When you think of garden buildings, it’s likely that images of the traditional garden shed may come to mind. Whether that be a wonky lean-to or a sturdy wooden construction housing the lawnmower and the deck chairs, it’s unlikely that you’ll think of it as a place to recharge and relax.
Sheds do of course come in many shapes and sizes. Wooden or plastic, storage or ‘she-shed’, the possibilities are endless. But when does it become more than a shed? A place of infinite possibilities to enhance your outdoor space.
In this post, we outline the key differences between the humble shed and the Garden Room.
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Insulation
For simply using a garden building as storage, insulation isn’t necessary and thankfully your lawnmower won’t notice a draught. The first difference to notice between a shed and a Garden Room is the lack of insulation. If you’re planning to use a garden building for living, relaxing, working or entertaining, using a shed for this purpose could be pretty uncomfortable! To cope with our British winters and even our British summers, a key consideration would be that insulation would be needed to make this an enjoyable space. A simple shed can become surprisingly hot in the summer sun – yes, even here!
A Garden Room on the other hand is well insulated, providing the perfect atmosphere 365 days a year. Our Garden Rooms are insulated with Celotex, providing one of the most thermally efficient insulation solutions in the UK. Add heating options to this and you have a beautiful and comfortable living space.
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Construction
Garden Rooms, when compared to sheds are made with thicker and more solid walls. Unsurprisingly, they are sturdier and less draughty than their wooden counterparts. With higher spec doors and double-glazed windows, Garden Rooms are not at risk of warping or leaking when exposed to the British weather.
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Lighting and Power
The traditional garden shed is likely to come with a single window as standard – usually these don’t open so serve no real purpose than to provide lighting where none is wired in. Unless the sun is in the right place, sheds can be quite dark and gloomy.
Garden Rooms, on the other hand, can have multiple windows to allow in plenty of natural light. This way they are energy efficient, needing very little artificial light to make them feel inviting. Glazed floor to ceiling, sunlight can fill up the space with ambient lighting. Included in the price, our Garden Rooms come with a mains electrical connection from your home too.
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Humidity
Simple sheds will not have any method of moisture control. If you’re lucky enough to have a window included, this may have an impact but ultimately it’s likely that any paper or other absorbent materials will get damaged from the damp conditions. Without care, this could quickly become a mildew issue.
Our Garden Rooms sit on a concrete pier foundation which provides an air barrier between our studios and the ground, preventing rising damp and controlling moisture.
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Cost
Starting at anywhere around £300, a garden shed is certainly the cheaper option between that and a Garden Room but is unlikely to buy much in the way of space or durability.
However, considering bang for buck and the options available for tailoring your outdoor space entirely to suit your needs, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a suitable solution that isn’t a Garden Room. Our Garden Rooms are beautifully timber clad to create a stunning outdoor space for outstanding durability and longevity.
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Customisation
Considering your needs, Garden Rooms make the perfect option for professionals working from home. Insulated and temperate studios can safely house office equipment without the risk of moisture or mildew.
Similarly for home cinema fans, gamers and musicians alike, rest assured that your precious tech will be happily housed all year round.
For the home gym, the ability to have a temperature controlled environment – no matter the weather outside – will beat the overwhelming lack of control in a traditional shed. Say yes to yoga in a beautiful, calm and restful retreat.
If you’re searching for the right option for entertaining, a Garden Room will provide the comfort and luxury of additional space with the bells and whistles to make a truly unique place to unwind. With lighting and heating, no matter whether it’s day, night, summer or winter, it’ll be a spectacular addition to your home.
Our final thoughts:
- If you are looking for the perfect outdoor space, it’s worth considering the benefits of insulation to ensure that you can use your space 365 days a year.
- The key differences between a shed and a Garden Room is essentially in the durability and quality of construction.
- As standard, our Garden Rooms are equipped to be connected to the mains – use your Garden Room exactly how you want!
- A Garden Room is protected from rising damp and fully moisture controlled, keeping your possessions safe and secure.
- Investing in the right space will not only enhance your garden but your entire home.
- Separate work from play or use it to relax and unwind. A shed has its limits where endless customisation will ensure your Garden Room is exactly what you need.
Vivid Pods are here to help you find your perfect Garden Room. In our Knowledge Centre, you can find our FAQ section and guides and stunning case studies. Call us on 01454 414 537 or get in touch if you would like to discuss bespoke options and getting the perfect Garden Room for your project!
