Quality Timber Workshops Built for Work, Hobbies and Storage
A garden workshop gives you valuable extra space without the cost and disruption of an extension. Whether you’re creating a woodworking workshop, storing tools and machinery, pursuing a hobby or need a practical outdoor building, a well-made timber workshop can become one of the most useful additions to your garden.
At 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, we’ve been designing and supplying garden buildings since 1979. Our range of wooden workshops is available in standard sizes from 8 x 6ft up to 20 x 16ft, with bespoke options available if you need something tailored to your space.
1st Choice Tip… Many customers focus on floor space but overlook window placement. Good natural light above a workbench can make detailed jobs much easier without relying on artificial lighting during the day.
Did You Know? A workshop with plenty of natural light makes detailed jobs like woodworking and DIY much easier.
Choosing the Right Garden Workshop
When buying a garden workshop, size is only one part of the decision. The materials, construction, layout and installation all contribute to how well the building performs over time.
Think about how you’ll use your workshop today and how your needs might change in the future. You may need extra storage, more natural light, wider access for equipment or additional working space. Choosing the right specification from the start helps ensure you’ll enjoy using your workshop for years to come.
1st Choice Tip… Customers often spend a lot of time choosing the building size but less time considering where it will sit in the garden. Positioning the workshop to maximise access, natural light and convenience can make just as much difference to how enjoyable it is to use.
Did you know? Wall space is just as valuable as floor space. Adding shelving and tool storage keeps your workspace tidy and efficient.
Built Around Your Requirements
Every garden is different, which is why we offer both standard and bespoke workshop buildings.
If a standard size doesn’t make the best use of your available space, we can manufacture a workshop to suit your garden and the way you intend to use it. From changing the position of doors and windows to creating a completely bespoke layout, we can help you achieve a building that works for you.
1st Choice Tip… Buy from a specialist who understands the products. Choosing a workshop isn’t just about selecting a size. An experienced supplier can explain the differences between construction methods and recommend a building that’s suited to the way you intend to use it.
Did you know? Double doors make it much easier to move larger tools, timber and garden equipment in and out.
Quality Timber Construction
The quality of the timber plays an important role in the strength, appearance and longevity of any garden workshop.
The majority of our workshop buildings are manufactured using selected redwood timber, chosen for its durability and attractive finish. Combined with quality craftsmanship and robust construction, this creates a workshop designed to provide reliable service for many years.
Fully Manufactured Sections
Our workshop buildings are supplied in complete factory-made sections, helping to ensure consistent quality and efficient installation.
Manufacturing the panels before delivery also allows every component to be checked before it reaches your garden, giving you confidence in the finished building.
1st Choice Tip… Workshop sizing. One of the most common things we hear after installation is, “I wish we’d gone a little bigger.” Benches, shelving, timber storage and machinery quickly reduce the usable floor space, so it’s often worth choosing the next size up if your budget allows.
Did you know? Good ventilation helps keep your workshop fresh, especially when painting, sanding or using wood treatments.
Professional Installation Included
A timber workshop is a substantial garden building, so FREE professional installation offers real peace of mind.
Our experienced installation team assembles your workshop on site, ensuring every section is fitted correctly and the building is ready to enjoy as soon as the work is complete. All you need is a solid level base, which we can help with.
1st Choice Tip… During site surveys, restricted access is one of the most common challenges we encounter. It’s worth measuring gates, alleyways and any tight corners before choosing the largest building that will fit your garden.
Did you know? A strong timber floor is ideal for storing heavy tools and machinery, as long as it’s designed for the intended load.
Visit Our Show Site
While photographs and online images are useful, seeing a workshop in person can make choosing the right building much easier.
Visiting our display site allows you to compare sizes, explore different layouts and experience the quality of the materials and construction before making your decision. We can provide guidance on our garden buildings so you can choose the model that suits your needs.
1st Choice Tip… If possible, we recommend viewing a garden workshop before ordering. Seeing it in person helps you judge the size, layout and space, making it easier to choose the right workshop for your needs.
Did you know? Many customers use their garden workshop for more than DIY, from bike maintenance and pottery to model making and furniture restoration.
Why Choose 1st Choice Leisure Buildings?
For more than 40 years we’ve been helping customers find the right garden building for their home. As a family-run business, we believe in offering practical advice, quality artistry and workshops that are built to be enjoyed for years to come.
Whether you’re looking for a compact workshop for weekend projects or a large bespoke building for work or leisure, we’ll help you find the right solution for your garden.
Browse our collection of garden workshops or speak to our team to discuss a building designed around your requirements.
Choosing the right workshop is about more than finding the lowest price. Expert advice, quality installation and ongoing support can make a significant difference to your overall experience.
| 1st Choice Leisure Buildings | Typical Online Retailer |
|---|---|
| Family-run business with decades of experience | Often a large online marketplace or reseller |
| Visit our showroom and view workshops before buying | Products are usually viewed online only |
| Expert advice to help you choose the right workshop | Product guidance may be limited |
| Wide choice of sizes, layouts and custom options | Typically limited to standard sizes and specifications |
| FREE installation on wooden buildings | Buildings may be supplied for self-assembly |
| High-quality buildings from established manufacturers | Product quality and specifications can vary |
| Friendly support before, during and after your purchase | After-sales support may be limited |
| Excellent customer reviews and a proven track record | Reviews and service levels can vary |
When you invest in a garden workshop, having experienced people to guide you can be just as important as the building itself. From choosing the right size and layout to arranging delivery and installation, our team is here to help you buy with confidence.
Will I Need Planning Permission?
