Installing a summer house in your garden has never been so popular and it will be hard to find a nicer way to enjoy an indoor space outside.

It is a big decision to invest in a traditional summer house but if you are longing for a garden getaway, perhaps the time has come to treat yourself.

One thing you might be wondering is just how much use your new summer house will get in the winter?

In this blog, we are going to explore how a Scotts’ summer house can be used 365 days of the year if you consider a few important things during the design and selection process.

Enjoying your garden building all year round

Double glazing and insulation can help you to enjoy your garden building all year round. These upgrades can really help to create a cosy winter retreat as well as being a stunning addition to your garden – and your life – throughout the warmer and chiller months. What is important to know is that you won’t sacrifice any of the aesthetic benefits by creating an outdoor room that can be used for 12 months a year.

Adding Double glazing

If you are planning to use a Scotts’ summer house as a garden office or a place for reading or entertaining guests, you certainly don’t want to be chilly now we’re in autumn.

It is a proven fact double glazing is effective in all weathers because it stops heat escaping from the inside. Double glazing also helps to retain the heat and keep out draughts. We offer double-glazing for all of our garden summer houses (with the exception of the Balmoral) and use clear, low E energy saving glass.

Insulation to keep your summer house warm

To retain heat in your summer house without a power supply, you could opt to install insulation within the walls and roof.

Scotts’ tongue and groove effect lining can be fitted to the majority of its models creating a thick, moisture resistant layer that will keep your garden building cosy all year round.

Painted in a stunning off-white, it adds a beautiful finish to the interior of your summer house and we can add insulation on request.

Then there’s the roof

A quarter of heat is lost through a roof so we know how important it is to install the very best roof underlining. All of our summer houses supplied with a cedar shingle roof can be underlined as an alternative to the plain cream lining – and this is important if you plan to use your summer house in the cooler months.

What’s the cost to keep you summer house warm in the winter?

It is your choice whether you add the cost of insulating your summer house at the design stage. Our team will talk through the options, and prices, and you can decide at the time.

We always state that insulation is optional but should you decide on having our double glazing and tongue and groove effect lining, we like to make you aware that the price of a summer house is slightly higher. Of course, everything depends on the size and style of summer house you choose, but it is down to you to work out whether this added extra is a much-needed addition to the install.

It must be said that the majority of orders we are receiving now include our insulation and double glazing.

Do customers usually opt for an insulated summer house?

We always ask our customers what they will be using their summer house for.

Our customers are using their summer houses and garden buildings all year round as an extension to their homes and need them to be comfortable at all times whatever the outdoor temperature. With the right double glazing, insulation and heating, a summer house can be used all year round.

All year-round usage makes one of our summer houses a perfect addition to a garden

Once you have decided on double glazing and the other forms of insulation we offer, there’s nothing stopping you from adding an electric heater. When the garden room is as energy efficient as possible, an oil-filled heater can keep the room toasty and warm.

Oil filled heaters are a low risk for fire and are a flexible alternative to main-powered types. But if you’re looking for something more wow – we can help you create a bespoke summer house that accommodates a woodburning stove.

Top Tip: Reducing humidity means you will be less likely to see condensation and mould inside. If you increase ventilation, like opening a door on a crisp morning, there will be less humidity in the air and that means less water vapour will turn into condensation.

Add electrics and you’ll have a peaceful retreat

It might be hugely important for you to create a comfortable space for year-round use and if you have requested double glazing and insulation, you will be snug even when the snow comes!

You will also have successfully reduced noise transmission so your work space, hobby room or reading nook, will be a peaceful haven away from the house.

Speak to an electrician if you would like electricity installed and they will be happy to know that our summer houses are finely constructed using long-lasting and durable hardwood. When they are happy that the interior is watertight and insulated as much as possible, you can decide what sockets you need for your work station, games room or outside bar.

Now you know a summer house isn’t just for summer

It is our pleasure to create a summer house that can be enjoyed all year round. As a valued customer, we are here to help you every step of the way. We design our summer houses to be enjoyed from January right through to December. Whatever our British weather delivers, you can be snuggled up in one of our summer houses whether you’re on a Teams call for work, helping the kids with their homework, or sipping a mug of hot chocolate before you turn in for the night.

Get in touch if you have any questions. We always love having customers visit us at our Northamptonshire HQ, where you can see a range of our summer houses – and chat to the experts.