Pressure Treated Summer Houses at a Glance
Construction: Pressure-treated redwood deal timber for long life · Sizes: From compact 7x5 summer houses to large 28x16 buildings · Glazing: Toughened glass as standard · Floors: Solid wooden floors and roofs · Styles: Apex, pent, corner, traditional and contemporary designs.
Uses: Garden retreat, home office, studio, hobby room or entertaining space · Treatment: Pressure-treated timber for enhanced protection against rot and decay · Insulation: Insulation options available · Installation: Free professional installation included, subject to delivery area and access · Finishes: Colour paint options available · Doors: Double-door options available · Customisation: Bespoke sizes and options available · See before you buy: Pressure-treated summer houses on display at our Surrey show site near Guildford and Woking.
Need advice? Our experienced team can help with summer house size, timber treatment, style, insulation, glazing, base requirements and installation before you order.
Platinum vs Royal Pressure Treated Summerhouses
Our Platinum and Royal pressure-treated summerhouses are designed for customers who want a durable, high-quality timber garden building with the added protection of pressure-treated construction. Platinum offers an excellent balance of quality, flexibility and price, with insulation available on selected models, while Royal provides a premium fully insulated specification for customers wanting greater comfort and more regular year-round use.
| Feature | Platinum | Royal |
| Best for | Relaxing, hobbies, entertaining and occasional home working | Regular home working, hobbies, entertaining and year-round garden room use |
| Price position | ££ – Mid to premium | £££ – Premium |
| Pressure treated | Yes – walls, floor and framing | Yes – designed as a premium pressure-treated garden building |
| Insulation | Full insulation option on selected models; fully insulated models also available | Fully insulated |
| Glazing | Toughened glass; double glazing on fully insulated models | Double glazed as standard on the fully insulated Royal models |
| Doors & windows | Timber doors and windows with options depending on model | Higher-specification doors and windows with uPVC options on selected models |
| Colour options | Yes | Yes |
| Installation | Professional assembly included on applicable orders | Professional assembly included on applicable orders |
| Why choose it? | You want pressure-treated quality and flexibility without automatically paying for a fully insulated premium specification | You want a fully insulated, higher-specification garden room intended for more regular use |
Specifications vary between individual models and sizes. Always check the specification and available options for the particular summerhouse before ordering.
Platinum or Royal: The Simple Choice
Choose Platinum if you want a durable pressure-treated summerhouse with excellent flexibility and the opportunity to add insulation where required, without automatically paying for a premium fully insulated specification.
Choose Royal if you want your garden building to behave more like an additional room, with full insulation and double glazing making it better suited to regular home working, hobbies and extended use throughout the year.
Neither range is automatically better. The right choice depends on how often you will use your summerhouse and whether you will genuinely benefit from the additional Royal specification. For occasional leisure use, Platinum may provide everything you need. For a room you intend to use frequently throughout the seasons, Royal may justify the additional investment.
See our full range of pressure treated summerhouses to compare the available designs, sizes and specifications.
Pressure Treated Summer Houses Built for Long-Term Garden Use
A pressure-treated summer house is a practical choice when you want an attractive timber garden building with additional protection incorporated into the wood from the outset. Rather than relying solely on a surface coating, timber preservative is introduced under pressure so it penetrates deeper into the wood.
This is why pressure-treated timber is commonly associated with improved resistance to rot and fungal decay and why customers often choose it when long-term durability is particularly important.
Our pressure-treated summerhouses are available in traditional and contemporary styles, with apex, pent and corner designs and a wide choice of sizes. Depending on the particular model, options can also include factory-applied colour finishes, insulation, bespoke dimensions and alternative door or window arrangements. If you are still comparing the different types and specifications available, our summerhouse buying guide explains the main points to consider before choosing.
What Is a Pressure Treated Summer House?
A pressure-treated summer house is a timber garden building manufactured using wood that has undergone a preservative treatment process before the building is assembled. The intention is to give the timber extra protection against the organisms responsible for decay, rather than relying entirely on treatment applied to the visible surface after manufacture.
That makes pressure-treated construction particularly attractive if you are looking for a summerhouse that will remain outside in changing British weather year after year.
It does not mean the building can be installed and forgotten forever. Good site preparation, ventilation, keeping the building clear of persistent damp vegetation and following the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations are still important.
Is a Tanalised Summer House the Same as a Pressure Treated Summer House?
In everyday garden-building terminology, customers often use tanalised summer house and pressure-treated summer house to describe the same general type of building: one constructed from timber that has received preservative treatment under pressure.
You may therefore see both expressions when researching garden buildings. Rather than concentrating solely on the terminology, I recommend checking exactly what timber has been treated and examining the complete construction specification of the summerhouse.
