Insulated Garden Rooms at a Glance
Construction: Quality timber garden rooms designed for improved year-round comfort · Sizes: Standard and bespoke sizes available · Insulation: Fully insulated models and full insulation options depending on range · Glazing: Quality glazing with double-glazed options depending on model · Styles: Apex, pent and contemporary designs.
Uses: Garden office, home gym, studio, hobby room, games room or year-round retreat · Installation: Free assembly on our main insulated garden room ranges · Finishes: Factory-applied colour paint options available · Floors: Insulated floor options depending on range · Bases: Base-building options available · Customisation: Bespoke sizes, layouts and options available on selected models · See before you buy: Insulated garden rooms on display at our Surrey show site near Guildford and Woking.
Need advice? Our experienced team can help with garden room size, insulation, glazing, layout, base requirements and installation before you order.
Platinum vs Royal Insulated Garden Rooms – Which Should You Choose?
Our Platinum and Royal insulated garden rooms are both designed to provide useful additional space for home working, hobbies, relaxing and other activities. The main differences are in standard specification, insulation, glazing, available sizes and price.
Why Choose a Platinum Insulated Garden Room?
Platinum is a strong choice if you want an excellent balance between price, comfort, flexibility and size. Fleet and Odiham are the models I would look at first if you specifically want a fully insulated Platinum building. Other selected Platinum garden rooms allow you to add a full lining and insulation package.
Platinum is particularly worth considering if you want an insulated garden office or hobby room at a lower price point than Royal, need a particularly large garden room, want more flexibility over the specification or prefer one of the Platinum designs.
Why Choose a Royal Insulated Garden Room?
Royal is our premium choice for customers who want a higher specification from the outset. Royal buildings are designed as fully insulated garden rooms, with insulation incorporated into the walls, floor and roof as standard.
They also feature residential-quality PVCu doors and windows with 28mm double-glazed sealed units. If your garden room is going to become a regularly used extension of your living or working space, I would certainly compare the Royal specification before making your final decision.
Royal is especially relevant if you are creating a premium insulated garden office, professional studio or leisure room which will be occupied for long periods throughout the year.
| Feature | Platinum Insulated Garden Rooms | Royal Insulated Garden Rooms |
| Best for | Home offices, hobbies, studios and customers wanting excellent value from an insulated garden room | Premium garden offices, studios and customers wanting a highly specified year-round garden room |
| Price position | ££ – Excellent balance of specification and price | £££ – Premium specification |
| Insulation | Fully insulated Fleet and Odiham models, with full insulation available as an option on other selected Platinum buildings | Fully insulated walls, floor and roof as standard |
| Doors & windows | Double glazing as standard on fully insulated Fleet and Odiham, with PVCu options available | Residential-quality PVCu doors and windows with 28mm double-glazed sealed units |
| Available sizes | Selected designs from approximately 8×6 up to 28×16 ft | Approximately 8×6 up to 20×12 ft |
| Design choice | Apex, pent and larger bespoke-style configurations available | Choice of premium contemporary garden room designs |
| Colour options | Available | Available |
| Installation | Professional assembly included on applicable orders | Professional assembly included on applicable orders |
| Why choose it? | You want a comfortable insulated garden room while keeping control of the overall budget | You want a premium fully insulated room with a higher standard specification from the outset |
Platinum or Royal – My Simple Guide
Choose Platinum if you want a very good balance of insulation, flexibility, available sizes and price. Fleet and Odiham are particularly worth considering if you want a fully insulated building without moving to the Royal price level.
Choose Royal if you want our premium specification, full insulation as standard to the walls, floor and roof, and residential-quality PVCu doors and windows with 28mm double glazing.
Neither is automatically right for everybody. The best garden room is the one whose specification matches the way you intend to use it.
Choosing the Right Insulated Garden Room
An insulated garden room can provide useful extra space for working, hobbies, exercise or relaxing. Still, the right specification depends on how you intend to use it. A room used occasionally at weekends has different requirements from a garden office occupied for several hours every working day throughout the year.
I’m Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, and I have worked with timber garden buildings since starting my first business in 1979. My advice is to look beyond one headline insulation figure and consider the complete building, including the walls, floor, roof, windows, doors, glazing, internal finish and quality of construction.
Our range includes fully insulated garden rooms, where insulation forms part of the standard specification, as well as substantial garden rooms which can be supplied with insulation and internal lining options. This gives you a choice of designs, specifications and budgets depending on how you expect to use your room.
