How to Choose the Right Garden Building

March 23, 2022 by Laura QD

How to Choose the Right Garden Building

By Rachael – Content Editor

Published March 2022

 

If you are contemplating investing in a new garden building, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the variety available. That’s why we have put together a guide on how to choose the right garden building for you. Let us guide you through the main types of garden building available for your outdoor space, and show you the benefits of each.

When deciding on a new structure for your garden, keep purpose at the forefront of your mind. A garden building has to work for you and make your life easier, so make sure it has everything you need. Whether you are looking for a new outdoor hangout or a practical space for working, read on to find the right style for you.

What different kinds of garden buildings are there?

Garden buildings come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common varieties are sheds, workshops, summerhouses, greenhouses, potting sheds, playhouses, storage sheds and log cabins. To help understand them a little better, let’s take a look at some of the varieties in more detail.

 

Timber pent roof shed with the door open on wooden decking

Garden sheds are perfect for tidying up your outdoor space.

Garden Sheds

An all-rounder and brilliant storage provider, the garden shed is still one of the most popular types of garden building. Sheds are typically windowless but can have windows added, and their purpose is primarily storage. If you need somewhere safe and dry to lock away your garden valuables, then a garden shed is the perfect choice for you.

Can you paint a shed a different colour?

Yes, the best thing about opting for a wooden garden building is that it gives you the flexibility to paint the outside to any colour or design you desire. It is important to make sure you have the correct materials and paint for the job. Discover a great little guide on shed painting here.

 

Timber workshop filled with gardening supplies

Spend more time enjoying your favourite hobbies with a garden workshop.

Garden Workshops & Garages

If you are looking for a larger outdoor space and need a building you can spend time in to get jobs done, then a garden workshop might be your answer. Being one of the largest garden buildings, a workshop provides a space similar to a traditional garage. Before choosing a size and door style, think about the types of machinery that will be stored inside and how much workspace you will require.

Can I use a storage shed as a workshop?

You can use a storage shed as a workshop, as long as it provides you with ample space for the work you are doing. Make sure you have headroom and a big enough space to move about without the risk of injury or knocking things over. Try and make sure the building has plenty of windows and natural light if you are planning to spend lots of time in there.

 

A painted summerhouse with doors wide open and a black and metal dining set inside

Relax with friends in a summerhouse, whatever the weather.

Summerhouses

Let there be light! A summerhouse makes for a wonderful garden room and is a great way to increase your overall living space. The main defining feature of a summerhouse is that they have a multitude of front-facing windows, in order to soak up as much sunshine as possible. They are usually fitted with double doors or large sliding doors, so that they can be opened up on the hottest of days.

Kitted out with your choice of decor and furniture, you can transform a summerhouse into a relaxing sanctuary, home office or even a home gym! Place your summerhouse in the direction of the sun according to the time of day you are most likely to use it. Treat your garden to somewhere you can enjoy no matter the weather.

 

A wooden garden greenhouse with an open door on a patio

Our greenhouses are designed with functionality in mind.

Greenhouses & Potting Sheds

A gardener’s delight! Take your gardening to the next level with your own greenhouse or potting shed and create the perfect space to grow more. A greenhouse provides somewhere safe and warm for plants to flourish, typically with a glass roof and plenty of windows. Glass surfaces help create a warm environment, perfect for fussier plants and seedlings.

Is a potting shed as good as a greenhouse?

Potting sheds are a combination of a greenhouse and a garden shed, giving you the best of both worlds – making them perfect for small spaces! Potting sheds are usually designed with one side of windows to act as a greenhouse for your plants, whilst the other side can be used for storing gardening equipment.

 

A painted playhouse in pink and white stripes to the left and the plain timber model on the right

Encourage more time in the garden with a playhouse.

Playhouses

Garden buildings are not just for grown-ups, playhouses make wonderful garden additions for younger generations. Create an outdoor space designed just for them and encourage little imaginations to grow. Easy to customise, you can paint the playhouse in their favourite colours or even create an exciting theme for the space.

Do wooden playhouses need a base?

Like all wooden garden buildings, a playhouse that comes into direct contact with the ground will require a suitable base. There are a variety of bases you can choose from for your outdoor building, but it is important to factor in the cost of a base when you are budgeting.

 

Bike shed with one door open revealing two purple bikes inside

Stay organised with garden storage.

Bike Sheds & Storage Sheds

Storage sheds are specially designed to house a variety of outdoor objects. For example, bike sheds are the perfect size to keep your bike locked away safely, ideal for placing in the front garden for easy access. In general, storage sheds and outdoor stores are compact in size and unsuitable for standing inside.

How do you hide wheelie bins?

You can hide your household wheelie bins easily with an outdoor bin store. Designed perfectly to fit your bins, a bin store is an attractive way to conceal your outdoor bins. You can even get designed with planters on the roof, providing additional space for planting your fabulous florals.

 

Garden bar shed painted grey, surrounded by plants on outdoor decking in the sunshine

A garden bar shed is the perfect summer hangout spot.

Bar Sheds

Now, the bar shed happens to be my personal favourite! With all the features of a regular garden shed, but with a built-in bar! The serving hatch can be closed in between uses, leaving you with a fully functioning storage shed for the winter months.

Serve your guests in style this summer and have the perfect place to hang out on sunny afternoons. Wooden bar sheds can be customised easily to suit your style and needs. What’s not to love?

 

An up close of two rattan armchairs on the porch of a timber garden log cabin

Garden log cabins are versatile for all seasons.

Log Cabins

And finally, there is the increasingly popular log cabin. Imagine the perfect balance between a summerhouse and a garden shed, and you will have the log cabin. Designed with outdoor living in mind, you can use the interior as additional living space. However, the windows are small than that of a summerhouse, making it easier to insulate in the winter months.

Give your garden a versatile living space where you can throw open the doors on a hot summer’s day and soak up the sunshine. When winter arrives, keep the doors closed and still enjoy being closer to nature, enjoying the views from your cosy garden log cabin.

 

Whatever style of garden building you are looking for, you can count on us to provide you with a great quality product.

Find more advice and ideas below:

 

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