That includes the cladding, framing, floor, roof, doors and windows. Treatment is important, but it is still only one part of a good garden building.
Why Choose Pressure-Treated Timber?
The main reason to choose pressure-treated construction is durability. Timber is a natural material and, if inadequately protected and persistently exposed to damp conditions, it can deteriorate over time.
Pressure treatment provides additional preservative protection within the timber rather than relying only on a coating placed over the surface. For many customers, that gives useful reassurance when investing in a substantial garden building.
I would not buy a summerhouse solely because the word “tanalised” appears in the description, however. You still need to compare the quality and thickness of the timber, framing, floors, roof, glazing and doors. A treatment process does not turn a poorly constructed building into a good one.
Do Pressure Treated Summer Houses Need Painting?
Not necessarily. Pressure treatment is intended primarily to protect the timber rather than to provide a decorative coloured finish, so many customers are perfectly happy with the natural appearance of treated wood.
Over time, exposed timber will naturally change in appearance as it weathers. If you prefer a particular colour or want the building to coordinate with your house, fencing or landscaping, factory-applied colour finishes are available on selected models.
If colour is one of your main buying priorities, you can also compare our painted summer houses.
Pressure Treated or Painted Summer House?
Pressure treatment and painting serve different purposes. Pressure treatment is fundamentally about preservative protection within the timber, while paint provides colour, appearance and additional surface protection.
The two are not necessarily alternatives. Selected pressure-treated summerhouses can also be supplied with a coloured finish, giving you the benefits of treated timber together with a completed decorative appearance.
If I were choosing between them, I would start by deciding which construction specification I wanted and then consider colour. I would not sacrifice the right building to obtain a particular shade.
Can a Pressure Treated Summerhouse Be Insulated?
Yes. Insulation is available on selected pressure-treated summerhouses, while some higher-specification models are supplied fully insulated.
This is worth considering if your summerhouse will be used regularly as an office, studio, hobby room or leisure space during colder weather. If it will mainly be used during pleasant spring and summer days, full insulation may not be necessary.
If colder-weather use is your main priority, compare our insulated summer houses as well as the pressure-treated models on this page.
What Should I Look for Beyond Pressure Treatment?
I have worked with timber garden buildings for more than 45 years, and one thing I have learnt is that customers should never judge a building from one feature alone.
Look at the timber species and cladding, the thickness and spacing of the framing, the floor construction, roof, doors, glazing and overall finish. Check what is included as standard and what is an optional extra.
Two summerhouses can both be described as pressure-treated while differing considerably in their underlying construction. That difference matters much more to me than an impressive list of marketing phrases.
Redwood or Whitewood Timber?
The type of timber used is another detail worth examining when comparing summerhouses. Our principal pressure-treated summerhouse range uses quality redwood rather than selecting timber based on treatment alone.
I have always believed customers should consider timber quality alongside treatment because pressure treatment cannot compensate for every difference in the underlying material or construction.
Apex, Pent or Corner Pressure Treated Summerhouse?
Apex Pressure Treated Summer Houses
An apex roof gives the familiar traditional summerhouse shape, with the roof rising towards a central ridge. It suits a wide range of gardens and can provide useful internal headroom towards the centre of the building.
Pent Pressure Treated Summer Houses
A pent roof slopes in one direction and generally produces a cleaner, more contemporary appearance. Pent summerhouses work particularly well where you prefer simple modern lines or want the building to coordinate with contemporary landscaping.
Corner Pressure Treated Summer Houses
A corner summerhouse can make particularly efficient use of an otherwise awkward part of the garden, with doors and glazing generally facing back into the available space. You can compare our dedicated corner summer houses if the shape of your garden makes this style attractive.
A Good Pressure Treated Summer House Still Needs a Good Base
Pressure treatment helps protect the timber, but it does not remove the need for a suitable foundation. Your summerhouse should stand on a firm, flat and level base appropriate for the exact building being installed.
A poor or uneven foundation can affect how the building sits and may cause problems with doors and windows. It can also contribute to unwanted moisture around the bottom of the building, so good site preparation remains important even when the timber itself is pressure treated.
Before preparing the site, establish the exact manufacturer’s base dimensions for your chosen model rather than working only from its nominal size. Our summer house base guide explains the main foundation options and what to consider before installation.
Why My Experience With Timber Buildings Matters
I’m Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings. I left school at 15 and eventually found my way into the garden building trade. In 1979 I started my own company trading as Marina Sheds, manufacturing and selling timber garden buildings.
Being directly involved in manufacturing gave me experience that cannot be gained simply by reading specifications in a brochure. I learnt how timber buildings come together, where strength matters, and how small differences in materials or construction can affect the finished building.
