Why Buy a Summerhouse with a Side Shed?

One of the questions we’re asked all the time is, “Should I buy a summerhouse or a shed?” Our answer is usually, “Why not have both?”

A summerhouse with a side shed gives you somewhere to sit, relax or work while keeping the lawnmower, garden tools and other bits and pieces tucked away out of sight.

It saves space, looks much tidier than having two separate buildings and helps you make better use of your garden. For many customers, it really is the best of both worlds.

Built Around the Way You Use Your Garden

No two gardens are the same, so it doesn’t make much sense to offer only a handful of standard layouts.

Some people want the shed on the side, while others prefer it hidden away at the back. Some like an internal door so they can walk straight through from the summerhouse, while others want the storage area kept completely separate.

That’s the advantage of having a building made to suit you. We can alter the layout, reposition the doors and windows and create a building that fits your garden rather than asking your garden to fit the building.

Plenty of Storage Without Losing Your Summerhouse

One of the biggest mistakes people make is filling a lovely new summerhouse with garden tools and storage boxes.

It doesn’t take long before the strimmer, folding chairs, paint tins and children’s toys begin taking over the space.

Having a proper storage section means everything has its place. Your summerhouse remains somewhere you’ll enjoy spending time, while all the practical items stay safely locked away next door.

Choose the Style You Like

Whether you prefer a traditional apex roof, a modern pent design or a summerhouse with a veranda, adding a side shed doesn’t mean you have to compromise on appearance.

Most customers begin by choosing the summerhouse they like best. From there, we work out the size of the storage area, where it should be positioned and how you would like to access it.

That’s why no two combination buildings ever seem to look the same.

Made to Suit Your Garden

The storage section can be positioned at the side, across the back or, in some cases, along part of the front of the building.

You can have a separate external shed door, an internal connecting door or both. Doors and windows can also be positioned to suit your garden, access requirements and preferred view.

With plenty of sizes and layouts available, we can help you create a building that makes sensible use of the space you have.

Built to Last

A garden building is something you’ll hopefully own for many years, so it’s worth buying one that has been built properly in the first place.

Good-quality timber, solid floors, strong roofs and toughened glass all make a real difference. Not only will the building last longer, but it should continue looking good year after year with a reasonable amount of routine care.

The shed section also provides secure, weather-resistant storage for your tools, equipment and garden furniture.

Professional Assembly Included

Let’s be honest, putting up a large timber garden building isn’t everyone’s idea of a relaxing weekend.

The panels are heavy, the roof must be fitted correctly, and the whole building needs to be level and square from the start.

That’s why we assemble the building for you. Once you have a suitable base ready, our fitters will do the hard work and make sure everything is installed as it should be.

What Can You Use the Storage Area For?

A side shed can be used for far more than just a lawnmower and a few garden tools.

Customers use their storage sections for bicycles, outdoor furniture, barbecue equipment, DIY tools, sports equipment, paint tins, children’s toys and seasonal garden items.

You can also make the storage section larger and use it as a small workshop, depending on the overall size and layout of the building.

Unsure What Size or Layout You Need?

If you’ve never bought a summerhouse before, it’s perfectly normal not to know exactly what size or arrangement will work best.

That’s where a bit of experience helps. We’ve seen all sorts of gardens and just about every summerhouse and shed combination you can imagine.

Whether you need a compact summerhouse with enough room to store the garden tools or a larger building with space for a workshop, office and store under one roof, we’ll happily talk you through the choices.

Visit Us and See the Buildings for Yourself

Photographs are useful, but they don’t always show the quality, strength or finish of a garden building properly.

Where possible, we always recommend viewing buildings before making your final decision. It allows you to look at the timber, open the doors, inspect the construction and get a proper idea of the space available.

You can also speak to someone who understands the buildings and can help you choose a design that suits your garden, your requirements and your budget.

A Practical Building You’ll Enjoy for Years

A well-designed summerhouse with a side shed is one of those purchases people rarely regret.

It gives you somewhere comfortable to relax, work or enjoy the garden while keeping all the tools and practical items hidden neatly behind the scenes.

Instead of choosing between a summerhouse and a shed, you can have both in one attractive, well-built garden building.

Why Choose 1st Choice for a Summerhouse Shed Combi?

Why choose between a summerhouse and a garden shed when you can have both in one building?

A summerhouse shed combi gives you somewhere to relax, work or enjoy your garden, while keeping tools, bikes, lawnmowers and garden furniture safely tucked away next door. It’s one of the most practical ways to make better use of your garden without taking up any extra space.

At 1st Choice, we don’t believe one size fits all. Every garden is different, so we build your summerhouse shed to suit you. Whether you need a larger storage area, a bigger summerhouse, extra doors or internal partitions, we’ll make it to your requirements without charging extra simply because it’s bespoke.

You can start with any of our Platinum or Diamond summerhouses, workshops or home offices and adapt the layout to create exactly what you need. Some customers want a small shed for garden tools, while others need plenty of workshop space alongside a comfortable garden room. The choice is yours.

