To help answer some of those important questions you have we have put together these Frequently Asked Questions.
A BBQ Cabin (also known as a barbecue hut, grill hut, or grill cabin) is a timber-built garden structure with a central barbecue grill, designed for year-round outdoor cooking, entertaining and relaxing. A BBQ cabin creates a safe and sociable space to gather, whatever the weather.
The story of BBQ Cabins begins in Scandinavia, where families have long
embraced year-round outdoor cooking and socialising, even in harsh winter
conditions. The original grillkotas were small, hexagonal wooden cabins
designed to provide a warm and cosy shelter around a central fire. Families
would gather to cook, eat, and celebrate together, enjoying the outdoors
without being exposed to the elements.
Arctic Cabins brought this tradition to the UK in 2003, manufacturing and
installing Scandinavian-inspired BBQ huts which are durable, cosy, and an
inviting space. Today, these BBQ Cabins are popular for both relaxation and
socialisation, places to host gatherings, share quality time with loved ones, as
well as simply enjoying the outdoors without worrying about the weather.
In most cases, planning permission is not required under permitted development rights in England. This applies provided your property is not listed and is not located on designated land such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas, or World Heritage Sites.
Generally, building regulations approval is not required as long as the cabin is not used as sleeping accommodation. Standard safety requirements still apply, particularly for electrical installations, which should always be carried out by a qualified professional.
All Arctic Cabins buildings include a 10 year manufacturer’s guarantee.
We use CE-marked Kerabit high-performance SBS modified roofing shingles, chosen for durability and weather resistance in UK conditions. These shingles come with a 10 year guarantee.
Pressure-treated timber typically has an expected service life of up to 60 years for internal use and around 30 years for external use, such as structural elements in ground contact, depending on conditions and maintenance.
If your cabin is supplied unfinished, we strongly recommend applying a suitable paint, stain, or clear water-repellent finish as soon as possible after installation. Ongoing treatment should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to protect the timber and preserve appearance.
Yes. All timber used in Arctic Cabins buildings is sourced from FSC or PEFC certified suppliers, ensuring responsible forest management, sustainability, and ethical sourcing throughout the supply chain.
The number of people an Arctic Cabin can accommodate depends on the size and layout you choose. As a guide, our cabins seat anywhere from around 10 guests in a 7m² BBQ Cabin up to 25 guests in a 17m² BBQ Cabin. Our garden bars typically seat between 12 and 20 people, while joined cabins can accommodate even larger groups. If you're unsure which size is right for you, our team will be happy to advise based on how you plan to use the space.
Under permitted development rules, your cabin must usually: Be positioned at least 2 metres from any boundary
The right BBQ cabin size will depend on how many people you’d like to seat, the space available in your garden, and how you plan to use the cabin.
Our 7m² BBQ Cabin seats up to 10 people and is ideal for smaller gardens or more cosy entertaining spaces. The 10m² cabin comfortably seats 12–15 guests, making it a popular option for families and regular gatherings. For larger groups, our 14m² and 17m² cabins provide additional room for dining, socialising, and entertaining.
When choosing your cabin size, it’s also worth considering garden layout, access, views, and whether you’d like additional features such as side rooms or bar areas.
The guarantee does not cover accidental damage, weather damage after installation, or natural changes in timber appearance. Timber is a natural material and may show movement, small splits, knots, or minor surface changes in extreme weather conditions. These cosmetic changes do not affect structural integrity and are not valid grounds for a claim. Regular weatherproofing is required to keep the guarantee valid.
Yes. Any timber bases we install are made from tanalised, pressure-treated timber. This process forces preservative deep into the timber under high pressure, providing long-lasting protection against fungal decay and insect attack. The treatment is leach-resistant and suitable for use in gardens, including areas near planting and wildlife.
Yes. To protect your cabin and maintain its condition, regular maintenance is essential. Ironmongery such as hinges, locks, and mechanisms should be cleaned and lubricated every six months using a silicone spray or WD40, and kept free from debris. External ironmongery may show signs of weathering over time, which is normal.
Unprotected timber exposed to rain and sunlight will gradually lose its natural colour and may turn grey over time. Moisture changes can also cause surface cracking and dimensional movement, which may affect doors and windows, making them harder to open and close. Applying an exterior timber finish helps prevent these issues.
FSC and PEFC certifications track timber from forest management through processing, transportation, and final use. This ensures forests are responsibly managed, more trees are planted than harvested, and full traceability is maintained across the supply chain.
Yes, every Arctic Cabin is handcrafted in our Derbyshire factory by our expert in-house teams using premium-quality timber.
Yes, we have worked with many businesses looking to upgrade their facilities. Larger cabins and linked cabin configurations are often used for hospitality, glamping sites, holiday parks, and commercial entertaining spaces.
Yes. We offer a wide range of optional extras and accessories, including bars, side rooms, porches, partitions, and seating options.
Yes. For smaller gardens, we would recommend opting for either our 7m² BBQ cabin or our BBQube, requiring a 3m x 3m footprint. These cabins are compact, perfect for creating a cosy year-round space where outdoor space is limited and without dominating your garden.