I sold Marina Sheds in 1990. Unfortunately, I did not ultimately receive all the money I had been due from the sale, but that difficult experience did not end my involvement with garden buildings.
In 1992 we broadened the range to include summerhouses, garages, garden rooms and log cabins. The business had moved well beyond sheds, so the change in direction resulted in a new name: Titan Garden Buildings.
My son Craig joined me in 1992 after studying carpentry at Guildford College from 1990. His carpentry background complemented the manufacturing and business knowledge I had accumulated, and we worked together to develop Titan Garden Buildings until we sold it in 1998.
In 2000 Craig and I formed 1st Choice Leisure Buildings. We decided that rather than manufacturing one range and having to promote our own products, we wanted to retail quality buildings from selected manufacturers and recommend them based on their suitability, specification, and value.
Craig now runs the day-to-day business, and I support him as required. You can read more about me, Robin Antill, and my experience with timber garden buildings.
Does Pressure Treatment Mean No Maintenance?
No. I would be suspicious of any suggestion that a timber garden building requires no thought or maintenance simply because it has been pressure treated.
Pressure treatment provides valuable preservative protection. However, you should still inspect your summerhouse periodically, maintain appropriate roof coverings and fittings, keep vegetation from remaining permanently against the timber and ensure water does not collect around the base.
Good ongoing care will help protect any timber garden building. Our guide to weatherproofing a wooden garden building provides further advice on protecting timber buildings from the elements.
If you later apply a decorative coating, follow the relevant treatment or paint manufacturer’s advice regarding preparation and suitable products.
Can I Paint a Tanalised Summer House Later?
In many cases, pressure-treated timber can subsequently be painted or stained once it is suitably dry and provided an appropriate coating system is used. The exact preparation and drying requirements depend on the timber and chosen coating, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions rather than applying paint immediately simply because the surface feels dry.
If you already know that you want a specific colour from the outset, a factory-applied finish available on selected models can be more convenient.
See a Pressure Treated Summerhouse Before You Buy
I have always encouraged customers to inspect garden buildings in person whenever practical. Photographs cannot completely show how substantial the floor feels, how the doors operate, the quality of the timber or the amount of usable space inside.
You can visit our Surrey garden building display site near Guildford and Woking, where around 80 representative garden buildings are normally available to compare. If you are travelling specifically to see a particular pressure-treated model, check with us beforehand because we cannot display every size and design.
Pressure Treated Summer House FAQs
What does pressure treated summer house mean?
It means the summerhouse is constructed using timber that has received preservative treatment under pressure to give the wood additional protection against decay and wood-destroying organisms.
Is a tanalised summer house pressure treated?
The terms tanalised summer house and pressure treated summer house are commonly used by customers when describing garden buildings made from pressure-preservative-treated timber. Check the individual building specification to understand exactly what treatment and timber are being supplied.
Is pressure-treated timber better for a summerhouse?
Pressure-treated timber can be particularly worthwhile when long-term preservative protection is important to you. However, treatment is only one part of the specification, so also compare the timber, framing, flooring, roof, doors and glazing.
Will a pressure treated summerhouse still need maintenance?
Yes. Pressure treatment reduces the timber’s vulnerability to decay, but the building should still be inspected and maintained appropriately. Roof coverings, doors, windows, fittings, surrounding vegetation and drainage at the base all deserve attention over the life of the building. Our wooden garden building weatherproofing guide provides further maintenance advice.
Can pressure treated summer houses be painted?
Yes, suitable pressure-treated timber can normally be given a decorative finish provided the timber is sufficiently dry, and the chosen paint or treatment is appropriate. Selected models can also be supplied with factory-applied colour finishes.
Can a pressure treated summerhouse be insulated?
Yes. Insulation options are available on selected pressure-treated models, and some of our higher-specification buildings are fully insulated. If extensive colder-weather use is planned, compare the complete insulation, glazing and construction specification.
What base does a pressure treated summer house need?
A pressure-treated summerhouse still needs a firm, flat and level foundation suitable for the exact building. Don’t prepare the base based solely on a nominal size such as 10×8 or 12×10; establish the manufacturer’s precise requirements first. Our summer house base guide explains the main options.
Choose the Right Pressure Treated Summer House
A pressure-treated summer house is a sensible choice if long-term timber protection is high on your list of priorities, but I recommend judging the complete building rather than treatment alone.
Browse the pressure-treated summerhouses above or compare our wider summer house range if you are still deciding between treated, painted, insulated, traditional or contemporary designs.
After working with timber garden buildings since 1979, my advice is simple: pressure treatment is a worthwhile feature, but buy the quality of the complete building rather than one impressive-sounding item in the specification.
Robin Antill
Founder, 1st Choice Leisure Buildings
From £4931