The Tiger Javan 28 mm Log Cabin is one of the most recognisable cabins in Tiger’s lineup — a traditional apex-roofed workshop-style building available in a wide range of footprints, from the compact 10×8 all the way up to a commanding 14×14 ft. Although we haven’t physically inspected this specific Javan model during our most recent 2025 show-site visits (Tiger only had one 28 mm display cabin across Horsforth, Tong and Otley), we have inspected earlier Javans in previous years and tested Tiger’s 28 mm and 44 mm log systems extensively.

Because the Javan uses the same construction principles shown in the official technical datasheet , the same floor and roof system used across Tiger’s cabins, and the same joinery detail shown in the assembly manual , we can say with authority that we know exactly how this building performs. And for anyone wanting a proper workshop-style cabin — something tougher and more secure than a summerhouse, but more traditional and warmer-looking than a steel workshop — the Javan is a very strong contender.

Design & First Impressions

The Javan is deliberately “workshop-like” in its styling. With its apex roof, its fully boarded double doors, and its pair of joiner-made opening windows, it immediately looks more rugged than the typical garden summerhouse. It feels purposeful — like a structure you can genuinely use, not just admire from a distance.

Stepping inside, the apex roof comes into its own. The internal ridge height reaches up to 2616 mm (depending on size) , creating a tall, airy internal space. Even the internal eaves stand at a generous 2016 mm, meaning there’s no stooping or cramped movement near the side walls. This shape lends itself naturally to workshop use, DIY, hobby work, or simply standing comfortably while moving around.

The windows are positioned along one side, giving consistent natural light across the length of the cabin — exactly what you want if this is going to function as a workspace. It’s one of the reasons we often recommend the Javan as the “default” 28 mm workshop choice in Tiger’s range.

Build Quality & Structural Materials

28 mm Walls

The Javan uses 28 mm interlocking tongue-and-groove logs, cut with the same precision machining we’ve seen across Tiger’s 28 mm cabins. These are single-notched logs, which is important when we later discuss wall deflection.

19 mm Roof & Floor

Where the Javan really excels is in its roof and floor specification:

• 19 mm tongue-and-groove floorboards
• 19 mm tongue-and-groove roofboards
• Heavy-duty 58 × 44 mm tanalised bearers
• Close bearer spacing for maximum stability

This is the exact same floor/roof system used in Tiger’s 44 mm cabins, meaning the Javan feels extremely solid underfoot and overhead.

In our empirical testing of Tiger floors, the performance is consistent:

• 75 kg floor load → ~2 mm of sag, which is effectively imperceptible.
• No bounce, no creaking, very high stability.

This is a huge step up from the OSB or 12 mm boards used in typical “workshop-style” garden sheds.

Joiner-Made Doors & Windows

The doors are fully boarded and joiner-made, fitted with a proper 5-lever lock (brushed chrome finish). This is workshop-level security — a world apart from the shed-style padbolts many competitors rely on.

The windows use 3 mm toughened glazing, and both interior and exterior architraves are included, a detail most manufacturers cut on 28 mm cabins to save money. That alone tells you a lot about Tiger’s priorities.

Inside the Javan – Space, Light & Practicality

The Javan has one of the most practical internal environments of any 28 mm cabin.

• The apex roof provides natural vertical clearance.
• The side-positioned windows create a consistent band of natural light along the workbench area.
• The boarded double doors enhance privacy and security while keeping the workshop feel.

If you’re planning to fit shelving, tool racks, or benching, the wall space is generous and the layout intuitive. In larger sizes — particularly the 12×12, 14×12 and 14×14 — the Javan becomes a genuinely usable multi-purpose space.

This is the closest thing to a “proper timber workshop” in Tiger’s 28 mm class.

Structural Performance – Floor Sag & Wall Deflection

Because we test Tiger cabins using real-world methods — a 75 kg weight placed on the floor and leaned against the walls, with a laser gauge to measure deflection — we know exactly how 28 mm behaves.

