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What materials can you make a garden room from?
Garden rooms have become a popular addition to many homes, offering a versatile space that blends comfort with the beauty of the outdoors. Beyond their functional appeal, there’s a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability in their construction.
In this blog, we’ll explore the variety of materials we use to build a garden room, with a particular focus on those that are aesthetically pleasing, durable and kind to our planet. Whether you envision a productive home office, an outdoor entertaining space or a serene retreat, understanding the materials that go into your garden room is crucial for creating a space that aligns with your environmental values and complements your home.
Ground screws: a foundation for sustainability
Our innovative ground screws, made from recycled steel, are revolutionising garden room construction. Unlike traditional concrete foundations, they’re less invasive to the natural landscape. These screws offer robust support for your garden room and are a testament to modern, eco-friendly practices.
By choosing ground screws, you’re opting for a solution that respects and preserves the environment around your home. The environmental advantages of ground screws over concrete are significant. They don’t disturb the soil as much, maintaining the natural ecosystem. The absence of concrete – known for its high carbon footprint during production and transportation – is a key environmental benefit. Ground screws reduce this impact significantly.
They also offer a faster installation process, reducing construction time and associated emissions. Moreover, they can be removed with minimal impact, making them a sustainable choice for future modifications or relocation.
Sustainable steel frames: durability meets eco-friendliness
Our UK-fabricated stainless steel frames are a prime choice for garden rooms, combining strength and sustainability. These frames ensure your garden room stands firm against various weather conditions, providing a durable and long-lasting structure. Locally fabricated steel supports the circular economy and local industries and reduces transportation emissions.
Steel frames aren’t just strong but also fire-resistant, enhancing your garden room’s safety. Unlike timber, steel doesn’t rot or warp, ensuring your garden room maintains its structural integrity over the years. Moreover, steel is a recyclable material, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
Composite boards
Composite boards – made from a blend of 60% traceable recycled wood and 40% recycled plastic polymers – are an innovative choice for garden rooms. They provide excellent insulation, weather resistance and safety while requiring virtually no maintenance.
The durability of composite boards is a significant advantage, as they do not warp, rot or fade like traditional timber can if left untreated. Their sustainable composition, using recycled materials, aligns with eco-friendly construction practices. In terms of aesthetics, composite boards offer a modern, sleek look with a wide choice of colours and textures, making them popular for contemporary garden room designs.
Responsibly-sourced timber
FSC® certified timber is a cornerstone of our sustainable garden room construction. The FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) is a global organisation that certifies forests to ensure they’re managed responsibly. Its certification is crucial for preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable forestry practices worldwide. It ensures the wood we use comes from responsible producers, balancing environmental, social and economic needs.
Some of the FSC® certified woods we use for our projects include:
- British cedar – Recognised for its exceptional durability and moisture resistance, British cedar is a top choice for garden rooms. It’s naturally resistant to decay and insects, making it low maintenance. To keep it in top condition, applying a protective stain or oil every year is advisable to preserve its natural beauty.
- Canadian red cedar – Canadian red cedar is prized for its rich, attractive colour and unique aromatic scent, lending a luxurious feel to your garden room. It’s also durable and rot-resistant. Regular cleaning and occasional oiling will help maintain its rich colour and protect it from weathering.
- Siberian larch – Tough and dense, Siberian larch is ideal for withstanding harsh weather. It’s known for its longevity and minimal maintenance needs. To preserve its appearance, it’s recommended that you treat it with a UV-protective finish to prevent greying and apply a preservative to protect against moisture.
Each of these woods offers unique properties and advantages, making them excellent choices for garden room construction, depending on your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
Ensuring eco-conscious construction
Creating a garden room that’s both luxurious and eco-friendly is entirely feasible.
Modern advances in materials and construction techniques mean you don’t have to compromise on style or comfort to be environmentally conscious. This balance is vital to building a space that aligns with your values and meets your needs. Sustainable garden room construction significantly reduces environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient methods. This approach conserves natural resources and minimises waste and emissions.
Sustainable garden rooms typically have lower operating costs due to improved energy efficiency, leading to reduced energy bills. They also provide healthier living environments with better air quality and natural light.
In constructing a garden room, the choice of sustainable materials is pivotal. From recycled steel ground screws for foundations to FSC® certified timber and durable composite boards, each element reflects a commitment to eco-friendliness.
Our sustainable approach ensures that your garden room enhances your living space and contributes positively to environmental conservation.
How can Riverside Garden Rooms help?
Making eco-friendly choices in your garden room construction isn’t just about the materials; it’s a statement about your commitment to a greener planet.
At Riverside Garden Rooms, we believe that luxury and sustainability can coexist. By choosing responsibly sourced materials, we contribute to a more sustainable future while creating a stunning and functional addition to your home.
So, if you’re ready to invest in a beautifully designed, sustainably constructed garden room, whether it’s for a garden bar, kids’ den, garden office or outdoor kitchen, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation consultation to see how we can make your garden room vision a reality.