If you have a garden, chances are that you work hard to enjoy it. Whether that’s pulling weeds, choosing the perfect flower types, or trimming your hedges just so, your garden provides hours of enjoyment. However, for many people, the bugs and summer sun can be a barrier to enjoying the garden as much as possible. A summer house can provide the perfect solution because it lets you sit outside and be protected from the sun.
Historically, most summer houses are made of wood. Nowadays, homeowners have an alternative: steel summer houses that feature modern architecture and long-lasting charm. They don’t usually require planning permission and come in many sizes, making them a great option for homeowners that want something simple. Plus, if you are concerned about cutting down trees, steel structures are a great alternative. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that people are embracing the new trend.
The Appeal of Steel Summerhouses
One of the challenges homeowners often face when they add a summer house to the garden is choosing something that will fit in comfortably with its surroundings. Often, they want something that will match the house and any shed already constructed. Because steel summer houses come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, it’s easy to find a model that will be appropriate.
No matter what model you choose, a steel summer house is simple to install. You can quickly assemble them on any level section of your garden without building a large foundation. This feature is both convenient and cost-effective, letting you relax close to nature without breaking the bank. If you want more stability, you can also construct the summer house on a simple slab or platform, which is still more economical than excavating the dirt for a foundation.
Another advantage of a steel structure is that it’s durable. Wooden structures can have problems with bugs and rot, even if the wood is treated or painted. Furthermore, they are susceptible to lightning and other destructive weather patterns. Steel can withstand many of these pressures better than wood, so they look nice for longer.
Benefits of Steel Summerhouses
Because they’re so easy to install, homeowners with basic construction skills can often do the work themselves or with friends. Most metal summer houses are made of panels that fit together with minimal tools. This results in solid construction that will withstand the British rainy season. Furthermore, you can install insulation in the walls due to a space between two layers of metal. With insulation, you can enjoy your summer house for more of the year.
Once your summer house is in the garden, you can expect to enjoy it for years. Solid steel construction resists weather because it can repel water and withstand windy conditions. Furthermore, you don’t need to worry about lightning or other fire hazards from outside because steel is generally fireproof.
Likewise, maintenance is easy. While a summer house is often better furnished than a shed, many of the maintenance rules are the same. Metal structures need to be cleaned occasionally, as dirt and grime can build up. This is easier than washing a wood-framed summer house since there’s less concern about removing the paint.
Every few years, you may find your steel summer house needs a paint job. While the metal itself is more durable than wood, paint still comes off, peels, and picks up more dirt than you can wash off. Luckily, the need for painting is no more frequent than a house painting, so the process ought not to place excessive demands on your wallet. At the same time, you can paint your summer house to match the “big” house or create something different. The possibilities are endless.
Finally, you can choose from several sizes and shapes. Because no two consumers (or their gardens) strive to look great, a poor-quality summer house may not work well in your garden. By picking the right size or shape of your summer house, you’ll find many hours of relaxation during the warmer months. Best of all, you’ll love how nice the summer house looks!
Exploring Different Styles of Steel Summerhouses
While every home, yard, and consumer is different, steel summer houses provide something for nearly everyone. Certainly, listed buildings and other older properties may not be suitable for a summer house in their garden. After all, our heritage is important, and something completely modern doesn’t always fit in. However, these garden structures can look tidy with most types of architecture.
The right summer house can provide joy for you and your family. One option is a simple steel summer house. These have four walls and large windows that let you watch the birds and butterflies in style. Or you can get a modern structure with a patio and a fully enclosed area. Roofs can be pitched, flat, or angled to suit your taste.
Another consideration is aesthetics. While it’s easy to think of a steel structure as grey and uninspired, this isn’t true with a summer house. Certainly, you can order it in grey, but there are many other options. For instance, you can paint the structure to match your house or shed.
Because of the easy adaptability of a steel summer house, you can have almost any style. A traditional design might use steel beams and aluminium shingles to create something that looks like it has wood siding. Or, you could mimic an old Tudor manor or rustic Scottish croft. No matter your taste, you can find a steel summerhouse to match.
Practical Uses of Steel Summerhouses
One reason we love summer houses is that they are versatile. You can use one for almost anything you can do with a spare room or shed. When you choose your model and variant, keep these options in mind.
A home office or workspace
If you install electricity, your summerhouse can make an excellent home office. Tucked away from the distractions of your main house, you’ll have a great place to get things done. For this use, you want a house model with plenty of natural light. Also, consider windows that open, as the room could otherwise become rather hot.
For furnishings, consider something flexible. A desk and chair are necessary, but you can pick multipurpose models. A side table and second seat can also be helpful, especially if you want the summer house to be multipurpose. You can always use the same configuration for a playroom or studio.
