Garden Office Buying Guide

Our garden office buying guide will explain everything you need to know about purchasing a garden office. We will talk about the definition of garden offices, the size of available garden offices and the types of outdoor offices for sale. We will discuss garden office summerhouses, log cabin garden offices, garden office pods and garden office sheds. With so many options to choose from if you want the best garden office installation for your money, then read on and enjoy our garden office buying guide.

Garden offices: an explanation

These are insulated rooms that sit in your garden and are used for various purposes, often primarily as workspace. They provide a quiet, dedicated area separate from the main dwelling and are ideal for remote work, creative projects and running a small business. These structures are often insulated and feature single or double sliding doors and have a choice of windows or roof lights.

A garden office pod frequently features electricity, heating and internet connectivity (additional extras), making them functional year-round. An insulated garden office can serve as a studio, hobby room or relaxation space for exercise. Although these are not supplied as standard with our range, these can be added by garden office buyers.

Stage 1: Garden office size

Garden offices are available in a diverse selection of sizes, shapes and designs to suit various needs. We recognise that each customer has distinct preferences and garden office dimensions tailored to their specific requirements.

We are often asked “What are the smallest and largest garden offices in your range?”, the answer to this would be:

1)  Smallest - 7’x7’ - Palmako Vivian 2.1m x 2.1m Log Cabin – with 28mm cladding

2)  Largest – 26’x16’ - Palmako Anna 7.8m x 4.8m Log Cabin – with 70mm cladding

How large is the space you have available?

The space in your garden needs to be big enough to accommodate your garden office and have room to move around it. As an example, the ideal amount of space you need for a 2.54mx2.9m or 50sq.ft garden room is 50sqft plus an additional 1-2 feet of clearance on all sides for maintenance and ease of access. So, the total amount of space required for the Forest Xtend 2.5 insulated garden office is 2.54mx2.9m.

For what activities is a garden office used?

They are used for all sorts of activities from working from home duties to relaxed downtime and socialising. Here is a garden office few possibilities:

• A garden studio for yoga or exercise
• A homework room
• A room for contemplation
• A room for hobbies
• An extension to your professional life
• Reading room
• Small business location
• Work from home office

Whatever you need in your garden office installation and for whatever reason you require more space we have a garden office for you.

Garden office dimensions and measurements

As we said earlier, we sell small outdoor offices from 7’x7’ to a large garden office room and studio at 26’x16’. To give this some context, a 7’x7’ garden office base will comfortably fit a desk and office chair, provide a garden office with storage and shelving; however, a 26’x16’ garden office design will hold 6-8 standard (5ft wide) desks and leave enough space for chairs and movement.

To provide a clearer visual reference, if you were to use your Palmako Anna 7.8m x 4.8m log cabin as a meeting room, it could comfortably accommodate 20-25 people along with their chairs. In domestic terms, this size garden office is the size of a large living room that can hold two sofas, a coffee table and a TV on a TV unit, and it still has additional space for a small dining table and chairs.

With this visualisation in mind, you must measure your available space correctly so that you do not order the incorrect size garden building and then go through all the trouble of returning it and all the aggravation and disappointment that it involves.

If you are unsure how to measure your space, then follow these step-by-step guidelines:

1)     Gather your measuring tools - this includes stakes or markers, string and chalk, a notepad, and a pen - and ask a friend or relative to help

2)     Choose the likely location – consider factors like sunlight, proximity to the house and access to utilities

3)     Clear the area – remove obstacles like plants, rocks and garden furniture to get an accurate idea of the space you can work with

4)     Measure the length – use the string and a measuring tape to get an accurate measurement of the length and width. Mark each corner with your stake

5)     Connect the dots - using string or chalk, connect the stakes, outlining the likely perimeter of your garden office

6)     Double-check your measurements - once the string or chalk is in place, recheck the measurements

7)     Visualise your space – you can see how big or small your garden building will be

Remember to ensure your corners are at a right angle (90 degrees) to get an accurate rectangular space. If the above seems daunting, then call our customer services team and an expert will help put you right.

