Did you know that garden cabins made from timber in New Zealand are more environmentally sustainable than cabins made from composite materials, steel (including cabins made from ship containers), plasterboard, and plastic?
How timber compares to other materials used in garden cabin construction
Timber stands out for its sustainability because it sequesters carbon—captures and stores carbon dioxide (CO₂)—with the net result of reducing overall emissions. In contrast, steel and concrete have a high carbon footprint due to the energy-intensive production processes.
Plasterboard, possibly one of the most common building materials in New Zealand, is compostable and sometimes made from recycled materials. However, it still cannot match timber’s environmental benefits—timber’s renewable nature makes it the most sustainable option among these materials.
How does timber compare aesthetically to garden cabins built of other materials?
Timber offers a natural aesthetic that blends well with garden environments, but its real strength is the versatility of its finishes, from rustic to modern. While steel and plastic may provide a contemporary look, both materials tend to lack the warmth and the natural integration that timber offers. Plasterboard, on the other hand, is used mainly for interiors and does not influence the exterior aesthetic, but with timber garden cabins, you don’t need plasterboard to fitout the interior.
Why timber offers the best comfort
Timber is best for comfort because of its natural insulation properties, which effectively dampen noise and regulate temperature. You can rely on timber to keep interiors warm in winter and cool in summer—essentially an all-year-round productive and comfortable environment.
Steel and plastic are less effective in insulation and require greater energy consumption for heating and cooling, particularly compared to timber’s natural ability to absorb humidity. Lower humidity contributes to healthier indoor air quality.
What materials are commonly used to build garden cabins or sleepouts?
- Timber: Renewable, carbon-sequestering, and aesthetically versatile.
- Composite materials: Made from recycled wood fibres and plastic. It does have some sustainability benefits.
- Steel: Durable and recyclable but with a high production carbon footprint.
- Plasterboard: Used for interiors, compostable, and sometimes made from recycled materials.
- Plastic (HDPE): Durable and weather-resistant but energy-intensive to produce.
The eco-friendly properties of garden cabin materials, in order of best to worst
- Timber
Eco-friendly properties: Renewable, sequesters carbon, and has a low carbon footprint because timber grows naturally, is sustainable when harvested responsibly, and improves energy efficiency.
- Composite materials
Eco-friendly properties: Made from recycled materials, composite materials have a long lifespan and typically utilise waste materials so that the need for new resources is reduced.
- Plasterboard
Plasterboard, which may be used inside some garden cabins, is compostable and often made from recycled materials, so it requires less energy in manufacturing than steel and plastic.
- Steel
Eco-friendly properties: It is highly recyclable and durable and has a lower environmental impact when recycled. Unfortunately, there is still a high carbon footprint during production.
- Plastic (HDPE)
Eco-friendly properties: It is durable, low-maintenance, and has a long lifespan, which reduces replacement needs. However, new production is energy-intensive and has a higher carbon footprint.
Unquestionably, if you are conscious of global warming and want to be eco-friendly, timber remains the most sustainable material due to its renewable nature and ability to sequester carbon.