What Is a Fully Insulated Garden Room?
A fully insulated garden room is a garden room where the stated insulation is incorporated into its standard construction rather than being an optional extra. However, “fully insulated” doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing from every manufacturer, so always check what’s included in the specification.
Look at whether the walls, floor and roof are insulated and then consider the rest of the building envelope. Windows, doors, glazing and internal lining all contribute to how comfortable the finished room will be.
Within our ranges, our premium Royal garden rooms include insulation to the walls, floor and roof as standard. Our fully insulated Platinum Fleet and Odiham models also combine insulated construction with internal lining and double glazing as part of their standard specification. Selected other Platinum garden rooms can be supplied with insulation and lining options where their size or design suits you better.
Fully Insulated or Optional Insulation – Which Should You Choose?
If you know that your building will be used regularly throughout the year as an office, studio or leisure room, starting with a model designed as a fully insulated garden room can make the decision simpler because the insulation has already been incorporated into its standard specification.
Optional insulation can be a good alternative when another substantial garden room offers the dimensions, appearance or layout you prefer. In that case, compare the completed specification and price after insulation, lining and any other required options have been added.
Neither option is automatically right for everyone. The best choice depends on how frequently you will use the room, the level of comfort you expect, the style you prefer and your available budget.
View More Insulated Room Images
Click on images below to see larger versions of insulated garden rooms
What Should You Check When Comparing Garden Room Insulation?
Start by checking which parts of the building are insulated and how the walls, floor and roof are constructed. Then look at the windows, doors, glazing and internal finish. These elements work together, so the overall specification is more useful than one insulation measurement considered in isolation.
Different insulation materials also perform differently, which is another reason why simply choosing the thickest quoted insulation is not necessarily the best way to compare garden rooms. Our garden room insulation and heating guide explains insulation materials, heating options and how the two work together in more detail.
Installation matters too. A substantial insulated room should be correctly assembled on a suitable base. Professional assembly is included with the main insulated garden room ranges shown on this page, subject to the individual product, delivery area, site access and installation conditions.
Are Insulated Garden Rooms Worth It in the UK?
An insulated garden room can be worth the additional cost if you expect to use it regularly throughout the year, particularly as a home office, studio, hobby room or leisure space. Insulation reduces heat transfer, making the room easier to keep comfortable with suitable heating in colder weather.
If you only intend to use your garden room occasionally during spring and summer, you may not need the same level of specification. I would choose according to your actual use rather than assuming that the most heavily insulated option is automatically the right one.
How Warm Is an Insulated Garden Room in Winter?
An insulated garden room should retain heat more effectively than a comparable uninsulated building, but insulation does not generate heat. During cold UK weather, a room used regularly will normally require a suitable heat source.
How warm the room feels will depend on the complete construction, glazing, doors, size of the building, outside temperature, heating system and how frequently the doors are opened. This is why I recommend looking at the building as a whole rather than expecting insulation alone to maintain a particular temperature. For more information about suitable approaches, read our guide to insulating and heating a garden room.
Does Insulation Help a Garden Room in Summer?
Insulation can also help reduce heat transfer during warmer weather, but summer comfort depends on more than insulation. Opening windows, ventilation, shading, the amount of glazing, and the direction the building faces can all affect the internal temperature.
A garden room with a large glazed elevation facing strong afternoon sun will behave differently from the same room in partial shade, so think about where the building will sit in your garden as well as its specification.
Insulated Garden Offices for Working From Home
An insulated garden room can make an excellent home office by providing a dedicated workspace away from the main house. If working from home is your main reason for buying one, think of it as a workplace first and a garden feature second.
Measure your desk, office chair, monitors, storage and any other equipment you use. Allow space for the chair to move back from the desk and enough room to walk around comfortably. If two people will share the office, consider whether both can work without the room feeling cramped.
Natural light is useful, but think about where direct sunlight will fall and whether glare on computer screens could become a problem. Opening windows and ventilation are also important, particularly during warmer weather.
Electricity and internet access are best considered before installation. Depending on the distance from the house, internet access might be provided using your existing Wi-Fi, an extender, another wireless solution or a wired connection. An appropriately qualified person should carry out electrical work. Our garden office Wi-Fi guide explains the main options for extending a reliable internet connection to your garden office.
You can also compare our wider garden rooms and garden offices range or browse garden rooms and offices by size.
