View More Log Cabins Images
We recommend OPTIONAL Demidekk Ultimate log cabin paint range which can be colour matched to suit. See examples in
our photo gallery. Sadolin 'Atlantic Blue-Old English'
Sadolin 'Articulate' Stain
Sadolin 'Blue Grey' Stain
'Brunswick Green' Wood Stain
Please note that all colour shown are indicative only and will vary depending upon the light on the day the photo was taken. Additionally all screens will display the image differently. If exact colour is essential then please order a sample pot.
We recommend OPTIONAL Demidekk Ultimate log cabin paint range which can be colour matched to suit. See examples in
our photo gallery. Sadolin 'Burlesque-White Accents'
Sadolin 'Various' Stains
Sadolin 'Cosmos' Stain
'Light Green - White Accents'
Please note that all colour shown are indicative only and will vary depending upon the light on the day the photo was taken. Additionally all screens will display the image differently. If exact colour is essential then please order a sample pot.
We recommend OPTIONAL Demidekk Ultimate log cabin paint range which can be colour matched to suit. See examples in
our photo gallery. 'Polynesia - White Accents'
Sadolin 'Prince Charming'
'Tokyo Bay - White Accents'
Sadolin 'White' Wood Stain
Please note that all colour shown are indicative only and will vary depending upon the light on the day the photo was taken. Additionally all screens will display the image differently. If exact colour is essential then please order a sample pot.
We recommend OPTIONAL Demidekk Ultimate log cabin paint range which can be colour matched to suit. See examples in
our photo gallery. Jungle Green Paint
Burlesque Paint
Spicy Brown Paint
Lapis Lazulia Paint
Please note that all colour shown are indicative only and will vary depending upon the light on the day the photo was taken. Additionally all screens will display the image differently. If exact colour is essential then please order a sample pot.
We recommend OPTIONAL Demidekk Ultimate log cabin paint range which can be colour matched to suit. See examples in
our photo gallery. Painted Options
L Shaped Cabin
Multi Room Log Cabin
Show Rooms
Please note that all colour shown are indicative only and will vary depending upon the light on the day the photo was taken. Additionally all screens will display the image differently. If exact colour is essential then please order a sample pot.
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. Since 1979, we've supplied over 50,000 buildings across the UK, building 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.
So, yes, it is absolutely worth visiting.
Click here to see what buildings on display. If you are unsure then
why not walk through our site virtually using our walk through tour below (or
click here to open in a new full screen window). Choosing a Garden Cabin Under 2.5m High
A garden cabin under 2.5m high is primarily designed for homeowners who need useful additional garden space while keeping the overall building height relatively low. This makes this building particularly useful in gardens where boundary position, neighbouring properties, sight lines and planning considerations influence the choice of design. The important point is to choose the building by its intended use, actual external dimensions, position in the garden and construction quality rather than simply selecting the largest model that will fit.
At 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, we have been supplying garden buildings since 1979, so we know that choosing the right building involves considerably more than comparing photographs and prices. Think about where the building will stand, what you will use it for, how frequently it will be occupied, where the doors need to open, the direction of the windows, access for installation and whether you need additional services such as a suitable base, assembly or electrics.
If you are unsure which size or design suits your garden, you can visit our garden building display site to inspect construction details and compare different buildings before ordering.
Why Choose a Building Below 2.5m?
Low-height garden buildings are particularly useful where a customer wants a substantial garden room without an unnecessarily tall roofline. They can work well as home offices, hobby rooms, craft rooms, reading rooms, music spaces, garden retreats, gyms or simply somewhere comfortable to escape from the house.
The lower overall profile can also help a building sit more naturally within a residential garden, particularly where fences, trees or neighbouring properties make a tall structure visually intrusive. A well-proportioned low building can provide plenty of usable floor space while maintaining a relatively discreet appearance from surrounding gardens.
Height should not be considered in isolation. The available internal space, roof construction, doors, glazing, floor, wall construction and intended position are just as important. Two buildings with the same nominal height can feel very different once you stand inside them, which is one reason we encourage customers to inspect garden buildings before making a final decision.
Planning Considerations for a 2.5m-High Garden Building
Many customers specifically look for a building with an overall height no greater than 2.5 metres because of permitted-development considerations. In England, an outbuilding positioned within 2 metres of a property boundary normally has a maximum overall height of 2.5 metres if it is to fall within permitted-development height limits. Other conditions also apply, so height alone does not automatically remove the need for planning permission.
Permitted-development rules can depend on the type of property, location of the building, amount of garden occupied, intended use and whether the property is listed, situated on designated land or has had permitted-development rights restricted. Flats and maisonettes are also treated differently from houses. If there is any doubt, check with your local planning authority before committing to your building.
