal section of the frame. It could break.
Step 6. Continue Building up the Walls
Step 7. Add the Purlins
Make sure they overhang equal lengths are either end.
Step 8. Fit the Roof Boards
Screw the roof boards into place.
I found it easier to do this on top of the roof once a few boards where in place.
Step 9. Windows and Doors
These are easily fitted using the supplied fixings.
Take your time and measure carefully.
The great thing about these buildings is that you can upgrade anything, including the windows and doors. The standard double glazing windows that come with the set are pretty basic so you can easily order some upgraded frames to make the building really stand out. Some timber sash windows would really make a big difference to the overall look, feel and improved thermal insulation properties for this building.
Step 10. Fit the Internal Sealing Strips
Step 11. Protecting the Exterior
You can pick whatever exterior wood paint you wish.
Ensure this is done as soon as possible.
Step 12. Add the Roofing Felt
Tack this into place. Continue on the apex section until the roof is covered.
Step 13. Decking Area
Stain the boards using a decking stain or paint.
Add the facia boards to the roof.
Find this Kent Log Cabin Garden Office here
The Interior of the Log Cabin
This part of the project is currently in progress with an expectation to finish in the summer. The electrics have been run and fed up through the floor, and basic lighting has been added to the interior for now.
Here is a list of jobs to complete this project and turn this into a beautiful, cosy work space.
- Insulate the walls
- Fit plasterboard to the walls
- Fit power outlet points
- Lay laminate flooring
- Add furniture
Stay tuned for updates on this project. We’re looking forward to finishing this and making the most of our new office space away from the busy home environment.
Expert Insight: Why an Office Room is a Great Investment
According to Ben Burdon, a removal specialist with years of experience handling household transitions, building your own garden office pod or self-build garden room is one of the best ways to add additional space without disrupting your home life. “We’re seeing more people create dedicated spaces like insulated garden rooms or timber frame garden studios to separate work and living. It’s a great way to reclaim focus, especially if you’re working remotely or starting a business from home,” says Ben.
He adds that opting for a DIY garden office kit with structural insulated panels, double doors, and proper roof insulation can be far more cost-effective than moving house or extending it. Plus, with features like French doors, bi-fold doors, and a rubber roof, your office can be used year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
What Tools do You Need to Build this Log Cabin?
Here’s a list of tools I’ve used for this project, along with a few of my recommendations.
- Cordless combi drill and impact driver set – Dewalt drill and driver set
- Sliding Mitre saw – Evolution 255mm sliding mitre saw
- Tape measure – Stanley 5m tape measure
- Hand saw – Irwin panel saw 10 tpi
- Pencil – HB carpenter pencil
- Set square – Magnusson 7″ Rafter square
- Chisels – Irwin chisel set
- Drill bit set – Dewalt drill bit set
- Hammer – Claw hammer
- Rubber mallet – 32oz rubber mallet
- Jigsaw – DeWalt 18V Cordless Jigsaw DCS331N
Thanks for reading. I hope this has inspired you to build your own log cabin garden office.
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