The Timber
Hillhout uses only selected wood imported from Scandinavia, which comes exclusively from areas with a responsible forest management policy. More than 65% of the timber has now been certified according to PEFC requirements.
Wood is a natural product and as such it is normal for there to be some differences in appearance. Certain variations to the wood can occur due to weather conditions and other natural phenomena such as dry shrinkage cracks at the end of beams, discolouration, resin pouches etc.
The Log Cabins
A standard log cabin or garden building is supplied untreated. However, roof planks, foundation beams and floors are pressure impregnated (roof planks not applicable to Madeira, Flevoland, Bergland and Ireland cabins). To preserve your log cabin or garden, two things are very important: good ventilation (please use the supplied ventilation vents) and protection of wood with a preservative. Protection of the wood can be achieved by treating the wood (preferably before construction) with a wood preservative on the outside and the inside. A wood stain or colour can then be applied. Repeat this treatment as often as necessary. In this way your log cabin or garden building will be wind and weather resistant for many years.
Build it yourself
Each log cabin is delivered as a do-it-yourself kit with a clear and detailed construction manual, ensuring virtually anyone with few DIY skills can build a Hillhout log cabin or design building. If you have any doubts please ask for advice.
Selected models are now available pressure impregnated, delivered and assembled.
Hillhout now offer the New Foundland Grand types 220 and 320, the Scotland type 320, the Groenland type 320 and the Ireland Corner cabin type 280 pressure impregnated delivered and assembled by their own skilled builders.
Foundation
A good foundation is a matter of the utmost importance, because this may prevent problems in the future. Possible problems might arise due to subsidence of the foundation. As a result, windows and doors will not function well. A good foundation always needs to be flat, squared and level.
Tips
Always place the log cabin or garden building slightly higher than the surface level. This prevents flooding.
Before laying the foundation, cables for electricity and service pipes need to be laid out.
You might no be able to reach a wall for treatment after having placed a log cabin or design building: please take this into account beforehand.
Owing to the natural warping of wood, the log cabin will dilate or shrink. Therefore, do not fasten the wall logs on each other.
Guarantee
Hillhout offer a 10-year guarantee against rot on all pressure-impregnated cabins providing that the cabin has not been cut or damaged before or after assembly. Proof of purchase will be required. This guarantee does not apply to untreated cabins.