What Size Insulated Garden Room Should You Buy?
Before choosing a size, mark out the proposed dimensions in your garden. This gives you a better idea of how much outside space the building will occupy and whether there will be suitable access around it where required.
Then consider the usable internal space. For an office, allow for the desk and chair when the chair is pulled back. For a gym, allow suitable clearance around equipment. For a studio or hobby room, consider work surfaces, storage and how much open floor space you need.
Quoted external dimensions and usable internal dimensions are not necessarily the same because wall construction, insulation and internal lining all take up space. Check the specifications for the particular model you are considering.
Windows, Doors and Double Glazing
Windows and doors affect natural light, ventilation, security and thermal performance, so consider their specification alongside the insulation rather than treating them as purely cosmetic features.
Double glazing is included as standard on selected fully insulated models, including our Platinum Fleet and Odiham and premium Royal garden rooms. Specifications vary between ranges, so check the details for the individual model before ordering.
The amount and position of glazing also affect how the room feels. Large windows and glazed doors can create a bright, attractive interior, while opening windows provide useful ventilation in warmer weather.
Internal Lining and Finish
Internal lining gives an insulated garden room a more finished appearance and covers the insulation and structural framework where applicable. Different ranges and options use different materials and finishes, so check the individual specification rather than assuming every garden room is finished in the same way.
Your intended use may influence which finish you prefer. A home office or studio may benefit from a clean finished interior, while other customers prefer the character of a timber-lined room.
What Base Does an Insulated Garden Room Need?
A firm, flat and level base suitable for the particular building is essential. Even a well-made fully insulated garden room can develop problems if the foundation beneath it is unsuitable.
The correct base supports the structure, helps keep the building properly aligned and enables doors and windows to operate as intended. Requirements vary by building and site, so establish what is needed before installation.
For more information, read our garden room base and foundation guide.
Do Insulated Garden Rooms Need Planning Permission?
Many garden rooms can be installed without making a planning application when they comply with the relevant permitted development requirements, but this does not automatically apply to every building or property.
The position, height, dimensions and intended use of the building may all be relevant, and additional restrictions can apply in some circumstances. If you are unsure, read our garden room planning permission guide and check the requirements applying to your property with your local planning authority before ordering.
Planning permission and Building Regulations are separate matters, and the intended use of a garden room can affect what requirements apply.
See Insulated Garden Rooms Before You Buy
One thing I have always believed in is seeing a garden building before buying whenever practical. Internet photographs are useful, but they cannot show you how solid a floor feels under your feet, how substantial the framing is, how the doors operate or how much usable internal space a particular size really provides.
That is why we encourage customers to visit our garden building show site near Guildford and Woking in Surrey. You can inspect selected buildings, compare construction details and talk through the different specifications with our experienced team.
We cannot display every model in every size and specification, but seeing representative buildings and materials can make comparing garden rooms much easier. If you are spending several thousand pounds on a building you expect to use for many years, I believe that is time well spent.
My Experience With Garden Buildings Since 1979
I’m Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings. I left school at 15 and started my first garden building business in 1979, trading as Marina Sheds. Those early years gave me practical experience with timber garden buildings and taught me that the details which matter most are not always the ones which receive the biggest headline in a brochure.
I sold Marina Sheds in 1990, although unfortunately I did not receive all the money which was due to me from the sale. It was a difficult business lesson, but it did not end my involvement with garden buildings.
In 1992 we expanded beyond traditional sheds to include summerhouses, garages, garden rooms and log cabins. As the business was now supplying far more than sheds, this change in direction led to a new name: Titan Garden Buildings.
My son Craig joined me in 1992 after studying carpentry at Guildford College from 1990. His carpentry training added further practical timber and woodworking knowledge to the business and began the father-and-son involvement which continues today.
We sold Titan Garden Buildings in 1998 and in 2000 decided to take a different approach. We formed 1st Choice Leisure Buildings so that instead of being tied to products from one manufacturer, we could retail quality garden buildings from selected manufacturers and help customers compare different specifications, designs and price points.
Today Craig runs the day-to-day business, and I remain involved to support him and the team as required. Garden rooms have changed enormously since I entered the industry in 1979, with developments in insulation, glazing, materials and manufacturing. My basic advice, however, remains the same: understand what you are actually buying and choose a building suited to how you intend to use it.
You can read more about my background and experience or visit our About 1st Choice Leisure Buildings page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insulated Garden Rooms
What is an insulated garden room?
