British summers are short, very short. Often the range of products we feature in this part of the website is to provide ways of extending the time you can spend in the garden. So we have products that provide a covered seat, an un-covered seat and a seat that is higher off the ground than a traditional garden chair.
We are still of the opinion that one of the better purchases you can make for your garden is a summerhouse. Size does not really matter. A proper base is important as is some maintenance from time to time.
Outdoor shelters of the past have been parasols or canopies. The outdoor shelters of today can be verandas and roofs with louvers or even a full glass enclosure. Sometimes, these additions can extend your garden and provide an extra room to your house.
Extending Your Garden
To extend your garden and have it usable in the evenings, you need to have three things, a heater of some kind, a shelter from the elements and maybe some lighting. With two of these you can enjoy your garden when the days are longer, with all three, your garden can be a room.
Consider orientation. As nice as a south-facing summerhouse is in the spring, come July it may serve as a greenhouse. North-facing, on the other hand, serves with even lighting and is thus a good choice for a garden office. As for patios, a south-facing terrace may serve as an outdoor living space for much of the year, but may be unusable during the afternoons due to the sun. A roof may help alleviate some of these issues, but a covered terrace may quickly become an eyesore.
Planning permission, briefly
Certain rules dictate what kinds of construction may be built under permitted development. Most garden structures may be constructed without planning permission as long as they adhere to certain guidelines. Most notably, the structure must be small and single-story, with the ridge of the roof not exceeding 2.5m and the entire structure not exceeding 4m in height. If the structure is built within 2m of a neighboring property, then the height of the structure must not exceed 2.5m. Lastly, the total area of all outbuildings and structures on the property may not exceed 50% of the total area covered by the structures of the main dwelling.
A garden room may serve as a summerhouse, but not as a permanent residence.
Decking more than 0.3 m from the ground requires a permit. Awnings on houses normally don’t require a permit. A glass veranda, however, may be treated as an extension and could require permit procedures. Make certain you check the requirements before you make any purchases. Restrictive requirements may be in place for buildings that are listed, located in conservation areas, or in national parks.
Summerhouses and Sheds
This section covers various aspects of constructing and maintaining summerhouses and sheds. Timber frames need to dry out and level bases need to be constructed in order for a structure to be level. Compacted hardcore or treated timber frames may be used to support a structure prior to the construction of a concrete base. Be sure to leave a space behind the structure to prevent moisture from damaging the wall. Timber may also be treated or coated with a sealer and this is also covered in this article.
Terraces and Decks
Wood or composite terraces and decks are discussed. Decks help to flatten sloping sites, but may require significant maintenance. Protective coatings may be required for wood decks to prevent moisture damage.
Awnings, Pergolas and Verandas
What are the costs, shelter and impact on light of various awnings? Pergolas? Glass verandas and garden glass rooms? Retractable awnings can provide patio shelter for less than $1,000, but they offer little to no protection from strong winds or heavy precipitation. Glass verandas provide shelter from the elements, but can trap heat and moisture. Pergolas, the least expensive of the three, can take three years to provide adequate shade if left to grow with climbing plants.
Some of our articles about awnings and verandas contain sponsored links to suppliers. These links do not affect our recommendations.
Garden Furniture
What garden furniture is best for outdoor use? What furniture can best accommodate a small seating area? What is the best way to take care of outdoor furniture? Hardwood, teak, and some synthetic materials can be left outdoors. Powder-coated aluminum, wicker (rattan) and other plastics can also be used outdoors.
Alfresco and Entertaining
Outdoor cooking and barbecues. Planning a backyard party. How to best utilize outdoor space for entertaining. The grill gets the most use. Considerations for gas vs. charcoal.
Common Questions
What are the rules regarding the construction of a summerhouse?
Generally, a summerhouse will not require plans if it is built within permitted development. An apex roof will not fall within permitted development if it is built within 2m of a property boundary as the height limit will be 2.5m.
How long do you expect a summerhouse to last?
This is determined primarily by the thickness of the timber and how frequently it is treated. A thick log-cabin wall, in a dry, level position, is likely to last for twenty years or more. Thin shiplap cladding, on the other hand, will likely only last for ten years if it is positioned on damp ground.
What is best, a pergola, a veranda or an awning?
In order to have a shaded outdoor area, you could install an awning. However, if you want to wait a few years for a plant to grow to provide a natural shade, you could build a pergola. To sit outside and remain shaded and dry, you could build a veranda.
Only you know where the shaded and dry area is in your garden. Build for that.