With spring and summer well on the way now, many of us are thinking ahead to spending time in the garden and the things that we can do to improve the garden and make it a more pleasant place to spend time during the summer months.
Building a summerhouse is not only a rewarding project but it is also something that will benefit your garden. A summerhouse brings you that extra seating space in the garden and allows you to have somewhere to go and relax when the weather isn’t great or if you want to get some shade from the sun. A summerhouse is somewhere you can go just to contemplate or have some quiet time too. Have a look at all the ways you can use a summerhouse.
First of all, you need to design the structure. Decide how big you want it to be and where it is going to go in the garden. When you are thinking about it you need to consider the materials that you will need as well as practical things such as how you will connect it to the electrics if this is something that you plan to do.
As it will be outside in the garden, you also need to think about how you are going to make sure it can withstand the weather.
Once you have a design that you are happy with, you are ready to get started on your project. Get the materials that you need before you begin so that you know you have enough. Places like this timber merchants Portsmouth based company https://www.timbco.co.uk can supply you with wood, so have a look around your area to see what suppliers there are. Take the time to get various quotes and compare them too, as prices can vary and you don’t want to pay more than you need to.
Another thing that you need to be aware of is how much time the project is going to take you. You don’t want to start it only to not have the time to finish it. Make sure that you work out a realistic time period and create a schedule that will help you to stay on track and also to ensure that you have the time to get it finished, ready for the summer!
Using your summerhouse as a home office
A summerhouse can do more than offer shade and somewhere to relax. With some thought it becomes a comfortable place to work. Start by deciding how you will use it. If it is mainly a calm spot for the occasional meeting, simple but comfortable furniture may be all you need. If you plan to work there for several hours a day, invest in a desk and chair you can sit at comfortably, along with shelves for files, paperwork and supplies.
Practical comforts matter as much as furniture. Plan for good lighting, ventilation and a telephone line. A heating and cooling system will keep the space usable through cold winters and hot summers alike.
Think about where the desk goes too. Notice which parts of the summerhouse get the most natural light through the day, because working in daylight is far more pleasant than working under artificial light.
Planning a summerhouse for year-round use
A summerhouse gives the whole family usable garden space whatever the weather, which a patio or deck cannot. It can be set up as a small gym, games room, home office or simply a quiet place to read.
Take time to pick a design and size that will suit you in future as well as now. Despite the name, many styles are fully enclosed and, with heating and lighting added, can be used in every season. They cost more than a basic summerhouse but are a good investment if you will use the space beyond the summer. A well built one can also make your home more attractive to buyers.
Check with your local council about planning permission and any regulations before you start, since it is easier to ask first than to fix problems later. Every summerhouse needs a strong foundation, which may limit where it can go. Choose materials that suit the local climate, especially in wet areas.
Ways to use and furnish your summerhouse
Once the summerhouse is built, the next question is what to use it for. Many people turn theirs into a garden office, giving them a quiet place to work from home away from the distractions of the house. Others set up a small home gym, so they can exercise without travelling anywhere.
For some, it is simply a retreat, somewhere to get a little space from the rest of the household when everyone has been under one roof for too long. For most, though, it is a comfortable spot to sit and watch the evening shadows lengthen across the garden.
Whatever you choose, the furniture sets the tone. Classic woven garden chairs are a timeless choice that suits both the summerhouse and the garden around it. Pick pieces that are comfortable enough for long evenings and sturdy enough to cope with the changing temperatures of an outdoor building.
