Garden Workshops

We sell BillyOh workshops in a variety of styles that can be selected in different sizes, as small as 7x4 workshops. Make sure to mark out the proposed site of your workshop and add about a foot on either side to allow for access.

Our workshops are available in either wood (including log cabin workshops) or metal, with both offering a unique set of advantages.

A wooden workshop maintains a traditional, authentic look which is well suited to compliment almost any type of garden. These can be chosen in a windowed or windowless style, depending on whether you need natural light to work or want to potentially add security.

Metal workshops are a cheaper option, ideal for those looking for a lower maintenance workshop where they can use power tools that may produce sparks..

Metal workshops generally require less treatment and can potentially last longer than their wooden counterparts. The galvanised steel panels which form the core structure of a metal workshop are roll formed with deep ribs for added strength. This provides extensive durability, protection against the worst weather the UK can throw at it and no treatment being required to begin with. However, a wooden workshop is a heavy-duty option and built-to-last. That’s why our BillyOh workshops come with a 10-year anti-rot, decay and insect infestation guarantee.

A reverse apex workshop is distinguishable from a typical apex shed (where the V-shape of the roof panels slopes to either side of the shed’s face or door) as the V-shape of the roof slopes to the front and back of the shed’s face/door. A reverse apex workshop is great for setting up a place to do DIY because the area where the most height is offered runs along its entire width. With the addition of large double doors, a reverse apex workshop allows for bringing tools and materials in and out easily.

The truth is that when it comes to apex and pent roofs, neither is better than the other. Rather, one may be better suited than the other, depending on your wants and garden.

The traditional slopes which meet in the middle on an apex roof give it plenty of height, making apex the preferable choice when looking at using/storing tall items within your workshop. Whereas, a pent workshop does offer plenty of height, albeit at the front of the shed. More often than not, this is a decision which is determined by personal taste, where your water runoff will go, and the garden style itself.

These terms refer to different types of cladding. Cladding is the outside materials of a garden building that make up the walls and roof. By cladding panels of wood either overlapping or interlocking constructions, you achieve greater structural integrity, thermal insulation and weather resistance, whilst equally improving the aesthetics of a garden building.

The cladding boards which form the walls of an overlap shed will simply overlap each other. Whereas, shiplap cladding is a form of tongue and groove cladding, providing each board with a slight profile in order to aid water run-off. Shiplap cladding is generally the more expensive and high-end option of the two. That’s why our BillyOh wooden workshops are built from tongue and groove cladding to provide both an accessible price without compromising on structural integrity. For more on cladding types, check out our quick guide to cladding.

A level and dry foundation for your shed is crucial, especially if you intend on using it as a workshop. In this scenario, your best bet is probably a concrete base. A concrete base will provide your workshop with a smooth, sound and level foundation on which a garden building can be constructed. It will also help to provide a barrier against rising damp.

Most garden workshops should fall under ‘permitted development’ and therefore, not require planning permission. This is on the grounds that:

• No outbuilding on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation.
• Your workshop is single-storey with a max eave height of 2.5m
• Your workshop doesn’t exceed a max height of 3m (for an apex roof)
• Your workshop doesn’t exceed a height of 2.5 metres if its within 2m of a boundary
• Doesn’t cover more than 50% of the area of your garden

However, depending on what you intend to use your garden workshop on, we’d advise you to contact your local council as rules may vary by area.

The difference between a shed and a workshop is a bit of a matter of opinion. Any shed with large double doors and a workbench could qualify as a workshop. Workshops tend to be larger than standard garden storage sheds and allow for materials and tools to be taken in and out and worked upon within.

Our range of BillyOh workshops come in pre-assembled panels made with tongue and groove construction. With the assembly instructions provided with your order, a pair of helping hands, and some basic tools, you can have your garden workshop up in no time.