Summerhouses and garden rooms can both create useful extra space in the garden, but the terms are often used differently by different manufacturers. The best choice depends less on the name and more on how you want to use the building, the amount of space you need and the specification you choose.

What is a summerhouse?

A summerhouse is traditionally a timber garden building designed primarily for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying the garden. It will normally have more glazing than a standard shed and a layout intended to feel brighter and more open.

Browse our timber summerhouses to see the different styles and sizes available.

What is a garden room?

The term garden room is broader. It is often used for a more substantial outdoor living space designed for seating, entertaining, hobbies or working from the garden.

Some garden rooms are highly insulated buildings intended for regular all-season use, while others are open or semi-open timber structures designed primarily as sheltered outdoor seating. Because the term covers many different specifications, always check exactly what is included rather than relying on the name alone.

See our garden rooms for current designs.

Summerhouse vs garden room: what should you compare?

How you will use it

If you mainly want somewhere to sit during warmer weather, relax with a drink or create a bright garden retreat, a summerhouse may be ideal.

If you want a larger entertaining area, sheltered seating or a more substantial space for regular use, a garden-room style building may suit you better.

Windows and natural light

Summerhouses commonly feature generous windows and glazed doors to create a light interior. Garden-room designs vary much more, so compare the amount of glazing and how the building will face in your garden.

Storage requirements

If you need leisure space and storage together, you do not necessarily have to choose between a shed and a summerhouse. A shed and summerhouse combination building can provide two useful areas within one structure.

Size and garden space

Measure the available area carefully and leave sensible room around the building for access and maintenance. Think about furniture sizes before choosing the building footprint, particularly if you want a table, chairs, sofa or work area inside.

Insulation and year-round use

If year-round heated use is important, check the exact wall, floor, roof, glazing and insulation specification of the building you are considering. Not every product described as a garden room is an insulated office-style building.

Do summerhouses and garden rooms need planning permission?

Many domestic garden buildings can fall within permitted development, but the rules depend on factors including height, position, use, property type and local restrictions. Check the current requirements for your own property and contact your local planning authority if you are unsure.

What if a standard design does not suit your garden?

Different sizes and layouts can often solve problems such as awkward garden shapes, required storage space or specific door and window positions. Explore our wider garden buildings range or speak to us about what you are trying to achieve.

Visit our garden building display in Leek

Seeing a building in person can make choosing much easier. Customers around Leek, Stoke-on-Trent, the Staffordshire Moorlands and surrounding areas can visit our garden building display site in Leek to see examples and discuss options with the team.

For information about getting a building to your property, see our garden building delivery and installation guide.

Need help choosing? Call Churnet Valley Garden Furniture on 01538 371548.