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Garden sheds are so versatile that you can turn them into more than just storage spaces. If you have one and are thinking about what to do with it, why not convert your shed into summerhouse retreat? With a bit of creativity and a guide like this, you can get started on this exciting project!
How Do You Envision Your Shed Summer House?
Are you seeking a relaxation area to unwind after a long, busy day? Perhaps an area for entertaining guests and hosting backyard parties? Or maybe you want a productive workspace amidst your garden?
Understanding your purpose will be your starting point. From here, it will help you create a well-thought-out layout and design, whatever your plan. By now, you should be able to envision what needs to be done in your shed to make this happen.
Begin Assessing and Preparing the Shed
Does the existing shed need repairs? Address any issues immediately before proceeding with decorating. This might include weatherproofing, sealing gaps or cracks, and exterior coating.
What colour motif should you choose to make it more home-like or more you? Decide on what paint to use inside your summer house. The right shade will set the ambience and bring life to the space.
How much garden furniture can fit inside? This will depend on the size of the structure, so find ways to maximise the room. Consider space-saving pieces to avoid overcrowding. Check out our summer house furniture ideas for inspiration.
Tip: Clear out your shed so you can start with a fresh canvas and get a clear view of its potential.
Insulation and Ventilation
The key to having an insulated summerhouse is proper insulation. In summer, insulation works by retaining cool air and preventing heat from entering. Meanwhile, during winter, it keeps warmth from escaping. This ensures comfort and maximises the usability of your garden room year-round!
Tip: Choose insulation materials with high thermal resistance. This includes foam boards, reflective foil, and blown-in cellulose.
Next, adequate ventilation is needed to keep the air fresh inside the structure. Install vents for continuous airflow, particularly if your shed lacks them. Or consider adding more windows to make the space airy and brighter. This might cost upfront, but the benefits of ample sunlight and airflow justify the investment.
Note: You can keep the windows open without inviting flies in. Our guide, ‘How to Keep Flies Out My Summer House,’ provides some tried-and-true methods.
Electricity for Power
There’s no need for your shed-turned-into-a-summerhouse creation to go off the grid. It’s always a bright idea to have electricity installed, as it helps you and everyone enjoy the retreat more. Connect it to the mains; you can do it yourself if you have the expertise or leave the job to experts.
Subtle lighting at night can guide you through the garden so you can enjoy a quiet drink. During Christmas, festive lighting sets the mood and becomes a garden feature. You can also connect your laptop to the WiFi and add a bright desk light for work. The possibilities are endless!
Check our guide, ‘Top 5 Questions to Consider Before Installing Garden Building Electricity’, to learn more.
Consider a Prefab Summerhouse Shed
As an alternative to undertaking a challenging DIY conversion task, you could replace your shed with a prefabricated summer house shed kit. These combine the outdoor leisure of a typical summerhouse with an added storage area for the ultimate hybrid building. This means you gain all of the comfort without losing the practical functionality of a shed. As a bonus, buying one prefabricated means that you can just assemble it without needing to source specific materials and do lots of measuring, and without as much risk of things going wrong.
We hope these considerations have helped you create a plan and execute it to turn your dream summer house into reality. For more inspiration, read these ‘Summer House Interior Ideas You Don’t Wanna Miss!’.
