Locally, most garden buildings tend to have a flat roof. Under planning laws there are restrictions set when building close to your boundary, limiting the total height of the building.  A flat roof is the best way to limit the height and not sacrifice ceiling heights in the building. If you are unsure of the local planning laws, please contact your architect.

Our Flex-R EPDM (rubber roofing) system is an excellent choice due to its quick installation, reliable waterproofing & long-lasting performance.

OSB3 is your go to in this situation, cost-effective and easy to work with. This is the standard practise for the majority of garden buildings without specific needs. Plywood would be the more expensive option, providing a better finish, however, if this is covered with plasterboard the improved finish from the plywood will not be seen. Ultimately, this decision is based off cost and desired usage of the building.

Depends on your preferences and desired usage, however if the building will be used throughout the entire year. We highly recommend using PIR insulation boards within your walls to boost thermal efficiency. Cutting heating costs and roviding a more confortable space.

Composite cladding is the easiest choice for most garden buildings. It is a wood and plastic blend, so it holds its colour, will not rot, split or warp, and needs nothing more than an occasional wash. Timber cladding needs re-coating every couple of years to stay looking right, and on a building at the bottom of the garden that job tends to get put off.  Composite costs more up front, but over a twenty year life it usually works out cheaper than buying stain and spending weekends applying it. It also suits the flat roofed, modern look most garden rooms end up with.

An important topic which sometimes does not get discussed, however, it matters. Stainless or A2 fixings for exposed work and anything into treated timber, structural screws for frame connections.

Use graded, treated softwood for everything structural. The two grades you will see on the rack are C16 and C24. C24 is stronger and straighter, C16 is cheaper and does most jobs perfectly well. The usual approach on a garden building is C24 where the timber is carrying weight over a span, and C16 where it is not. For more information our sales team can talk you through your options.