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When choosing between the size options for a garden summer house, many buyers look for one in 10×8 feet. But is this the best size for the money? It comes down to your garden, and what usage you have in mind. Here’s what you need to know about a 10×8 summer house.
Why 10×8 Feet for a Summer House?
A 10×8 summer house comes in at 10 feet long and 8 feet wide, which is roughly 3.5 x 2.44 metres. That length gives you decent floor room, while the narrow width keeps it compact.
Inside, you can set it up in plenty of ways. A small two-seater sofa with a matching coffee table will surely fit. Though a compact four-person dining set also fits without feeling cramped. It all depends on how you plan to use the space.
The outside has its perks too. Larger footprints often mean more glazing. You’ll see options with tall windows, multi-panel layouts, or double doors with glass panes. It pulls in a good amount of natural light, which makes the room feel more inviting.
This is one of the common sizes for medium summer houses. For more:
What Can You Do With a 10×8 Summer House?
There’s a fair bit you can do with this size, even beyond using it as a small outdoor lounge.
Home office
A standard summer house can manage it, but you’ll want thicker walls for year-round use. Cue a log cabin summer house, a.k.a. a combination of chunky walls and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Take the BillyOh Darcy, for instance. Pop a desk by the front window for plenty of daylight and a view while you work. Add a chair to sit in all day, and a small sofa or armchair in the corner that you can use to take a breather when you need one.
Check out this guide for more ideas: Office Design: How to Suit Your Garden Office to Your Job
Garden bar
With all those big windows, a summer house is great for socialising. Swap a corner sofa for an L-shaped bar table and you’ve got a spot for enjoying drinks with friends.
There should also be enough space for a small to medium-sized table football. And if you need extra seating, move a couple of bar tables and stools out into the garden.
String up some festoon lights around the posts or along the roofline. Solar string lights are handy here. No messy extension leads, just set them up and let the sun do the work. Or, stick a pair of tall wooden or metal poles in the ground and run the lights between them, like a clothesline.
Hobby room
Ever get frustrated having to pack everything away after a few hours of painting or crafting? That’s where a summer house fits the bill. Set your painting supplies by the window for plenty of light. Hang your finished pieces on the opposite wall, with track lights to make them sharp.
If you’re stuck for ideas or want inspiration, have a peek at Give Your Hobby a Home with a Garden Workshop
Bestselling 10×8 Summer Houses
This size gives you the flexibility to make the most of the space in different ways. Take a look at our 10×8 range and see how one could fit into your garden.
BillyOh Petra Tongue and Groove Reverse Apex Summerhouse
The BillyOh Petra comes in multiple sizes, with 10×8 being a popular choice. Regardless, this model features a tall reverse apex roof that provides generous headroom inside.
The highlight, though, is the panoramic windows across the front and double-sided windows. These are glazed with shatter-resistant SAN, giving you fantastic views and natural light without the worry of glass. Not to mention the 4ft-wide central double glass doors, which make the summer house feel more open, bright, and airy.
With this garden room, you can create an outdoor lounge space, fitting a corner sofa with one or two cabinets on the side for storage and to maximise space. There’s also enough room for a small coffee table and decorative touches.
Note: We offer extra wall shelving as part of the unit’s customisation, with options to add it on one side, both sides or all around.
BillyOh Bella Tongue and Groove Pent Summerhouse
If you want more windows but only on one side, whether for shade or privacy, then the BillyOh Bella is for you! The tall windows and double glass doors on the front side invite natural light while keeping the other side more private.
Take advantage of the good headroom at its highest point, thanks to the unit’s pent-roof design. This also keeps the height lower at the back, which can be useful for fitting into gardens with height restrictions.
And the best part about the Bella? It’s designed to be modular, meaning you can configure it to suit your space with its moveable door and window panels if you change your mind. Just remember that adjusting the layout would require taking apart and reassembling certain sections.
BillyOh Darcy Log Cabin Summerhouse
The BillyOh Darcy takes inspiration from log cabins and summerhouses in its design. It’s built with the thick log panels of a log cabin and the wide, full-span windows of a summer house. While summerhouses can be used year-round, this model is specifically designed for that, thanks to the log panels (and with added insulation) for comfort during winter.
The two large opening windows at the front, one on each side of the double glass doors, allow for a well-lit interior. There’s also an additional opening window on one side, providing extra light and ventilation. The windows have a classic Georgian bar style, giving the cabin a traditional look.
Darcy also features a tall reverse apex roof, standing at 2.5m, giving you and your guests plenty of headroom. Even at its lowest point, the eaves are at least 6ft high, so the ceiling feels more open.
Don’t know where to start? Take a closer look by clicking the button below:
Are 10×8 and 8×10 Summer Houses the Same Size?
They give you the same amount of floor space, but the difference is which side is the front. A 10-foot width isn’t the same as 10-foot depth. Decide if you’d rather have a summer house that’s wider or longer.
Sometimes you can’t pick which side the door goes on, so double-check the model before buying. The floor space is the same, but the shape and layout will feel different.
And one more thing! If your summer house is on the larger side, check planning permission rules first. Some councils have restrictions. Learn more:
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Summerhouse?
Round-up
A 10×8 summer house hits a sweet spot. It’s not too small, not too big, just enough space for a garden room without taking over your garden.
Looking for something larger? We’ve got a range up to 20×10 summer houses, so have a browse and see what fits.
Still unsure? This guide might help: Are Summer Houses Worth It