We also offer free delivery and professional assembly in most areas, together with bespoke design options and our base-building service, so your new building is installed properly from the very beginning.

How to Choose the Right Summerhouse Shed

Buying a summerhouse shed is something you’ll hopefully only do once, so it’s worth taking a little time to get it right.

Think about how you’ll use the building in a few years as well as today. Will you need somewhere to work from home? More storage for garden equipment? A hobby room? Or simply a quiet place to sit with a cup of tea while keeping all the practical bits hidden away?

Our guide explains the different options and helps you decide which layout is best for your garden.

• Why a garden building is a worthwhile investment.
• Summerhouse or shed – or why a combination building often makes more sense.
• The advantages of a bespoke summerhouse shed.
• The pros and cons of different layouts.
• Simple design ideas to help you make the most of your space.
• Answers to the questions we’re most often asked.

Read our guide to choosing the right summerhouse shed.

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Summer House with Shed?

One of the most common questions customers ask us before buying a summer house with shed is whether they need planning permission. The good news is that, in most cases, the answer is no.

Most summer houses and combination garden buildings are covered by Permitted Development rights, meaning you can usually install one without applying for planning permission. The building must meet certain requirements regarding its height, size and position within your garden, so it’s always worth checking before you order.

There are a few restrictions, such as listed buildings, being located within a conservation area, or if you’re planning a particularly large garden building, different rules may apply. Taking a few minutes to check the regulations now can save you time and expense later.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a straightforward Summer House Planning Permission Guide that explains the current rules in plain English and answers the questions we hear most often from customers.

When Might Planning Permission Be Required?

In many cases, a summer house with a shed can be installed without planning permission. However, if the building is within 2 metres of your boundary, its maximum overall height is generally limited to 2.5 metres. Taller buildings usually need to be positioned further away from neighbouring boundaries to remain within Permitted Development rules.

There are also limits on the total area covered by garden buildings and restrictions on how they can be used. If you’re unsure whether your chosen building complies, our planning permission guide explains everything in more detail and will help you choose the right option with confidence.

Choosing the Right Base for Your Summer House with Shed

One thing we always tell our customers is not to cut corners on the base. However good your summer house with shed is, it needs a solid, level foundation to sit on.

A good base keeps the building stable, helps prevent damp getting underneath and makes installation much easier. We’ve seen buildings still looking great after many years because they were put on the right base, while those installed on uneven ground often end up with problems much sooner.

You have a few options, including concrete, paving slabs, timber bearers or a timber sub-frame. A timber sub-frame is a popular choice as it can cope with slight unevenness in the ground while allowing air to circulate underneath the building.

If you’re unsure which base is right for your garden, have a look at our summer house base guide. It explains the different options and how to prepare your site before delivery.

If you’d rather leave it to us, we can also help with base preparation and installation. Take a look at our garden building services to see what’s available.

Insulating Your Summer House Shed

Many customers ask us if a summer house shed can be used all year round. The simple answer is yes. With the right insulation, your garden building will stay warmer in winter, cooler in summer and be much more comfortable to use whatever the weather.

Insulation also helps reduce condensation and can lower heating costs if you use your summer house as a home office, hobby room or somewhere to relax. It’s one of the best upgrades you can make if you want to get the most from your garden building.

You can fit insulation yourself if you’re confident with DIY, or have it professionally installed if you would rather leave it to an expert. If you’re not sure which option is right for you, take a look at our guide to insulating a summerhouse, where we explain the different methods, materials and what to expect from each.

Can I install electricity in my summer house shed?

Yes. Many customers choose to add electricity to their summer house shed so they can use lighting, sockets, heating or power tools. We always recommend using a qualified electrician to carry out any electrical installation safely and in line with current regulations. If you need assistance, we can recommend trusted local electricians. Find out more on our garden building services page.

How long does a summer house shed last?

A well-built summer house shed should last for decades with the right care. We always recommend choosing pressure-treated timber wherever possible, as it provides long-lasting protection against rot, fungal decay and insect attack. Regular maintenance, such as checking the roof, keeping the timber protected and ensuring good ventilation, will help keep your building looking its best for many years. For more advice, read our guide to weatherproofing wooden garden buildings.

Where should I position a summer house shed in my garden?

Choosing the right location makes a big difference to how much you’ll enjoy your summer house shed. We usually recommend placing it where you can make the most of the view from your garden or patio, with the doors and windows facing the sun where practical. Avoid low-lying areas where water may collect, and try not to position it directly beneath large trees, as falling leaves and excess shade can encourage damp. Leave enough space around the building for maintenance, cleaning and easy access.

What maintenance does a summer house shed need?

Looking after your summer house shed is straightforward and will help it last for many years. Keep the roof free from leaves and debris, particularly during autumn, and check the exterior finish every few years, repainting or re-treating the timber when required. It’s also worth checking that the base remains level and drains well, and that doors, windows and seals continue to keep out draughts and moisture. A little routine maintenance each year will help keep your garden building in excellent condition.