Stage 2: Garden office types

A large selection of options is available, including an office garden pod, garden office summer house, insulated garden offices and log cabins that can be used as garden rooms and offices. We sell sheds that can be converted into garden offices and large garden buildings that are multifunctional workspaces.
 

These versatile contemporary garden office structures provide a dedicated, quiet space for work, creativity or relaxation, enhancing productivity and work-life balance. If you need additional space, buy a garden office from us and create the extra workspace you want and need.

Garden office summer house

Garden office summer houses are our speciality; they offer the best garden office design that is practical, multipurpose and aesthetically pleasing. The concept of a summer house dates to the 16th century. The idea was brought back from Europe, where wealthy people would entertain their friends in the gardens of their grand houses. By the 19th century, the summer house was more accessible and probably smaller and featured in many suburban gardens as a feature representing outdoor living.

We have the following summer houses that make the best work-from-home spaces. Here are a few examples of what is available:

• Forest 10’x6’ 4Life Double Door Pent Summer House
• Forest Rushock 5mx4m log cabin
• Forest Xtend 4.0 Insulated Garden office 4.05mx3.42m
• Mercia Elite 5mx4m double glazed garden office with side shed
• Palmako Ines 5.2m x3.8 m log cabin garden office
• Palmako Solveig 4.5mx3.3m contemporary garden room
• Shire Avesbury 3.1m x3m log cabin summer house

Any of these garden buildings makes fantastic work-from-home garden offices. These spaces increase productivity and offer a change of environment away from home to allow you to focus on business. On weekends and holidays, your outdoor office can double up as an extra room for reading, painting and teenage activities, providing a peaceful escape from the main home or just a quiet place to sit and think.

Log cabin garden office

Log cabin garden offices are designed to look like a rustic room or outhouse that blends into the garden or outside space. Our log cabin garden offices are clad in tongue and groove, shiplap or overlap cladding for weather-resistant insulation. We have small garden office ideas right up to luxury garden office designs.

If you fancy a log cabin garden office, then we can help. Here are some suggestions:

• Palmako Bret 5.1m x 3.9m log cabin
• Palmako Iris 3.9m x 3m log cabin
• Palmako Simone 5m x 3.9m Pent log cabin
• Forest Wolverley 6m x 4m log cabin garden office

The overhanging roof is a feature of a garden office that looks like a log cabin, along with attractive pale wooden cladding. Each garden office has a long anti-rot guarantee and is most often supplied untreated, and will need timber treatment during installation.

Here are some more reasons to choose a log cabin garden office:

1.     Increased aesthetic appeal

2.     Insulation for all-year-round use

3.     Natural light

4.     Sturdy construction

5.     Versatility

Consider a traditional garden office in a log cabin design for your work-from-home space. No matter your motivation, your career, your job or vocation, we have bespoke garden offices for all sizes of gardens.

Garden office pod

A garden office pod is just another name for a garden office or building; however, it does not have to be, your garden pod can be precisely that, a pod in the garden; you can be as adventurous or conventional as you like. It is your space, and the more bespoke features you choose, your garden pod will stand out.

Defining a garden office pod

In a world of bespoke garden offices, the garden pod office is king (or queen). You can go as wild as you like. When creating the garden pod office of your dreams, this space can be a treehouse or a suspended pod on a cantilever from your house (local council regulations permitting), but when you go with this bespoke, you are looking at spending a lot of money.

So, if you want something quirky but do not want to break the bank, we have a selection of garden office pods that offer practical space and enhanced aesthetic value. Consider the following:

• Forest Blakedown 6mx4m log cabin garden pod
• Forest Xtend 3.0+ Insulated Garden office pod
• Palmako Andrea 6.4mx4m Contemporary log cabin garden pod with sliding doors
• Palmako Iris 3.9mx3m log cabin garden pod

The Forest Xtend 3.0+ is a fantastic example of a garden building with character – here are some excellent characteristics that this garden office pod offers people who are looking to upgrade their work-life balance:

