Garden buildings have come a long way from simply being somewhere to keep the lawnmower. Walk round any garden today and you're just as likely to find a home office, a bar, a gym or a greenhouse as you are a traditional shed. With such a wide range of sheds, cabins, garden rooms and greenhouses now available, homeowners are finding all sorts of inventive ways to make the most of their outside space. Here are a few of the most popular uses we're seeing this year, and the kinds of buildings that suit each one.
A quiet space to work from home
With more people working from home at least part of the week, a garden office has become one of the most in-demand buildings we sell. Moving out of a spare bedroom or kitchen table and into a dedicated space at the end of the garden makes a real difference to focus, and it also gives the working day a proper start and finish - you walk out of the house, "commute" across the garden, and walk back in again at the end of the day. Our garden offices range from compact studios to larger insulated rooms that work all year round, many with double glazing and power already included.
An entertaining space for family and friends
Garden bars and pub sheds have grown hugely in popularity, giving households a sociable space that's separate from the main house - ideal for watching the football, hosting a birthday, or just having somewhere different to sit on a summer evening. They range from simple serving-hatch buildings to fully fitted-out garden pubs. Have a browse of our garden bars if a space built for entertaining sounds appealing.
A calm room to relax, create or exercise
Not every garden building needs a practical purpose. Plenty of customers are using summerhouses and garden rooms simply as a retreat - somewhere to read, paint, practise yoga, or set up a home gym away from the distractions of the house. A well-insulated log cabin or summerhouse can be as cosy in January as it is in June, which is why we always recommend thinking about insulation and glazing if year-round use is the plan.
A place to grow things
For the more green-fingered among us, a greenhouse remains one of the most rewarding additions to a garden - extending the growing season, protecting young plants, and giving you a sheltered spot to get on with the gardening whatever the weather is doing outside. Our greenhouse range covers everything from traditional glass models to more affordable polycarbonate options, including fixed-spec packages that are ready to go straight from the box.
Whatever you have in mind for your garden this year, it's worth taking a look through our full range of garden buildings for inspiration, or get in touch via our contact page and our team will be happy to help you find the right fit for your space and budget.