Looking for a high-quality garden workshop that’s built to last? As a family business, we’ve been helping customers find the perfect workshop since 1979, offering expert advice and exceptional customer service every step of the way. You can also visit our extensive show site to compare a wide range of garden workshops in person before you buy. Plus, many of our workshops include **free assembly**, giving you complete peace of mind from delivery through to installation.
Options To choose from a large range of colours and make your new garden workshop special.
Discover made-to-order timber garden workshops designed for woodworking, DIY, hobbies and secure tool storage. Compare standard, heavy-duty and insulated workshop buildings in a wide choice of sizes, with apex or pent roofs, flexible layouts and optional customisation.
Free Professional installation on wooden workshops
Since 1979, we’ve helped customers choose timber garden buildings that match the way they work, store equipment and use their outdoor space. Browse the workshop ranges above, request a personalised quotation or visit our Surrey display site to compare selected models in person.
Image may show optional or non-standard features. Please refer to the individual product specification before ordering.
Why Trust 1st Choice Leisure Buildings?
Choosing a garden building is an investment, so it's important to buy from a company you can rely on. At 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, we've been helping customers find the right garden sheds, summerhouses, log cabins, garden offices and workshops since 1979 when Robin Antill opened the doors. As a family-run business, we believe in offering honest advice rather than a hard sell. We take the time to understand what you need and help you choose a building that suits your garden, your budget and the way you plan to use it.
Our approach is reflected in our 4.9 Trustpilot rating, where customers regularly mention our friendly, helpful service. We only work with manufacturers we trust, selecting buildings that offer good quality, durability and value for money. Most are made from FSC®-certified timber and built to cope with the British weather. If you'd rather see a building before you buy, you're welcome to visit one of the UK's largest garden building display sites.
1st Choice – Known For Quality – Loved For Design - Since 1979
Being able to compare different models and talk things through with our experienced team helps many customers make the right decision. With more than 47 years' experience and over 50,000 buildings supplied across the UK, we've built our reputation on quality products, straightforward advice and customer service you can depend on. We are always available to meet your needs or requirements so contact us NOW if you would like help or advice.
We live quite far away; is it really worth visiting our show rooms? Absolutely!
We strongly urge anyone looking for a new building – whether it's a new garden shed, summerhouse, workshop, garage, or a full garden room – to visit and inspect the quality in person before committing to any purchase.
Seeing the craftsmanship, materials and finishes for yourself is the best way to make a confident and informed decision.
Whilst we cannot display everything we offer, we have carefully selected around 80 different buildings that allow us to demonstrate almost every feature, design option, and construction detail in one form or another.
This allows you to compare styles, sizes and specifications, ask any questions you may have, and find the building that best suits your needs.
Choosing a garden workshop is about more than finding the right size. The quality of the construction, the flexibility of the design and the support you receive before and after ordering all play an important role in ensuring the sectional building meets your long-term needs.
We’ve specialised in timber garden buildings since 1979 and offer practical guidance based on how you intend to use your workshop. Whether you need a simple DIY workspace, a heavy-duty building for woodworking machinery or an insulated workshop for year-round use, we’ll help you compare the available options and choose a model that suits your budget, available space and intended use.
Over 45 years of specialist experience
Made-to-order workshop ranges
Surrey display site with selected buildings on show
Free Professional installation on wooden workshop ranges
Friendly, knowledgeable advice before you buy
Choice of standard and bespoke workshop layouts
Where possible, we encourage customers to visit our Surrey display site to compare selected buildings, inspect construction details and discuss the available options with our experienced team before placing an order.
What Is a Garden Workshop?
A garden workshop is a purpose-built timber building that provides dedicated space for woodworking, DIY projects, hobbies, repairs and secure equipment storage. Compared with a standard garden shed, workshops generally offer a larger working area together with stronger construction and layouts designed to accommodate workbenches, shelving, machinery and hand tools.
Garden workshops are commonly used for:
Woodworking and joinery
DIY and home improvement projects
Furniture restoration
Bicycle and motorcycle maintenance
Garden machinery servicing
Arts, crafts and model making
Secure storage of tools and equipment
Home businesses and creative work where appropriate
The best workshop isn’t simply the biggest one. Think about how you’ll use the space, where workbenches and storage will be positioned, whether machinery needs permanent clearance and if you’ll be using the building throughout the year.
How to Choose the Right Garden Workshop
The best garden workshop suits the way you work, provides enough space for your equipment and offers the right level of construction for long-term use. While size is important, it’s equally worth considering the internal layout, construction quality, insulation and installation requirements before making your decision.
The guide below highlights the main factors to compare when choosing a timber garden workshop.
1. Choose the Right Size
Start by thinking about how you intend to use the workshop. A building used for occasional DIY has very different requirements from one used for woodworking, machinery or year-round projects.
Make a list of everything that needs to fit inside, including workbenches, shelving, cupboards, tools, stored materials and any equipment that will remain permanently in place. Remember to leave enough clear floor space to move around comfortably and work safely.
