Summer House Buying Guide

The Summer House Buying Guide - Helping you to Choose the Perfect Garden Building

Why Buy a Summer House?
  

If you're unsure about any of the terminology used in this guide to describe a Summerhouse, check out our handy guide which explains everything in plain English so you can become a garden buidling expert.

What are Summer Houses Made From?
 

Summer houses can also be pressure-treated. Pressure-treated timber is bathed in a vat of protective preservative under high pressure, which forces the treatment deep into the wood. The wood is then dried, with the chemicals in the preservative leaving a green tint – though this colour can vary depending on the type of preservative used. This method of treating is designed to prevent rot and decay and prolong the life of the timber, but this does not make the building waterproof. Regular treatment is still recommended to provide water-resistance and prolong the life of the wood.

Tiger Tip: Our range of dip-treated Tiger Summer houses are all manufactured from 12mm tongue and groove shiplap cladding, with a warranty of 10 years. Our pressure-treated buildings feature 16mm tongue and groove shiplap cladding, with an extended warranty of 15 years. 

Are Log Cabins the Same as Summer Houses?

Log cabins and summer houses are both garden buildings which are used as an outdoor room. People typically think of summer houses as seasonal buildings used mainly in warmer months, and log cabins as year-round garden escapes, though any log cabin can be a summer house. The increased thickness of a log cabin provides increased sturdiness as well as greater insulation - ideal for those who intend on using their buildings throughout the year without additional insulation or heat sources. Log cabin style summer houses are manufactured from interlocking logs usually available in a variety of thicknesses: our range of log cabins features 19mm, 28mm or 44mm logs. These logs tend to be untreated and the timber will require thorough treatment as soon as possible after receiving the building.

Where Should I Position my Summer House?
 

Once you have decided what type of summer house you would like, it is important to think about where you want to place it. 

If you’re seeking a suntrap, have a look at your garden on a sunny day to determine which areas get the most sunshine. In general, south-facing buildings will receive more hours of sunshine but be aware of any garden features (such as trees, fences, bushes or play-areas) which may cause shade.

If you’re using your summer house as an office, gym or workshop, it may be better to not have direct sunlight, as this could cause glare while working or result in technology being exposed to excess heat. 

Many people choose to run electricity to their summer house so that they can have wired technology such as televisions, fridges or chargers. If this is something you would want to do, your building should be installed within reach of your mains electrics, or with a clear path for cable to run over or under the ground. This should be discussed with a qualified electrician. 

Another factor to consider is the view. If you’re thinking about a summer house with many windows, it would be better to be facing a more attractive area of your garden, if possible. Your favourite rose bush or well-landscaped water feature would certainly be a more appealing view than your neighbour’s fence. Octagonal or corner summer houses are perfect to provide panoramic views if you have a garden you’re particularly proud of.  If you’d prefer a square or rectangular building, you can look out for designs which feature multiple windows.  

Tiger Tip: As we make all our buildings to order, there are opportunities to customise your summer house with additional windows. Also, you can upgrade your summer house to have opening windows – ideal for those warmer days. 

Will I Need Planning Permission for my Summer House?
 

While most timber structures such as sheds, summer houses and log cabins may not require planning permission, it’s important to check with your local council if you are unsure. In general, planning permission may not be required if the following criteria are met:

• If the summer house is within 2 metres of the property’s boundary, the building’s maximum overall height (including the roof) must be under 2.5 metres.
• If the summer house is over 2 metres from your property’s boundary, the building’s maximum eaves height must be under 2.5 metres. A summer house with a pent or hip roof can have a total height of up to 3 meters, while a summer house with an apex roof can have a total height of up to 4 meters.
• The summer house must not be over 30m² internally.
• The summer house, and other garden buildings, must not take up more than 50% of land around the house.
• The summer house must not be used as self-contained accommodation.

Additional rules apply to those who live on areas of interest (i.e. national parks) or in listed buildings. For more information, please visit the government Planning Portal.

Tiger Tip: As buildings increase in size they tend to increase in height, but we can manufacture any garden building to be under 2.5 metres in height, if required.

How Do I Prepare my Garden for a Summer House? 

All garden buildings must be installed on a base of adequate size. An incorrectly assembled base will have a negative effect on the life of your summer house, so it’s important to make sure it is a firm and level surface. Concrete, paving slabs, and timber bearers are the most common materials for a base. 

The base should be no smaller than the base of your chosen building, but not too large so water has a chance to pool if your garden is on a slope. Different manufacturers quote sizes differently, so be sure to confirm the building’s dimensions with the supplier. The technical section of a product page will usually contain exact dimensions. 

If you plan on walking to and from your summer house quite frequently, ensure that it is not in a location where repeated footfall could cause damage – such as through grass or tender plants. Consider installing your summer house by a path or walkway, if possible. This should definitely be a factor to keep in mind if you plan on using your summer house for storage in the colder months. 

You also don’t want to build a base too close to a boundary fence, as a sloped roof could cause water to run into a neighbour’s garden. Additionally, proximity to a wall or fence could result in your building being exposed to excess water, leading to damp, mould and timber damage. Make sure that you have enough space around your base so that you can regularly treat and paint your building. We would recommend a minimum distance of 18 inches is left around the summer house.  

Tiger Tip: Read our Build a Base guide for more information. 

What Styles of Summer House Can I Have?
 

Product shown: Tiger Summerhouse.

Most summer houses have apex roofs. This allows for increased headroom through the centre of the building and provides the traditional summer house style with the dual pitched roof.

Product shown: Tiger Mayflower Summerhouse

Hip roofs are a more unique addition to a summer house and offer a different silhouette with plenty of charm. If you already have an apex shed, a hip roof is the ideal way to add variety to your garden. 

Product shown: Tiger Garden Studio

Pent roofs are also common on styles such as corner summer houses or studios. 

Once you’ve chosen your roof style, you can then choose between felt or shingles. Some companies do not supply felt as standard, so be sure to check this when purchasing. Roofing felt offers weatherproof protection for your summer house, helping to prevent the ingress of water which could lead to damage. High quality roofing felt will protect your building against wind, rain and snow. 

If you would like to upgrade your summer house, shingles are a great option to consider. They provide an attractive finishing touch to your building and tend to be of a more premium quality. They are usually available in a choice of colours. 

When it comes to your choice of windows, the main choice is between full pane or half glazed summer houses. Full pane windows make maximum use of available natural light – perfect as an outdoor room for entertaining or relaxing. For a touch of ski-lodge chic, a summer house with a bay window is a stylish addition to any garden. 

Tiger Tip: Corner summer houses make excellent use of available space due to their design. 

How Do I Install my Summer House?

While installing a summer house may seem like a daunting task, they are quite straight-forward to assemble. With moderate DIY knowledge and the appropriate tools, it is an achievable task that can be completed with relative ease. Installation should be carried out by at least 2 people, so that panels can be supported before they are secured with fixings. Many suppliers offer an installation service which can usually be added at the time of purchase. 

Shelving and staging are practical options which are ideal for adding personal touches to the summer house, such as photographs, books and ornaments. If you want to use your summer house as a potting shed, additional shelving is a great way to double the function of your building – perfect for herbs, tender plants, fruits and vegetables.