When people buy a summerhouse, they usually want to find one that will serve them for a long time, so it’s important to choose a model that will maintain its functionality and appearance for years to come. As with other similar purchases, it’s important to keep in mind that the cheapest option probably won’t be the cheapest in the long term, as it will reflect the quality of the materials used. Therefore, it’s important to choose a high-quality summerhouse, and we have compiled some tips that will help you do this. So, if you’re looking for a summerhouse, and want to find one that won’t have to be replaced after a few years, keep on reading to find out the 10 most important things to know when buying a summerhouse.
Quality of timber
It’s not hard to guess what the most important thing is in the quality of a timber structure – it’s the quality of the timber itself. It’s easy to understand why – for the summerhouse to last a long time it must be made of timber that is strong and durable. The most durable timber usually comes from countries with a cold climate. The reason for this that the trees grow more slowly in such places and, therefore, the growth rings are closer together, which makes the timber stronger. It’s also important that the timber is properly dried, as this reduces the possibility of wood shrinkage or expansion.
Construction System
In addition to the materials used, the construction system is also very important to ensuring the quality of a summerhouse. A good construction system must provide the necessary strength and durability for the summerhouse, while also allowing the natural movement of wood to avoid cracks in the timber. Ideally, it should also make the assembly process easier, and that’s why the best manufacturers have developed their own construction systems with innovative features that make their summerhouses easy to assemble.
Roofing
It goes without saying that the roof is the most important part of a summerhouse, as it plays a major role in both its appearance and longevity. In terms of appearance, choose the type of roof that appeals most to you and is most suitable for your garden. With regard to longevity, a roof must provide adequate protection against any moisture from the outside (the quality of materials plays a big role here), and it’s also a good idea to insulate it, to avoid heat loss. The roof should also be constructed in a way that allows the rainwater and snow to drain properly, otherwise water can start to accumulate on the surface of the roof, which could cause problems.
Windows and Doors
Another important aspect is the quality of the windows and doors – they should be made out of high-quality kiln-dried timber, which will reduce the likelihood of the frames bending and rotting. This, in turn, will limit the risks of heat loss and water leaks. Another important aspect is security – if you install high-quality windows and doors with strong locks, it will be harder for any would-be burglars to break into your summerhouse. 
Paint Treatment
If you want to protect your summerhouse from decay caused by the sun, rain and wind, it’s important to pre-treat it with the appropriate treatment before assembly. You can choose to do this yourself, but most manufacturers also provide the option for it to be factory finished – in either case it’s important to note the treatment used, to ensure the best possible protection.
Foundation
The foundation serves as the base for the whole summerhouse, so it must be laid correctly to avoid problems in the future, such as leakage through the floor or the structure sinking into the soil. In order to avoid such problems, it’s important to make sure that the foundation is level and stable. The material from which it is made is also important – paving stones or cast concrete are recommended to ensure a long-lasting summerhouse.
Insulation
Adding insulation is crucial if you plan to use your summerhouse all-year-round (and it definitely won’t hurt even if you don’t). Therefore, if you know that your summerhouse will require insulation, it’s important to choose a model that’s constructed with the option to include it. You should also keep in mind that there are three possible options for insulation – floor, roof, and double-wall – and installing all three is recommended to ensure the best possible protection against heat loss.
Without this triple protection, there could still be significant heat loss through the uninsulated parts of the summerhouse, which could make it uninhabitable during the colder months of the year.
Design
Most of the tips mentioned in this article are connected to the technical side of summerhouse construction, but the design of the summerhouse is also very important to making sure that you will still enjoy it for years to come. You have to appreciate its appearance to really enjoy owning it; therefore, pick a design for your summerhouse that is pleasing to the eye, fits in well with the overall appearance of your garden and will continue to look good for many years.
Design is important not only in regard to its appearance but also when it comes to functionality, as the most inventive designs usually have features that enhance their usability and make the lives of their owners easier. If you can’t find a design that ticks all the boxes for you, keep in mind that the best manufacturers will produce bespoke designs (for example, you can use Lugarde’s 3D-configurator), so you can create the perfect summerhouse for your garden yourself!
Assembly
The garden summerhouse assembly process is more important than one might think because incorrect assembly can have a considerable negative impact on the durability of a summerhouse. Therefore, you should only do it yourself if you are sure that you know how to do it properly – otherwise it’s better to entrust it to the professionals. Ideally, this service should be offered by your dealer, as their employees are likely to know all the ins and outs of the summerhouses made by the manufacturers they represent.
A Trustworthy Manufacturer
Last, but not least, it’s also important to consider the manufacturer when choosing a summerhouse for your garden. If you want your summerhouse to be of high quality, it’s usually a good idea to look for a well-known manufacturer with an impeccable reputation. This will not only guarantee a high level of quality, as these manufacturers have a certain reputation to uphold, but will probably mean that they will have a wide variety of designs and innovative solutions available, making the construction and use of your summerhouse easier.
Now you know the main things to look out for when selecting a quality summerhouse. If you feel ready to choose yours, take a look at our range of designs or create your own bespoke design with our 3D-configurator!
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