• 15-year structural guarantee
• Constructed from modern Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for better year-round insulation
• Double-glazed double doors with seven-point multi-lock
• The 97mm SIP walls are clad with 15mm thick T&G (tongue and groove) cladding
• The extra internal cladding has been added to give a 177mm thickness to the construction
• The SIP panels make up a 108mm SIP floor and 122mm SIP roof for top-to-bottom insulation
• Two full-length, double-glazed windows with opening top halves

The Mercia Elite 4mx3m Double Glazed Garden Office Log Cabin with a side shed perfectly combines practicality and aesthetic value. Here is why you should choose the Merica Elite:

1)     Doors - the unit has double-glazed doors with a secure locking system. The shed space on the side has a separate door

2)     Floor and roof - 16mm T&G floor and roof make this sturdy construction perfect for daily use

3)     Guarantee information - each is supplied with a 10-year anti-rot warranty and also has a 1-year parts guarantee

4)     Size options - is available in four sizes

5)     Wall thickness - the build is outstanding and features 34mm interlocking walls for solid insulation

6)     Windows - two opening double-glazed windows for ventilation

All in all, the Mercia Elite is an example of a top-quality garden shed office that ticks all the boxes and will not drain the budget. Here are some more examples of fantastic garden shed offices: 

• Palram Canopia 12'x10' Copenhagen Garden office
• Forest Elmley 5mx3m log cabin garden shed office
• Forest Mendip 5mx4m log cabin garden office
• Palmako Emma 4.7mx3.5m log cabin summer house with shed

Life in your garden office shed can be as low-key or as professional as your needs require.

Stage 3: Garden office cladding

Garden office cladding is a significant part of the build; when you buy a garden office, think about what type of cladding works for you. All cladding is designed to aid insulation, but some garden buildings have more than others. Then there is the look of your cladding. Do you want rustic or contemporary? You can have interlocking logs or tongue and groove. Both are practical cladding design styles; however, interlocking logs tend to be an expensive choice.

Interlocking logs

Interlocking logs are designed to stay together by combining notches and grooves. Each log is machined with specific notches, grooves or protrusions that can fit tightly together, creating a snug interlocking connection.

Here are some more benefits of choosing interlocking logs as garden office cladding:

• • Durability – the robust construction of the logs ensures long-lasting durability
  • Ease of maintenance – regular maintenance, such as sealing and staining keeps the garden office in shape for longer
  • Energy efficiency – the natural insulation properties make interlocking logs a winner
  • Enhance aesthetic appeal – interlocking logs look great and offer a classic yet rustic appeal

We love interlocking logs as a concept and a vibe. All you need is a checked shirt, and you are sorted!

Tongue and groove cladding

Also known as T&G cladding, is similar in concept to interlocking logs, except the wooden planks are flat boards and not logs. The engineering part of T&G is a similar notch and protrusion setup but more defined as a ‘tongue’ on one side of the board and a ‘groove’ on the other that slots together to form a solid cladding area.

Here are some more benefits of hcoosing tongue and groove as garden office cladding:

• • Aesthetics - the interlocking T&G board provide an almost seamless look
  • Cheaper cladding style – T&G tends to be cheaper to make and install, so it gives an overall cost benefit to the purchaser
  • No need for fasteners – the tight nature of T&G engineering means you do need extra fittings
  • Strength and stability – increased structural integrity
  • Weatherproofing – the tight-fitting panels prevent water ingress

Tongue and groove cladding is a timeless concept that has contributed to garden office construction in many ways.

The importance of insulation

If you want a comfortable garden office environment, you need insulation for the following reasons:

• All-year-round use - ensures that the space remains warm and welcoming throughout the year
• Conducive productive work environment - an insulated, soundproof workspace creates a quiet, focused environment that increases productivity and enhances well-being
• Saves money - additionally, insulation helps save money over time by minimising the need for additional heating or cooling
• Soundproofing - decent insulation provides soundproofing, especially if your garden office doubles as a music studio or teenager's den on weekends
• Temperature regulation - it also means the workspace is cool in summer and warm in winter, dry through rain periods and always energy efficient

Considering all the above pointers, your garden office is an excellent investment that will maintain its purpose for years.

