Essex-based log cabin company Buydirect.co.uk Ltd has signed a three-year agreement with Luoman Oy to distribute its range of Finnish-made cabins in the UK and Ireland.
Buydirect, of Little Baddow, believes the deal will help it to capitalise on the popularity for timber summer houses, home offices and holiday cottages.
The company is predicting a turnover this year of about £3.3m and sales of 2,500-3,000 cabins.
Buydirector chairman Peter Withey said: “Over the last couple of years business has been terrific and I think things are getting bigger all the time.
“We are spending a lot of money on advertising this year. Our budget is more than £500,000 for shows and adverts in national newspapers, which is double our budget from last year. The market is definitely there.”
Finnish cabin manufacturer Luoman has 18 production lines making the Luoman and Lillevilla ranges, with an annual output of about 65,000 units. Cabins vary from small playhouses and summerhouses to four bedroom houses, costing from £1,000-25,000.
Preston-based Rural Accommodations, which supplies Danish log cabins, says it is also benefiting from the trend towards building with wood. Its cabins have been used for classrooms, shops, home offices and hunting, shooting and fishing lodges.
Dave Winchester, who runs the firm with wife Sue, said: “Wood provides excellent insulation and the feel of living in a wood home is unique, cosy and visually pleasing.”
