Summerhouses are a great place where you can relax and communicate with nature.

Try to opt for toughen glass in your log cabin because plastic fades over time.

Today's log cabins are often spacious and elegant, but in the 1800s they reflected the hardships of life on the North American frontier.

Interestingly, there is now a toy available in the market, called Lincoln Logs, which is fast becoming a favorite among the young. It is obviously named after Abraham Lincoln, who must be the most famous figurehead associated with log cabins.

Another consideration is the source of the logs and the labor required to build the structure. If timber is not enough in the area, then the size of the log cabin is usually smaller.

Today's log cabins are generally more energy efficient that concrete or brick buildings from 50 years ago.

Log cabins are renowned for their energy efficiency as timber is an excellent insulator - a 2.5cm log has a better thermal resistance than an 11.4cm brick, because the thousands of tiny air pockets trapped in every square inch of the wood's structure slow the transfer of heat though the log.

Among log houses already built, only 10% are those built with individually handcrafted logs with the use of handheld tools.

Summerhouses can often be known as screen houses, log cabins, gazeboes, kiosks, pavilions and pergolas.

Log cabins are a great alternative to a more regular style home. In fact, log cabins are cheaper than a traditional style home and many people find them more attractive.