What is the difference between a cottage and a cabin? They are different structures that are meant for different purposes. But what makes them the same and different from each other? Learn more about this topic by reading the rest of the article below.
What is a cottage vs cabin? Cottages and cabins are small and simple houses or shelters. The difference between both structures is the building materials. Cottages are made of various materials while cabins are usually made of wood.
Cottages and cabins have a lot of the same characteristics. They provide a place to relax and be close to nature. What is the main difference between a cottage and a cabin? Where do you often see a cottage? What qualifies as a cabin? How big can a cabin be? These are some of the questions that we will discuss below.
What is the Main Difference between a Cottage and a Cabin?
The main difference between a cottage and a cabin is the material that is used in building the structure. Cabins are usually made of wood. On the other hand, cottages are made from various materials like stones, bricks, and even mud. Aside from that, there is also a difference in the location. Cabins are usually located in the woods while cottages are at villages and country sides. Cottages have a finished look while cabins mostly have bare bone aesthetics. However, the differences are not set in stone because of the different modern upgrades that are made to both structures.
What is a Cabin?
A cabin is a dwelling structure that is made of wood, specifically, logs. The cabin is a term that is referred to simple structures. In the U.S., cabins have are usually associated with the dwelling structures that are built by the settlers. They have rustic looks that are usually located in remote or wooded areas. Most of the time, cabins do not have modern conveniences such as electricity.
What are the Characteristics of a Cabin?
Cabins are made of wood which includes Fir, Cyprus, Yellow Pine, Oak, and Red Cedar. Log cabins can either have a square or round shape. They can be traced back to Roman times. As compared to square cabins, round cabins are easier to build. This is because there is no need to shape the log aside from the notches at the end. Round log cabins do not fit neatly together as compared to square log cabins. Round cabins need more chinking between the logs, which can lead to insulation problems.
On the other hand, squares or also referred to as rectangular log cabins, date back many centuries ago. Some of the square log cabins are from 1142 and are located in Gormel, a city in Belarus. An advantage of square log cabins is that they are easy to assemble and also provide better insulation. The issue with square cabins is that they take a long time to build because you need to shape the log. The earliest settlers usually choose to build round log cabins first so that they can have shelter before the cold weather.
Nowadays, upgrades have been made so that round log cabins are as warm as the square ones. Modern additions like metal flashing are added into the cabins. Metal flashings can be bent so that it creates an interlocking channel. Aside from that, it can also be folded to enable log settling without having to deal with gaps or leaks in the exterior of the cabin. Choosing between round and square log cabins depends on your preferences. They are mostly located in woods and mountain areas.
What are the Uses of a Cabin?
Cabins are ideal as a dwelling place. It can be used as a permanent residential home or a vacation house. Cabins have a rough appearance as compared to cottages. Moreover, cabins do not always have modern amenities such as electricity or running water. Simple and rustic that are located in the woods are usually used by hunters. They are also preferred by those who would like to spend some time outdoors and needs a place to stay and to protect themselves from the harsh elements. Some cabins are also considered to be cottages.
What is a Cottage?
A cottage is a small and simple dwelling structure that is located in the countryside. They are often associated with being old-fashioned. Cottages are made from different materials such as brick, stone, and wood. The inside of the cottages is often wallpapered or painted. They also include modern conveniences such as electricity and water. In England, cottages feature a ground floor and a second-floor level that has one or more bedrooms. On the other hand, in US and Canada, cottages are associated with vacation homes that are often located near a body of water. Generally, cottages have a more sophisticated look as compared to cabins.
What are the Characteristics of a Cottage?
Cottages are made from different materials like bricks, stones, and even mud. It is a common structure found all across the world, especially in England. In England, cottages are referred to as small house that is located anywhere. The cottages feature a ground floor and an upper floor where the bedrooms are located. Let us learn more about the different characteristics of a cottage below.
Location
The location of cottages varies according to the country. For instance, in Canada and the US, cottages are typically located near a body of water such as a lake or the sea. These dwellings are not used for the main residence, but as vacation houses. While they are only referred to as vacation homes, they are equipped with modern conveniences. You can find cottages that are equipped with the latest technology and has the same size as an estate.
Conveniences
Aside from the location, materials, and size, one of the things that set a cottage apart from a cabin is that they are finished. The interior walls of the cottages are painted or wallpapered. Moreover, they have modern conveniences that make life easier.
✅ Video – English Country Cottage Tour
Gardeners Cottage Blakeney shared the video below on YouTube. It shows a tour of an English country cottage. The tour begins at the cottage garden, entering the cottage, and the rooms. Check out the video to see what a 250 year old English cottage looks like.
What are the Uses of a Cottage?
Cottages make a convenient and comfortable vacation house. They are popular not only for families but for friends or other groups who would like to get away from the city and enjoy a quiet and convenient vacation home. There are a lot of cottages that you can rest for a few days or weeks. Cottage rentals are the best solution for those who do not want the hassle and expense of purchasing a vacation house.
Where Do You Often See a Cottage?
Cottages are usually located in villages or the countryside. They are very seldom found in the towns. They are usually built near a body of water. The location differs according to country. Furthermore, cottages are made from material that can be found nearby such as stones, bricks, or timber. Cottages also have modern conveniences like electricity and running water. Nowadays, they also come with an internet connection.
What Can be Referred to as a Cabin?
A cabin is traditionally referred to as a small dwelling structure that has the characteristic of the frontier. It has a rough, simple, and rustic appearance. Cabins are usually made of logs with the use of simple tools. Usually, the one who builds the cabin is the person who plans to live on it.
How Big Can a Cabin Be?
Cabins vary in size. It can be as small and compact as a tiny home that ranges from 100 to 400 square feet or less. Others measure about 1100 to 1600 square feet or more. It all depends on the size that the owner would like to have and how many people would live there. You can customize how small or big you would like the cabin to be.
Is a Cottage a House?
A cottage is a house. It is a place of dwelling that is usually located in the countryside. It can also be a small house that is part of the farm and inhabited by workers. Cottages are popular throughout Europe. They are usually designed to have white walls with a dark thatch roof. The cottages have a finished look into them and include modern conveniences like running water and electricity which makes life easier.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses the difference between a cottage and a cabin. We have learned that the cabin is typically a small dwelling structure that lacks running water and electricity. It is made from logs. On the other hand, a cottage is a small dwelling structure that is furnished and includes electricity and water. A cabin is built by the person who intends to live in it while a cottage is made by professional builders. Thank you for reading!