Are garden offices suitable for year-round use?

Yes, garden offices and exterior workspaces, including summer houses and log cabins, are multifunctional buildings that you can and should use continuously (in all weather). Even though the cladding options on our garden offices offer sound thermal insulation, we understand that you might need to add a heater or fan to increase comfort.

Portable heaters provide warmth and comfort during the colder months (January, no one’s favourite month), and an electric fan in the unlikely event we have any sort of summer. A great benefit of our solar-powered accessories for your garden office is that you enjoy power without being connected to the mains, thereby avoiding additional energy costs.

Stage 4: Features to look for

The most important features to think about in a garden office are the roof options along with the choices of windows doors and other garden office features.

Roof

When choosing a roof type for your garden office, consider the following options:

1.  Pent roof

A single slope that allows rainwater to fall off easily. The benefits of this kind of roof are its modern look and simple construction, which allow for effective water drainage.

2.  Apex roof

A traditional garden office triangle design shape where two slopes meet at the central ridge, an apex roof offers a classic look and excellent headroom. An apex roof’s drainage of water functionality is second to none.

3.  Reverse apex roof

The reverse apex is less frequently used in garden office construction. It is often designed for bespoke garden offices where the roof slopes converge, but the roof ridge extends along the width rather than the length.

4.  Flat roof

It is a simple construction with a minimal slope, giving it a sleek, modern appearance. A flat roof makes an ideal green or living roof, which is itself another layer of insulation and gives the impression of more space.

5.  Reverse pent roof

It is the same as a pent roof, but the slope falls away from you rather than towards you. This roof is adaptable depending on where your home office sits in your garden.

Windows

Windows are an essential design feature, impacting both aesthetics and functionality. Here are some options that feature in our range of garden offices:

• Casement windows – wooden in construction with hinges on the top or side that make these windows easy to open
• Double-glazed windows – made in either metal or timber and include two panels of toughed glass to help provide insulation
• Floor-to-ceiling windows – these are supplied in either wood or metal with single- or double-glazed glass options. These windows are a feature or focal point of the building
• High windows – positioned high up to allow natural light in but provide privacy, particularly useful in yoga studios or for an osteopath-style business
• Wrap-around windows – this type of window is more for bespoke garden offices and is also a feature or talking point

While we may not consider windows thought worthy, they merit some consideration, as the above points show.

Doors

Choosing the right doors for your garden office is essential for functionality and looks. Here are some options:

1)  Single door

Ideal for a small garden office and can be positioned on the front or side of the garden building.

2)  Double doors

French doors or similar open outward, providing a wide entry and enhancing connection with the outside.

3)  Sliding doors

Sliding doors allow access in a space-saving way, look sleek and allow the user to insulate their garden office while enjoying an expansive view.

4)  Double glazed doors

Double-toughened glass is better for insulation and soundproofing.

5)  Single glazing

Single-glazed units are often the cheaper option and are used in garden rooms or summer houses that are not used every day.

Stage 5: Other features

Another feature to consider is whether a corner-model garden office suits your space better than a rectangle or square office. A gazebo-style garden office is also a tremendous mid-ground space between a full-on office and an entertaining space. We sell garden buildings with canopies to shade the occupants and offer a cover for those garden offices with inbuilt verandas. There are many options; it can feel overwhelming, so here are a few pointers to get you in the mood to formulate your garden office design ideas.

Corner models

If you have a corner space in your garden, you could fill it with a corner model garden office. Here are some excellent reasons to buy a corner model:

• Enhanced aesthetics – designed to blend in with the remainder of the garden

• Improved work-life balance – a corner plot offers a different perspective to a regular garden office
• Minimal footprint – less overall ground space is used to give you an office but provides the same amount of practicality as a regular garden office
• Space efficiency – corner offices are designed to fit neatly into the corner of your garden, maximising the use of space without overwhelming your outdoor area
• Versatility – your corner office can be whatever you want it to be

By choosing a corner garden office, you can enjoy a functional, attractive and versatile space that enhances your garden and lifestyle.

