Discover our 7×5 summerhouses, ideal for adding a comfortable place to relax, read, entertain or enjoy hobbies in the garden. This size gives you useful extra space while retaining the character of your outdoor area. Buying from our experienced family business means helpful guidance, personal service and dependable garden buildings.
Before ordering, inspect full-size buildings at our show site, making it easier to compare construction, finishes and features in person. Your chosen summerhouse also comes with free assembly, giving you excellent value and removing the hassle of putting the building together yourself.
Size: 7ft x 5ft (approx. 2.1m x 1.5m) · Construction: Quality redwood timber · Glazing: Toughened glass as standard · Floors & roofs: Solid timber construction · Roof styles: Apex and pent designs available · Installation: Free installation included on our Diamond and Platinum summer houses.
Best for: Smaller gardens, relaxing, hobbies or useful garden storage · Insulation: Insulation options available · Paint finishes: Coloured finishes available · Bases: Base-building service available · Customisation: Bespoke sizes, window positions, door positions and other alterations available · See before you buy: Summer houses on display at our Surrey show site near Guildford, Woking and Ripley.
Need advice? Our experienced team can help with choosing a 7×5 summer house, specification, base requirements, installation, insulation and bespoke options before you order.
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A 7ft x 5ft summer house is a compact and practical way to add a comfortable garden retreat without taking up too much outdoor space. At around 2.1m x 1.5m nominally, it gives you a useful rectangular footprint for a couple of chairs, a small table, hobbies or light storage while still being manageable in a smaller garden.
I’m Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, and I’ve been involved with garden buildings since 1979. I left school at 15 and started Marina Sheds in 1979. In those early years I wasn’t simply selling buildings. I made them, delivered them and dealt directly with customers. That hands-on experience taught me to look beyond attractive photographs and concentrate on how a building is actually made and whether it represents good value.
For me, a 7×5 summerhouse is a useful size because it gives you more length than a small square building without using too much garden depth. That makes it particularly suitable where you want somewhere pleasant to sit, read or enjoy hobbies while preserving as much of the garden as possible.
You may also see this size described as a 5×7 summer house. The same two nominal dimensions are being discussed, but the orientation of the building, doors and windows matters, so always check the actual product layout and dimensions rather than relying only on the order in which the measurements are written.
The current 7×5 category is refreshingly straightforward, with two Diamond summerhouse designs to compare: Ashington and Washington Classic. Both come with toughened glass as standard, free assembly, colour finish options and bespoke choices, together with a choice of Apex or Pent roof. You can compare them on this page, browse our complete range of summer houses, compare other summerhouse sizes, or visit our Surrey garden building display site to inspect representative buildings in person.
A 7ft x 5ft summer house has a nominal footprint of around 35 square feet, or approximately 3.25 square metres. It has a similar floor area to a 6×6 summerhouse. Still, it has different proportions, which can make it easier to position along a fence, boundary, patio or narrower part of the garden.
For relaxing, two comfortable chairs and a small table can work well. Depending on the door and window arrangement, there may also be room for a narrow shelf, hobby equipment, or a little storage.
A 7×5 summerhouse can also make a pleasant reading room, craft space or somewhere to use a laptop occasionally. If you need a permanent desk, large office chair and substantial storage, I suggest moving to a larger summerhouse or dedicated garden office rather than trying to overcrowd a compact building.
The rectangular proportions are one of the main reasons I like this size. A nominal 7ft length gives you useful wall space while the 5ft dimension keeps the building relatively compact.
That can work particularly well where you have enough room along a boundary but do not want the summerhouse projecting too far into the lawn or patio.
The longer wall can also make furniture placement easier. You can arrange two chairs with a small table between them, or keep one end available for hobby equipment, shelving, or occasional storage.
I would still mark the approximate footprint out in the garden before ordering. What looks compact on a website can feel quite different once you stand outside and see how the building relates to your lawn, paths, planting and neighbouring boundaries.
Customers search for both a 7×5 summerhouse and a 5×7 summer house. The same nominal dimensions are being described, but the way the building is orientated can affect which side is regarded as the frontage.
This matters because doors and windows affect how the building fits into the garden and how furniture can be arranged inside. A building with its entrance on the longer elevation can work very differently from one approached from the shorter side.
