UK Manufactured*Can You Use a Summerhouse as a Garden Office?
With remote working now part of everyday life for many people, creating a dedicated workspace at home has become a priority. One of the most popular questions we hear at Shed City is whether a summerhouse can be used as a garden office.
The answer is yes. A well-built summerhouse can make a bright, peaceful and highly productive workspace. However, there are a few important considerations if you want to use it comfortably throughout the year.
Why a Summerhouse Makes a Great Garden Office
Summerhouses are designed to be light filled and inviting. With large windows and glazed doors, they allow plenty of natural daylight to flow in. Natural light can improve focus, mood and productivity, which makes it ideal for a home office setting.
Positioned in the garden, a summerhouse creates physical separation from the house. That separation can help you switch into work mode during the day and switch off properly in the evening. It provides privacy, quiet and a professional space for video calls or focused work.
Many customers find that even a compact summerhouse offers enough room for a desk, office chair, shelving and storage, making it far more practical than working from a kitchen table or spare bedroom.
Things to Consider Before Turning a Summerhouse into an Office
While a summerhouse can work very well as a garden office, you need to think about year-round comfort.
Insulation
Standard summerhouses are perfect for spring and summer use. However, if you plan to work in your garden office throughout autumn and winter, insulation becomes important. Without it, the space can become cold in winter and very warm in summer.
Also remember that Summerhouses are generally single glazed, unlike Garden Rooms and Log Cabins which feature double glazing.
Electrics
You will likely need power for lighting, heating, laptops and charging devices. Professional installation of electrics is recommended for safety and convenience.
Solid Base
A level and stable base ensure the building performs well long term and keeps everything secure and weather resistant.
A Better Option for Year-Round Working
If you want a ready to use solution without additional upgrades, this is where our Classic Garden Rooms come in.
Our Classic Garden Rooms are lined and insulated as standard, making them ideal for use as a garden office straight away. Unlike a basic summerhouse, they are designed with comfort in mind from the outset. This means improved temperature control, reduced condensation and a more professional internal finish.
Because they are pre insulated and finished internally, you avoid the extra time and cost of upgrading a standard building later. You can simply furnish the space and begin working.
For customers who are serious about creating a dedicated garden office, the Classic Garden Rooms offer a practical and long-term solution.
If you need something a little different or have your own design ideas, contact us to talk about our Elite Garden Rooms which are completely unique and designed by you with a choice of cladding materials, colour options and door and window designs.
Summerhouse or Garden Room Which Should You Choose
If you are looking for a light seasonal workspace and want a cost-effective solution, a traditional summerhouse can work very well, with some modifications and further planning.
If you want a fully functional office that you can use comfortably throughout the year, our insulated Classic Garden Rooms provide a stronger and more versatile option.
If you want to consider other options, Log Cabins offer benefits which sit somewhere between standard Summerhouses and Garden Rooms. Log Cabins have thicker wall cladding than Summerhouses, some have upvc double glazed units and we can also insulate the floor and roof for added year-round efficiency.
At Shed City we help customers find the right building for their lifestyle and budget. Whether you choose a summerhouse, step up to a log cabin or upgrade to a fully lined and insulated garden room, you can create a peaceful and productive workspace just steps from your home.