Floor Performance

Across all 19 mm floors:

• Sag: ~2 mm
• Subjective feel: extremely rigid
• Usage: safe for tools, machinery, and shelving

No concerns here at all.

Wall Performance

This is where log thickness becomes the critical variable.

Our measurements across multiple cabins show:

• 44 mm cabins: ~2 mm wall flex
• 28 mm cabins (large spans): ~4–5 mm wall flex
• 28 mm cabins (small spans): ~3 mm

The Javan can be either very good or noticeably flexible depending on size.

Why Size Matters

A 14 ft wall with no internal partitions means:

• One long span
• Single-notch logs
• Natural flex under load

This isn’t unsafe — but it is noticeable, especially if you’re used to the near-zero movement of the 44 mm range.

This is the single biggest structural consideration with the Javan. In the smaller sizes (10×8, 10×10, 12×8, 12×10), the spans are shorter and rigidity is noticeably better. In the larger 14×12 and 14×14 models, the wider unsupported walls show the limitations of 28 mm.

Rule of Thumb

• Small/medium Javan: 28 mm works very well.
• Large Javan: 44 mm is strongly recommended.

Who the Javan Is Perfect For

The Javan suits a very clear type of buyer — someone who wants a proper, heavy-duty timber workshop that’s significantly tougher than a standard garden shed, but doesn’t need the insulation and rigidity of a 44 mm cabin.

It’s perfect if you want:

• A stylish wooden workshop or hobby room
• A larger, breathable space for DIY projects
• Secure storage for tools
• A building that looks like a cabin, not a shed
• A spring–autumn workspace without heating
• A cost-effective alternative to a thick-walled log cabin

The layout is ideal for benching, tool storage, and practical use. For occasional hobby crafting, light DIY, gardening equipment, bike storage, or general tinkering, the Javan is easily one of the best in the 28 mm range.

28 mm vs 44 mm – Which Javan Should You Buy?

This is one of the clearest thickness comparisons in Tiger’s entire catalogue.

Choose 28 mm if:

• You mainly want a workshop-style cabin
• You don’t need year-round use
• You’re choosing 10×8, 12×8, 10×10 or 12×10
• You want excellent value
• You’re happy with some natural wall flex

Choose 44 mm if:

• You’re considering a 14 ft width, in any depth
• You want a rigid, room-like feel
• You dislike wall movement
• You want year-round heating or insulation
• You will be storing heavy machinery or leaning weight against walls

Our Expert Recommendation

For most buyers, the Javan 28 mm is a superb workshop cabin.
But for the larger footprints (especially 14×12 and 14×14), the 44 mm option is a very worthwhile upgrade.

Ease of Assembly

The assembly instructions for the Javan follow Tiger’s standard apex log cabin system:

• Sturdy tanalised bearers
• Simple interlocking logs
• Joiner-made door and window units
• Gable tops and purlins that drop neatly into place

Because the Javan has no internal partitions, assembly is straightforward even in the larger sizes. Two competent adults can erect most Javan models in around 5–7 hours, provided the base is level and prepared properly.

Final Verdict

The Tiger Javan 28 mm Log Cabin is, in many ways, the ultimate 28 mm workshop-style cabin in the Tiger range. It’s practical, tough, and very well finished — with superb joinery, rock-solid floors and a layout that naturally supports real-world workshop use.

Its only limitation is inherent to all 28 mm cabins: the longer the wall span, the more flex you’ll notice. But for anyone choosing a small to medium footprint — or for those wanting a cost-effective workshop without the need for heavy insulation — the Javan is an excellent choice.

It is significantly stronger, more durable and more “building-like” than a garden shed. And although it can’t quite match the rigidity of the 44 mm variant, it offers outstanding value and practicality at its price point.

For hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone needing a proper timber workspace without the premium of a full log cabin specification, the Javan is one of the best-built and most dependable 28 mm options available today.