With gazebo

A corner garden office with a gazebo, now, you are talking! The gazebo addition gives the workspace more pazazz, a little je ne sais quoi or chic, making your choice more individual.

Here are some gazebos you could add to your corner garden office to enhance your options or use independently:

• Forest Garden 10’x9’ luxury wooden furnished gazebo with a cedar roof
• Forest Garden 10’x9’ luxury wooden furnished gazebo with a timber roof
• Palmako Betty Garden Pavilion Luxury Gazebo 4.5x4.5
• Forest Garden 20’x15’ Premium oval wooden furnished gazebo with a cedar roof

Gazebos are the perfect halfway house between a full-on garden building and a family space.

With canopy

A corner garden office or gazebo with a canopy is the ultimate recipe for success. A canopy offers shade and even some light rain protection. Have a look at an example of a garden building with a canopy and see what we mean:

• Palmako Grace 6mx3.9m Pent Log Cabin with Canopy

While these examples are not garden buildings, they are suggestions for usable spaces that you can add to your garden building or use independently.

With a veranda

A garden office with a veranda perfectly balances productivity and relaxation. The veranda provides a sheltered outdoor space, ideal for tea breaks, enjoying fresh air, or hosting informal meetings. The veranda enhances the visual appeal and creates a connection with nature. Additionally, the veranda attached to your garden office is a versatile area for outdoor seating and dining, making your garden office a multipurpose, multifunctional, inviting place year-round.
 
An example is the 7'x9' Shire Casita Wooden Summer House including Veranda, which would make an ideal garden office.

With side shed

Having a garden office with storage is a bonus and an office complete with a side shed is more than a bonus it is a gift. Check out the Mercia 5mx3m log cabin garden office with a side shed. A garden office with a shed on the side, what is not to love?

Stage 6: Garden office cost calculations

Starting price for garden offices

The pricing trends for garden offices vary significantly between log cabin style and tongue and groove style offices. The costs are detailed below:

Log cabin offices

These range in size from 10'x8' to 12'x18'. The cost of log cabin offices is primarily influenced by the type of cladding used. Other factors include the size and features of the log cabin.

Tongue and groove garden office price

We offer tongue and groove garden offices from two manufacturers, with the following price ranges:

Installation cost of a garden office

Choosing between DIY installation and professional services will significantly impact costs. Additionally, both the log cabin's size and the intricacies of the assembly will influence the total costs, as illustrated below:

1)  DIY assembly

For smaller and more straightforward log cabin offices, the DIY cost of a garden office can be minimal. The main expenditure would likely be for purchasing or renting the required tools, which could cost between £50 and £300.

2)  Professional assembly

The expenses associated with professionally assembling a garden office are influenced by several factors:

• Features - more elaborate and extensive features prolong the installation process, thereby raising costs
• Location in the UK - some regions, particularly around London and southern England, have higher hourly rates. For estimation purposes, we assume an average of £25 per hour
• Garden office size - large garden offices incur higher costs due to the increased amount of materials required

Log cabin garden office installation

Estimated costs based on the thickness of cladding and size are:

Tongue and groove garden office professional installation services

Installation services are available through Forest Garden. For detailed information, please click on individual product listings. The installation costs are as follows:

• • Forest Garden: £2,000 to £2,200

How can I find a cheap garden office?

On our website, the garden office prices are clearly shown for each product. Prices can also easily be filtered, using the price filter in the top left column.

What constitutes a “cheap garden office” is subjective. We think a yardstick measure could be garden offices priced below £2,000. Around 10% of our garden offices are available at this price and can be viewed by clicking this link.

Do not forget to check our accessories section next, where you will find information on available accessories and their potential costs.

Stage 7: Accessory options

By this point in our garden office buying guide; you might have decided what garden office or garden building you want. So, now is the time to add your garden office accessories. Here are some that will enhance the way you live your work-from-home life:

The above list is not everything, but it is a great place to start. Click here for the full list and remember to choose your accessories wisely, as they will keep your garden office well-lit and warm. These accessories also offer lots of extra storage and weatherproofing turning your garden office building into a property investment.

