Our Guide for Choosing the Right Garden Building
Choosing the right type of building for your garden is not easy, but we are here to help. The best place to start is to think about the purpose of your garden building - and what you are hoping to get back from it. All garden buildings have their own unique features and benefits, so find the style that best suits your needs. We have put together a rundown of the most common garden building types and what makes them special.
What are the different types of garden buildings? The most common types of garden buildings are sheds, summerhouses, log cabins, workshops, garages, potting sheds, greenhouses and playhouses. Let's take a look at each one in a little more detail.
Garden Sheds Let's start with the classic! Garden sheds typically consist of one door at the front and the occasional window. They are most commonly used as a storage facility for gardening equipment, or a hobby house for DIY. Consider your contents carefully when selecting the size of the shed. Don't be afraid to go a little bigger, additional storage space will always come in handy.
What is the difference between an apex and a pent shed? The terms "apex" and "pent" refer to the style of the shed roof. An "apex roof is the most typical style of roof design, as pictured above, where the roof has two flat angled sides that meet in the middle. A "pent" roof has just one angled roof section which is higher at the front of the building and slopes off to the rear.
Summerhouses Sometimes referred to as sunrooms or summer buildings, a summerhouse is a sophisticated way to extend your living space into the garden. The main difference between a summerhouse and a shed is the number of windows. Whilst sheds are designed for practicality and storage, summerhouses are designed for beauty and leisure.
What direction should a summerhouse face? Choosing the perfect location is vital for a summerhouse to make sure you can soak up as much of the glorious sunshine as possible. You may already be familiar with the sunlight directions for your garden, but if you are unsure then remember that the sun usually rises in the east and sets in the west. Think about the time of day you most want to spend in your summerhouse, and position it to suit the sun's direction for that time of day. Log Cabins If you are looking for the perfect combination of a shed and a summerhouse, you can always try a log cabin. They make a wonderful garden room that is easier to keep warm in the colder months, whilst having more windows than a regular shed. You can kit them out with rugs, comfortable furniture and home decor to make a whole new living space.
Garden Workshops A garden workshop is the largest of outdoor buildings, designed to provide an efficient additional workspace. These larger garden buildings are sometimes referred to as garages, as they share many similar traits.
What is a good size shed for a workshop? Workshops will need to be on the larger size, to allow enough room for the machinery and workstations. Consider a minimal size of at least 6 feet by 8 feet, to allow plenty of room for movement. It is important to remember that the sizes given for outdoor buildings refer to the widest measurement, which is usually the roof. They are not a good indication of floor size, as this will be a few inches shorter than the size listed.
Garden Bar Sheds What better way to spend a summer evening, than in your very own garden bar? A garden bar shed has all the same features as a regular garden shed, but with an adjustable serving hatch that can be opened out into a bar. Paired with your choice of stools, you can spend summer days hanging by the bar with friends. Then, in the colder months, you can close down the serving hatch and have a practical storage shed for your outdoor space.
Greenhouses and Potting Sheds Perfectly designed for gardeners and plants, a greenhouse will be packed full of windows to create the ideal growing conditions for plants and seeds. They are usually fitted with plenty of shelving and a glass roof. Are glass windows or plastic windows better for a greenhouse? Glass is by far more durable and hardwearing than plastic. If you manage to avoid damaging the panes, the glass will last for years and years. Plastic can be cheaper and will still work, it is just not quite as efficient as glass.
Bike Sheds and Outdoor Stores Smaller storage sheds are brilliant for your front garden. Save lugging the bike to and from the back garden by keeping it safely locked away in a specially designed bike shed. Outdoor storage comes in a variety of sizes and can be brilliant for disguising outdoor bins or even keeping your logs dry throughout the wet months.
Does the wood need protecting? Make sure to read the product listing thoroughly before making your purchase. If a building has been dip-treated, it will need regular maintenance and you will need to apply additional coats in the future. Pressure-treated buildings, on the other hand, have had preservatives pushed deep into the grain which gives them long-lasting protection.
Sheds | Summerhouses | Log Cabins | Workshops | Garden Advice