It’s also worth remembering that advertised workshop dimensions normally refer to the external footprint. Internal space will always be slightly smaller once wall thicknesses and framing are taken into account.
Typical Use
What to Consider
Tool storage and occasional DIY
Allow space for shelving while keeping a practical working area.
General DIY and bicycle maintenance
Consider double doors and enough room to work around larger equipment.
Woodworking and machinery
Plan permanent bench positions, material storage and safe clearance around machines.
Workshop and storage combined
A partitioned building can keep bulky garden equipment separate from your workspace.
2. Plan the Internal Layout
Thinking about the layout before ordering helps you make better use of the available space. Decide where workbenches, shelving, cupboards and machinery will be positioned, then choose a door and window layout that supports the way you’ll work.
Double doors make it easier to move lawnmowers, timber sheets and larger equipment into the building, while carefully positioned windows provide natural light without limiting wall space for storage or benches.
If you’ll be storing valuable tools, consider whether windows will overlook neighbouring properties or public areas, and choose the layout accordingly.
3. Compare the Construction
Construction quality has a greater impact on long-term performance than appearance alone. Two workshops may look almost identical in photographs while offering very different levels of strength and durability.
When comparing models, pay particular attention to:
Framing dimensions
Cladding style and timber quality
Floor construction
Roof construction
Door strength and security
Glazing specification
Protective treatment or factory finish
Heavy-duty framing and stronger floors are often worthwhile if you expect to install machinery or use the workshop regularly. Exact specifications vary between workshop ranges, so always compare the individual product details before making your final decision.
4. Is an Insulated Workshop Right for You?
An insulated garden workshop is worth considering if you plan to use the building regularly throughout the year or spend long periods working inside. Insulation helps create a more comfortable environment and may also reduce temperature fluctuations compared with an uninsulated timber building.
Many of our insulated workshops are lined inside too, which gives them a much cosier feel than your average garden shed. If you’re thinking of pottering about in winter with a little heater on, the insulation does a good job of keeping the warmth where you want it. It’s still worth opening a window now and then though, as a bit of fresh air helps stop damp and condensation from building up.
5. Prepare for Installation
Before your workshop arrives, it’s worth checking there’s a clear route into the garden for delivery. We’ve seen the odd narrow gate catch people out! You’ll also need a solid, level base ready to go. It might not be the most exciting part of the job, but a good base really is the making of it. It keeps everything nice and steady, and helps the doors and windows work smoothly for years to come.
Many of our wooden workshop ranges include free professional installation within qualifying delivery areas. If access is restricted by narrow pathways, steps or other obstacles, let us know before ordering so we can advise on the most suitable installation arrangements.
Need Advice?
If you’re unsure which workshop is best for your needs, our experienced team can help you compare sizes, layouts and specifications before you place an order. We’ll explain the differences between the available workshop ranges and help you choose a building that suits your intended use and budget.
Compare Our Timber Garden Workshop Types
Every workshop range is designed with a different type of customer in mind. Whether you need a simple DIY workspace, a heavy-duty timber workshop for machinery or a fully insulated building for year-round use, comparing the intended use and construction specifications will help you choose the right model.
Workshop Type
Best For
Key Advantages
Standard Timber Workshop
DIY, hobbies and secure tool storage
A practical, versatile workshop for occasional or regular home use.
Heavy-Duty Workshop
Woodworking, machinery and demanding projects
More substantial construction on selected ranges for frequent use.
Insulated Workshop
Year-round working and creative hobbies
Improved comfort with a more stable internal environment.
Workshop & Storage Combination
Customers needing workspace and secure storage
Separate working and storage areas within one building.
Made-to-Order Workshop
Gardens requiring greater flexibility
Choice of layouts, sizes and optional upgrades.
Standard Timber Workshops
Standard timber workshops are a popular choice for homeowners looking for dedicated space for DIY projects, gardening equipment, hobbies and secure tool storage. Many ranges include generous internal space for workbenches and shelving while offering excellent value for everyday use.
Heavy-Duty Timber Workshops
Heavy-duty workshops are designed for customers who expect to use their building more frequently or install heavier equipment. Depending on the range, they may include stronger framing, upgraded flooring and more substantial construction suitable for woodworking, furniture restoration, motorcycle maintenance and other demanding hobbies.
Always compare the specifications of each model and ensure the floor construction is appropriate before installing machinery or particularly heavy equipment.
Insulated Garden Workshops
Insulated workshops are ideal for customers who plan to spend longer periods working in their building or want a more comfortable workspace throughout the year. Many ranges include insulation together with internal lining, creating a cleaner and more finished interior.
If you’ll be heating the workshop, insulation can improve comfort and efficiency, although suitable ventilation remains important.