I would therefore check the actual product drawing, door and window positions and confirmed base dimensions rather than assuming every 7×5 and 5×7 layout is automatically interchangeable.
The current 7×5 category is focused on two Diamond summerhouse ranges: Ashington and Washington Classic.
Both are quality timber buildings with toughened glass as standard, free assembly, colour finish options and bespoke choices. Both can also be supplied with either an Apex or Pent roof, giving you flexibility over the finished building’s appearance.
I would compare the actual design, glazing arrangement and available options rather than choosing solely from the first photograph you see. On a compact summerhouse, details such as the position of the doors and windows can have a surprisingly large effect on how the interior works.
The Diamond Ashington is available in a broad range of sizes including 7×5, with a choice of Apex or Pent roof and various options to personalise the finished building.
Toughened glass is standard in the doors and windows, and free assembly is included. Colour finish and bespoke options are also available, making the Ashington worth considering if you want a traditional timber summerhouse with flexibility over its final appearance.
I would look at the Ashington if you want a straightforward but well-specified summerhouse that can be adapted to suit the style and position of your garden.
The Diamond Washington Classic is another strong choice at 7×5 and is also available with Apex or Pent roof designs.
Like the Ashington, it comes with toughened glass as standard, free assembly, colour finish options and bespoke choices.
The best choice between Ashington and Washington is not necessarily determined by price. I would compare the front elevation, window arrangement, door position, and overall appearance because those details can matter more than a relatively small difference in cost on a building you may be using for many years.
Both Ashington and Washington Classic are available with either an Apex or Pent roof. An Apex gives you the more traditional garden summerhouse appearance, while a Pent creates a simpler profile that can suit more contemporary gardens.
For me, this is mainly a question of what suits your garden, your house and the position where the building will stand rather than one roof automatically being better than the other.
Think about the summerhouse from the house as well as from inside the garden. A small 7×5 building may be clearly visible from your windows or patio, so choosing the roof style and finish that sit comfortably in their surroundings can make a real difference to the finished result.
Toughened glass is standard in the doors and windows of our current 7×5 Diamond summerhouses. This is an important part of the specification, particularly in a compact garden building where the glazing is close to the seating area and the doors may be used frequently.
It is also a good example of why I encourage customers to compare complete specifications rather than buying solely on headline price. Timber quality, framing, cladding, flooring, roof construction, doors and glazing all contribute to how substantial the finished summerhouse is.
After working with garden buildings since 1979, I would start with the construction rather than decorative extras. Look at the timber, cladding, framing, floor, roof, doors and glazing before getting carried away with accessories.
Both current 7×5 Diamond summerhouses have substantial timber specifications. The walls use approximately 45mm finished framing with a choice of tongue-and-groove Shiplap or heavier Loglap cladding. In contrast, the standard floor uses tongue-and-groove timber boards rather than inferior OSB. Toughened glass is standard in the doors and windows, and free assembly is included.
The standard floorboards are approximately 19mm nominal thickness, finishing at around 15mm, with a Caberboard upgrade available. Wall cladding options include approximately 16mm nominal tongue-and-groove Shiplap, finishing at around 12mm, or approximately 19mm nominal Loglap, finishing at around 15mm.
I mention those details because a summerhouse can look attractive in photographs while being much less impressive when you examine how it is actually made. Construction matters, even on a relatively small 7×5 building.
Yes. Colour finish options are available on both current 7×5 models. A painted summerhouse can blend quietly into the garden or become a feature in its own right.
Think about the colour of your house, fencing, paving and planting rather than considering the summerhouse in isolation. A well-chosen colour can help a relatively small building look as though it has always belonged in the garden.
If a particular colour matters to you, I would always look at an actual colour sample rather than relying entirely on photographs or a computer screen. Natural light and different screens can make the same colour appear quite different.
Yes. Both Ashington and Washington Classic currently offer bespoke options. This can be useful if the standard design is nearly right, but you need an alteration to make the building work better in your garden.
On a compact summerhouse, even a relatively small change to a door or window position can affect where chairs, tables and other furniture can be placed. If you have a particular layout in mind, talk to us before ordering rather than trying to work around the wrong configuration afterwards.