In many cases, you won’t need planning permission for a garden workshop, as it can be built under permitted development rights. To qualify, the building must be for incidental use, such as a home office, hobby room, gym or workshop, rather than as living accommodation. It also needs to meet certain rules on size, height and location.
The workshop must be single-storey, with no balconies or raised platforms, and it cannot cover more than 50% of the land around the original house. If it’s within two metres of a boundary, it can be no taller than 2.5 metres. Taller buildings are allowed if they’re further away, subject to roof type and maximum height limits. The building must also be positioned behind the front of the house.
Planning permission is usually required if the workshop will be used as a separate living space, includes sleeping accommodation, or operates as a business that brings regular visitors to the property. Extra restrictions also apply if your home is in a conservation area, national park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, World Heritage Site, or is a listed building.
If a workshop is built without the necessary permission, your local planning authority can take enforcement action. This may involve asking you to make changes, remove the building, or stop work altogether.
Even if planning permission isn’t needed, Building Regulations may still apply, particularly if the workshop is large or includes electrical wiring, plumbing or heating. Before starting your project, it’s worth checking the rules with your local council to make sure your plans comply with current regulations. Read our comprehensive guide
How to Choose the Right Garden Workshop
Choosing a garden workshop is about finding a building that suits the way you work now and in the future. Whether you need space for woodworking, DIY projects, gardening or secure storage, taking a little time to consider your requirements will help you make the right choice.
Start by thinking about how you’ll use the workshop. A building used mainly for storage may only need shelving and easy access, while a workshop for hobbies or DIY will benefit from extra floor space, natural light and room for a workbench. If you expect your needs to grow, it’s often worth choosing a slightly larger size than you currently need.
The layout is just as important as the overall dimensions. Consider where doors and windows should be positioned, how you’ll move around inside the building and whether bespoke options could make better use of your available space. A workshop designed around your garden is often more practical than trying to adapt to a standard layout.
The quality of the workshop is very important. Look out for a strong framework and redwood timber. Tongue-and-groove timber is another plus. Getting this right will ensure a long life for your new building. And even more important is a solid level base (which we can help with), as this will ensure the building remains stable and the doors and windows open correctly.
Finally, consider how you will get the building built. Free professional installation is included on our wooden buildings and will save time and give you confidence that the building has been assembled correctly from the outset.
At 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, we’ve been helping customers choose the right garden workshop since 1979. From standard sizes to bespoke designs, our experienced team can help you find a workshop that fits your garden, your requirements and the way you plan to use it.
1st Choice Tip… If you’re planning to install a workbench along one wall, remember to allow enough space to walk around it comfortably. A workshop that feels spacious when empty can become much tighter once it’s fully equipped.
Looking After Your Garden Workshop
A well-built workshop doesn’t need much maintenance, but a little attention each year will help keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan.
It’s worth giving your workshop a thorough check at least once a year, ideally in spring after the worst of the winter weather has passed. Start with the roof, making sure the felt is secure and free from damage. Remove any leaves, moss or branches that have built up, as these can trap moisture and shorten the life of the roof covering.
Next, walk around the outside of the building and inspect the timber. Look for any signs of wear, raised grain or areas where the wood treatment has started to fade. Reapplying a good quality timber treatment when needed will help protect the wood from the weather and keep your workshop looking its best.
Inside, try to keep the workshop clean and well ventilated. Opening the windows or doors from time to time helps reduce condensation, especially if you’re storing tools, machinery or other valuable items. Good airflow also helps keep the timber dry throughout the year.
Take a few minutes to check that doors, windows, hinges and locks are working as they should. Tighten any loose screws, lubricate moving parts if necessary and make sure doors continue to open and close smoothly.
The area around the workshop is just as important. Keep plants, shrubs and climbing vegetation trimmed back so air can circulate the building, and avoid allowing soil or mulch to build up against the timber. If water regularly collects around the base, improving drainage will help keep the workshop dry.
A few simple checks each year can make a real difference. With regular care, a quality timber workshop should provide many years of dependable use, whether it’s used for DIY, hobbies, storage or everyday gardening.
1st Choice Tip… Timber maintenance – applying the first coat of wood preservative within the manufacturer’s recommended timeframe is one of the simplest ways to keep your workshop looking its best for years.
Why Timber Cladding Matters When Choosing a Garden Workshop
When comparing garden workshops, it’s easy to focus on the size or price, but the cladding is one of the most important parts of the building. It forms the outer shell of the workshop, protecting it from the weather while adding strength and helping it look its best for years to come.
Tongue-and-groove cladding is a popular choice for quality timber workshops because each board fits neatly into the next, creating a strong, tight-fitting wall. This design helps shed rainwater more effectively and provides a solid finish that stands up well to everyday use. It also gives the workshop a traditional appearance that suits almost any garden.
One of the most important considerations is the thickness of the cladding. You will find that thicker timber makes the building more rigid and durable, making it better suited to workshops that will be used regularly or house heavier equipment. Combined with a robust timber frame, quality cladding creates a building that feels solid and dependable.
The type of timber used also plays a part. Slow-grown redwood is often chosen for premium garden buildings because its dense grain makes it naturally strong and stable. It also takes preservative treatments well, helping to protect the timber against the changing British weather.
Whichever workshop you choose, regular maintenance will help keep the cladding in good condition. Applying a suitable wood treatment when required and checking the building each year for signs of wear will help preserve both its appearance and performance.
At 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, we use quality timber cladding across our range of workshop buildings, combining traditional craftsmanship with carefully selected materials. The result is a workshop that’s built to cope with everyday use while providing an attractive addition to your garden for many years to come. Read our full article for further insights.
