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Palmako Helena 5.4m x 5.4m Log Cabin Garden Building

First Added - August 4 2022
Last Updated - August 4 2022 - 0 Data Points Updated - 41 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1

Product ID: SKU: 102511

Size: 18' x 18'

Merchants Checked: 12

Available From: 4

ShedStore
£7,999.00
See Deal
ShedStore
£9,299.00
See Deal
BuyShedsDirect
£7,999.00
See Deal
BuyShedsDirect
£9,299.00
See Deal

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88
Good Ranked in the Top 30% of Log Cabins.
Position 272 of 910 Log Cabins - Up 272 places from previous update.
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.

Our verdict on the Palmako Helena 5.4m x 5.4m Log Cabin Garden Building

The Palmako Helena 5.4m x 5.4m Log Cabin Garden Building comes with an apex style roof, holds a 5 Years guarantee, and is fit with lockable double doors that use a cylinder locking system. The 3 windows used on this particular 18′ x 18′ use a single glazed glazing material (Thickness was not specified).

Base material: wood

Our experts say this has 6 stand out features. A stand out feature is something found on over 70% of the top 10% of products in a particular category or is an exceptionally good feature as rated by our panel of experts.

1. When looking at cladding material used on the top 10% of all log cabins, interlocking log is used on 98% of them.

2. The tongue & groove construction used for the roof is the same kind you’ll find used across 100% of the top 10% of log cabins.

3. The tongue & groove floor material is a great choice and is what we find being used by 94% of the top 10% of log cabins.

4. The 19mm thick floor boards are the same thickness we see being used on 88% of the top 10% of log cabins.

5. A 70mm thick cladding like the one used on walls of this log cabin is one of the best rated by our experts.

6. A 19.0mm thick roof construction as thick as this is something our expert rate to be one of the best available on log cabins.

Below is a brief overview of how some of the key points of this log cabin fairs across the market.

Cladding

Outstanding, our experts say most of the cladding options used are among the best.

The interlocking log cladding(walls) used here is the best form of construction for walls and is the only type [1] we’ve identified on same-size log cabins, that you’ll also see getting used on 72% (639 of 893) of all log cabins analysed [2], as well as being used on 98% (87 of 89) of the top 10% of log cabins [3]. You’ll also find the interlocking log cladding showing up on 100% of 18′ x 18′ log cabins (15 in total) [4], and if we compare this item against those 15 we find it’s Expert Score is 9% higher than the average score for a 18′ x 18′ interlocking log log cabin.

The walls are 70mm thick and we rate this the best thickness out of the 5 found on same-size log cabins [5]. It is used on 1% of all log cabins [6] and after analysing the top 89 products that make up the top 10% of log cabins [7], we don’t find this thickness present on any of them. 13% of 18′ x 18′ log cabins (2 in total) use 70mm thick walls [8], and if we compare this item against those 2 we find it’s Expert Score is 9% higher than the average score for a 18′ x 18′ 70mm log cabin.

Read full analysis for cladding.

Roofing

Tongue & groove is the cladding used for the roofing, our experts rate this the best form of roof material and is the only type we’ve found on same-size log cabins [9]. This roofing material is used on 64% of all log cabins analysed, and 100% of the top 10% of log cabins. 100% of 18′ x 18′ log cabins (15 in total) use tongue & groove construction for the roof, with this product having an Expert Score 9% higher than the average in this regard.

A 19.0mm thick roof boarding was used on this log cabin which is the best thickness used for a roofing material out of 2 thicknesses identified on same-size log cabins [10]. It’s used on 7% of all log cabins and 20% of the top 10% of log cabins. 60% of 18′ x 18′ log cabins (9 in total) use a 19.0mm thick roof boarding, with this product having an Expert Score 8% higher than average.

Read full analysis for roofing.

Flooring

Outstanding, our experts say most of the flooring options used are among the best.

The manufactures of this log cabin chose tongue & groove for the floor construction, we rate this the best form of floor construction and is the only type found on this size of log cabin [11]. This type of floor construction is used on 74% of all log cabins we analysed, and 94% of the top 10% of those log cabins. 73% of 18′ x 18′ log cabins (11 in total) use tongue & groove construction for the floor with this product having an Expert Score of 8% higher than the average.

A 19mm thick floor boarding is used here, this is the best floor board thickness according to our experts out of 2 found on same-size log cabins [12]. It’s found on 39% of all log cabins and used on 88% of the top 10% of log cabins. 67% of 18′ x 18′ log cabins (10 in total) use 19mm thick floor boarding, with this product having an Expert Score 7% higher than average.

Read full analysis for flooring.

Window

Single glazed windows come installed on this log cabin. As a glazing option, we rate it an about average out of the 3 glazing types found on 18′ x 18′ log cabins [13]. This particular type of glazing is used on 14% of all windowed log cabins and 21% of the top 10% of log cabins with windows we analysed. 53% of 18′ x 18′ log cabins with windows (8 in total) use single glazed windows, with this product having an Expert Score of 12% higher than the average.

Read full analysis for window.

