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When choosing between the size options for a garden summer house, many buyers look for one in 10 x 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 x 8 summer house.
Why 10×8 Feet for a Summer House?
A 10×8 summer house is 10 feet long and 8 feet wide, or roughly 3.05 x 2.44 metres. The 10-foot length gives you plenty of room to move inside, while the 8-foot width keeps the structure compact.
Inside, you could fit a small two-seater sofa with a matching coffee table or a space-saving four-person dining table—or even a bistro-style one like our 3 Piece Rattan Bistro Garden Egg Set. This, of course, depends on how you want to use the summer house (more on this later).
And how can you forget the exterior design? The bigger the structure, the more windows it tends to have. Depending on the model, it can feature full-length or multiple-panel windows, with some even including double doors with glass panels.
What Can You Do With a 10×8 Summer House?
Make the most of the available space with these ideas below (besides using it as an outdoor living space):
Home office
A traditional summerhouse might not be so well suited for this, but a log cabin summer house makes an excellent home office thanks to its thick log walls. For one, they tend to provide better insulation than standard summer houses.
Using the BillyOh Darcy as an example, here are some ideas on how you can turn it into your private workspace. First, place a desk near one of the front windows for a bright workspace with a nice view while you work. Pair this with a comfy computer chair, and add a small sofa or armchair in the corner for extra seating or a dedicated spot to relax during breaks.
A slim bookshelf on the other side would look great too. Or, opt for wall-mounted shelves along the walls to maximise floor space. If you’re up for a DIY project, consider building a fold-down table on the side wall for extra workspace—perfect for drafting or printing documents, to name a few. That way, you can tuck it away when not in use.
Tip: Add in an ottoman that doubles as storage to keep your essentials organised.
Check out this guide for more ideas: Office Design: How to Suit Your Garden Office to Your Job
Garden bar
The open design (mainly because of the large windows) makes summer houses perfect for socialising. Swap a full-sized corner sofa for an L-shaped bar table, like the BillyOh Nightjar, and your guests will have the perfect spot to enjoy drinks!
There should also be enough space for a small to medium-sized table football. And if you need extra seating, extend the setup into your garden with a couple of bar tables and stools.
String up some festoon or any similar outdoor lighting around the posts, or drape them along the roofline of the summer house. Alternatively, grab a pair of tall wooden or metal poles and fix them to the ground. Then, just like a clothesline, string the lights from one pole to the other.
Tip: We recommend solar string lights, so you don’t need to worry about running extension leads—just let the sun do the work. They’re energy-efficient, weather-resistant, and easy to set up.
Hobby room
If you want a permanent setup for your hobbies, a summer house works wonders! Furnish it with all the materials, equipment, and furniture you need—no more packing everything away when you’re finished.
For instance, you could set up your painting supplies by the window and display your finished artwork on the opposite wall. A few track lights above them would draw attention to your pieces. You won’t run out of space, especially with smart storage solutions like stackable bins.
Feel free to use this guide for reference (it can also work for other garden rooms): Give Your Hobby a Home with a Garden Workshop
Bestselling 10 X 8 Summer Houses
Overall, this size gives you the flexibility to make the most of the space in different ways. Check out our range of 10×8 summer houses below to get an idea of how they look and how you can turn one into your outdoor retreat:
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 Harper Tongue and Groove Apex Summerhouse
Among the units we’ve mentioned above, the BillyOh Harper has the most traditional design in our collection.
Starting with the Georgian bar windows that make up for this look. Each window is styrene-glazed, which makes it UV-stable while being impact-resistant. This means you can enjoy the space right in front of the windows without feeling the full intensity of the sun.
With windows only on the front side, you can enjoy privacy with the solid walls on the other sides. But don’t worry about the lack of sunlight—the full-span windows and wide double doors let in plenty of natural light, with the doors acting as extra windows.
That’s not all! With window-free walls on the other sides, you have more flexibility when arranging furniture without worrying about blocking windows. This helps maximise the available space inside. For reference, check out the sample layout above using the BillyOh Harper model.
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.
Are 10×8 and 8×10 Summer Houses the Same Size?
These sizes both provide the same amount of space in square feet, but the difference is in which size is the front. 10 feet wide is different from 10 feet deep. Which size is best for you depends on whether you want your summer house to be wide or long. You might not necessarily be able to choose which side has the door, so select your model carefully.
The floor space might be the same, but the layout and shape will differ. Don’t mix them up, and make sure to double-check the size before you check out if you’re buying online.
Round-up
A 10×8 summer house is the perfect size if you need a versatile garden room without sacrificing too much of your outdoor space. It gives you just the right amount of internal space, not too small or too big for whatever you need.
Think a bigger summer house might work for you? We offer a wide range of sizes, bigger sizes up to 20×10 summer houses, so make sure to check them out!
This guide might also help with your buying decision: Are Summer Houses Worth It?
