Summerhouse

A bright, characterful retreat for relaxing in the garden, with generous glazing and a welcoming apex roof

Roof Type Apex (A-Frame)

Default Pitch 20°

Typical Size 3m x 2.4m

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Overview

A summerhouse is a garden building made for enjoying the garden rather than storing things in it. Generous glazing, double doors and a pitched roof create a light, airy room that works as a sitting space, a reading spot or somewhere to entertain on warmer days.

Key Features

Light is the point of a summerhouse. Large windows and glazed doors across the front let the sun in and open the room up to the garden, while the apex roof keeps the inside feeling spacious.

History & Design

The summerhouse has a long history in British gardens, from grand Victorian pavilions to the simple painted retreats found in ordinary back gardens today. The idea has always been the same, a comfortable spot to sit and take in the garden.

When to Choose a Summerhouse

Choose a summerhouse when you need:

A comfortable place to sit and enjoy the garden
Plenty of light from large windows and glazed doors
A room for relaxing, reading or entertaining
An attractive focal point at the end of the garden
To extend the usable season into spring and autumn

A summerhouse is about pleasure rather than storage. Position it to catch the sun and frame the best view of the garden.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Bright, welcoming garden room
Large glazed area and double doors
Attractive focal point
Extends time spent outdoors
Flexible use through the seasons

Considerations

Large glazed area means more heat loss
Not built for heavy storage
Glazing adds cost
Can overheat in full sun without ventilation

Typical Uses

Primary Uses

Garden seating and relaxation
Reading and quiet time
Entertaining guests
Enjoying the garden in comfort

Also Suitable For

Occasional home office
Yoga or meditation space
Children's play room
Sheltering tender plants in cold snaps

Sizing Guide

Use Case	Recommended Size	Floor Area
Cosy two-seat retreat	2400mm x 2100mm	5.04 m²
Family summerhouse	3000mm x 2400mm	7.20 m²
Entertaining space	4200mm x 3000mm	12.60 m²

Custom sizes? Use our shed builder to generate plans for any dimensions within the permitted range.

Construction Notes

Foundation

A level bearer and joist base suits most summerhouses, with concrete preferred for larger builds. Keep the floor clear of the ground for airflow and to protect the timber.

Framing

Standard 38x89mm framing at 600mm centres is adequate, but openings for large windows and glazed doors need proper headers and trimmer studs to carry the load above.

Roofing

An apex roof gives the summerhouse its classic look. Torch-on felt, EPDM or cedar shingles all suit it, so choose a covering that matches the quality of the rest of the build.

Special Considerations

Plan for ventilation. A large glazed front can overheat in summer, so opening windows or vents and a door that can be propped keep the room comfortable in warm weather.

Example Builds

Garden Retreat

3.0m x 2.4m

A bright sitting room for two or three, with glazed double doors opening onto the garden and windows to either side to catch the afternoon sun.

Shiplap cladding
Double doors
2 windows
Apex roof
Veranda option

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Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, garden sheds are permitted development and don't require planning permission. However, restrictions apply: the shed must be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5m, maximum overall height of 4m (for dual-pitched roofs) or 3m (for any other roof), and must not cover more than 50% of the curtilage. Sheds must not be forward of the principal elevation. Listed buildings and conservation areas have additional restrictions. Always check with your local planning authority if in doubt.

Options include concrete slabs, paving slabs, pressure-treated bearer and joist systems, or adjustable post supports. Concrete provides the most stable base for larger sheds, while bearer systems are quick to install and allow airflow beneath the floor. The key requirements are: level, stable, and dry with adequate drainage around the perimeter.

A well-built and maintained shed can last 15-25+ years. Key factors are: quality of original construction, adequacy of foundations, quality of timber treatment, regular maintenance (retreating cladding, checking for rot), and roof condition. Budget sheds with minimal maintenance may only last 5-10 years.

Ideally, treat all surfaces before assembly - this ensures hidden faces are protected. Pay special attention to cut ends, which are most vulnerable to moisture. After construction, apply treatment to all accessible exterior surfaces annually or as the product recommends.

A standard summerhouse is built for three-season use. With insulation, draught sealing and a heater it can be comfortable in winter too, though the large glazed area loses heat quickly, so expect higher heating needs than a more solid garden room.

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