Summer House Sizes
A summer house turns a corner of the garden into somewhere to sit, read, work or entertain, and the size you choose decides how you can use it. Below you will find every summer house size we compare, from compact 6′ x 4′ garden retreats to large log cabin summer houses, grouped from small to large with links to compare prices from leading UK retailers.
Sizes are given as width x depth in feet, so an 8′ x 6′ summer house is roughly 2.4m wide and 1.8m deep. Log cabin and Palmako models are often sold in metres, so always check the exact external dimensions, including any veranda or roof overhang, on the product page before you measure up.
Small summer houses
Compact sizes for a bistro set or a reading chair, ideal for smaller gardens and patios.
Medium summer houses
The most popular sizes, with room for a sofa, a dining set or a small home office.
- 6′ x 8′ summer houses
- 8′ x 6′ summer houses
- 7′ x 7′ summer houses
- 7′ x 8′ summer houses
- 10′ x 6′ summer houses
- 7′ x 9′ summer houses
- 9′ x 7′ summer houses
- 8′ x 8′ summer houses
- 7′ x 10′ summer houses
- 8′ x 10′ summer houses
- 10′ x 8′ summer houses
- 9′ x 9′ summer houses
- 7′ x 13′ summer houses
- 12′ x 8′ summer houses
- 9′ x 11′ summer houses
- 11′ x 9′ summer houses
Large summer houses
Room to furnish like an extra room, from garden lounges to log cabin summer houses with separate storage.
- 10′ x 10′ summer houses
- 10′ x 12′ summer houses
- 12′ x 10′ summer houses
- 11′ x 11′ summer houses
- 13′ x 10′ summer houses
- 13′ x 11′ summer houses
- 12′ x 12′ summer houses
- 15′ x 11′ summer houses
- 18′ x 10′ summer houses
- 19′ x 10′ summer houses
- 14′ x 14′ summer houses
- 20′ x 10′ summer houses
- 22′ x 10′ summer houses
- 14′ x 19′ summer houses
- 25′ x 16′ summer houses
Summer Houses by brand
How to choose the right summer house size
Decide how you will use it
A summer house for reading or a morning coffee can be as small as 6′ x 4′. For a sofa or dining set, look at 8′ x 8′ and above, and for a garden office or hobby room allow at least 10′ x 8′ so there is space for a desk and storage.
Choose the style
Apex roofs give the most headroom and a traditional look. Pent roofs keep the height down near a boundary. Corner summer houses have an angled front that tucks into the corner of a garden, and octagonal designs give windows on several sides.
Think about year round use
A standard timber summer house suits spring to autumn. If you want to use it in colder months, look at log cabin summer houses with thicker walls, typically 28mm to 44mm, which hold heat far better.
Plan the base and position
Every summer house needs a firm, level base. Face the doors towards the afternoon sun if you want warmth in the evening, and check the overall height if it will sit within 2m of a boundary, where permitted development limits it to 2.5m.
Summer House size FAQs
What is the most popular summer house size?
8′ x 6′ is one of the most popular summer house sizes, with room for a small table and chairs. 7′ x 5′ suits smaller gardens, and 10′ x 8′ is a common choice for a garden office.
Do I need planning permission for a summer house?
Most summer houses in England are permitted development. If it is within 2m of a boundary, its overall height should not exceed 2.5m, and outbuildings must not cover more than half the garden. Check with your council if your home is listed or in a conservation area.
Can I use a summer house all year round?
You can, but a log cabin style summer house with thicker walls, ideally 28mm or more, will stay much warmer in winter than a standard timber one. Adding insulation and a heater makes it usable through the colder months.
What base does a summer house need?
A firm, level base such as concrete, paving slabs or a timber frame base. The base should match the floor size of the summer house, not the roof size, so check the dimensions on the product page.
Compare other sizes
Comparing options? See log cabin sizes and garden room sizes, or browse all summer houses.