At last we are welcoming the first signs of spring, as snowdrops emerge and the gradually lengthening days bring a sense of renewal and hope. It’s likely that you will be paying more attention to your outside space, and if you are fortunate enough to have the benefit of a timber garden room you may be bringing it back into use for the warmer days ahead.
These versatile contemporary garden structures provide the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view of your garden or socialise with friends. They can also be used for a variety of other purposes, such as an office, a home gym, a workshop, an arts and crafts studio, or even to create your very own back garden bar.
If you mainly use your garden room as a summerhouse, it will be in need of a spruce up to keep it in good condition and help you to enjoy it to its full potential over the coming months. Here are some useful tips to help you breathe new life into your garden room.
Have a spring clean
Start by spring cleaning the structure so that it’s looking its best and to help you make a more accurate assessment of its condition. Declutter the interior and sweep away cobwebs from the surfaces with a soft brush. Clean the windows with a mixture of distilled vinegar and water to maximise the amount of natural light.
Brush loose dirt from the exterior of the building, and follow up by washing it with mild soapy water to remove any mildew or algae.
Carry out an inspection
Here in the UK, it’s been a wild winter with a succession of storms battering the country with high winds and torrential downpours. We’ve also had some extended cold snaps, and these harsh conditions can take its toll on our garden structures. Inspect the exterior of your building for any sign of cracks, warping or leaks.
Timber is a very durable material and if it is well maintained it will last for many years, but it’s important to pick up on any signs of wear and tear early and take preventative measures against rot and water damage. Assess the roof for missing tiles or loose membrane, and clear away any loose debris.
Inspect the gutters for signs of damage or blockages, and check the land around the building for signs of blocked drains or dampness. Any build up of water could undermine the base of the building and compromise its integrity, so deal promptly with any drainage problems.
Examine the interior
When you have thoroughly inspected the exterior, turn your attention to the inside. Inspect the ceiling for signs of dampness, mould, or pests such as woodworm or wasp’s nests. Check the condition of walls, and if the doors and windows open and close easily, or if there is any sign of warping or cracking in the frames.
Give the inside a thorough dust and sweep, and leave the windows and doors open for a few hours to freshen the air and dispel any mustiness.
Apply paint or wood treatment
Most timber buildings will require an annual coating of weatherproofing treatment such as wood stain or paint. You may wish to take advantage of a dry spell of weather to do this and ensure that your garden room looks smart and inviting for the summer.
Prune and tidy around the summerhouse
Clear away any vegetation that is climbing too profusely on the walls of the building, as it can damage the timber and lead to leaks and rotting. Prune any overhanging branches that have become a hazard and are blocking light from the building.
Consider the indoor-outdoor transition
Your summerhouse is naturally a place where the indoors and outdoors blend together, and you may wish to consider adding features that will help the transition appear natural and seamless. If you do not already have a patio or decking area around the building, consider adding one to create summer outdoor living space.
You may wish to add some containers or planting around the perimeter to help visually integrate the building with the rest of your garden. Choose colourful spring flowers such as primrose, crocus, daffodils and hyacinths to add instant brightness and visual appeal.
A pathway linking the building to your house will provide a sense of harmony and also be a useful feature to avoid damage from foot traffic on your lawn.
