Cheap summer houses – just in time for the sun

Summer is almost here. Wherever you are, there’s no doubt that you’ll get a slice of sunshine. Perhaps you’ve been looking at your empty garden and noticing something is missing. So, if you’re on a budget this summer, we've gathered plenty of cheap summer houses to spruce up your back garden. An outdoor sanctuary would make the perfect addition to your backyard.

What do I look for when getting a cheap summer house for my garden?

When looking for a summer house on a budget, sometimes there are things you need to remember.

Quality is everything. It’s worth spending an extra £100 on a summer house, to guarantee a structure that is sturdier, will last longer and won’t get battered by the elements. With summerhouses, the greater amount you pay, the better the quality. Look at reviews of the product – not forgetting the retailer itself. Make sure you’re clued up about materials and that you’ve got the right tools at home to assemble the summer houses that come flat-packed.

Size may be important to you. First, think about the space you have in your garden. Have you only got space in the corner? Or, do you have plenty of space to work with? Think about your lifestyle. Love to party? Maybe it’s worth getting a larger size to hold your guests. Luckily, we’ve included a wide range of cheap summer houses of all sizes and styles – that suit every garden.

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Treatment is something else you need to consider. The purpose of treatment is to keep the wood healthy and preserve it for longer. There are two different types of this:

• Dip-treatment is the most common way to preserve timber – noted for its orange finish. To achieve this, the wood is dipped into the preservative and provided with a coating. This is the cheapest way to preserve the timber. However, it is not as long-lasting as pressure treatment and so requires annual applications of preservatives to maintain protection.

• Pressure-treated summer houses, on the other hand, have the preservative forced into the grain of the wood under great pressure. Unlike dip-treated wood, pressure-treated may have a slightly green or blue patch – which will fade with time. The preservative gives it a long life and protection against all the nasties like rotting. Sometimes, they can last up to 15 years.

Though dip-treated wood is generally cheaper, you will need to replenish the preservative over time which can add up when you factor in brushes and time spent. But, if you do not re-treat the wood, your summer house will fall to rack and ruin. So, pressure-treated summer houses are more affordable in the long run, lasting for more than a decade.

Summer house design ideas

Cladding is how the timber boards are made to form the walls of the summer house. You can get different types of cladding, which vary in thickness and construction.

Roofing keeps the interior safe and snug. There are different types: apex, pent and reverse apex. Make sure to choose a roof that is suited to your garden – and the wildlife around it.

The floor is an element you need to keep on top of. Make sure it’s sturdy and thick. It’s preferable to place your summer house on a flat surface – like a patio.

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Windows & Doors are integral to your summer house. Firstly, would you prefer a single door – or a double? Also, how are the doors secured? Make sure your furniture is safe inside. When it comes to a cheaper summer house, glass windows may be harder to find – but they’re certainly prettier and practical. Windows that can open will be able to regulate the temperature inside your summer house – so it’s not too stuffy.

Power makes sure that your summer house lighting is up and running. Whether running your electric down to the bottom of the garden via an extension lead, investing in battery-powered lighting or going solar, adding lighting will help bring the ambience together. If you’re choosing a summer house that can double as an outdoor office space, power is very important.

Best cheap summer houses 2022

Pressure-treated with an impressive 15-year guarantee, we love this summer house at Modern Gardens. It has a contemporary take on a classic design; this gorgeous 7ft x 5ft summer house offers you a luxurious sheltered space in which to relax in your garden, come rain or shine. Plus, it comes with a premium weatherproof cover.

Specifications

Cladding: Overlap, 7mm Thick

Door Type: Double, Bolt, H165 x W55 cm

Windows: Four, shatterproof acrylic

Size: 7ft x 5ft (2.32m x 1.5m)

Roof: OSB, 8mm Thick, Green Mineral Felt, Apex

Floor: Pressure Treated Solid Boarded Timber Floor, 14mm Thick

Treatment: Pressure

Guarantee: 15 years

We love this charming summerhouse from Shire Sheds, which features a robust tongue and groove build. Plus, it has its own veranda. This Shiplap summer house offers many seasons of sheltered relaxation with a 10-year guarantee.

