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In-Depth Review of the Shire Gisburn Double Door Log Cabin 12 x 8ft

First Added - January 15 2025
Last Updated - January 15 2025 - 0 Data Points Updated - 32 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1

Product ID: SKU: 147575

Size: 12' x 8'

Merchants Checked: 10

Available From: 1

Wickes
£2,075.00
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88
Good Very solid.
Quality of materials
Construction quality
Ease of construction
Value for money

See how our panel of industry experts helped create the impartial judging criteria used to calculate the Expert Score.

Shire Gisburn Double Door Log Cabin 12 x 8ft: Expert Review

When considering an addition to your garden, the Shire Gisburn Double Door Log Cabin 12 x 8ft is a compelling option that effortlessly combines style, functionality, and durability. As someone who has explored a myriad of outdoor structures, I can confidently say this log cabin stands out for its quality and versatility.

The cabin features a robust apex style roof and is made from FSC certified, high-quality European softwood. It is unpainted, allowing you to customise the finish to suit your taste. The cabin’s construction uses interlocking logs, known for their superior fitting, which enhances both the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. With a 10-year guarantee, you can invest in this product with peace of mind.

Standout Features

I find three standout features particularly worthy of mention:

  1. Mineral Felt Roofing: This material, found on 54% of top sheds, contributes significantly to durability and protection against the elements.
  2. Interlocking Log Cladding: This cladding style is regarded as the best for shed walls, giving you reassurance about its stability and insulation properties.
  3. High-Quality Cladding Thickness: With walls measuring 28.0mm thick, this cabin’s structure surpasses the average, offering enhanced protection and longevity.

Construction Quality

The Shire Gisburn is constructed with high-quality materials native to northern climes, ensuring that the cabin can withstand a variety of weather conditions. The interlocking log system is the best form of construction for sheds, with 19% of all analysed models adopting this highly effective method. Standing against its peers, this log cabin boasts an expert score 6% higher than the average of similar cabins, making it a premier choice.

Roofing and Weather Protection

The roofing material, mineral felt, not only offers excellent waterproofing but also amplifies the overall structural quality. It’s worth noting that this cabin’s roofing has an expert score 12% above average among similar models. Mineral felt is used in 68% of top-shelf 12′ x 8′ sheds, signalling its reliability. The additional height of this cabin further enhances its space and comfort, with a height that provides you with 2500mm (8′) of headroom–14mm more than the average.

Dimensions and Practical Usability

This 12 x 8ft cabin presents a generous internal space perfect for a variety of applications, whether you’re creating a serene home office, a play area for kids, or simply a comfortable family retreat. With three-quarter length doors and windows, the influx of natural light is a bonus that cultivates a welcoming atmosphere, while the potential for reversed placement of the doors and windows allows for personalisation to fit your preferences.

Assembly Insights

Most log cabins in this category typically require minimal assembly. However, its important to be aware that assembly complexity can vary by supplier. The Shire Gisburn, constructed from interlocking logs, generally rates highly for ease of assembly–perfect for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners looking to set it up quickly. Depending on the skill level of those assembling it, you might expect a straightforward setup process.

Maintenance and Durability

One of the standout features of the Shire Gisburn is its unpainted finish, lending you the freedom to stain or paint it according to your preferences. This feature should be viewed as advantageous if you’re particular about the exterior aesthetic. Regular maintenance, coupled with periodic treatment, can prolong the cabin’s lifespan significantly, ensuring that it remains vibrant and serviceable for years to come.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros:
    • Robust construction from quality materials.
    • Customisable exterior finish.
    • Generous internal space with ample natural light.
    • High expert ratings in cladding and roofing materials.
    • Versatility in usage–from leisure pursuits to functional office space.
  • Cons:
    • Being supplied unpainted may require more initial work from you.
    • The double doors, while stylish, may not suit tighter garden spaces.

Market Standing and Value

Currently, the Shire Gisburn sits competitively in the market, priced at £2,417 from multiple retailers. When considering options at a similar specification, this cabin is approximately £2 less than the most common offering, encapsulating excellent value for money. If your budget is extremely tight, alternatives such as the 12′ x 8′ Sabre | 28mm Log Cabin provide decent savings, though at the sacrifice of some expert ratings.

Conclusion

The Shire Gisburn Double Door Log Cabin 12 x 8ft is unquestionably one of the strongest contenders in the shed and garden building market. Its blend of durable construction, aesthetic appeal, and flexibility makes it suitable for a broad spectrum of uses. If youre seeking a quality log cabin that not only meets practical needs but also enhances your garden’s visual appeal, this model deserves serious consideration.

Product Details

Building Type
12x8 Sheds, Apex Sheds, Double Door Sheds, Garden Offices, Large Log Cabins, Log Cabins, Luxury Garden Rooms, Shed with Windows, Wooden Sheds
Metric Size (Meters)
12' x 8'
Material
Wooden
Roof Style
Apex
Number of Windows
1
Door Type
Double Door
Cladding Type
Interlocking Log
Cladding Thickness
28
Treatment Type
Treated
Guarantee
10 Years

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Shire Gisburn Double Door Log Cabin?

This log cabin is constructed from FSC certified European softwood and features a highly regarded interlocking log cladding style. It has a generous size of 12 x 8ft, an apex style roof covered with mineral felt, and an impressive wall thickness of 28.0mm, making it one of the best on the market.

How does the mineral felt roofing perform?

Mineral felt is recognised as a top-notch roofing material. It provides excellent protection against moisture and weather conditions, and analysis shows that it features on a significant percentage of high-quality sheds. This product's expert score in this area is notably high, indicating its effectiveness.

Is assembly difficult?

The cabin's interlocking log system should make the assembly process more straightforward. Assuming you have basic DIY skills, you should find the setup manageable; just plan for sufficient time as per the provided instructions.

What maintenance is required for this log cabin?

As the cabin comes unpainted, it's paramount to regularly treat it with the appropriate wood preservative. This will protect against UV damage, moisture, and pests, thus extending its lifespan considerably.

What makes this cabin suitable for my garden?

The Shire Gisburn Double Door Log Cabin not only serves as functional space but also enhances garden aesthetics. Its double doors and windows create an inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for a variety of uses, from a play area to a home office.

Joel Bird

Joel Bird

Profile

Joel, our shed expert, won Channel 4’s Shed of the Year in 2014 and is the author of The Book of Shed. Click ‘Meet the Experts’ to learn more.

Meet the experts

Product ID: SKU: 147575

Size: 12' x 8'

Merchants Checked: 10

Available From: 1

Wickes
£2,075.00
See Deal

Support WhatShed: by making a purchase after clicking a link above, a portion of the sale supports this site.