Height

The height of this log cabin is 2160.0mm (7′) which is 1% less than the average 18′ x 18′ log cabin, giving you 29.0mm (0.1′) less headroom.

Read full analysis for height.

Doors

The door height is 1,830.00mm (6′) tall which is 2% or 36.09mm (0.1′) shorter than the average 18′ x 18′.
The door width is 1,510.00mm (5′) wide which is 22% or 337.64mm (1′) narrower than the average 18′ x 18′.

Read full analysis for doors.

You Might Also Consider

We found 15 18′ x 18′ log cabins with comparable specifications. The Palmako Helena 5.4m x 5.4m Log Cabin Garden Building has an Expert Score that is 9% higher than average and is £4 less expensive than average. If you are looking for the best value or highest expert scoring log cabins out of the 15 with comparable specifications the following might be of interest.

Best value – If you are looking for something comparable that costs less, then you could save £1,300 with this Forest Blakedown 6m x 4m Log Cabin. It is priced at £6,699, this is 19% less than this and has an Expert Score of 90, 2 points higher than the Palmako Helena 5.4m x 5.4m Log Cabin Garden Building.

Highest Expert Score – With an Expert Score of 90 vs 87 for this product, the Forest Blakedown 6m x 4m Log Cabin is the best 18′ x 18′ log cabin with comparable specifications, and is priced at £6,699, that’s £1,300 less than the Palmako Helena 5.4m x 5.4m Log Cabin Garden Building.

High Wind Area – If you live in a particularly exposed or high wind area then having a log cabin with a thicker cladding and higher than average frame thickness can be preferable. We found at least 3 log cabins that have a combination of features that can make them more suited to higher wind areas.
Forest Blakedown 6m x 4m Log Cabin
Forest Wolverley 6m x 4m Log Cabin Garden Office
Palmako Helena 5.4m x 5.4m Log Cabin Garden Building

Coastal Consideration – If you live in a particularly wet or harsher environment such as by the coast then you might want to consider something with a more robust pressure treatment or something made from metal or plastic, both materials that are particularly suited to such harsh environments. We’ve found at least 2 log cabins that have a combination of features that can make them more suited to higher wind areas.
Forest Blakedown 6m x 4m Log Cabin
Forest Wolverley 6m x 4m Log Cabin Garden Office

Public-Facing – Extra security measures might be more of a concern if you’re placing your building in an area that is more public-facing than a garden. Features such as security windows or even having no windows at all, and the ability to lock all opening doors are usually much more important when you have something that is more public-facing. We found at least 3 log cabins that have options that you might find a better fit if this is a concern you have.
Forest Blakedown 6m x 4m Log Cabin
Forest Wolverley 6m x 4m Log Cabin Garden Office
Palmako Helena 5.4m x 5.4m Log Cabin Garden Building

More Child Friendly – If you have children and you are looking for something that has that little extra in terms of durability then tougher glazing options might be a better option. Here we have at least 3 other options that will fill those needs.
Forest Blakedown 6m x 4m Log Cabin
Forest Wolverley 6m x 4m Log Cabin Garden Office
20’x16′ Gamma | 44mm Log Cabin

Product Details

Building Type
Corner Garden Office, Corner Garden Rooms, Garden Offices, Garden Rooms, Large Log Cabins, Log Cabin Garden Offices, Log Cabins
Metric Size (Meters)
18' x 18'
Material
Wooden
Roof Style
Apex
Number of Windows
3
Door Type
Double Door
Cladding Type
Interlocking Log
Cladding Thickness
70mm
Treatment Type
Untreated
Guarantee
5 Years
Locking System
Cylinder
Floor Material
Tongue & Groove
Glazing Material
Single Glazed
Floor Thickness (Imperial)
19.0mm
Floor Thickness (Metric)
19.0mm
Construction Type
Interlocking Solid Logs
Eaves Height (Imperial)
2160.0mm
Eaves Height (Metric)
2160.0mm
Ridge Height (Imperial)
2900.0mm
Ridge Height (Metric)
2900.0mm
Depth At Base (Imperial)
13'
Depth At Base (Metric)
3900.0mm
Door Height (Imperial)
1830.0mm
Door Height (Metric)
1830.0mm
Door Width (Imperial)
1510.0mm
Door Width (Metric)
1510.0mm
Roof Material
Tongue & Groove
Roof Thickness (Imperial)
19.0mm
Roof Thickness (Metric)
19.0mm
Width At Base (Imperial)
17'
Width At Base (Metric)
5100.0mm
Thickness (Imperial)
0.2'
Thickness (Metric)
70.0mm
Window Size (Metric)
nan x nan
Door Size (Imperial)
6' x 5'
Door Size (Metric)
1830.0mm x 1510.0mm

