How to Build Your Own Garden Office

Do you work from home and need a suitable workspace to help you focus? Look no further than a DIY garden office. Building a garden office is one of the most popular ways to install an office in the home. With one set up, you’ll have a quiet space free from distraction. You’ll even be able to enjoy a short walk to work in the morning!
Of course, garden offices can be expensive. If you want to save money, you can build a garden room for a more cost-effective option. It might take some extra work, but it’s not as complicated as you think. If you want to learn how to build your own garden office, you are in the right place!

Step 1: Get Planning Permission

First, you must ensure you are allowed to build a garden office. Luckily, most garden rooms, especially single-storey rooms and log cabins don’t require planning permission thanks to permitted developments. However, there are certain instances where this isn’t the case, particularly if your property is a listed building. Check with your local planning office before building to be sure!

Step 2: Design the Office Garden

You’ll need to plan the space to every last detail. Fortunately, you can find great floorplans online to help you design the best garden office to suit your space. This is particularly important, as some garden rooms can look too large for smaller gardens – you want one that perfectly slots into your outdoor space.

Step 3: Clear the Space and Build a Base

Next, clear the area of the space, removing debris and anything else. From there, you can start the development of the structure, building the base. The base can be made out of wood, foam, or timber. Insulating the floor is crucial at this stage; you don’t want heat to escape below your feet.

Step 4: Build a Frame

Now it’s onto the frame – the structure that will hold the walls up. A timber frame is best here. This part can be tricky, and you’ll need to vary the thickness of materials depending on the area of the frame. For example, you might need thicker timber for the doorway or the roof.

Step 5: Fit Doors

You’ll need to be able to get in and out of the garden office, so you’ll need to fit some doors! You can buy doors online. You might also need a door track to adjust it to fit the door frame. However, you can make this step much easier by purchasing a garden office with a door set included! It’s best to get a double-glazed door to keep the heat in during the colder months.

Step 6: Add Breather Membrane and External Cladding

Adding a breathable membrane to the structure is important, as it ensures no moisture builds up inside the room. Once the breather membrane has been placed, you can fit the external cladding. Structural insulated panels will help here, as they will insulate the garden room – something you’ll be very grateful for during the winter and early mornings!

Step 7: Add a Rubber Sheet

The room needs shelter from the rain, of course, so place a waterproof, protective rubber sheet along the roof of the garden office.

Step 8: Kit Out the Inside

Finally, it’s time for the finishing touches. You can paint the walls, add a desk, place down high-quality flooring – anything you want, really! It’s your garden office, so make it as personalized as you’d like.

The Easier Option

Not a fan of DIY, or do you simply not have the time to build an entire office room in the garden? Not to worry – the team here at Elite Garden Buildings are experts when it comes to garden rooms. We design and build a wide range of outdoor buildings, from offices to studios to classrooms. With our spacious floor plans, high-quality materials, and expert team, your garden office can be up and running before you know it.