Bespoke Garden Room in Wokingham with Integrated Storage and Extended Decking

We are currently building a bespoke 5.2m × 4m garden room for a customer in Wokingham, Berkshire.

The building combines a fully insulated garden room, integrated side storage, aluminium bifold doors and an extended decking area. Rather than choosing a standard garden-room package, the customer has commissioned a building designed specifically for the available space and how it will be used.

This behind-the-scenes project shows what can be achieved when the dimensions, layout, materials, doors, storage and finishing details are considered together.

If you are thinking about adding a garden office, studio, hobby room or flexible extra space to your property, our team can design and build it around your garden and requirements.

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What are we building in Wokingham?

This project is a bespoke garden room measuring approximately 5.2 metres wide by 4 metres deep.

Its principal features include:

• A fully insulated structural insulated panel (SIP) system

• Integrated storage within the building

• Black aluminium bifold doors with integral blinds

• An opening window for ventilation and natural light

• Thermowood timber cladding across the front and visible side elevation

• Matte-black steel cladding on the remaining side and rear elevations

• An additional one-metre decking extension

• A plastered and decorated main room

• Electrical sockets, lighting, heating and Cat6 data cabling

• A ground-screw foundation system

• A durable mono-pitch roof with an EPDM covering

• A ten-year structural warranty, subject to our applicable terms

What does a garden room like this cost?

A bespoke garden room with a similar size and specification would typically cost around £34,500 including VAT.

This is a guide price rather than the exact price paid by this customer. Every project is individually designed and priced, with the final cost depending on factors such as dimensions, site access, groundwork, glazing, storage and the selected specification.

More compact Backyard Cabins garden rooms currently start from approximately £16,000, allowing customers to consider the style and specification that best suit their requirements and budget.

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A garden room designed for the property

A well-designed garden room should feel as though it belongs in its surroundings.

For this Wokingham project, the building is visible above the neighbouring fence. The cladding specification was therefore considered from more than just the front.

Thermowood timber cladding is being installed across both the front and the visible side elevation. This gives the elevations seen from the house and surrounding garden a warmer, more natural appearance.

Matte-black steel cladding is being used on the remaining side and rear elevations. Combining the two materials creates a strong contemporary finish while using each material where it makes the most visual and practical sense.

This is one of the benefits of choosing a genuinely bespoke building. The design is not limited to a fixed catalogue configuration. We can consider the position of the room, what can be seen from the house, the surrounding boundaries and how different elevations should look.

Integrated storage without needing another shed

Storage was designed into the building from the beginning.

A partition creates a separate storage area within the overall footprint, accessed through a concealed external door. The main room remains visually separate, plastered and decorated, while the storage section has a practical raw OSB finish.

Integrating storage can be especially useful where a customer wants a comfortable garden room but does not want an additional shed taking up more of the garden.

It can provide space for garden tools, equipment, bicycles or seasonal items while keeping them away from the finished main room.

The position and dimensions of the storage area can be adapted during the design process according to the customer’s priorities.

Black aluminium bifold doors with integral blinds

A three-metre set of black aluminium bifold doors forms the main entrance to the garden room.

The wide glazed opening brings natural light into the building and helps connect the inside space with the garden. When conditions allow, the doors can be folded back to create a more open relationship between the two areas.

The doors also have integral blinds positioned within the glazed units. These allow the customer to control privacy and sunlight without fitting conventional blinds inside the room.

An additional opening window provides ventilation and more natural light.

Doors and windows have a substantial effect on the appearance, comfort and usability of a garden room. We discuss their size and position during the design process rather than treating them as an afterthought.

An additional one-metre decking extension

The design includes decking directly outside the bifold doors, with an additional extension of approximately one metre.

This will help create a visual and practical transition between the garden and the room. It provides an area immediately outside the doors that could be used for seating, planters or simply as a more generous entrance to the building.

Decking and raised platforms can be subject to planning considerations separate from the main garden building. Their height, position, coverage and relationship with the wider project may all be relevant.

Customers remain responsible for confirming whether planning permission or any other approval is required for their proposed garden room and decking. We recommend obtaining written guidance from the relevant local planning authority or advice from a suitably qualified planning professional before work begins.

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How is the garden room constructed?

The building uses structural insulated panels, commonly known as SIPs, to form its walls and roof.