An insulated garden room is a garden building with insulation incorporated into specified parts of its construction to reduce heat transfer and improve comfort compared with a similar uninsulated building. Check exactly which parts are insulated because specifications vary between products and manufacturers.
What is a fully insulated garden room?
A fully insulated garden room has its stated insulation included as part of the standard building construction rather than relying on an optional insulation package. Check whether the walls, floor and roof are insulated and consider the windows, doors and glazing as well.
Are insulated garden rooms suitable for year-round use?
Yes, a suitably specified insulated garden room can provide useful space throughout the year. You’ll normally need heating in colder weather, while ventilation and shading may be important in warmer periods.
Are insulated garden rooms worth it in the UK?
They can be worth the additional cost if you expect to use the room regularly throughout the year, particularly as an office, studio, hobby room or leisure space. If you only expect occasional warm-weather use, you may not need the same level of insulation.
How warm is an insulated garden room in winter?
There is no single temperature that every insulated garden room will maintain. Winter comfort depends on the insulation, overall construction, glazing, doors, room size, outside temperature and heating used. Insulation helps retain heat but does not generate it. Our garden room insulation and heating guide explains the subject in more detail.
What insulation should a garden room have?
There is no single insulation specification which is right for every garden room. Check which parts of the building are insulated, the insulation material used and the construction of the walls, floor and roof. Also consider the windows, doors, and glazing as part of the complete building.
Are fully insulated garden rooms suitable for working from home?
Yes. A fully insulated garden room can make an excellent home office when its overall specification suits how long you expect to spend inside. Consider insulation, glazing, heating, ventilation, natural light, electricity, internet access and sufficient internal space for your furniture.
Do insulated garden rooms need heating?
If you want to use the room comfortably during cold weather, suitable heating will normally be required. Insulation reduces heat transfer but does not generate heat. A well-insulated garden room should retain heat more effectively than a comparable uninsulated building. See our guide to garden room insulation and heating for further information.
Is thicker insulation always better?
Not necessarily when considered on its own. Different insulation materials perform differently, and thickness is only one part of the complete specification. Walls, floors, roofs, windows, doors, glazing, and construction quality all contribute to overall performance.
How much does an insulated garden room cost?
The cost depends on the size, construction, insulation specification, glazing, doors, internal finish and any additional options you select. Current prices are shown with the garden rooms above. I recommend comparing the completed price for the specification you actually require rather than comparing headline starting prices alone.
What is the difference between fully insulated and optional insulation?
With a fully insulated garden room, the stated insulation forms part of the standard construction. With optional insulation, you choose a suitable garden room and add the insulation and internal lining package available for that model. The better choice depends on the building, intended use, design and budget.
Do I need planning permission for an insulated garden room?
Many garden rooms can fall within permitted development rights, but this depends on the building, its position, dimensions, intended use and the property itself. Additional restrictions may apply, so read our garden room planning permission guide and check the requirements for your property if you are unsure.
Does a garden room need Building Regulations approval?
Building Regulations and planning permission are separate matters. Whether Building Regulations apply depends on factors including the building’s size, construction, position, and intended use, so seek advice if you are unsure.
What base does an insulated garden room need?
It needs a firm, flat and level base which meets the requirements of the particular model. Base requirements vary according to the building and site. Our garden room and office base guide explains the subject in more detail.
Can I use an insulated garden room as a gym or studio?
Yes, provided the building is suitable for the intended use. For a gym, consider floor requirements, equipment dimensions, headroom and ventilation. For a studio, consider natural light, storage, electricity, ventilation and the amount of usable floor and wall space.
Can I see an insulated garden room before ordering?
Yes. You can view representative garden buildings at our Surrey display site, where you can inspect construction details, experience the internal space, and discuss your requirements with our team. Contact us before travelling if there is a particular model you especially want to see.
Who is Robin Antill?
I am the founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings and have worked in the garden building industry since starting Marina Sheds in 1979. My son Craig joined me in 1992 after studying carpentry at Guildford College and now runs the day-to-day business while I continue to support him and the team. You can read more about my garden building experience here.
Why buy an insulated garden room from 1st Choice Leisure Buildings?
Our family has decades of experience with garden buildings, and we offer products from selected manufacturers rather than being restricted to one type of building. We aim to explain the differences between specifications so you can make an informed choice based on how you intend to use your room. You can also compare our wider garden rooms and garden offices range.
From £4931
