Summer house vs garden room
a common question
One of the most common phone calls we get at InFrame starts like this:
“I have a log summer house that’s about 10 years old and it needs replacing.”
It’s something we hear time and time again and it’s no surprise. A typical summer house may look great when it first goes up, but it usually doesn’t stand the test of time.
So what’s the difference between a summer house and a garden room? And why are more and more people choosing to replace their old timber structure with something built to last?
Summer houses: style over substance
A summer house is usually made from thin timber panels and a felt or basic shingle roof. Most aren’t not well insulated, and the doors and windows tend to be more decorative than functional. They’re not designed for year-round use which is fine if all you need is a place to sit with a book on a sunny afternoon.
But that’s where the problem starts. In reality, most people end up wanting more. Maybe it was originally for storing tools or garden furniture, but then you added a desk, a heater, maybe a computer… Suddenly the lack of insulation becomes a real issue. Expensive equipment is at risk of damage from damp and extreme temperatures, and you find yourself only using the space for a few months of the year.
After a while, the structure starts to warp, the roof leaks, and doors don’t close properly. At that point, most people come to us looking for a long-term solution.
Garden rooms - built for life
A garden room is a fully insulated, professionally installed structure that’s designed to be used in all seasons. At InFrame, we build every garden room using steel frames, high performance insulation, and premium materials like Millboard cladding, all tailored to suit your needs and the exact dimensions of your garden.
Unlike a summer house, a garden room is more than just an outdoor shed with windows. It’s a purpose-built space that can be used as a home office, gym, studio, guest room, or even a place for the kids to hang out. It’s secure, comfortable, and built to last for decades with minimal maintenance.
And the best part? It adds real value to your property.
- Year Round Use
- Fully Customisable
- Adding Value to your property
- Fully Insulated
- Built to last
Engineered for life, designed for living
Not just a garden room, a lasting investment
Precision-built, luxury finished
Built strong, designed beautifully
How to Know If You're Looking at a Summer House or a Garden Room
With so many options online, it can be hard to tell whether you’re looking at a genuine garden room or just a dressed-up summer house. Some summer houses even market themselves as garden rooms, but there are key differences to look out for.
1. Check the insulation
A true garden room will be fully insulated in the walls, roof and floor just like a proper building. Summer houses usually have none, or just a thin lining. If insulation isn’t clearly listed, it’s probably not a proper garden room.
2. Ask about the structure
Garden rooms should have a strong, stable frame, ours are built with precision-engineered steel. Summer houses are often made from pre-cut timber panels that slot together. If it goes up in a day or two it’s not the same thing.
3. What’s it designed for?
A summer house is for occasional use. Think sunny weekends or a space to store furniture. A garden room is designed to be used every day, all year round. If the product description talks about being ‘ideal for summer’ or ‘occasional use’, it’s a summer house.
4. Look at the doors and windows
Garden rooms usually come with high-quality aluminium or uPVC doors and double glazing. If it’s single glazed, thin framed or more decorative than practical, it’s likely a summer house.
5. Power and heating
Is electrics included? Can it be connected to your home’s power safely? Does the company talk about how warm it is in winter? If not, it’s not built for daily life. Proper garden rooms are designed to be used like any other room in your home.
Take a look at the guarantee
If there is no guarantee or just a short one (a year or two), that tells you everything you need to know. It’s not expected to last. At InFrame, our builds are designed to last decades and we back that up with a 25 year guarantee and aftercare.
Our Expert Advice
If your summer house has reached the end of its life – or you’re already thinking about upgrading – it’s worth understanding what your options are. A garden room isn’t just a replacement; it’s a completely different kind of space.
We’re always happy to talk through your plans and show you the difference up close. And if you’ve already got a tired old timber structure that’s no longer working for you, you’re not alone. We hear it every week.