An extra room
Sometimes, everyone needs a little extra space. When that happens, your cosy steel summer house can come to the rescue. One example is dinnertime in the summer when there’s nothing like eating outdoors. If your summer house has a patio or even a grass strip, you can use it for memorable dinners. Even better, the glass can keep bugs and unwanted visitors at bay.
Overnight guests can also benefit from your steel summer house as a guest room. Put an inflatable mattress on the floor, then add a lamp, table, and chair. This idea is especially fun for grandkids as they will get to watch nature.
Beat the clutter in winter
Steel summer houses are great for relaxing in warm weather, but what about the cooler months? While you probably would rather put the lawnmower in a shed, your summer house is a great storage space for seasonal items. For instance, you can put your patio furniture there, where it’s protected from the elements. And because our summer house collection locks securely, you needn’t worry about thieves.
Buying Guide for Steel Summerhouses
Choosing the right steel summer house takes careful thought and consideration. While there are fewer models of summer houses in this material, you still have many options for size, style, and budget. You’ll also need to think about where you want to put this structure, as this can influence which model you choose.
Size
One of the biggest considerations for a summer house is size. While you want to choose a model that will suit the intended use, it also needs to fit into your space comfortably. In addition, while most summer house installations don’t require planning permission, there are some exceptions. Therefore, you must ensure compliance with local council rules.
Keep in mind that you might want a larger summer house if it has multiple uses. For instance, we have a model that doubles as a shed. This can be especially good if your shed needs replacement or you want to streamline your garden buildings.
Style
If you’re going to spend the money on a summer house, you’ll want one that you like, and that suits your garden. Few things are worse than a structure that ruins those years of hard work on your prised rose bushes. Instead, you want to use your summer house to enjoy the garden – and maybe do some entertainment.
Besides choosing something that you like, consider a summer house model that blends in well with your house. So, if you have a greenhouse with white trim, you might consider a summer house that can be painted those colours and look good once it’s done.
Location
Whether your home and garden are large or small, the placement of your summer house should help guide your choices. For instance, if you want to maximise that quiet corner of the yard, you’ll want a smaller structure. Similarly, if you want to add electricity to your summer house, you’ll probably want something that comfortably fits closer to your house.
Ultimately, your desired location has much influence on what’s possible with any garden structure.
Budget
Finally, although steel summer houses add value to your home, it’s important to ensure the price is right. On the one hand, buying a very inexpensive structure for its size may result in your choosing something that lacks durability. Usually, you want to spend money on a high-quality model that has fewer amenities to fit your budget rather than cheapening the quality.
On the other hand, you should never overpay for a piece of junk. Even the nicest-looking steel summer houses can be a disaster if you’re impoverished by it. For this reason, always try to find the best value for your money. One way to ensure this is by purchasing from a reputable brand like Telluria. They have a 20-year guarantee against rust for all their metal structures. That’s a lot of enjoyable seasons.
Final Thoughts
Although summer houses are more traditionally made of wood, steel structures are now available. These new structures have their own charm and can be painted to rival the most colourful wooden alternatives. In addition, you can use a steel summer house for the same purposes as a wooden one, including as an extra room, storage area, or space to relax.
Furthermore, steel construction has distinct advantages over its wooden counterparts. They are fire resistant and don’t develop mould in the cold, wet British weather. Add to these attributes the ease of setup, and you’re sure to enjoy your new summer house for years to come.
Are you ready to explore the value of a steel summer house? At Garden Buildings Direct, we can help. Explore our assortment of steel buildings and accessories. Our staff is ready to help you choose the perfect model for your garden. We’ll even ship the kit directly to your door. Call us at 01909 768840 today!
Resources
Historical and Modern Use of Materials in Summer Houses:
A Historical Perspective on Summer Houses: This source traces the evolution of summer houses, highlighting the transition from traditional wood to modern steel.
Environmental Impact of Steel vs. Wood:
Comparing the Environmental Impact: Steel vs. Wood: For those concerned about deforestation and the environment, this article discusses the ecological implications of using steel over wood.
Installation and Maintenance of Steel Structures:
Guide to Steel Structure Installation and Maintenance: Delve deeper into the benefits, installation procedures, and maintenance of steel structures with this comprehensive guide.
Weather Resistance and Durability of Steel:
Scientific Study on Steel Durability: This research piece presents a detailed study on the durability and resilience of steel when exposed to various weather patterns.
Reputable Brands and Guarantees:
Telluria’s Guarantee on Metal Structures: Explore the assurances provided by Telluria on their steel summer houses and other metal structures.