Many of our timber workshops are manufactured to order, allowing you to tailor the building to your garden and working requirements. Depending on the selected range, available options may include:
Alternative building sizes
Apex or pent roof designs
Single or double doors
Alternative door and window positions
Additional windows
Factory-painted finishes
Insulation and internal lining
Upgraded framing and flooring
Internal partitions
Even relatively small layout changes can make a significant difference to how practical a workshop is once it’s fully equipped.
If you’re after a workshop you can use right through the year, have a look at our Insulated Garden Workshops. They’re a great choice if you want somewhere comfortable to work, whatever the weather. If you’re not quite sure what you need, get in touch – we’re always happy to talk you through the made-to-order options.
Apex or Pent Roof Workshop?
It’s one of the first things people ask us. An apex roof gives you a bit more headroom in the middle, which is handy if you’re storing taller tools or simply like the extra space. A pent roof has a lower, more modern look and often works well where height is limited or you want the workshop to sit neatly against a fence or boundary. Both make excellent workshops – it really comes down to the space you’ve got and how you plan to use it.
Apex Roof Workshop
Pent Roof Workshop
Traditional appearance
Modern, contemporary styling
Maximum headroom through the centre
Single-direction roof slope
Ideal for taller storage and machinery
Well suited alongside boundaries
Popular for larger workshops
Excellent where overall height is a consideration
Neither roof style is inherently better. Your choice should depend on the available space, drainage requirements, surrounding buildings, planning considerations and the way you intend to use the workshop.
Timber or Metal Workshop?
People still tend to choose a timber workshop when they want somewhere to get jobs done, not just somewhere to put things. Timber has a much warmer, more traditional look, and it’s easy to fix shelves, benches and storage to the walls as your needs change. Whether you’re into DIY, woodworking or want a proper space to tinker, a timber workshop gives you plenty of scope to make it your own.
Metal workshops can provide secure, low-maintenance storage, but condensation control and ventilation become particularly important when storing tools or machinery. For most DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists and woodworkers, a timber workshop offers a more comfortable and adaptable working environment.
Expert Advice
One of the most common mistakes we see is customers choosing a workshop based only on the external dimensions. Once benches, shelving and machinery are installed, the usable working space can feel much smaller than expected. Planning your internal layout before selecting a workshop usually results in a building that’s more practical for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a garden shed and a garden workshop?
A garden shed is primarily designed for storage, while a garden workshop provides dedicated space for DIY, woodworking, hobbies and repairs. Workshops often feature larger working areas, stronger construction and layouts that are better suited to workbenches, shelving and machinery. As specifications vary between manufacturers, always compare the individual product details before making your choice.
What size garden workshop do I need?
The right size depends on how you plan to use the building. Consider the space required for workbenches, shelving, machinery, stored materials and comfortable movement around the workshop. Marking out the proposed footprint in your garden before ordering is one of the easiest ways to judge whether a workshop will provide enough usable working space.
Do I need a base for a timber garden workshop?
Yes. Every workshop should be installed on a firm, flat and level base that meets the manufacturer’s requirements. A correctly prepared base helps ensure the building remains stable and allows doors and windows to operate properly throughout its life.
Is an insulated garden workshop worth it?
If you expect to use your workshop regularly throughout the year, insulation can make the building more comfortable by reducing temperature fluctuations and creating a more pleasant working environment. Many insulated workshops also include internal lining for a more finished interior.
Can I customise the layout?
Many of our made-to-order workshop ranges offer flexibility over building size, roof style, door positions, window layouts and optional upgrades. The available choices vary between manufacturers and product ranges, so please get in touch with us if you have specific requirements.
Do I need planning permission for a garden workshop?
Many domestic garden buildings are covered by permitted development rights, although this depends on factors such as the workshop’s size, height, location and intended use. If you’re unsure, we recommend checking with your local planning authority before ordering.
Can I install electricity in a garden workshop?
Yes. Many customers choose to add lighting, sockets and heating after installation. Any electrical installation should be planned and completed by a suitably qualified electrician to ensure it meets current regulations and is appropriate for the equipment you’ll be using.
Visit Our Surrey Garden Building Display Site
Choosing a garden workshop is much easier when you can compare different buildings in person. At our Surrey display site, you can inspect selected workshop ranges, compare construction details and explore different sizes, layouts and roof styles before making your decision.
Our experienced team will be happy to explain the differences between the available workshop ranges, discuss your intended use and help you choose a building that offers the right balance of space, construction and value.
Ready to find the right timber garden workshop?
Browse the workshop ranges above, request a personalised quotation or visit our Surrey display site to compare selected buildings and speak with our experienced team.
Whether you're creating a dedicated home office, a relaxing garden retreat, or a multi-purpose outdoor space, we offer a wide range of garden rooms to suit every lifestyle and budget. From insulated garden rooms for year-round use to prefab garden offices that are quick to install, our specialist collections make it easy to find the perfect building. You can also browse painted garden rooms for a premium finish, corner garden rooms for making the most of smaller gardens, garden rooms with integrated sheds for extra storage, or games rooms designed for entertaining family and friends. If you're looking for a particular size or style, explore the categories below to narrow your search.
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