We have prepared a detailed garden building planning permission guide explaining the main issues customers should investigate. Planning regulations can change, and individual properties can have additional restrictions, so the final responsibility for confirming permission always rests with the property owner.
What Should You Compare Before Buying?
When comparing low-height timber garden buildings, look beyond the headline price. Check exactly what is included, because a cheaper-looking building can become considerably more expensive once essential floors, glazing, roofing materials, delivery and installation are added.
Overall Height and Garden Position
One of the first things I tell customers is to check the finished height before ordering. Take the manufacturer’s overall height and compare it with the highest point of ground where the building is going to stand, not the lowest. A few inches can make more difference than people realise.
It’s also worth measuring how close the building will be to fences and boundaries, as that can affect what’s suitable for your garden. Don’t be swayed by descriptions like low profile. What looks low in one garden can be quite different in another, so it’s always the actual measurements that matter.
Floor Construction
A proper timber floor is an important part of a quality garden building. Check whether the floor is included in the advertised price and what material is used. A substantial floor supported correctly above a level base will generally provide a better starting point for furniture, desks and regular use than a specification designed purely to achieve the lowest advertised price.
Doors and Windows
Check whether the glazing is single or double glazed, whether the windows open, the position of the doors and the usable entrance width. Double glazing can improve comfort, while opening windows provide useful ventilation. Door position becomes particularly important once desks, sofas, gym equipment or storage furniture are placed inside.
Roof Design
A pent roof gives a contemporary appearance and can be particularly useful where maintaining a controlled overall height is important. Other low-height roof configurations may also be available depending on the individual model. Consider drainage direction as well as appearance, especially if the building will sit close to fences or neighbouring property.
Timber and Construction Quality
Look closely at the wall system, doors, windows, roof, floor and connection details rather than judging construction from a distant photograph. Timber is a natural material and a properly designed building needs to accommodate normal seasonal movement while remaining structurally secure and weather resistant.
Delivery and Installation
Establish who is responsible for unloading, access requirements and whether assembly is included or optional. 1st Choice offers additional garden building services which can make the complete project easier to organise. You can read about available garden building installation and support services before ordering.
Budget Garden Cabin or Better Specification? Here’s What We’d Look At
We understand why people start with a budget. Most customers do. But one thing we’ve learnt over the years is that the cheapest garden cabin is rarely the best buy. We’ve had plenty of people come back and tell us they wished they’d spent a little more at the start, once they’d added all the extras needed to get the cabin up to the standard they really wanted.
When we’re looking at a garden cabin, the price is only part of the story. We always check what’s included as standard, the thickness of the timber, the strength of the floor and roof, the quality of the glazing and the overall finish. Those are the things that make the difference after five or ten years, not just on the day it arrives.
Our advice has always been to buy the best specification you can comfortably afford. A well-built cabin will need less attention over the years, feel more solid from day one, and usually works out to be better value than chasing the lowest price.
Floor: Don’t assume a floor is included. Some budget cabins don’t come with a proper structural timber floor as standard, so it’s worth checking before you compare prices. A cabin with a higher specification from the outset can work out better value.
Glazing: If you’re planning to use your cabin for more than storing the lawnmower, decent windows make a real difference. The cabins in this range all come with double glazing as standard, giving you a more comfortable building throughout the year.
Customisation: If one of our standard sizes fits your garden, that’s often the simplest and most cost-effective route. But every garden is different. Being able to move doors, reposition windows or alter the size can make a huge difference to how well the building works in the space.
Installation: If you’re confident with DIY, putting a cabin up yourself can save money. If not, professional installation is usually money well spent. It takes the heavy work and guesswork out of the job and means everything is assembled properly from day one.
Base: This is the one people overlook. However good the cabin is, it needs a solid, level base underneath it. Cut corners here, and you’ll only end up with problems later. We’d always recommend getting the base right before the building arrives.
Long-term use: If the building will be occupied regularly rather than occasionally, place greater emphasis on glazing, ventilation, floor quality, weather protection, heating requirements and overall construction rather than buying solely on price.
The Base Is Just as Important as the Building
One of the most important lessons we have learned from decades in the garden building industry is that an excellent building cannot compensate for a poor base. The supporting surface must be strong, flat, level and appropriate for the size and weight of the structure.
An uneven base can create problems with doors, windows and the alignment of the building. Water management also matters. The building should not sit in a position where rainwater continually collects around the bottom of the timber.
If you are preparing the site yourself, our step-by-step garden cabin base guide explains the principles and different foundation options. Base construction can also be discussed as part of our additional building services.
Measure the Garden Before Choosing a Size
Do not measure only the footprint of the building. Allow sufficient working space for construction and future maintenance and consider roof overhangs, guttering, opening windows and doors. Check fences, walls, trees, drains, inspection covers and changes in ground level that could affect positioning.
