Contemporary Summer Houses

Q: Does a summer house need a concrete base?

You should build your summerhouse on wooden bearers supported by a concrete base. This helps to prevent rot and provides a solid foundation which won’t subside over time. Failure to install the appropriate base results in water damage and movement. Movement distorts the structure of the building so that windows and doors don’t shut properly and cracks open up, allowing water in.

Celebrate outdoor living with a contemporary summer house. These sleek, modern garden buildings feature double and bi-fold doors, large shatterproof windows and spacious designs, inviting sunlight and freshness into your living space. Got a smaller garden? Consider a corner summer house. ...

Browse our full summer house collection for all style and size options, and if you're looking for a bit of help along the way, read our summer house buying guide to help you make up your mind what's best for you.

Contemporary summer house questions

Does a summer house need a concrete base?

You should build your summer house on wooden bearers supported by a concrete base. This helps to prevent rot and provides a solid foundation which won’t subside over time. Failure to install the appropriate base results in water damage and movement. Movement distorts the structure of the building so that windows and doors don’t shut properly and cracks open up, allowing water in.

How to stop damp in a summer house

Make sure there’s plenty of airflow around the outside of the building, cutting back any encroaching foliage or branches so that light and air can get through. Check your roof, windows, and walls for any sign of water ingress and repair any damage you find. Next, install effective insulation in the walls and roof, and ensure your summer house has adequate ventilation to avoid moisture build up. Further anti-damp measures include adding a heat source or a dehumidifier and investing in airtight storage containers for any items which are prone to damage caused by damp.

How to heat a summer house

If you have mains power to your summerhouse, a tubular heater is a great way to keep the ambient temperature above the dew point, especially at night and at dawn. Simple, effective solutions for heating your summerhouse to make it usable through the winter months include an electric radiator, fan heater, or halogen heater. Consider underfloor heating, a solar-powered heater, or a heat pump for a more long-term solution. Alternatively, opt for a professionally installed wood-burning stove and CO meter for a cosy Scandinavian hygge that’s hard to beat.