Shed vs Workshop v Summerhouse v Log Cabin: Which is Right for You?

Key Considerations for Choosing the Perfect Shed, Garden Workshop, or Summer House Log Cabin

Garden sheds, garden workshops, summer houses and log cabins are made in many different types of materials, traditionally wood but also in metal or steel, plastic and concrete. The wood garden shed has the advantage of being more at home in the garden being made from the same materials as the trees in your garden. The warm appearance of timber is quite attractive and gives a feeling of being back to nature. The timber garden shed can be made to any size, certainly by 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, and can be quickly built. Add in tanalised pressure treated timber and you wouldn’t have any maintenance worries. Otherwise, a coat of preservative every few years will do the job.

Shed vs Garden Workshop: Which is Right for You?

Obviously, before plastic, metal and concrete was invented the only material available was anything that has grown such as trees, plants and bushes so timber sheds can really take us back in time, however, whether there was a need for a garden shed back in the stone age is a question which is hard to answer. I’m sure they did not worry about cutting the grass so a lawnmower was not needed and I would assume the only tools they had were clubs for bashing animals over the head.

The Importance of Material Selection in Choosing a Durable Shed or Garden Workshop

The metal or steel shed has the advantage, being made from galvanised steel, of not needing to be treated. The shed can just be built and maybe a wash down with a hose pipe, which you can’t do at the moment due to the hose pipe ban, every now and then is all that is needed to keeping it pristine clean. The disadvantage is that metal sheds are only available in certain set sizes so if the size YOU want is not available you will have to make do with a compromise. Can look a little utilitarian but highly functional.

The plastic shed again is maintenance free, so no treating required. Also only available in set sizes. The appearance of plastic garden sheds tend to be in more gentle colours so is more pleasing to the eye. Concrete sheds tend to be quite expensive but are made from much heavier material than steel, metal or plastic sheds. Can look a little 1970’s with the appearance of grey concrete but with a coat of colourful masonry paint can look quite presentable.

Budgeting Tips for Choosing an Affordable Shed, Workshop, or Log Cabin

An unusual material for a garden shed is glass but that did not deter students at the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) who made a large shed from this fragile material. This creation will allow the college to be at the forefront of this technology. The garden shed, but really a very large glass house, cost £240,000, rather more that one would expect to pay for a normal garden shed, features a climate controlled interior as well as state of the art teaching facilities. This new glass building will help students in the years to come.

About 150 students specialise in horticulture at the college although it is expected that this figure will rise over the coming years. This is because they need to become self-sufficient over the coming years will rise and the need for more food to be produced will rise accordingly.

The vice-president of the college, David McKenzie, said that the garden glass house was an important requirement for their horticultural program. He also said that the college has a long term strategy of focusing on the higher end at King’s Buildings and is happy is has come to fruition. The SAC goal is to support the development of UK land-based industries through their research, their consulting and educational services.

Written By Robin - Expert in Garden Buildings For 44 Years.
Hi, I'm Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, and I use my expertise gained over 44 years in the garden buildings industry to understand that each customer is different. With my manufacturing, retailing and customer service experience my articles help people choose their ideal shed, garden workshop, summerhouse, log cabin or garden office needs to suit their requirement and that is key to satisfaction. And what do I do when I'm not writing? You may find me following Grimsby Town Football Club or riding roller coasters - so plenty of 'ups and downs' in my life.