The Complete Guide To Finished Cabins

If you’re planning to purchase a cabin, you’ve likely already debated what kind to get. Do I want an unfinished cabin that’s a bit more affordable and I can finish myself, or do I want a turnkey cabin that’s ready to go when I purchase it? If you’re unsure and weighing the benefits of a finished cabin, it’s essential to know what’s available to you. 

In this blog, we’ll cover the benefits of finished cabins, what they can be used for, and common sizes you can choose to meet your needs, to help you better make your decision.

What Is A Finished Cabin?

A finished cabin typically refers to a cabin with a fully completed interior that’s ready for use immediately after purchase. Unlike an unfinished cabin, it includes completed walls and flooring, installed electrical and plumbing systems, and sometimes even finished living areas like a kitchen or bathroom.

Why Choose A Fully Finished Cabin?

You might hesitate to choose a finished cabin over an unfinished one because of the higher upfront cost. But in many cases, a prefab cabin offers better value, especially when you consider the time, labor, and hidden expenses involved in completing a cabin yourself. Here are several reasons why it could be a smarter choice for you:

1. Move-in Ready

The primary reason to choose a prefab cabin is that it’s move-in ready. This is especially convenient for those who want to live in their cabin right away or start using it as a rental without delay. Instead of purchasing and waiting for additional construction, your cabin arrives ready to use.

2. No Surprise Costs

An unfinished cabin may seem more appealing because of its lower upfront price, but it isn’t always the more affordable option in the long run. When you purchase a finished cabin, you’re paying for a complete, ready-to-use structure that includes interior finishes, utilities, and essential systems, all bundled into one price. 

With an unfinished cabin, those pieces still need to be added. That means hiring contractors, sourcing materials, installing plumbing and electrical, and furnishing the space yourself. These additional costs can add up quickly, often leading to more time, stress, and money than expected. Choosing a finished cabin gives you a predictable, streamlined path to a usable space without the risk of surprise expenses.

3. Better for Investment

Because of all the reasons outlined above, prefab cabins are generally the better option when used as a rental property or other type of investment. Since they are move-in ready, you can begin generating income right away. With a lower risk of delays or unexpected costs, you’re less likely to exceed your budget. 

What Is Included In A Turnkey Key Cabin?

What’s included in a turnkey cabin can vary depending on the builder, but there are several common features you can expect. Below, we’ll cover those standard features along with what you’ll find in our finished cabins, so you can get a better idea of what “move-in ready” really means.

Please note: We offer a range of finished cabin models, and not all of them include the same features listed below. Be sure to browse our available models or contact us directly to learn what each one includes or to ask any questions.

Interior Finishes & Materials

• Walls and Ceilings: Standard finishes include white textured wood, natural or stained pine and painted shiplap. Ceiling options also include corrugated metal with rope accents.
• Flooring: These cabins come with vinyl plank flooring, such as Dove Tail Oak.
• Insulation: Spray foam insulation is available for walls, ceilings, and subfloors.
  

Essential Utilities & Systems

• Electrical: Fully finished cabins include electrical fixtures and are ready to be connected to utilities.
• Climate Control: Options include window units and mini-split AC/heat systems.
• Plumbing: Finished cabins come with plumbing fixtures and are ready for utility connections.
  

Functional Living Spaces

• Floor Plans: Each model offers multiple floor plans, ranging from single-room layouts to multi-bedroom configurations.
• Lofts & Dormers: Lofts and dormers are available in most models.
• Porches: Porch options vary by model, including front, side, and corner porches.
• Built-In Fixtures & Features: Depending on the floor plan, cabins include built-in kitchenettes or full kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.
• Windows and Doors: Standard features include vinyl windows and 9-lite entry doors.

Can I Customize A Prefab Cabin?

How much you can customize a finished cabin depends on the builder. Some offer little to no flexibility, while others provide a mix of options ranging from a few personal touches to fully custom layouts. 

At Lone Star Structures, you can choose from several models, including the Texas Tiny, Modern, Outpost, Mesquite, Rancher, and Homestead. Once you’ve picked the one that fits your style, you’ll be able to select a floor plan and customize details like color, size, and other features to make it your own.

Can’t find a floor plan that meets your needs? We build custom plans along with our standard models.

What Can I Use A Finished Cabin For?

The benefit of choosing a prefabricated cabin isn’t just that it’s move-in ready; it’s that it can serve a wide range of uses right away. From meeting personal needs to generating extra income, these structures offer exceptional flexibility. Let’s explore some of the most popular and practical ways to use them:

1. Vacation Home

Many people enjoy the comfort of a cabin as their own personal getaway. From the lakefronts and woods to the beach, a portable cabin can be placed in your ideal destination and used as a vacation home almost right away. With flexibility in floor plans, design, and more, you can still create a relaxing space that feels uniquely your own.

2. Tiny Home

If you’re looking for a turnkey cabin for personal use, consider using it as a tiny home. These structures make homeownership more affordable, and because they’re fully finished, they’re move-in ready, so you don’t have to wait as long to move in. They are also portable and can be moved to a different location if your situation changes.

3. Office

If you need a space to separate your home life from your work life or you’re getting ready to launch your first business, a finished cabin can be a practical solution. With a fully built interior and a range of sizes, you can create a small backyard office that complies with local regulations. Or, set up a larger workspace to support your growing business and get it up and running in no time.

