Frequently Asked Questions

Palmako timber structures come with a 5 year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Natural wood characteristics (small cracks, colour variation, grain differences) are not covered. Damage from incorrect installation or poor foundations is excluded. Keep the control sheet from your packaging — warranty claims require the control number. Playground equipment has a 5 year warranty on wooden components and 2 year on accessories. Contact Trade Tested at 0800 800 880 or support@tradetested.co.nz.

Yes — all Palmako products arrive untreated so you can choose your own finish. Untreated wood will go grey, then blue, then mouldy if left exposed. Treat floor boards (especially undersides) before assembly — you won't have access afterward. Treat doors and windows inside and out or they can twist and warp. Apply a quality exterior stain or paint (CUTEK Euro or similar) and inspect every six months. Avoid dark colours like black — they heat up the timber and open gaps in the tongue-and-groove joints.

A completely level, rectangular foundation is essential — poor foundations are the number one cause of assembly issues. Options include concrete pad, concrete blocks, or a low deck (a good way to get required aeration under the floor). Place a damp-proof course between joists and the foundation. After laying the first log layer, check diagonal measurements — they must be equal before continuing. The first layer must extend 3–5mm over foundation joists so rainwater runs off. Each product manual includes detailed foundation specifications.

Yes — all Palmako products are kitset/DIY builds with detailed step-by-step manuals. Log cabins use interlocking tongue-and-groove construction — always assemble tongue upwards. Use a hitting block and hammer, never strike the tongue directly. Budget 1-2 days for smaller cabins (Vivian, Iris 3.6m) and 2-4 days for larger models. You'll need at least two people plus a water level, drill, saw, hammer, and ladder. Professional installation is available through Trade Tested.

Structures under 10m² generally don't require consent, but always check with your local council — especially regarding boundary distances. Larger cabins and any structure used as habitable space (studio, office) typically require consent. All Palmako cabin listings include a PS1 Design Statement prepared by a licensed NZ engineer to support consent applications. For fit-out (toilet, shower, electrical), Trade Tested recommends engaging a local consultant.

The Iris is the classic pent-roof garden house with front-facing opening windows — available in 3 sizes from 9.6m² to 19.1m², and our most popular cabin range. The Lea features a modern flat roof with full-width bifold or sliding doors. The Andrea Slide Plus has premium aluminium sliding doors with double glazing. Both Lea and Andrea are available with an optional roof canopy. You can flip walls to choose which side the door and windows face, but you can't rearrange the pre-cut layout.

All log cabins include rolls of roofing felt. Asphalt shingle upgrade kits are available for some models (check the 'Frequently Bought Together' section). EPDM rubber membrane is also available for a premium, long-lasting roof. You can install corrugated iron over the felt if preferred. Note: rainwater from felt roofing is not safe for drinking tanks as felt is a bituminous material.

Yes. Dan garden sheds and playhouses use 5mm Plexyglass (acrylic) windows — lighter and stronger than standard glass. Log cabins use toughened glass (TG) in various sizes depending on the model. Emilia glasshouses use 4mm tempered safety glass. Contact Trade Tested with your SKU and the specific part you need — all glass dimensions are documented in our replacement glass specifications sheet.

All Palmako children's products are CE certified and TUV Rheinland tested to EN 71 (toy safety) and EN 1176 (playground equipment) standards. Playhouse windows are high-quality acrylic — lighter and stronger than glass. The timber floor is solid enough for adults to stand on. The Toby playhouse supports up to 6 people with a 50kg max per user. Playground sets carry a 5 year warranty on wooden components and 2 year on accessories. Always follow age and weight recommendations.

The Dan garden shed range comes in three sizes: 2.43m x 1.9m (small, for tools and bikes), 2.73m x 2.8m (medium storage), and 2.73m x 3.7m (large, with two rooms — each 2.74m x 1.85m). All use 16mm tongue-and-groove construction with 1.9m wall height and 2.2m peak height. Double door opening is 1,400mm wide. Comes with tongue-and-groove wooden flooring, and can be painted any colour. Door position can be switched with some installer skill.

Yes — the Lea and Andrea ranges with their modern sliding door designs are popular as home offices and art studios. Cabins are not insulated as supplied, so for year-round use choose a 44mm or 70mm wall model and add insulation to the floor and roof. Electricity is not included — you'll need a licensed electrician for the fit-out. Building consent is typically required for habitable outbuildings. Check with your local council.

Palmako products are imported and distributed exclusively in New Zealand by Trade Tested Limited (PO Box 9117, Newmarket, Auckland 1149). Palmako AS is headquartered in Tartu, Estonia and manufactures across four production plants. For sales, support, warranty claims, and spare parts, contact Trade Tested at 0800 800 880 or support@tradetested.co.nz.