It can be used as an occasional workspace, particularly if you only need a laptop, compact table and chair, but I would be realistic about the available space.
A 7ft x 5ft summer house is primarily a small leisure building. Once you add a permanent desk, office chair and storage, the interior can quickly become restricted.
If regular home working is the main purpose, I would compare our garden rooms and garden offices or consider a larger summerhouse rather than buying something that may feel cramped after a few weeks.
Customers should know who is behind the advice they are reading. I left school at 15 and started my own garden building business in 1979, trading as Marina Sheds.
I was hands-on from the beginning. I made buildings, sold them, delivered them and dealt directly with customers. That practical experience taught me how timber buildings are put together and where strength and quality genuinely matter once a building is standing in somebody’s garden and being used.
I sold Marina Sheds in 1990. Unfortunately, I did not receive all the money that was due from the sale. It was a difficult business lesson, but it did not take me away from the garden building industry.
By 1992 we had expanded beyond traditional sheds and added summerhouses, garages, garden rooms and log cabins. That wider direction meant a change of name to Titan Garden Buildings.
My son Craig joined me in 1992 after studying carpentry at Guildford College from 1990. His carpentry training brought additional practical woodworking knowledge into the business, and from that point garden buildings became a father-and-son concern.
We sold Titan Garden Buildings in 1998. Then, in 2000, Craig and I formed 1st Choice Leisure Buildings. We decided to retail carefully selected quality products from established manufacturers rather than being tied to the buildings of just one manufacturer.
That decision remains important today. It means we can compare different buildings, specifications and price points and help customers choose the option that genuinely suits their needs rather than trying to make one manufacturer’s range fit everybody.
Since I started in the garden building industry in 1979, we have manufactured, sold and supplied more than 50,000 garden buildings. That first-hand experience matters because you see what customers genuinely need, which specifications are worth paying for, and how apparently similar buildings can differ considerably in construction and quality.
Today Craig runs the day-to-day business, and I continue to support him and the team whenever required. You can read more about our history on the About 1st Choice Leisure Buildings page.
The first lesson is not to judge a small summerhouse by its floor area alone. A well-designed 7×5 building can be extremely useful if the doors, windows and furniture are positioned sensibly.
The second is not to overfill it. Two comfortable chairs and a small table will often make a more enjoyable garden retreat than trying to squeeze in too much furniture.
The third is to think carefully about orientation. On a compact rectangular building, the position of the frontage can make a considerable difference to the view from inside and how the summerhouse fits into the garden.
The fourth is to look at construction rather than simply comparing photographs. Cladding thickness, framing, floorboards and glazing are not necessarily the most exciting things to think about, but they are important when judging what you are actually getting for your money.
And finally, do not automatically buy the cheapest or most expensive building. Good value comes from choosing the design, construction and specification that give you what you need without paying for features you will never use.
I have been saying this for decades: a good garden building needs a good base. Even a compact 7×5 summerhouse needs a firm, flat and level foundation.
A poor base can affect how the building sits and may cause doors to operate incorrectly. Confirm the exact base dimensions for the particular model before carrying out any foundation work.
Do not rely solely on the words 7×5 or 5×7 because manufacturers can measure buildings differently and roof overhangs may extend beyond the main wall dimensions.
Free assembly is included with both current 7×5 Diamond summerhouse ranges shown on this page. This is an important part of the overall value because you won’t have to put the building together yourself.
You will still need to make sure the correct base and access arrangements are ready beforehand. Check the individual product information and delivery requirements before ordering.
Many small summerhouses can be installed under permitted development rights, but you should never assume that this automatically applies to every property.
The building’s height, position, proximity to boundaries, the property itself and the amount of land already covered by buildings can all be relevant. Listed buildings, designated land and other circumstances may have additional restrictions.
If you are uncertain, check the current requirements applying to your property with your local planning authority before ordering.
The internet has made researching garden buildings far easier than when I started Marina Sheds in 1979, but photographs still cannot tell you everything.
You cannot feel how substantial the floor is, open and close the doors or properly judge whether a compact 7×5 building feels comfortable until you stand inside representative models.
That is why I continue to recommend visiting our Surrey garden building display site if you can. We have almost 80 display buildings in timber, metal and concrete, allowing you to compare construction, specifications and features in person.