Access from the road to the garden should also be considered before ordering. Side passages, gateways, steps, narrow paths and changes in level can influence how easily components reach the installation area. If access or site conditions are unusual, raise them before placing the order rather than when the building arrives.
A simple garden sketch showing measurements, boundaries, paths, trees and the house is often enough to identify potential problems early. For customers who require additional reassurance, site-related services can be discussed with our team before the order is finalised.
Think About How You Will Actually Use the Space
The best building is not necessarily the biggest one your garden will accommodate. Decide what needs to happen inside it and then work backwards from that requirement. A home workspace may need room for a desk, chair, storage and comfortable circulation, while a hobby space may require large work surfaces or specialist equipment.
One thing we always say is to think about how you’ll actually use the building day to day, not just what you’re going to put in it. If it’s a place to relax, make sure there’s enough room for the chairs or sofa you want, and try to position the windows so you’re looking out over the garden rather than the fence. If it’s going to be a home gym, remember you’ll need space to move around the equipment, not just somewhere to fit it in. And if you’re hoping to use it for more than one thing, a quick sketch of the layout is well worth doing before you decide on the size. It only takes a few minutes and can save a lot of disappointment later.
Planning furniture before buying can prevent one of the most common disappointments: discovering that a building which appeared spacious when empty becomes cramped once everything is inside.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Low-Height Garden Cabin
Assuming 2.5m Automatically Means No Planning Permission
A maximum height of 2.5 metres can be highly relevant to permitted-development rules, particularly where the building is within 2 metres of a boundary, but height is only one condition. Always consider the complete planning position for the property.
Choosing by External Size Alone
The quoted external dimensions do not tell you exactly how the interior will work. Check usable internal dimensions and consider the space occupied by furniture, storage and door movement before ordering.
Ignoring Ground Levels
Height measurements for planning purposes can depend on the surrounding ground level. A sloping or irregular garden deserves particular attention before positioning the building.
Buying Before Preparing the Base
Ordering the building and only then thinking about the foundation can create unnecessary delays. Decide where it is going, establish the required base dimensions and make sure the site can be prepared correctly.
Comparing Price Instead of Specification
One of the biggest mistakes we see is people comparing the price before they compare the building itself. Two sheds might look similar in the photos, but the specifications can be worlds apart. Take a close look at the timber thickness, roof and floor construction, glazing, door quality and what’s actually included.
It’s also worth checking if the building comes treated, whether delivery is included, and if you’ll need to budget for installation. A shed that’s a little dearer on paper can often be far better value once you look at the whole package.
Forgetting Future Maintenance Access
Leaving a tiny gap between a timber building and a fence may maximise internal floor area but can make future treatment, inspection, gutter maintenance and repairs extremely difficult. Allow practical access wherever the garden permits.
Not Seeing the Construction Before Buying
Photographs are useful, but they cannot fully communicate timber thickness, door construction, window quality, floor strength or how a particular size feels inside. Where practical, inspect comparable buildings at a display site before making a substantial investment.
Should I Visit a Display Site Before Ordering?
We strongly recommend seeing garden buildings in person if you can. Standing inside a real building makes it much easier to judge whether the proportions, window positions, door width and internal space suit your intended use.
Our display site near Guildford, Woking and Ripley in Surrey allows customers to inspect a wide variety of garden buildings and compare materials and construction details. We cannot display every possible specification, but seeing representative buildings provides a much better understanding of what you are buying. You can find directions and visitor information on our garden building showroom page.
Why Buy From 1st Choice Leisure Buildings?
1st Choice Leisure Buildings has been helping customers choose garden buildings since 1979. Being a long-established family business has taught us that good advice is often about explaining what a customer does not need as much as explaining what they can buy.
We encourage customers to compare construction, visit our display site where practical and ask questions before ordering. The objective is to supply a building that fits the garden and suits the intended use rather than simply selling the largest or most expensive option.
Depending on the product and delivery location, we can also help with associated services that may include installation, base preparation and other practical aspects of the project. Check our delivery areas or contact the 1st Choice team if you would like to discuss your site.
How to Choose the Right Model in Five Steps
Step 1 – Decide the use: Establish whether the room is primarily for work, hobbies, exercise, relaxation or general garden use.
Step 2 – Measure the available site: Record the usable width and depth as well as boundaries, access, ground levels and obstacles.
Step 3 – Check planning considerations: Confirm whether the building and proposed position comply with the rules applicable to your property.
Step 4 – Compare complete specifications: Check the floor, glazing, roof, doors, timber construction, delivery and assembly rather than relying on the starting price.
Step 5 – Inspect before buying where possible: Visit the display site or speak to an experienced member of our team if you need help interpreting specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Cabins Under 2.5m
What does under 2.5m high mean?
