Summer Gardens

The journal

Garden Buildings and Decking

Rain and sun beat down on garden structures in the U.K. every year. The weather takes a toll. The British climate is especially hard on structures made from wood. Nearly all issues with garden sheds and summerhouses are a result of the structure holding moisture. Most of these issues go unnoticed for several years.

This section will cover the items you will want to buy, as well as, the maintenance you will need to perform. The condition of your structure and the surface it is placed on will largely determine how well you will be able to use your summerhouse or shed.

Summerhouses and Sheds

An effective design for a shed will not result in a good summerhouse. A design for a good summerhouse will not yield a good shed. A good design for each of these functions will yield the best result. If space is limited, a good design for a summerhouse will yield a better result if it is combined with a small storage shed that is attached to the side.

When evaluating different designs, focus on wall thickness. Thick wall summerhouses will allow you to use the structure during the off season. Place the summerhouse on a flat surface and leave a gap between the summerhouse and the surface to allow air to flow. Spray the structure with a waterproofing sealant every year or two.

Decking and Terraces

To create a level surface in a sloping garden, one of the easiest options is to install a deck. The same can be said for the difficulty in building a deck. If you are using timber for the frame and joists, make sure to space the joists accordingly for your deck boards. Make sure to check what manufacturer specs say for composite boards. A deck membrane should be placed between the frame and the deck. Like any other surface, decking should be constructed with drainage in mind, so the decking should not be installed but rather should have gaps between the boards.

If you are going to construct a deck that is more than 30cm (1′) from the ground, you will need to get site planning approval. It is best to keep your deck as low as possible and avoid looking over your neighbor’s fence.

Our guides located below cover sheds, summerhouses, decks, and bases as well as sun terraces and the treatment of timber.