SIPs combine structural strength and insulation within a precisely manufactured panel system. They allow the main shell to be assembled efficiently while creating a well-insulated envelope suitable for comfortable use throughout the year.

The specification for this Wokingham garden room includes:

• Insulated SIP walls and roof

• A ground-screw foundation system

• A mono-pitch roof

• A durable EPDM roof covering

• Thermowood and steel external cladding

• A plastered and matte-white painted main room

• Raw OSB finishes inside the storage area

• A wall-mounted electric radiator

Ground screws provide a stable foundation without the extensive excavation normally associated with a large concrete base. Their suitability nevertheless depends on the particular site and ground conditions, which need to be considered for each project.

Electrical installation and internet connection

A garden room intended for regular use needs more than a basic extension lead and a single light.

The electrical specification for this project includes:

• A new consumer unit at the house

• An armoured electrical supply to the garden room

• A separate garden-room consumer unit

• Four double electrical sockets

• Eleven LED downlights

• Two conventional light switches

• A wireless kinetic light switch

• A wall-mounted electric radiator

• Cat6 data cabling

• Electrical testing and certification

Cat6 cabling can provide a stable wired internet connection, which may be particularly valuable when a garden room will be used for work, video calls, streaming or other connected equipment.

The final electrical design for any project depends on the intended use of the room, its distance from the house and the capacity of the existing electrical installation.

Why choose a bespoke garden room?

A bespoke design gives you greater control over how the available space is used.

Instead of adapting your plans to suit a predetermined building, the dimensions and specification can be developed around your garden and priorities.

Depending on the project, that may include:

• Adjusting the width or depth to suit the site

• Creating an integrated storage area

• Choosing where doors and windows are positioned

• Combining different external cladding materials

• Adding data cabling for reliable internet access

• Planning sockets and lighting around furniture

• Creating decking outside the entrance

• Selecting heating and internal finishes

• Designing around access, fencing and visible elevations

Our aim is not simply to install a box at the end of the garden. It is to create a properly considered building that looks appropriate, works effectively and meets the customer’s practical requirements.

You can see more about our approach on our bespoke garden rooms page.

Choosing a garden-room builder

When comparing garden-room quotations, it is important to check exactly what is included.

A lower headline price may exclude important elements such as foundations, electrical work, plastering, decorating, heating, data cabling, decking or waste removal.

Ask potential builders about:

• The proposed foundation system

• Wall and roof construction

• Insulation

• External cladding

• Doors and windows

• Electrical installation and certification

• Heating

• Internal finishes

• Site preparation

• Waste removal

• Warranty protection

• Which parts of the work may cost extra

Backyard Cabins provides a written specification so customers can understand what is included in their project. Our buildings include a ten-year structural warranty, subject to the relevant warranty terms.

If you are comparing quotations, we are happy to explain our proposed construction and specification in plain language.

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Garden rooms in Wokingham and the surrounding area

Backyard Cabins designs and builds garden rooms in Wokingham and selected surrounding areas, generally within approximately one hour’s drive of Wokingham.

Every garden and project is different. Access, boundaries, ground conditions, nearby trees, drainage, the position of the house and the intended use of the room can all influence the design.

Our local service allows us to visit the property, assess the proposed location and discuss the most appropriate options with the customer.

For more information about our work in the area, visit our garden rooms in Berkshire page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a garden room cost in the UK?

The cost of a garden room depends on its size, construction, access, groundwork, doors, windows, cladding, electrical specification and internal finish.

More compact bespoke Backyard Cabins garden rooms can begin from approximately £16,000. A garden room with a similar size and specification to this 5.2m × 4m Wokingham project would typically cost around £34,500 including VAT.

This guide price reflects features such as integrated storage, aluminium bifold doors, mixed cladding, a detailed electrical installation and extended decking. We design and price every project individually.

Will I need planning permission for a garden room?

Possibly. Some garden rooms may fall within permitted-development rights, while others require planning permission or additional approvals.

Whether consent is required depends on the individual property, the proposed position and dimensions of the building, its intended use, previous development and any restrictions affecting the site.

National guidance contains requirements relating to matters including height, boundaries, position, land coverage and raised platforms. Meeting one or more of those requirements does not by itself confirm that a project qualifies as permitted development.

Different or restricted rules may apply to listed buildings, designated land, flats, maisonettes and properties affected by planning conditions or Article 4 directions. Rules and official guidance can also change.

