The garden room revolution didn’t start with COVID, but the pandemic certainly accelerated it. Working from home became normal. The spare bedroom wasn’t cutting it. And suddenly, that unused corner of the garden looked like an opportunity.
But garden rooms aren’t just for offices. They’re yoga studios, art spaces, gyms, teenage retreats, guest accommodation, and extensions of living space that avoid the planning nightmare of a traditional extension.
We’ve researched the UK garden room market to help you navigate the options - from budget log cabins to architect-designed studios.
Types of Garden Room
Before diving into specific products, understand the main categories:
Log Cabins
Traditional timber construction, typically interlocking logs. The entry-level option.
Pros: Affordable, traditional aesthetic, DIY-friendly assembly Cons: Often poorly insulated, requires ongoing maintenance, basic appearance Price range: GBP3,000-10,000
Insulated Garden Rooms
Purpose-built garden rooms with proper insulation, designed for year-round use.
Pros: All-season comfort, professional finish, minimal maintenance Cons: Higher cost, usually requires professional installation Price range: GBP12,000-30,000
Contemporary Studios
High-end garden rooms with premium materials, large glazing, and architectural design.
Pros: Stunning aesthetics, excellent build quality, genuinely room-like comfort Cons: Significant investment, longer lead times Price range: GBP25,000-50,000+
Garden Pods
Distinctive curved or geodesic designs that make a visual statement.
Pros: Unique appearance, interesting acoustics, conversation pieces Cons: Less conventional internal space, limited furniture layouts Price range: GBP8,000-25,000
Best Garden Rooms for UK Gardens
Cabin Master
One of the UK’s largest garden room manufacturers, Cabin Master offers a wide range from basic cabins to premium insulated rooms, all made in Nottingham.
What we like:
- UK manufacturing with nationwide installation
- Huge range from budget to premium
- Good reputation for customer service
- 10-year guarantee
- Showrooms you can visit
What to consider:
- Lead times can be lengthy (8-12 weeks)
- Quality varies across their range
- Upselling can be aggressive
- Installation costs add up
Price: GBP8,000-35,000 depending on size and specification
Best for: Those wanting UK manufacturing with a range of price points.
Green Retreats
A family business from Herefordshire, Green Retreats has built a strong reputation for quality garden rooms with excellent insulation.
What we like:
- Outstanding insulation (100mm walls standard)
- Attention to detail and finish quality
- True year-round comfort
- British manufacturing
- 10-year structural guarantee
What to consider:
- Premium pricing
- Longer lead times
- Limited very-budget options
- Waiting list for popular models
Price: GBP18,000-45,000
Best for: Those prioritising build quality and year-round usability.
Rubicon Garden Rooms
Yorkshire-based manufacturer focusing on contemporary designs with flat roofs and large glazing areas.
What we like:
- Contemporary styling with clean lines
- Good insulation standards
- Competitive pricing for the spec
- Large glazing options
- British manufacturing
What to consider:
- Less established than some competitors
- Limited model range
- Regional focus (though nationwide available)
Price: GBP15,000-35,000
Best for: Those wanting contemporary aesthetics at mid-range prices.
The Garden Escape Company
Specialising in pod-style garden rooms, The Garden Escape Company offers distinctive curved designs that stand out from rectangular alternatives.
What we like:
- Unique curved aesthetic
- Well-insulated for year-round use
- Range of sizes from small to large
- Good acoustics for music/recording
- Makes a statement
What to consider:
- Curved walls limit furniture placement
- Not to everyone’s taste
- Premium pricing for the size
- Less conventional appearance
Price: GBP12,000-30,000
Best for: Those wanting something visually distinctive.
Crane Garden Buildings
Part of the Crane sheds and summerhouse brand, their garden room range offers traditional aesthetics with modern insulation.
What we like:
- Traditional design language
- New England and Georgian style options
- Well-established company (40+ years)
- National installer network
- Planning-compliant designs
What to consider:
- Traditional styling won’t suit contemporary gardens
- Mid-range insulation
- Some models better suited to seasonal use
- Premium pricing for traditional look
Price: GBP15,000-35,000
Best for: Those with traditional properties wanting complementary garden room design.
BillyOh / Tiger Sheds
At the budget end, BillyOh and Tiger Sheds offer log cabin-style buildings that can be upgraded for improved insulation.
What we like:
- Affordable entry point
- Range of sizes
- DIY or assisted installation
- Quick delivery
- Good for seasonal/light use
What to consider:
- Basic insulation requires upgrading for year-round use
- Build quality below premium competitors
- More maintenance required
- Won’t last as long as premium options
Price: GBP3,000-10,000
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers for seasonal use or those happy to upgrade insulation themselves.