We cannot display every model in every possible size, but seeing representative summerhouses can tell you far more than photographs alone. If you are travelling specifically to see a particular model, check with us beforehand.
1st Choice Leisure Buildings is a family business with garden-building experience going back to 1979 and more than 50,000 garden buildings manufactured, sold and supplied during that time.
Between Craig’s carpentry background and my practical experience of manufacturing, selling and supplying timber garden buildings, there is a considerable amount of first-hand knowledge behind the advice we give.
For this particular size, the choice is refreshingly straightforward. Ashington and Washington Classic are both Diamond buildings, so the decision is mainly about which design, glazing arrangement, roof style, and options suit you best, rather than choosing between several completely different ranges.
Our job is not to point you towards the most expensive option automatically. I would rather understand how you intend to use the summerhouse and help you choose the building and specification that make sense for you.
If you are considering a 7ft x 5ft summer house, contact us if you would like help comparing Ashington and Washington Classic, their glazing, roof styles, paint finishes, bespoke options, base requirements or assembly before ordering.
A 7ft x 5ft summer house has a nominal footprint of around 35 square feet, approximately 3.25 square metres or roughly 2.1m x 1.5m. Always check the actual product dimensions before arranging the base or buying furniture.
The same nominal dimensions are being described, but the frontage and orientation may differ depending on the building. Check the actual door and window layout rather than assuming the two descriptions are automatically interchangeable.
A typical 7×5 summerhouse can accommodate two comfortable chairs and a small table, with some space for hobby items or limited storage. Compact furniture usually makes the best use of the room.
The current category shows two Diamond models: Ashington and Washington Classic. Both include toughened glass as standard, free assembly, colour finish options, bespoke choices and a choice of Apex or Pent roof.
Yes. Toughened glass is standard in the doors and windows of both current 7×5 Diamond summerhouse ranges.
Yes. Both Ashington and Washington Classic are available with Apex or Pent roof choices. The best option will depend mainly on the appearance you prefer and how the building will sit within your garden.
Yes. Both current models offer colour finish options. Available colours and finishes vary, so check the individual product choices before ordering.
Yes. Both Ashington and Washington Classic offer bespoke options, giving you useful flexibility where the standard design or configuration is not quite right for your garden.
Yes. Free assembly is currently included with both 7×5 Diamond summerhouse ranges shown on this page. Check the applicable delivery, access and base requirements before ordering.
Yes. A firm, flat, and level base suitable for the exact building is essential. Confirm the required dimensions before preparing the base rather than relying solely on the nominal 7×5 size.
Many small summerhouses can fall within permitted development rights, but this depends on your property, building height, position and other circumstances. If you are uncertain, check the current requirements with your local planning authority.
A 7ft x 5ft summer house is a compact building, but its rectangular shape can make it particularly useful in a smaller garden. It provides enough space for a couple of chairs, a table, and occasional hobbies without taking up much outdoor space.
The current choice is between Diamond Ashington and Diamond Washington Classic. Both have toughened glass as standard, free assembly, Apex or Pent roof choices, colour finishes and bespoke options, so I would concentrate on which design and glazing arrangement best suit your garden.
If you are searching for a 5×7 summer house, remember that orientation matters. Check which wall contains the doors and windows and make sure the exact dimensions and layout suit the position you have available.
After working with garden buildings since 1979 and being involved in more than 50,000 buildings during that time, my advice remains simple: look beyond the photograph and headline price, check how the building is made, think realistically about what furniture will fit and choose the specification that suits what you actually want the summerhouse to do.
If you are unsure which 7×5 summerhouse is right for you, ask us. Our job is to explain the differences and help you make a sensible choice rather than automatically steering you towards the more expensive option.
If possible, visit our Surrey garden building display site and compare representative summerhouses in person. If you cannot visit, contact us and tell us what you want your summerhouse to do. Craig, the team and I would much rather help you get the size, design and specification right before you buy.
Robin Antill
Founder, 1st Choice Leisure Buildings
Browse our complete range of summer houses, compare other summerhouse sizes, read more about Robin, Craig and the history of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, or contact us for help choosing your 7ft x 5ft summer house.
