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Click on images below to see larger versions of summerhouses
Click on images below to see larger versions of summerhouses
l Click on images below to see larger versions of summerhouses
Click on images below to see larger versions of summerhouses
Click on images below to see larger versions of summerhouses
Click on images below to see larger versions of sumerhouse shed combos
Click on images below to see larger versions of combination garden rooms with shed
We recommend OPTIONAL Demidekk Ultimate log cabin paint range which can be colour matched to suit. See examples in
our photo gallery.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.
| | Diamond | Platinum | Royal |
| Best for | Traditional summerhouse use & value | Greater comfort & flexibility | Premium, year-round garden-room use |
| Why choose it? | A well-built timber summerhouse without paying for features you may not need. | A substantial step up when you want a higher specification and the option of insulation. | Fully insulated construction aimed at creating a more substantial extra room in the garden. |
| Ideal uses | Relaxing, hobbies, entertaining and enjoying the garden. | Home office, hobby room, studio or extended seasonal use. | Garden office, studio, entertaining room or year-round living space. |
| Insulation | Best suited to conventional summerhouse use. | Full insulation available on many models. | Fully insulated models. |
| Why it might be right for you | I want a quality summerhouse at a sensible price. | I want something more substantial that I can make comfortable for more of the year. | I want a genuine extra room in my garden that I can use throughout the year. |
| Price level | £ | ££ | £££ |
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). More Information In Our Help Articles and Blogs
If you are researching summer houses and want a little more guidance before making your choice, the articles below cover some of the most important things to consider. From choosing the right building and setting a realistic budget to planning permission, foundations, insulation and heating, these guides provide practical information for planning, installing and enjoying your summer house.
How To Choose a Summerhouse Shed
A practical guide to choosing the right summerhouse shed for your garden, including important considerations such as size, style, position, construction and how you plan to use the building. Read our guide to choosing a summerhouse shed.
Best Summerhouse Guide
Compare the main types, sizes and styles of summer houses and discover the factors worth considering when choosing a building to suit your garden, budget and intended use. Read our best summerhouse guide.
How Much Does a Summer House Cost in the UK?
Learn what can affect the price of a summer house, from its size and construction to its specification and additional features, so you can plan a more realistic budget. Find out how much a summer house costs.
Planning Permission Guide
Find out when a summer house may fall within permitted development rights and which factors, including its position, dimensions and intended use, could affect planning requirements. Read our summerhouse planning permission guide.
Heating Your Summerhouse Ideas
Explore different ways to keep a summerhouse warmer during cooler weather, along with practical considerations such as insulation, electricity, building size and frequency of use. Explore ideas for heating your summerhouse.
Are Summer Houses Worth It?
Consider the benefits of owning a summer house and the different ways one can provide useful extra space for relaxing, hobbies, entertaining, home working and more. Discover whether a summer house is worth it.
How To Build the Foundations and Base
Understand why a firm, level and stable base is essential and explore the different foundation options available when preparing your garden for a new summer house. Read our guide to summerhouse bases and foundations.
How To Control Condensation
Discover what causes condensation and excess moisture in summer houses and learn practical ways ventilation, heating and regular maintenance can help keep the interior drier. Learn how to control condensation in your summerhouse.
How To Insulate Your Summer Building
Learn about insulating the walls, floor and roof of a summerhouse and how improved insulation can make the building more comfortable for use beyond the warmer months. Read our guide to insulating a summerhouse.
Colourful Summer House Paint Ideas
Find inspiration for summerhouse colour schemes, from traditional natural finishes to brighter shades and contrasting doors, windows and trim that can make your building stand out. Explore colourful summerhouse paint ideas.
Buying A Summer House For Surrey? Questions To Ask Beforehand
1/ Will It Suit You?
It’s important, before you buy a new summerhouse or timber cabin, that you do a little legwork to ensure that your new garden building will suit you and your needs. This is because there are so many companies selling online, which can make it confusing and hard to make the right choice.
By following this guide, you can ask the right questions. It does involve a little work, but it will be well worth your time. You will find that most companies are open, upfront, and totally transparent about their products. Unfortunately, many try to mislead or hide information from potential customers and rely on you buying on price alone. I think we’ve all been warned: ‘If it sounds too good to be true, then it normally is so.’ Caveat emptor, or buyer beware. A comparison would be like comparing a bottom-of-the-range car with a Mercedes, which is two different things. Both are cars, but wildly different in specification. The same applies to summer buildings.
2/ Can You See The Building Beforehand?
Seeing a potential building in person before you buy is essential. It lets you judge if the price matches your expectations for your Surrey home and ensures the quality meets your standards. Viewing the building also reassures you that you are dealing with a reputable company, not a fly-by-night operation. Even if you cannot visit a display site, knowing that a company is open to customer scrutiny should give you peace of mind. This transparency can boost your confidence in working with them. Relying only on a leaflet, brochure, or website can feel like a leap of faith.
3/ What Quality Timber is Used?
The quality of timber used in summer houses or timber buildings significantly affects the overall cost. Investing in high-quality timber is worthwhile, as it ensures greater durability and longevity. In contrast, lower-grade timber is typically reserved for indoor furniture, where it is protected from moisture. Using cheap timber outdoors is not recommended if you want the building to last.
4/ Is Redwood or Whitewood Used?
Most summer buildings and summer houses are made from softwood timber, usually redwood or whitewood deal. Good garden buildings are made from redwood deal, which grows slowly and has a tighter grain. This type of wood keeps some sap, so it feels a bit waxy. Cheaper buildings often use whitewood, which grows quickly and has a more open grain. Whitewood can dry out, and sometimes small knots may fall out. Redwood costs more, but it lasts longer. It’s a good idea to check these details before you order a summerhouse for delivery to Surrey.