4. Hobby Space

These versatile spaces also make excellent hobby rooms. You can turn your prefab cabin into a cozy, air-conditioned reading nook in the summer or a dedicated space for painting, crocheting, knitting, woodworking, and more. However you imagine your creative space, you’re sure to find a finished cabin with a layout that fits your needs.

5. Hunting Cabin

A portable cabin serves as the perfect base for your hunting trips. Not only does it give you a comfortable and convenient place to stay while hunting, but it also provides you with space to store your hunting gear and process your game. You won’t have to stray far from your hunting grounds to access amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, or comfortable sleeping quarters.

6. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

These structures also make excellent ADUs. They can serve as guest quarters, housing for elderly family members, a space for kids returning home from college, or even a rental property. In Texas, local regulations determine if ADUs are permitted on your property, what size is allowed, and how they can be rented, so it’s important to confirm your finished cabin meets those requirements.

7. Rental Property

Looking to make a little extra income? A prefab cabin can double as a short-term rental when it’s not in use. Use it as a hunting cabin, vacation home, or accessory dwelling unit and list it as a rental to generate passive income on your schedule.

Choosing the Right Size Finished Cabin 

Now that you have a clearer understanding of how a finished cabin can be used, it’s time to find the right size. Below, we’ll walk through common cabin sizes, their square footage, and typical layouts, along with how each one aligns with the uses mentioned above. This will help you choose the best fit for your plans.

Small Finished Cabin Sizes

Small finished cabins typically range from 120 to 400 square feet, making them ideal for uses like a tiny home, backyard office, or hobby space. Below, we’ll cover some of the most common sizes:

Size	Sq. Ft.	Use	Layout
12×16	192	Office, guest room	Open layout with space for desk or bed
10×20	200	Office, hunting cabin, hobby space	Open studio; room for a desk or a bed, or the option of a half bath
12×20	240	Guest room, office with bath	Studio layout with option for a kitchenette or full bathroom
12×24	288	Tiny home, off-grid cabin	Sleeping loft or nook, kitchen, full bath, small living area
12×28	336	Small cabin, hobby studio	Open-plan with a kitchenette and the option of a bath
12×32	384	Tiny home, Airbnb rental	1BR or loft, kitchen, full bath, open living and kitchen area
14×20	280	Cabin, hobby studio	Open living and bed area, kitchenette, option for a full bath
14×24	336	Guest house or studio	Kitchenette + full bath
14×28	392	Minimalist home, cabin	1BR with small kitchen + bath
16×20	320	Office, studio cabin	Open plan with kitchenette
16×24	384	Tiny home or deluxe guest house	Open floor plan with kitchenette + bath

Medium Finished Cabin Sizes

Medium sizes range from 400 to 800 square feet, offering more living space and making them well-suited for vacation rentals, ADUs, and similar uses. Let’s explore some of the most common sizes and how they’re used:

Size	Sq. Ft.	Use	Layout
14×32	448	Rent for vacations, guest home, small home	1BR layout, full bath, open kitchen and living combo
14×36	504	Short-term rental, small residence	1BR + bath, small living area
14×40	560	ADU, home for a couple	1-2BR with full kitchen and bath
14×44	616	Rental home or short-term ADU	2BR, kitchen, bath, living area
14×48	672	Small family home	2BR, full bath, kitchen
12×40	480	Tiny home with a loft, get away	1BR with loft, kitchen, full bath, open living area
16×28	448	ADU or rental	1BR with loft, full kitchen, and bath
16×32	512	Small family home, rental unit	1BR + loft, full kitchen, bath, option for a porch
14×40	560	1–2 person home, ADU or guest house	1–2BR, full bath, full kitchen, small living area
16×36	576	Cabin for a couple, seasonal living	1BR, 1BA, full kitchen, spacious living and dining area
16×40	640	Rental home, small full-time home	2BR, 1BA, full kitchen, open-plan common area
16×44	704	Small family home	2BR, full kitchen, and bath
16×48	768	Larger ADU or season living	2-3BR, kitchen, bath, living and dining area

Large Finished Cabin Sizes

Large cabins are typically 800 square feet or more, making them a strong option for full-time living or a spacious office setup. Currently, Lone Star Structures only offers one model over 800 square feet, as follows:

Size	Sq. Ft.	Use	Layout
16×52	832	Full-time home for a couple or small family	2-3 BR, 1BA, kitchen, or laundry

How Much Does A Finished Cabin Cost?

Generally, a 10×20 fully finished cabin starts at around $20,000, with costs increasing as you add features or choose a larger size. Since pricing can vary significantly based on size, included features, and more, the best way to get an accurate estimate is to request a quote.

At Lone Star Structures, you can browse our in-stock models or request a custom quote based on the size and features you’re looking for.

Find The Right Finished Cabin for Your Needs

Now that you know what to expect from a finished cabin in terms of features, uses, size, and price, you can start narrowing down the options to find the right fit. The information above gives you a clear sense of what to look for based on your goals and priorities.

In the next section, we’ll walk through each of the finished cabin models offered by Lone Star Structures. You’ll be able to compare layouts, available sizes, and intended uses to find the model that lines up with what you’re looking for.

Found one that fits your needs? Request a quote to get your finished cabin today!

Shop In-Stock Finished Cabins

Looking for a finished cabin that’s ready now? Browse our in-stock models to find one available for immediate delivery. We offer free delivery on all finished cabins within 100 miles of Central Texas.