Comparisons of Similar Sheds

aste1208dl-1aa_12x8-shire-aster-combination-summerhouse-insitu2-min_12tanalised-features-angled-panel_4_1tanalised-features-garden-studio-interior-blankloxley-8-x-8-chalford-sumerhouse_09_17-x-5-fully-insulated-apex-summerhouse-64mm-walls-floor-roof-12mm-tg-40mm-insulated-ecotherm-12mm-tg-long-double-glazed-safety-toughened-windows-4mm-6mm-4mmepdm-roof-free-install-L-8776375-50712815_1
Expert Score 8393908390
Price £2,329.00£5,474.00£4,734.00£1,074.00£9,331.89
Size 12' x 8'15' x 7'11' x 7'7' x 5'7' x 5'
Brand ShireRedlandsRedlandsLoxleyMarlborough Insulated Buildings
Material WoodenWoodenWoodenWoodenWooden
Cladding Thickness 12mm16mm16mm12mm12mm
Guarantee 10 Years15 Years15 Years10 Years
GoGoGoGoGo
Joel Bird

Joel Bird

Profile

Our resident shed building expert Joel was the 2014 winner of Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year having beat over 10,000 applicants to win. He returned to the show the following year as a judge. He is also the author of The Book of Shed and has designed & built over 50 small bespoke garden builds. Joel has appeared on various TV or Radio shows include George Clarkes Amazing Spaces, Alan Titchmarsh Love your Garden, Chris Evans Breakfast Show and BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live.

Meet the experts

Sources

Merchants Checked

12 different sources were used to research information on this product, and 2 contained information that we were able to use to compile the data used on this page.

The following merchants were checked on the 06 August, 2022 to see if they stocked this product.

Buy Sheds Direct – 1635 products checked, found 2 matches.
Shedstore – 1373 products checked, found 2 matches.
Waltons – 231 products checked, found no matches.
Wickes – 19576 products checked, found no matches.
B&Q – 78905 products checked, found no matches.
ManoMano UK – 922302 products checked, found no matches.
Wilko.com – 21232 products checked, found no matches.
Homebase – 35509 products checked, found no matches.
sheds.co.uk – 1999 products checked, found no matches.
BillyOh – 1244 products checked, found no matches.
Garden Buildings Direct – 1284 products checked, found no matches.
Tiger Sheds – 635 products checked, found no matches.


1. Untreated: Any wooden structure that is left untreated will have its lifespan dramatically shortened. This is especially the case with Douglas fir or European softwoods such as Whitewood (spruce) or Redwood (Pine), most garden buildings sold in the UK are made from such wood.

The Wood Protection Association says that “the risk of attack increases significantly if the moisture content of wood, for any reason, rises above 20%” they also talk about how more lower durability cuts of wood (known as sapwood) are getting used to build with than in years gone by. They also say that “sapwood on the other hand is a source of food for many species of fungi and insects and is always vulnerable to attack.” This risk is particularly prevalent with European softwoods.

The BS 8417 code of practice (this advises on the choice of timber species and the use and application of wood preservatives) and BS EN 350:2016 (this advises on methods for determining and classifying the durability of wood and wood-based materials against biological wood-destroying agents) says the natural durability class of such European softwoods is between 3 and 5. With class 3 listed as moderately durable, class 4 listed as slightly durable and class 5 listed as not durable. All three classes have a service life of less than 15 years in a frequently wet environment (such as a UK garden). Yet the application of a preservative treatment or modification of lower durability species is designed according to BS8605 part1 (this is the British standards specifications for external timber cladding) to extend service life to 15/30 years or more.

Having a wooden garden structure supplied as untreated is relatively rare. The vast majority of wooden buildings are supplied with some form of basic treatment, usually a short term water based dip treatment. If you buy an untreated wooden building/structure then we strongly advise that you treat it annually with a solvent-based wood treatment. For full penetration it requires 2-3 coats. It is also recommended that you treat the inside of the structure as well.

If you are wanting something that will require much less maintenance throughout the products life cycle then we would strongly suggest looking at something that is pressure treated also known as tanalised timber.

By correctly treating timber you can take a sub 15 year service life for a not very durable European softwood and extend its service life to 15/30 years or more according to the Timber Decking and Cladding Association

2. Cladding types identified: interlocking log 

3. Global cladding data sourced from: All interlocking log log cabins 

4. Top cladding data sourced from: Top 89 interlocking log log cabins 

5. 18′ x 18′ cladding data sourced from: 15 18′ x 18′ interlocking log log cabins 

6. Cladding thickness types identified: 44mm, 45mm, 70mm 

7. Global cladding thickness data sourced from: All 70mm log cabins 

8. Top cladding thickness data sourced from: Top 89 70mm log cabins 

9. 18′ x 18′ cladding thickness data sourced from: 2 18′ x 18′ 70mm log cabins 

10. Roof material types identified: tongue & groove 

11. Roof thickness types identified: 18mm, 19mm 

12. Floor material types identified: tongue & groove 

13. Floor thickness types identified: 18mm, 19mm 

14. Glazing material types identified: horticultural glass, single glazed, toughened glass, toughened safety glass 

Product ID: SKU: 102511

Size: 18' x 18'

Merchants Checked: 12

Available From: 4

ShedStore
£7,999.00
See Deal
ShedStore
£9,299.00
See Deal
BuyShedsDirect
£7,999.00
See Deal
BuyShedsDirect
£9,299.00
See Deal

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