It means the building has been designed with a maximum overall height intended to remain below approximately 2.5 metres according to the manufacturer’s specification. Always check the exact dimensions of the individual model and consider how height will be measured on your particular site.
Why is 2.5 metres important for a garden building?
In England, 2.5 metres is an important permitted-development height threshold for an outbuilding where any part of the structure is within 2 metres of the property boundary. Other planning conditions still apply, so complying with this height does not by itself guarantee that permission is unnecessary.
Do I need planning permission for a garden cabin under 2.5m?
Not necessarily, but the answer depends on more than height. Position, property type, intended use, percentage of garden covered, listed-building status, designated land and any restrictions on permitted-development rights can all matter. Read our planning permission guide and contact your local planning authority if you are uncertain.
Can an under-2.5m building go next to my boundary?
A building within 2 metres of a boundary may fall within permitted-development height limits when its maximum overall height does not exceed 2.5 metres, provided all the other relevant conditions are also satisfied. You should also leave enough practical space for installation, maintenance and water management wherever possible.
Can I use one as a home office?
A low-height timber garden room can make an excellent home workspace when its size, glazing, ventilation, electrical provision and comfort level suit regular use. Consider where your desk will stand, natural light, power requirements and the route between the house and office before choosing a model.
Can I use the building throughout the year?
How comfortably a timber garden room performs throughout the year depends on its construction, glazing, weather protection, ventilation, heating and any thermal upgrades selected. If regular winter use is important, discuss your intended use before ordering rather than assuming every specification will perform in the same way.
Is double glazing worth having?
Double glazing is useful for a building that will be occupied regularly because it can improve comfort compared with basic single glazing. It also provides a more substantial door and window specification. The models in this category include double glazing as part of their standard specification.
Does the building need a proper base?
Yes. A substantial timber building needs a strong, flat and level foundation suitable for its dimensions and weight. Correct base preparation helps the building remain aligned and allows doors and windows to operate properly. Our garden cabin foundation guide provides more detailed advice.
Should the base be the same size as the building?
In most cases, yes. Your base should match the size recommended by the manufacturer, not just the advertised size of the building. Different models can have slightly different footprints, so it’s always worth checking the installation guide before you start.
Getting the base right makes all the difference. If it’s too small, the edges won’t be properly supported. If it’s too large, rainwater can sit around the outside, which isn’t ideal. Measure carefully, build to the manufacturer’s recommended base size, and you’ll give your garden building the best possible start.
How much room should I leave around the outside?
Leave enough working space for installation and future maintenance wherever possible. You should also consider roof overhangs, guttering, opening windows and access for applying protective finishes or carrying out repairs. Maximising the building footprint is not always the best long-term decision.
Can I assemble the building myself?
Self-assembly may be suitable for people with the necessary DIY skills, equipment and help available. If you would rather have the work carried out for you, ask about the installation options available for the model and your delivery area.
How do I know which size to buy?
The best place to start is by thinking about what you’ll actually use the building for. If it’s storing garden tools, bikes or a mower, make sure there’s enough room to get everything in and out without having to shuffle things around every time. If it’s going to be a workshop, home office or somewhere to sit, allow extra space so it feels comfortable rather than cramped.
One tip we often give customers is to mark the size out in the garden with string, canes or a few plant pots. Seeing the footprint on the ground gives you a much better idea of how the building will sit in the space and whether you’ve chosen the right size before you order.
Can I customise the doors or windows?
Customisation possibilities vary according to the individual model. If window position, door location, size or another design feature is important, discuss it before ordering so the proposed configuration can be checked against the available options.
Can I see these buildings before buying?
Yes. We encourage customers to inspect representative buildings at our Surrey display site where they can compare construction details, sizes and features in person. Check the display site information before travelling.
Do you deliver outside Surrey?
Yes. Although we’re based in Surrey, we deliver garden buildings across much of the South East and into many other parts of the UK. Exactly where we can deliver depends on the building you’ve chosen, as some ranges have different delivery areas.
The easiest way to check is to look at our garden building delivery areas page. If you’re unsure, give us your postcode, and we’ll let you know what’s available – we’re always happy to help.
How can I get a quotation?
If you know roughly which size and specification you require, you can submit an online garden cabin quotation request. Include as much information as possible about dimensions, intended use, site access and any installation or base requirements so the options can be considered properly.
Before You Order
Confirm the intended use, exact building dimensions, maximum height, proposed position, access route and base before committing to an order. Check whether any planning restrictions apply to your property and make sure the complete specification includes the features you expect.
If you still have questions, the easiest next step is to visit our display site, request an online quotation or contact 1st Choice Leisure Buildings for practical advice based on your garden and intended use.
From £5,467