Unless Backyard Cabins has expressly agreed otherwise in writing, the customer is responsible for checking the requirements and obtaining all necessary planning permissions, approvals and consents before work begins.

We recommend obtaining written confirmation from the relevant local planning authority or advice from a suitably qualified planning professional. Customers should not proceed based solely on general information published on our website.

Can a garden room include separate storage?

Yes. Storage can be incorporated into the footprint of a bespoke garden room using an internal partition and a separate external entrance.

The size and position of the storage area can be adapted to suit the building and what the customer needs to store.

Can a garden room be used throughout the year?

A properly insulated garden room with suitable glazing and heating can provide a comfortable space throughout the seasons.

Actual comfort and energy use will depend on the building specification, external conditions, the chosen temperature and how the room is used.

Can you install electricity and internet in a garden room?

Yes. Electrical sockets, internal and external lighting, heating and data cabling can be included in the project specification.

The work required at the main property will depend on its existing electrical installation and the distance between the house and garden room.

How long does it take to build a garden room?

The timescale depends on the building’s size, specification, access, groundwork and weather conditions.

Straightforward garden-room projects can sometimes be completed in approximately two weeks once installation begins. Larger or more detailed projects, including buildings with integrated storage, extensive glazing, bespoke finishes or decking, may take longer.

We provide a more relevant estimated programme after assessing the proposed project.

Do Backyard Cabins garden rooms come with a warranty?

Our garden rooms include a ten-year structural warranty, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

We will explain the warranty and the rest of the project specification before an order is confirmed.

Important planning information

The planning information in this article is provided only as a general summary of our understanding at the date of publication. It is not planning or legal advice and must not be treated as confirmation that planning permission, building regulations approval or any other consent is unnecessary for a particular property or project.

Planning requirements vary according to the property, its location, previous development, the proposed building and its intended use. Permitted-development rights may also be restricted or removed.

Unless Backyard Cabins has expressly agreed otherwise in writing, the customer is responsible for checking the requirements and obtaining all necessary permissions, approvals and consents before work begins.

We recommend obtaining written confirmation from the relevant local planning authority or advice from a suitably qualified planning professional. Customers should not proceed based solely on information published on this website.

Start planning your bespoke garden room

This Wokingham garden room is still under construction, and we look forward to sharing the completed result.

If you have been considering a garden office, studio, hobby room, gym, entertainment space or flexible room for your family, we can help you explore what is possible in your garden.

Tell us approximately where you are located, what you would like to use the building for and any preferred dimensions. We can then arrange a conversation and provide guidance on the next step.

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Backyard Cabins designs and builds bespoke garden rooms in Wokingham, Berkshire and selected surrounding locations.

How to Choose the Best Garden Room Company: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Investing in a garden room is a significant decision.

Whether you’re creating a home office, gym, studio, treatment room, or additional living space, choosing the right company is just as important as choosing the design itself.

A quick online search reveals hundreds of garden room providers, all claiming to offer the best quality, the best value, and the best service.

So how do you separate a genuinely high-quality garden room company from the rest?

Here are ten questions every homeowner should ask before signing a contract or paying a deposit.

Quick Answer

The best garden room company isn’t necessarily the biggest or the cheapest.

Look for a company that uses high-performance construction materials, offers transparent pricing, can demonstrate genuine completed projects, understands foundations and planning requirements, and provides direct accountability throughout the build.

Companies should be able to explain exactly how their buildings are constructed, what is included within the advertised price, and who will actually be responsible for building your garden room.

1. Who Will Actually Build Your Garden Room?

Many homeowners are surprised to discover that the person they initially speak with disappears once the contract is signed.

Some companies operate large sales teams and outsource installation work to third-party subcontractors.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with this model, but it’s important to understand who will ultimately be responsible for delivering your project.

At Backyard Cabins, Nick oversees the client-facing side of the business and remains closely involved throughout the build process. Meanwhile, Matthew manages the planning, administration, systems and operational side behind the scenes.

This approach allows us to maintain quality control and accountability from initial enquiry through to final handover.

2. What Is the Actual Construction Specification?

Not all garden rooms are built the same way.

Many companies simply describe their buildings as “fully insulated” without explaining what that actually means.

Questions worth asking include:

• What type of structure is used?

• How thick are the walls?

• What insulation system is installed?

• What roofing system is included?

• What type of glazing is provided?

