Wooden garden rooms (also referred to as summer houses) are an ideal way to add some outdoor living space and enjoy some serenity. You can use them for anything from hobby rooms and home cinemas to luxury spas.
Designing a garden room that lasts is essential for creating one you’ll enjoy for years to come. So let’s take a closer look at how to craft the ideal wooden outdoor room that you’ll love for years to come!
Redwood
Wooden garden rooms provide an eye-catching and natural way to make the most of your outdoor space. They come in various styles and designs, with various colours, textures and finishes available.
Selecting the ideal wood for your shed, garden room or summerhouse is essential if you want it to last and look attractive in the long run. Not only should the material be visually appealing, but it must also possess outdoor durability and dimensional stability that can withstand various weather conditions such as wind, rain or snowfall.
Redwood is an excellent choice for wooden garden rooms due to its superior rot resistance, as well as its natural tannins which add strength and durability.
Light and airy, cedar is an ideal wood for woodworking projects due to its light weight. Plus, its beautiful grain can easily be cut, sawed or drilled with standard woodworking tools. Plus, cedar takes paint or varnish well.
However, this wood is highly vulnerable to damage from dents and scratches, so you should regularly treat it with wood protectors. While this may be a hassle, the benefits outweigh any inconvenience.
Cedar is a popular choice for wooden garden rooms due to its exceptional resistance to rot. Additionally, cedar boasts exceptional dimensional stability – meaning it won’t warp or shrink vertically across its grain like other kinds of wood may do.
Though more expensive than other wood types, cedar offers an alternative to conventional wooden cladding and comes in various profiles to meet individual needs. Not only that, but it can be treated for protection against elements and painted or stained for a more customized appearance.
Ecologically friendly, this resource is renewable and biodegradable. Plus, it produces oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide – helping reduce global warming.
Cedar
Cedar is an abundant natural product suitable for many home interior and garden spaces. When properly oiled, its warm gold tones can be achieved, making it a fantastic option for wood cladding applications.
Dimensionally stable, it won’t warp, shrink or expand like inferior timbers can; thus your building will remain secure and sturdy for years to come. Furthermore, its natural fungicidal substances called thujaplicins provide extra protection against rot and decay as they inhibit fungal growth.
Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) is a beloved choice among homeowners and professionals alike. This dense, highly durable timber boasts impressive physical characteristics such as exceptional resistance to rot and decay, dimensional stability, and insect repellency.
Choose from an extensive range of cedar colors, such as the classic golden brown or more vibrant shades like reds, greens and oranges. Your cladding will blend in naturally with your garden for an unmatched sense of space and cozy atmosphere all year long!
Another popular option is plastic composite, which utilizes recycled materials and is highly eco-friendly. There are various designs, styles and colors to choose from; moreover, it won’t rot, warp or discolor over time like traditional cladding options do.
Real timber cladding is an attractive and eco-friendly alternative to plastic composite. It comes in various sizes and shapes to meet your requirements, plus it is incredibly sturdy and hard-wearing.
Cedar is not only durable and attractive, but it’s a natural insulator too – making it comfortable to use in all kinds of weather conditions. Plus, with stain or paint you can customize its appearance for added personalization.
Cedar is an incredibly strong and durable material, making it the ideal choice for wooden garden rooms. Additionally, its resistance to rot makes it suitable for garden sheds or summer houses as well.
Cedar is not only durable, but it’s also an insulator, keeping your garden room cool in summer and warm in winter. Plus, its natural beauty will add to its appeal – making this a great option if you want a high-quality space that will last.
Aesthetics
When designing a garden room that serves both aesthetic and functional needs, selecting the appropriate materials and design is essential. Doing so will enable you to create the ideal space for all of your requirements.
If your goal is to create a relaxing environment, try adding lots of plants to your garden room. This can help create an inviting atmosphere that will encourage people to spend time there.
Add an air of sophistication by using vibrant colors in your garden room decor. Think tiles, iron accents and even flowers or ornaments for an eye-catching effect.
For extra visual interest, add some pots with a classical or French country aesthetic. These classic pieces are an easy go-to in any garden room and can easily blend in with other decor.
Additionally, you can incorporate some plants with a tropical or Mediterranean theme into the decor. This will add an eye-catching element and you have access to various species.
For a modern design, wood and metal can be used to create an airy space. Additionally, using neutral colors on the walls gives your garden room a classic and sophisticated appearance.
The industrial trend is a popular choice for garden rooms, as it gives the space an edgy look. Additionally, this style can be combined with other contemporary touches to create a great choice for any property.
Another popular garden room design is the boho-inspired one. This style incorporates natural textures, tactile cushions, and an array of patterns to create a fun and unique space for relaxing.
Garden rooms can also feature slumber corners, which offer a tranquil spot to unwind. Simple furniture pieces can be added here to make it comfortable for sleeping and you may choose to decorate with some rugs and blankets for added texture.
Maintenance
Like houses, wooden garden rooms are constructed to last and provide years of enjoyment. However, it is essential to keep them in excellent condition in order to extend their usefulness and reduce risk from weather damage or wear caused by elements.
Wood, especially timber, swells and shrinks with changes in weather conditions. Furthermore, it can become damp which could lead to rotting or fungal attack if left unchecked. Therefore, regular inspection of your building is essential for making necessary repairs.
Maintaining the base of your garden room free from long grass and fallen leaves is essential, as this can lead to water seeping onto the cladding. To prevent this, make sure the room is situated far away from trees or shrubs, and use waterproof roof tiles for rain protection.
Furthermore, it’s essential to maintain your windows and doors in good condition during wintertime as these will be exposed to harsh elements. Check for any slight warping or cracks in the caulking, as well as cleaning them and treating any leaks promptly.
Doors and windows made from softwood may swell if not treated, so applying a stain or protective paint to prevent this is imperative. Doing this helps keep the timber from rotting and swelling, which should be done every two to three years.
Once a year, it is essential to give all garden buildings an overall clean. A quick brushing with a brush and mild detergent can remove dirt, dust and bird droppings from walls and floors alike.
It is also wise to remove grease marks and plant sap that can lead to mould formation and weaken the structure of a building. Doing this will extend its life expectancy and save you money on repainting in the future.
Recoat the exterior of your garden office every three to five years, just as with any other building, to protect against weathering effects and keep it looking its best. Applying anti-rot wood preserver can also help repel moisture while allowing timber to breathe.