Specifications

Cladding: Tongue and Groove

Door Type: Double, H171 x W136 cm, Pad-Lockable

Windows: None

Size: 7 x 5ft (2.32m x 1.5m)

Roof: OSB/Solid Sheet, Felt Covering, Apex, 12mm Thick

Floor: Solid Sheet, 11mm Thick

Treatment: Dip-Treated, Requires regular preservative treatment

Guarantee: 10 years

This eye-catching, contemporary design is perfect for your back garden. We like the Scandi-vibe to it. Crafted from pressure-treated wood, this summer house comes with a 15-year guarantee. The double doors will swing open, letting fresh air and natural light into your new outdoor space.

Specifications

Cladding: Overlap, 7mm Thick

Door Type: Double, Bolt, H165.2 x W115.6 cm

Windows: Three, Shatter-Resistant Acrylic

Size: 7ft x 5ft (2.32m x 1.5m)

Roof: OSB, Felt Covering, Pent, 8mm Thick

Floor: Pressure Treated Solid Boarded Timber Floor, 14mm Thick

Treatment: Pressure

Guarantee: 15 years

Modern Gardens loves this beautiful garden structure complete with a Glazed Georgian-style door and traditional latch - as well as two opening glass windows. This hexagonal summerhouse boasts a sturdy and strong tongue and groove build, alongside traditional details; it is built to last for up to a decade. Pop a round table in there and have a soirée.

Specifications:

Cladding: Shiplap Tongue and Groove, 12mm Thick

Door Type: Single, H161.6 x W67.6 cm

Windows: Horticultural Glass

Size: 7.1ft x 6.2ft (2.16m x 1.88m)

Roof: Solid Sheet, Felt Covering, Apex, 11mm Thick

Floor: Slats, 12mm Thick

Treatment: Dip-Treated

Guarantee: 10 years

This is an impressive Hampton summerhouse, ideal for a corner. With plenty of space inside, this structure offers a great space to relax and host dinner. It'll look great in your garden. It has a 10-year guarantee - when supported by annual treatment. You can even upgrade for colour. Grab it on sale - while you can.

Specifications

Cladding: Tongue and Groove, 12mm Thick

Door Type: Double, H174 x W136 cm

Windows: Two Opening Windows

Size: 7ft x 7ft (2.13m x 2.13m)

Roof: Solid Sheet, Felt Covering, Pent, 11mm Thick

Floor: Tongue and Groove, 12mm Thick

Treatment: Dip-Treated

Guarantee: 10 years

With french doors and three full-length windows, the interior of this summerhouse is bright, airy and welcoming. We love how pretty it looks. The doors are finished with brushed chrome handles and hinges for a contemporary aesthetic. This summerhouse is perfect for an outdoor workspace. Sit back and relax inside this summerhouse.

Specifications

Cladding: Tongue and Groove, 12mm Thick

Door Type: Double, H171 x W92 cm, Lock & Key

Windows: Shatterproof Styrene Windows

Size: 8ft x 6ft

Roof: Tongue and Groove, Pent, 12mm Thick - Upgrade for Roof Options

Floor: Tongue and Groove, 12mm Thick

Treatment: Dip-Treated

Guarantee: 10 years

Convert your garden into a versatile outdoor entertainment space by building a bar. With a little inspiration, you could customise this summer house into something for the whole family (and all of your friends) to enjoy. Kit contains timber only - tools, fixings and wood preserver are sold separately. Here is the checklist for the materials.

Specifications

Cladding: Tongue and Groove, 12mm Thick

Door Type: N/A

Windows: N/A

Size: 7.8ft x 5.7ft (H240 x W176 x D118.5cm)

Roof: Slope, Featheredge Protection

Floor: Timber

Treatment: Pressure-Treated - Annual Treatment Recommended

Guarantee: 10 years

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