Our cabins are constructed using 97mm Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), comprising a 75mm continuous polyurethane insulation core bonded between structural OSB boards.

Combined with premium Thermowood cladding, high-quality double glazing and durable EPDM roofing, this creates a highly insulated structure designed for genuine year-round use.

3. Is the Price Transparent?

One of the biggest frustrations in the garden room industry is discovering additional costs after receiving an initial quote.

A garden room advertised at one price can quickly become far more expensive once flooring, heating, foundations, electrics, installation and VAT are added.

Always ask:

• Is VAT included?

• Is flooring included?

• Is heating included?

• Is installation included?

• Are there any likely additional costs?

We believe pricing should be clear from the outset. That’s why we display both ex-VAT and VAT-inclusive pricing and clearly explain what is included within every cabin package.

4. Can They Show Real Completed Projects?

A portfolio should contain more than computer-generated renders.

Look for genuine projects, completed installations and real-world examples of previous work.

These provide valuable insight into:

• Build quality

• Attention to detail

• Design capability

• Site management

• Problem-solving ability

At Backyard Cabins, we regularly document completed projects across Berkshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and West London, including bespoke builds and challenging installations where careful planning was required.

5. Can They Explain the Thermal Performance?

Many companies advertise their buildings as “fully insulated”, but few explain the actual thermal performance of the finished structure.

One useful question to ask is:

What is the U-value of the finished wall assembly?

A lower U-value indicates better thermal performance.

As a guide:

• Typical shed or log cabin: Often above 1.50 W/m²K

• Modern house extension: Around 0.28 W/m²K

• High-performance garden room: Around 0.25 W/m²K

Our standard wall build-up achieves a finished wall assembly U-value of approximately 0.25 W/m²K, helping create a comfortable, energy-efficient environment throughout the year.

6. Do They Understand Planning and Permitted Development?

Most garden rooms can be installed under permitted development rights, but every property is different.

A good company should understand:

• Common permitted development requirements

• Height restrictions

• Boundary considerations

• Situations where planning permission may be required

Our standard cabin range is designed to remain below 2.5 metres in height, helping many projects fall within permitted development guidelines, subject to the circumstances of the individual property.

7. Can They Handle Challenging Gardens?

Very few gardens are perfectly flat with unrestricted access.

Common challenges include:

• Sloping lawns

• Narrow side access

• Tight corners

• Existing landscaping

• Restricted boundaries

This is where experience becomes important.

We frequently use ground screw foundations where appropriate. These can often reduce excavation requirements, minimise disruption and provide a practical solution for uneven ground.

We’re also currently completing projects where careful site logistics and SIPs construction methods allow materials to be transported through restricted access routes that would be difficult for larger pre-manufactured structures.

8. What Warranty Is Included?

A garden room is a long-term investment.

Before proceeding, ask:

• What warranty is included?

• What does it cover?

• How long does it last?

Backyard Cabins provides a 10-year structural warranty, reflecting our confidence in both the materials we use and the way our cabins are constructed.

9. How Long Will the Build Take?

Build times vary significantly across the industry.

Ask:

• How long will installation take?

• What preparation is required beforehand?

• What factors could affect the schedule?

Because our cabins utilise SIPs construction and can often be installed on ground screw foundations, many standard models can be completed within approximately 10–15 working days once foundations are prepared.

10. Will the Final Electrical Connection Be Straightforward?

This is a detail many homeowners overlook.

A good garden room company should make the final electrical connection process as simple as possible.

Our cabins are supplied with first-fix electrics already installed, including sockets, lighting circuits and an internal consumer unit.

Once the structure is complete, your electrician simply connects the cabin to the property’s electrical supply, making the final stage straightforward and efficient.

Why Smaller Can Sometimes Be Better

There are many excellent garden room companies operating in the UK, and larger companies often offer impressive showrooms, extensive marketing, and a wide range of standard designs.

However, one advantage of working with a smaller specialist company is simplicity and direct accountability.

With larger organisations, it’s common to deal with multiple departments throughout a project. The person who provides the initial quotation may be different from the project manager, who may be different from the installation team, who may be different from the person handling aftercare.

At Backyard Cabins, things are deliberately simpler.

From your initial enquiry through to completion, you’ll deal directly with the people responsible for delivering your project. Questions are answered quickly, decisions can be made efficiently, and if something needs discussing, you can speak directly to the people who know the project inside out.

