Complete Guide To Buying Summerhouses And Garden Sheds - Which Is Best For Your Garden?
If you are on the search for a brand new garden building, there is a lot to consider and think about. Whether it's a garden summerhouse to enjoy those British summer evenings, or to double up as a place to work from.
Or it's a garden shed with a focus on storing items, or even a a compact garden workshop to hammer and chisel away on things, both options offer completely different solutions.
When it comes to enhancing your outdoor space, summerhouses and garden sheds can transform your garden into a functional and enjoyable area. Choosing the right structure is crucial, as it can serve various purposes as mentioned above, from storage to hobbies and leisure.
This complete guide will help you understand the different options of both types of garden buildings available, so you can hopefully make the best decision for your garden use case.
What Is The Difference Between Summerhouses and Garden Sheds?
The Definition and Purpose of Summerhouses
A summer house is a charming outdoor structure designed primarily for relaxation and enjoyment. Or as has been more popular recently, they can be great places to work from or master those hobbies.
Garden summer houses generally have a focus on large windows and doors, which in a few cases can also open out onto idyllic verandas where outdoor seating can be used.
Summer houses provide a comfortable space to unwind, entertain guests, or even work from home. They're typically more aesthetically pleasing than garden sheds, because generally you are sitting inside of them to enjoy the view, with the big windows and open out doors, making them a focal point in your garden.
Definition and Purpose of Garden Sheds
Garden sheds, on the other hand, are practical structures primarily used for storage. They are ideal for keeping gardening tools, equipment, and outdoor furniture safe and organised. That part is quite obvious of course, but, depending on the size of shed you are looking at, they can also serve as workshops or hobby spaces too.
When choosing a garden shed, the one thing to consider is which use case you are primarily looking to use it for. This is because you can get sheds with and without windows. Obviously, a windlowless shed is better for storage for security reasons, where windows are needed for natural light if you are working out of it.
Here are two examples to further drive this point home. Here you have the Shire 7x9 Casita with Verandah Shiplap Apex Garden Shed which almost looks like a small summer house, and perfect as an outdoor small workshop.
Then there is this shed which is windowless, the Shire 8x6 Pressure Treated Overlap Garden Shed with Single Door and you can see the difference when it comes to storing items. Which would you prefer to keep your tools and equipment safe out of these two options?
Key Differences Between Summerhouses and Garden Sheds
As detailed above, the main differences between summer houses and garden sheds lie in their purpose and design. Summerhouses are built for leisure and enjoyment, often featuring decorative elements and comfortable interiors. In contrast, garden sheds focus on functionality, providing a secure space for storage and work.
The Main Use Cases for Summerhouses
Enjoying your Garden
Summerhouses enhance outdoor enjoyment by providing a sheltered space to relax and appreciate your garden. Whether you want to read a book, sip tea, or host a small gathering, a summerhouse can elevate your outdoor experience, and be a place to move into in the early evenings as that summer sun goes down.
Working from Home
With the rise of remote work, many people are transforming summerhouses into home offices. This allows for a quiet, dedicated workspace away from the distractions of the main house, all while enjoying the beauty of your garden. It's important if thinking of summer houses for this use case, that you plan for the interior, especially from a heating point of view.
Summer houses are generally designed to be enjoyed in Summer. So, to use year round, you'll need a plan for heat in the colder months.
Relaxing Outdoor Space
A garden summerhouse can serve as a personal retreat, offering a peaceful environment to unwind after a long day. With comfortable seating and a calming atmosphere, it can be the perfect spot for meditation or simply enjoying the quiet surroundings of your garden.
The Main Use Cases for Garden Sheds
Storage Solutions
The primary function of garden sheds is to provide secure garden storage space. They're perfect for keeping tools, equipment, and seasonal items safe from the elements, ensuring your garden remains tidy and organised. Consider windowless options as explained further above if you want a garden building or shed for garden storage purposes only.
A Workshop At Home
Garden sheds can easily be transformed into workshops for DIY projects or hobbies. With proper organisation and the right tools, you can create a productive workspace that meets your needs. With this use case you'll want to focus on size. You'll need to make sure you choose a shed that has enough room for you to work in.
A Hobby Space To Improve
For gardening enthusiasts or crafters, a garden shed can serve as a dedicated hobby space too. Whether you're potting plants or working on art or crafts, having a designated area can enhance your creativity and productivity. And what better place to work on your hobby than in the comfort of your own outdoor space.
Which Are The Most Popular Summerhouse and Garden Shed Styles?
Garden Summerhouse Styles
There are various summerhouse designs to choose from, including traditional, modern, and even bespoke options. Traditional summerhouses often feature classic wooden designs, while modern styles may incorporate sleek lines and contemporary materials. You can also get corner summer houses too which offer a different size option for tighter garden spaces.
Garden Shed Styles
Garden sheds also come in a range of styles, such as apex and pent roof designs. Apex sheds have a pitched roof, which generally makes them bigger from a depth point of view, while pent sheds feature a flat sloped roof, making them suitable for spaces that are tighter from a depth point of view. Pent sheds give you the space from a width perspective.
You can also get window and windowless shed options too.
Maintenance and Care Considerations
Caring for garden summer houses and garden sheds is generally the same. The only thing you need to consider is the material. Summerhouses tend to be wooden, but garden sheds can come in wood (most popular), metal and plastic options. Caring for metal and plastic is relatively simple as a clean wipe with warm soapy water from time to time is enough.
With wood, you'll need to clean it down regularly, but also treat it too to preserve its life. Depending on where you buy your wooden summer house of shed from, you'll get full guarantees and anti rot guarantees for substantial periods of time. But caring for your new garden building is essential.
Is A Garden Summerhouse or Garden Shed The Option For You?
When deciding between a summer houses or garden sheds, consider factors such as your intended use, available space, and budget. Ask yourself questions like: Do you need a space for relaxation or storage? How much time will you spend in the structure? What purpose will it be used for?
Understanding your needs will guide you in which to settle on. Then the next step is finding one the right size and design to suit.
Here at GardenAndPatio.co.uk we have an extensive selection of Summerhouses and Garden Sheds for all use cases, designs, sizes and styles. We only offer reputable, strong, high quality brands too, making sure you can trust your building for years to come.
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Both summerhouses and garden sheds offer unique benefits that can enhance your outdoor space. By assessing your needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision that will serve you well for years to come.
Ready to transform your garden? Explore our extensive range of summerhouses and garden sheds to find the perfect fit for your outdoor space. Don't forget to reach out to our team if you need help with deciding on what might be best for your garden. We know shopping and choosing the perfect garden shed or summerhouse is a big decision, and we are here to help you with it, if needed.
