Garden Offices

How We Help You Find the Right Garden Office

Finding the perfect garden office can be overwhelming, but our mission is to guide you through the process and help you discover the best options available. We strive to ensure you get the ideal product at the best price from the most reliable retailers. With detailed reviews and an extensive database, we simplify your search, making it quick and easy to compare different garden offices.

You might like a cheap insulated garden office to match your budget, a DIY garden office you can put together yourself, a prefab garden office that can be set up in seconds, a mini garden office for a small outdoor area, a garden office with storage for keeping your working equipment and files safe, or something totally different. Whether you want contemporary garden offices, a log cabin garden office with a rustic design or something else entirely, WhatShed’s ratings and appraisals will help you find it.

Using smart algorithms developed with UK garden building experts, we categorise, score, and rank garden offices to ensure you find the most suitable options. Our system automatically places the highest-rated products at the top, providing full price comparisons so you can save both time and money while securing the best deal.

What Makes a Garden Office?

A Garden Office is a purpose-built outdoor structure designed to serve as a comfortable and productive workspace separate from the main house. As more people work from home, garden offices offer a quiet, private space that blends with the natural surroundings. To classify an outbuilding as a garden office, several key factors must be considered: size, insulation, lighting, and materials. These elements ensure the space is functional, durable, and comfortable throughout the year.

Key Factors for Classifying and Selecting a Garden Office

1. Dimensions and Space Requirements

The size of the garden office is crucial to its usability. It needs to offer enough space for office furniture, storage, and comfort while fitting well within your outdoor space. A compact garden office typically measures around 6×8 feet (1.8m x 2.4m), sufficient for a desk, chair, and basic storage. For a more comfortable setup, a standard size starts at 8×10 feet (2.4m x 3m) or 10×10 feet (3m x 3m), providing space for multiple pieces of furniture. Larger garden offices may range from 10×12 feet (3m x 3.6m) to 12×16 feet (3.6m x 4.8m), offering more versatility and allowing for multiple uses, including a meeting area. The height of the interior should be at least 7 to 8 feet (2.1 to 2.4m), providing ample headroom for comfort and ventilation.

2. Construction Materials

The materials used in a garden office significantly affect its durability, insulation, and comfort. Wooden garden offices are popular for their aesthetic appeal and natural insulation properties. Choose cladding like tongue-and-groove or shiplap at least 16mm thick for better weather resistance. Pressure-treated wood also ensures resistance to rot and decay. Metal garden offices, made from galvanized steel or aluminium, offer excellent security and durability but require internal insulation to prevent condensation. Plastic garden offices, made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are rot-proof and require little maintenance, but proper insulation is crucial for year-round use.

3. Roof Design and Materials

The roof design impacts the overall comfort and durability of the garden office. A pent roof, with its modern look and efficient water runoff, is ideal for garden offices, while an apex roof provides more headroom and better drainage. Roofing materials also matter. Felt is a budget-friendly option but requires regular maintenance. EPDM rubber is long-lasting and highly resistant to water damage, with a lifespan of up to 50 years. Asphalt shingles provide durability and aesthetic appeal, lasting longer than felt.

4. Insulation and Climate Control

A well-insulated garden office is essential for comfortable use throughout the year. Insulation in the walls, floor, and roof ensures the office stays warm in winter and cool in summer. Materials like rigid foam boards, fiberglass, or thermal insulation panels help maintain the interior temperature. Double-glazed windows not only provide soundproofing but also improve energy efficiency, ensuring that the garden office remains a comfortable working environment regardless of the weather.

5. Windows and Lighting

Natural light is crucial for creating a productive workspace in a garden office. Double-glazed windows provide insulation and soundproofing, while skylights add extra brightness. Windows that can open or ventilation grilles are important to prevent condensation, especially during warmer months.

6. Flooring and Base

A solid floor is key to a durable garden office. Wooden garden offices should have pressure-treated timber floors to prevent rot. Insulated floors are recommended to prevent heat loss, and the structure should be built on a stable foundation, such as a concrete slab or decking base.

Creating a Functional and Durable Garden Office

A garden office should be comfortable, durable, and functional, ensuring a productive workspace year-round. The size of the office, which typically ranges from 6×8 feet for smaller setups to 12×16 feet for larger spaces, affects how much furniture and equipment can fit comfortably. The material used, whether wood, metal, or plastic, plays a crucial role in the level of insulation, security, and maintenance required. Features like the roof type, insulation, and windows contribute to the overall comfort and usability of the space. To ensure a reliable, long-lasting garden office, choose one with high-quality insulation, sturdy materials, and practical design elements tailored to your needs.