5/ Are the floors and Roofs Made from ‘Proper’ Timber?
In most budget summer buildings, you will notice the floors and roofs are made from OSB, waferboard, chipboard, or low-grade plywood, all chosen to cut costs. The problem is, these materials are a disaster waiting to happen anywhere moisture might sneak in, which is almost guaranteed outdoors. Once wet, the boards soak up water, swell, and quickly fall apart, leaving your building doomed to an early demise. To make matters worse, many of these bargain companies call their floors and roofs ‘solid sheet material’ to keep you in the dark about what they are really using. It sounds reassuring, but in reality, they are simply disguising the truth and relying on cheap, unsuitable materials.
6/ Do You Have The Choice of Size or Style?
Most garden building companies offer only a limited range of set sizes and styles. While these options may be adequate, a custom-built home tailored to your needs and location in Surrey offers greater flexibility. With a bespoke design, you can choose the placement of doors and windows, select the ideal size, and pick a style that suits your preferences. Many web-based companies do not provide this level of customisation, but 1st Choice Leisure Buildings offers buildings in any size and style to meet your requirements. There is no need to compromise when you can have a solution designed for you.
7/ Do You Have To Pay Extra For Assembly?
Building a garden house is no walk in the park, and for many, it is far from enjoyable. While budget companies may insist that assembling it yourself is a breeze, the reality is quite different. You will find yourself hauling hefty timber panels and working hard to keep your new retreat safe from rain and wind. Sure, a skilled DIY enthusiast might relish the challenge, but getting it right is crucial. If the roof springs a leak, the responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders, not the supplier’s. That’s why I believe the best choice is to let the experts handle it: 1st Choice Leisure Buildings includes free assembly with every Royal, Platinum, and Diamond summerhouse in Surrey.
8/ How Thick is the Framing?
The strength of your new garden building depends on the size of the timber framing. We recommend an internal vertical frame size of at least 2in x 2in (47mm x 47mm) to ensure durability in severe weather. Many low-cost manufacturers use frames as small as 1in x 1in (25mm x 25mm), which is only one-quarter of the recommended size. Choosing a larger frame will help your building withstand harsh conditions.
9/ How Tall is Your Proposed New Building?
Before you buy, take a moment to check the height of any building you have your eye on and find out if the measurements are INTERNAL or EXTERNAL. The difference can be as much as 6 inches, and some companies are not always upfront about it. Reputable summerhouse and workshop makers will give you plenty of headroom inside. Save yourself from stooping around like the Hunchback of Notre Dame and double-check before you commit.
10/ What Conditions are Attached to Guarantees?
Most summerhouses, garden sheds, and workshops come with a standard 12-month warranty. Some online companies advertise 10-year warranties, which may seem appealing. However, these extended warranties often require annual treatment of your building as a condition. Since any garden building maintained yearly will last for many years, these warranties may not offer significant additional value. The specific conditions are often difficult to locate on company websites because they don’t want you to see them.
11/ Are The Buildings Made in the UK or Stockpiled?
When your wooden building is crafted right here in the UK, you can trust in its quality. Unlike those shipped from overseas or left exposed in open yards, your building arrives in Surrey just as it should: made especially for you and in flawless condition. While imported options might save a few pounds, nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with something built just for you.
12/ Previous customers’ views are so important, so always take a look at what they are saying. Take a look at the feedback from our customers from Google, Trust Pilot and WhiteSpark. Sometimes we don’t get it 100% right the first time (but we try the very best to ensure we do), but we always follow through to ensure the best outcome for our customers.
13/ This brings us back to why you should be choosing a new summer house for your Surrey home. Keeping your home life and work in balance is key, as well as saving time and money. But there is nothing which beats owning your little world and sitting with nature in your garden. This is why you should consider the features that are important to you, the size of your new contemporary sun room, and the general layout that suits you. Do not rush this decision – talk to the experts and go view some examples of the building. Only by doing this can you appreciate the quality (or otherwise) and what your expectations should be. Don’t lower your expectations – only buy the building which is right for you. Or choose a bespoke summer room just for you.
14/ Conclusion and Advice?
It can be quite exciting to buy a new garden summer house to share with your family or a timber workshop for your hobby; however, it’s important to ask questions beforehand. By using this guide, you can ask the right questions and, by doing so, are likely to be happy with your new building and not regret it, thinking, ‘Why did I not check?’
Call us now on 01483 237550, contact us or visit our showroom and view examples of our garden room offices. I promise you won’t get the ‘hard sell’, just honest, unbiased advice from a family business established for over 47 years. We look forward to seeing you.
Explore summer houses available across Surrey and nearby locations, including Guildford, Woking, Farnham, Epsom, Kingston upon Thames, Weybridge, Walton on Thames, Fetcham, Hersham and Claygate in Surrey
Explore More Summer House Styles
Every garden is different, which is why we offer a wide range of summer houses to suit every space, budget and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for an insulated summer house that can be enjoyed throughout the year, a stylish contemporary summer house, or a practical summer house with integrated storage, you'll find plenty of options to explore. We also stock pressure-treated models for lower maintenance, traditional tongue-and-groove construction, painted finishes, and corner designs to make the most of smaller gardens and summer houses in a wide range of sizes. Browse our specialist collections below to find the perfect timber summer house for your garden.
From £2,114
