Is a summerhouse a good idea?

Some people use summerhouses to entertain their friends- afternoon tea in a summerhouse can be delightful. Some will use it as a bird hide, a retreat for meditation, a reading room, or a studio for writing, craftwork, or painting- even a gym or garden office. Ultimately, it’s a versatile garden space that gets you out of the house and into a new environment. Summerhouses make great play areas for children too.

These small buildings can transform any unused space in your garden into something special. They also provide extra living space if you’re short of room in the house.

If you want to create a really attractive space, decorate your summerhouse with bright curtains or blinds, chairs, cushions and plants- it will be an eye-catching feature for everyone to enjoy.

How do I choose a summerhouse?

Make sure you’ve decided what its main purpose will be. This will help you choose the appropriate size and style of summerhouse.

If you want to work, draw, read or sew in it, you’ll want to select large windows to maximise the light. Opt for wide doors, so they can be flung open on warm days, making you feel as if you’re part of the garden.

Here are some practical considerations when choosing the ideal summerhouse:

🌱Size- What is the size of space you have available? Will you want a small, medium or large construction? At Forest Garden, we can supply summerhouses for one or two people up to office-sized garden rooms. Everything from a 6×4 to 8×12.

🌱Shape- What shape summerhouse will suit the garden best? What are the restrictions?

🌱Style- We have three different styles to choose from: Apex, Pent, and Reverse Apex, each having a different roof design.

Apex summerhouse or Pent summerhouse?

Apex consists of two sloping sides meeting at the highest point in the middle, creating a triangular shape.
Reverse Apex summerhouses also feature two sloping sides which meet in the middle, but the roof slopes from back to front rather than from side to side.
Pent summerhouses offer an elegant and minimalist look with a single, slightly sloping roof.

Construction of your summerhouse

At Forest Garden, we make two different kinds of summerhouse-
🌱The 4Life Overlap Pressure Treated Summerhouse is made with straight-cut, overlapping boards to create the walls of the building, allowing water to run off easily. They’re the most cost-effective choice.
🌱The Beckwood Shiplap Pressure Treated Summerhouse uses interlocking shiplap tongue and groove construction, providing a fully weather-proof joint. It’s built to withstand the elements, it’s watertight and you can store absolutely anything in it.

Do you need permission for a summerhouse?

You don’t usually need planning permission for domestic outbuildings, as long as they’re used for a domestic purpose related to your house. However, please check with your local planning authority before installing any garden buildings.

Where is the best place to put a summer house?

When positioning your summerhouse, decide if you’ll need to access it frequently. If so, you may want to construct it close to your house. Perhaps you want your summerhouse to be in the shade, to avoid overheating in the height of summer. However, you’ll also need to think about the risks of falling branches, climbing plants and rotting leaves over the years.

Never locate your summerhouse in an area that could flood in heavy rainfall, and decide if you’ll need a power supply in it. If so, how will this be achieved easily? If you’re opting for solar panels to provide power, where will you find optimum sunlight?

How long does a wooden summer house last?

All of Forest Garden’s summerhouses come with a 25-year guarantee – the longest lasting in the market! They’re made with pressure-treated timber which is has preservative in it, to protect the wood against fungal decay and insect attack. Your summerhouse will, however, need to be positioned on a suitable base to ensure longevity.

Do you need foundations for a summerhouse?

Make sure you have a flat, stable and permanent base with a sturdy foundation. Base options include concrete slabs with minimal gaps between them, a solid concrete base to minimise sub-soil movement, or a timber shed base frame.

Sheds-Storage-Summerhouses-Base-Preparation-Guide.pdf

At Forest Garden, we’re sure we can find the perfect summerhouse to suit your needs. Whether you’re planning an outdoor party area, a space from which to work, or a peaceful retreat away from the noise of the house, you’ll delight in this attractive and versatile space, whatever the weather.

Why not have a look at our wonderful selection of summerhouses here: https://www.forestgarden.co.uk/?s=summer+house