Are Summer Houses Worth It?

Yes, summer houses are worth the investment—especially if you’re getting the right model that meets your needs and budget. With one, you can enjoy a shaded, private retreat to enjoy in warm weather or the rain or even during winter.

If you’re still on the fence about it, this guide breaks down the price ranges and the main benefit (in terms of having a quiet and private retreat) that make a summer house worth your while.

Summer House Price Range in the UK Market

Standard but quality-built summer houses can range from £1,000 to £3,000. Within this cost bracket, you can get a stunning and modern unit, like the BillyOh Tessa Tongue and Groove Reverse Apex Summerhouse. The large windows, easy-access doors, and tongue and groove (T&G) cladding construction that it comes with make this model worth every penny.

Rates increase gradually depending on size, upgrades, and the model’s specific features. Using the same model above as an example, it’s available in three different sizes, each with its own price. You can also customise it with 19mm T&G for the floor, extra shelving, and other add-ons, which will incur additional charges at checkout.

Insulated summer houses tend to be more expensive, with prices reaching up to £4,000 and beyond. The main reason is the built-in insulation, which allows for year-round use. It keeps the space warm and cosy, from the high temperatures of summer to the depths of winter, so it’s well worth the extra cost.

The same goes for units that come ‘pressure treated as standard’. Pressure treated summer houses have been treated with chemical preservatives that protect them from weathering and other damages, helping them last longer. Manufacturers like Garden Building Direct offer this with a 15-year guarantee against rot, decay, and insect infestation.

The extras might cost a bit more than the standard, but you’re getting a much more durable summer house. With proper care, it will save you from the hassle of constant maintenance and repairs down the line. Given the benefits and the quality, they offer great value for money.

Cheap Summer House

If you’re on a budget and have woodworking skills, a DIY summer house kit can help keep costs down, with prices starting at around £500.

By doing the work yourself, you save on labour costs, which can be a big chunk of the overall price. You also have control over the materials, so you can pick more affordable alternatives and build a summer house that suits your needs.

Another great thing about this approach is that you can add insulation later and even install electricity when your budget allows, so you can maximise its use all season.

This is a great option if you want a summer house without a big upfront spend.

Enjoy a Quiet Garden Retreat and Private Space with a Summer House

You’ll love how a summer house gives you a fully enclosed space to relax in without having to deal with external noise, like heavy traffic (especially if you live near a busy street) or chatter from next door.

This is all thanks to the structure’s solid timber walls, which naturally block external noise. On top of its dense structure and natural fibres that absorb and dampen sound waves, wood also has built-in sound insulation qualities.

Some summer house models come with in-built insulation or use unique panel-fitting methods, such as T&G cladding, to further enhance noise reduction.

Take the BillyOh Petra Tongue and Groove Reverse Apex Summerhouse, for instance. This unit is designed with tongue-and-groove (T&G) boards that interlock, reducing the amount of noise that can pass through. And, of course, the highlight is the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, which fill the interior with natural light while giving you a lovely view of your garden as you relax or entertain.

Bonus: The BillyOh Petra is part of our summer houses under £2,000—a reasonable price for a model packed with thoughtful designs and features!

With your own private retreat, you can invite friends over for a chat or a small get-together in the garden without worrying about watchful eyes.

If you’ve decided to invest in one, our guide to “Can You Get a Cheap Summerhouse Under £2000?” can be useful, giving you more options.