For busy family life, the right choice often comes down to one simple question: what do you actually want to use the space for?
Traditional pent sheds and apex sheds are practical and hardworking. A garden summerhouse, on the other hand, can become an extension of your living space – somewhere for the family to relax, entertain and spend time together. So, which is right for your garden?
Is a shed the practical choice for you?
If your priority is storage, a good-quality shed is hard to beat.
Garden tools, bikes, lawnmowers, garden furniture, children's outdoor toys and all those things that somehow accumulate over the years need somewhere to live. A shed keeps them out of the house and helps keep the garage free for what you actually want to put in there.
For the keen DIYer or gardener, a larger workshop can offer even more flexibility. With workbenches, shelving and plenty of room to move around, it can become a dedicated space for hobbies and projects.
The downside? A traditional shed is primarily a practical space. While you can certainly spend time in one, it isn't usually designed around relaxing, entertaining or bringing the family together.
Why choose a summerhouse?
A summerhouse is different. Rather than simply giving you somewhere to put things, it gives you somewhere to do things.
Think family breakfasts on a sunny morning, drinks with friends, board games when the weather turns, or a quiet place to sit with a cup of coffee while the children play outside.
A summerhouse for a garden can effectively create another room without extending the house itself. It could be a family room, play space, teenage hangout, reading room or somewhere to entertain. For more ideas on how to use a summerhouse, read Creating an entertainment space in your garden.
Summerhouses aren't just for summer
Despite the name, a well-designed wooden summerhouse doesn't have to sit unused from October to March.
With insulation and a suitable heating solution, your summerhouse can be comfortable throughout the year. In spring and summer, open the doors and make the most of the garden. In autumn and winter, it can become a cosy retreat away from the noise and activity of the house.
For families, this flexibility can be particularly useful. As children grow, the way you use the space can change too. A summerhouse might start life as a playroom, become a place for teenagers to spend time with friends and eventually turn into a hobby or entertaining space.
The pros and cons of a garden summerhouse
There are plenty of reasons to choose a summerhouse, but it's worth considering both sides.
The advantages include:
• Extra living and entertaining space
• A dedicated area for family activities
• Somewhere to enjoy the garden whatever the weather
• Flexible use as your family's needs change
• An attractive feature that can enhance the garden
• The option to customise the size, layout and design
The main consideration is that a summerhouse takes up more garden space than a basic storage shed and is likely to cost more. You'll also need to think about its position, foundations, maintenance and whether you want to insulate it.
If your only requirement is somewhere to store the lawnmower, a summerhouse probably isn't the most sensible solution.
But if you're looking for extra space that the whole family can enjoy, it's a different story. Read more in Reasons to buy a summerhouse.
What does your family really need?
Before choosing between sheds and summerhouses, think about how your family uses the garden now – and how you might use it in five years' time.
Do you need somewhere to store bikes and gardening equipment? A shed could be the perfect answer.
Do you already have plenty of storage but find yourselves wishing for somewhere to sit, eat, entertain or escape to? A garden summerhouse could be a much better investment.
And there is, of course, nothing stopping you from having both. A practical shed can take care of the storage, while a summerhouse provides the extra living space your family will actually enjoy.
Choosing a summerhouse for your garden
Ultimately, the best garden building is the one that fits your family's life. If you simply need somewhere to store things, choose a shed. If you're looking to make more of your garden and create somewhere the family can enjoy together, a summerhouse could be just what you're looking for.
If you decide that a summerhouse is the right choice, consider how you want to use it before deciding on size and style. Think about where it will sit, how much natural light you want and whether you need insulation for year-round use.
Garden buildings and summerhouses from Sutton Sheds
At Sutton Sheds, we manufacture wooden summerhouses, sheds, workshops, garages and potting sheds from our Lincolnshire workshop. We're a family-run business with more than 45 years' experience, and we can also create bespoke buildings to suit your garden and requirements.
To find out more, complete our contact form, call 01526 342777, or drop in to our Lincolnshire workshop between 08.00-16.00 Monday to Friday.