Garden Room Comparison
| Feature | Cabin Master | Green Retreats | Rubicon | Garden Escape | BillyOh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | GBP8,000-35,000 | GBP18,000-45,000 | GBP15,000-35,000 | GBP12,000-30,000 | GBP3,000-10,000 |
| Style | Various | Contemporary | Contemporary | Curved pod | Traditional |
| Insulation | Varies | Excellent | Good | Good | Basic |
| Year-round | Depends on spec | Yes | Yes | Yes | With upgrades |
| Lead Time | 8-12 weeks | 10-14 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Best for | Range of budgets | Quality focus | Modern look | Unique design | Budget/seasonal |
What to Look For When Buying
Insulation Specification
This is the difference between a garden room you use year-round and one that sits empty in winter.
Walls: Minimum 50mm insulation for occasional winter use. 75-100mm for serious year-round comfort. Floor: Often overlooked. Cold floors make a room uncomfortable. Insulated floor construction essential. Roof: Heat rises - roof insulation critical. 100mm+ recommended. Windows: Double glazing minimum. Triple glazing in premium models. Draught-proofing: The construction quality matters as much as insulation thickness.
Construction Quality
Frame: Engineered timber frame is standard. Steel frame in some premium models. Cladding: Cedar (premium, weathers naturally), treated softwood (needs maintenance), composite (no maintenance). Internal finish: Plasterboard ready for decoration is best. Exposed OSB/ply is budget. Electrics: Pre-wired or ready for electrician? Consumer unit included?
Size Guidance
Consider what you’ll actually use the space for:
Home office (1 person): 3m x 2.5m minimum (7.5m²). Comfortable: 3m x 3m (9m²). Home office (2 people): 4m x 3m minimum (12m²). Comfortable: 4m x 4m (16m²). Garden studio/gym: 4m x 3m minimum. More space is always better. Guest room: 4m x 3m minimum for bed, storage, and movement. Multi-use: 5m x 4m+ gives genuine flexibility.
Base Requirements
Garden rooms need a solid, level base:
Concrete slab: Traditional, stable, permanent. GBP50-80/m². Needs time to cure. Ground screws: Quick installation, adjustable, less disruption. GBP40-60/m². Deck base: Raised platform, good for sloping sites. GBP60-100/m². Existing patio: Can work if level and sturdy. Check with manufacturer.
Planning Permission Quick Guide
Most garden rooms don’t need planning permission under permitted development, but conditions apply:
Permitted development allows:
- Single storey only
- Maximum eaves height 2.5m (or 3m if 2m+ from boundary)
- Maximum overall height 4m (pitched roof) or 3m (flat roof)
- Not forward of principal elevation
- Not covering more than 50% of garden with outbuildings
- Not in curtilage of listed building (needs consent)
- Not in Article 4 direction areas (check local)
Always needs permission:
- Sleeping accommodation (separate planning category)
- Business use receiving visitors
- In conservation areas (check local rules)
- Listed building curtilage
Recommended: Check with your local planning department before ordering, even if you believe permitted development applies.
Electrics and Heating
Electrical Connection
Garden rooms need electricity for lighting, heating, and devices. Options:
Armoured cable from house: Most common. Needs qualified electrician. GBP500-1,500. Above-ground cable: Cheaper but visible. May need protection. Solar + battery: Off-grid option for light use. Limited for heating/high-power.
You’ll need:
- Consumer unit in garden room
- RCD protection
- Exterior-rated cable
- Building regulations certification
Heating Options
Electric radiators: Simple, cheap to install, expensive to run. Electric underfloor: Comfortable, even heat. Needs to be designed-in. Air source mini-split: Efficient heating AND cooling. GBP1,500-3,000 installed. Best for year-round use. Electric panel heaters: Quick heat, affordable installation.
For a garden office used daily, a mini-split air source heat pump pays back in running costs within 2-3 years versus electric radiators.
Our Recommendation
For a year-round garden office or studio, Green Retreats delivers the best combination of build quality, insulation, and long-term value. Their 100mm wall insulation and attention to detail mean genuine comfort in all seasons. The premium is justified if you’ll use the space daily.
For those with tighter budgets wanting year-round use, Rubicon Garden Rooms offers good insulation and contemporary design at more accessible prices.
If you need a garden building primarily for warmer months with occasional winter use, Cabin Master’s mid-range options provide UK manufacturing at reasonable prices - just ensure you specify adequate insulation.
For budget buyers or seasonal use, a BillyOh or Tiger Sheds log cabin provides affordable space - but budget for insulation upgrades if winter use is planned.
Whatever you choose, a garden room adds usable space to your home without the disruption of a traditional extension. Plan for proper insulation, proper electrics, and proper heating - and you’ll have a room you use year-round.
Looking to create the perfect outdoor living space? Explore our pergolas collection for covered outdoor areas that complement your garden room.