This also gives us greater flexibility. We can adapt designs, solve site-specific challenges, and make sensible decisions throughout the build without layers of management or lengthy approval processes.

For many of our clients, that direct relationship and personal service is one of the biggest advantages of working with a small, specialist team.

Final Thoughts

The best garden room company isn’t necessarily the largest, the cheapest or the one with the biggest marketing budget.

It’s the company that combines quality materials, transparent pricing, genuine craftsmanship and a commitment to delivering a great result.

Take your time, ask questions, compare providers and choose a company you trust.

A well-designed garden room should enhance your home and lifestyle for many years to come.

Thinking About a Garden Room?

Whether you’re considering a compact home office or a larger multi-functional garden room, we’re always happy to discuss your project.

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Garden Rooms Surrey – How to Choose the Right Garden Office or Outdoor Space

Across Surrey, more homeowners are choosing garden rooms as a practical alternative to extensions. Whether the goal is a dedicated garden office, a creative studio, or a flexible multi-purpose space, a well-designed garden room can transform how your home functions, without the disruption of major building work.

If you’re considering a garden room in Surrey, here’s what you should think about before making a decision.

Why Garden Rooms Are Growing in Popularity in Surrey

Surrey homes often benefit from generous gardens, making them ideal for adding usable space without altering the main house.

A garden room offers something unique:

• Physical separation from the home

• A calm, distraction-free environment

• A flexible space that can evolve over time

• An alternative to extending or converting interior rooms

For many homeowners, a garden office in Surrey provides the ideal balance between working from home and maintaining boundaries between work and personal life.

Can You Use a Garden Room All Year Round?

One of the most common questions is whether garden rooms are suitable for winter use.

The answer depends entirely on how they’re built.

A high-quality garden room should include:

• Full insulation in walls, floor and roof

• A strong structural system

• Proper waterproofing and breathable membrane protection

• Quality glazing to maximise natural light while maintaining comfort

When built correctly, a garden room becomes a true year-round space — not a seasonal summer feature.

Garden Office or Multi-Use Space?

Before choosing a design, it’s important to consider how you’ll use the space day to day.

A garden office typically requires:

• Adequate desk and storage space

• Strong natural light

• A quiet, private setting

But many Surrey homeowners choose to future-proof their investment. What begins as a home office may later become:

• A yoga or wellness studio

• A garden gym

• A consulting or therapy room

• A guest or hobby space

Flexibility is key.

Pre-Designed vs Bespoke Garden Rooms in Surrey

When exploring options, you’ll generally have two routes.

Our pre-designed garden rooms offer proven layouts and carefully balanced proportions. They’re ideal if your garden has a straightforward footprint and you want a well-considered, efficient design that works beautifully in everyday use.

You can explore our full range of pre-designed garden cabins to see which size and layout may suit your space.

Bespoke garden rooms, on the other hand, are better suited for:

• Narrow or corner plots

• Specific layout requirements

• Integrated storage solutions

• Partitioned or multi-use spaces

The right choice depends on your garden, your lifestyle, and how you want the space to feel long term.

Do Garden Rooms Need Planning Permission in Surrey?

In many cases, garden rooms fall under permitted development. However, this depends on factors such as height, placement and intended use.

For example, there are commonly referenced rules around maximum height when positioned close to a boundary, and different overall limits depending on roof style.

It’s always sensible to understand the basics before committing, particularly if your property has specific planning restrictions.

Choosing the Right Garden Room Builder in Surrey

Not all garden rooms are built to the same standard.

When comparing providers, look beyond appearance and consider:

• Construction method and insulation quality

• Waterproofing systems

• Warranty and longevity

• Reviews and completed projects

• Whether designs are created in-house

A garden room should be a long-term investment, not a temporary solution.

Explore Garden Rooms in Surrey

If you’re considering a garden room or garden office in Surrey, it’s worth taking the time to explore different layouts, finishes and options before deciding.

You can explore our full guide to garden rooms in Surrey here:

Explore our Garden Rooms in Surrey

Or browse our range of pre-designed cabins and bespoke options to see what might suit your garden best.

Thinking About a Garden Room?

A well-designed garden room can change how you live and work — providing space, separation and flexibility without altering your main home.

If you’re based in Surrey and exploring options, start by understanding how the structure is built, how it performs year-round, and which layout best suits your space.

The right design makes all the difference.