Garden office uses

Garden offices are more than just office spaces or places where you do your day job. Our multifunctional garden buildings can evolve after office hours into garden gyms (verandas with canopies are perfect for some outdoor yoga), reading rooms and entertaining spaces, including a garden bar and even a playroom (although we sell children’s playrooms specifically for kids). The potential for multifunctional living is massive with any of our work-from-home spaces.

Garden gyms

Pump that iron in your own garden gym, lift your weights and listen to your music while you get busy on the treadmill, the perfect end to the working day. Here is our idea for a great garden gym:

• • Palmako Lea 5.8m x4.5m log cabin garden office with sliding doors

To make the most of your garden gym you need space but if you choose a smaller size garden office you can always add a garden deck kit that contains a canopy to give you more room.

Yoga studio

A downward dog has never looked so good in your garden yoga studio. The insulated floors with garden office installation mean the floor under your feet is warm, and you always feel grounded. Striking a pose in your modern garden office will soon become second nature. So, enjoy the space that a yoga studio or garden room gives you. Here is our idea of a perfect yoga studio:

• • Forest Hardwood 3mx2m log cabin

To make the most of your yoga studio space choose a garden office and add a garden deck kit no 12 that contains a canopy to give you more room to be zen!

Reading room

A space to read is a luxury reserved for evenings and weekends (if you are lucky), so having a designated reading room is a gift and a delight. Here are a couple of ideas for a restful reading room:

• • 6'x4' Forest Beckwood double door apex summer house
  • 8'x6' Forest 4life Double Door pent summer house
    

These two stunning reading rooms and summer houses are made from FSC-certified pressure-treated timber and have a whopping 25-year anti-rot guarantee. Maintenance freedom right there!

Garden bar

Once you have embraced outdoor living with your garden office, you will need some downtime, and there is no better way to spend your weekend or evenings with family and friends than at your own garden bar. Here is our idea for some relaxed garden bars:

• 6’x3’ Forest shiplap pressure treated garden bar
• 6’x4’ Forest shiplap pressure treated garden bar
• 9’x6’ Palmako Stella Premium large garden bar
• 10’5”x8’5” Palmako Stella Premium extra-large garden bar
• 11’8”x9’6” Palmako Kira Premium extra-large garden bar
• Forest wooden fold-down garden wall bar

Children’s playroom

A children's playroom is the place where memories are made. Buying your children a playroom for their gardens gives them the gift of creativity and independence.  Here is our idea of a fun kid's playroom:

• 5'x4' Shire Club kid's wooden playhouse
• 6'x4' Shire Stork kid's wooden playhouse
• 6'x5' Shire Pixie kid's wooden playhouse
• 6'x5'6” Shire Cubby kid's wooden playhouse
• 7'x8' Shire Crib kid's wooden playhouse
• 8'x9' Shire Lodge kid's wooden playhouse

For the ultimate cool kid's playhouse, the 6'x6' Shire Stork Tower kid’s wooden playhouse is the one to choose, this playhouse boasts a wooden veranda and a ladder. There is so much fun to be had in a kid's playhouse, luckily you have a garden bar and a garden office; otherwise, no work would get done.

What is the delivery timeframe?

Numerous items provide a pick-a-day delivery option, allowing you to select your preferred delivery date before finalising your purchase, as noted on the product page. If this service is not available, please check the specified lead times for each item to determine its dispatch readiness. The manufacturer will then contact you to schedule a delivery date. Please note that any changes to your order after payment may affect your delivery date, so it is important to ensure your order is finalised before proceeding.

Are there delivery fees?

Most garden offices for sale include free delivery; however, additional charges may apply for certain remote postcodes. To check delivery availability and any potential extra fees in your area, please use our postcode checker.

Contact information

For further modern garden office ideas and support with purchasing one of our garden offices for sale, feel free to contact our UK-based customer service team. Call us at 0333 003 0518 or send us an email using the form on our contact page. You can also access live chat for immediate help by clicking the app icon at the bottom left corner of any page. We are eager to assist you.