Planning Your Garden Room
Before you start building a garden room, careful planning is essential. Begin by deciding on the size, use, and position of your new space. Most homeowners choose a flat or slightly pitched roof structure that complements the garden, with wide openings to maximise natural light.
Check your local building regulations to understand the rules for garden rooms. In many areas, small detached structures are allowed under permitted development; however, factors such as height, overall size, and distance from property boundaries can affect what is permitted. If you intend to connect utilities like electricity or water, additional permissions may be required. And if the garden room will be used for overnight accommodation, Building Regulations approval is necessary regardless of its size.
It’s a good idea to sketch out your layout before you order materials. Think about access, insulation, ventilation, and the placement of windows and doors. For example, installing pre-made bifold doors for a garden room gives you a wide opening, while sliding doors provide a clean, contemporary look that saves space inside.
Selecting the Right Structure
Once you’ve planned your garden room, the next step is choosing the right structure. Many homeowners choose a self-build garden room kit, which includes pre-cut panels and simple assembly instructions. This option offers flexibility over finishes, glazing, and layout, while helping to keep costs down. Windows and doors are usually supplied separately, so you can select styles that suit your home and garden.
When selecting materials, focus on strength and longevity. Thermally broken aluminium cladding is ideal for the frame, paired with high-performance insulation and durable interior panels for a comfortable, long-lasting space. Energy-efficient insulation and double-glazed windows make the room usable all year round. Our aluminium frames include thermal breaks to reduce heat loss, keeping the space warm in winter and cool in summer.
A watertight roof is also essential. Opting for a flat roof with rooflights provides solid weather protection while flooding the room with natural daylight achieves a bright and inviting space.
Installing Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are at the heart of any garden room design. They shape not only the look of the space but also how it connects to the garden beyond. Bifold doors remain a favourite choice for many homeowners, as they can open the full width of the room, creating an effortless flow between indoors and outdoors. For those who prefer a more traditional touch, French doors offer symmetry and timeless elegance. Pair them with tall, fixed panes to maximise light and establish a bright, open atmosphere.
All our aluminium doors and windows are precision-engineered for superior thermal performance, security, and long-term durability. They’re easy to install within self-build kits and designed to deliver reliable performance year after year. With pre-made products available within 5 working days, you can complete your garden room quickly and start enjoying your new space without delay.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Build a Garden Room
Once you have the structure and glazing ready, it’s time to move on to the build itself.
Step 1: Prepare the Ground
Start by choosing a level area with good drainage, and begin clearing away any vegetation or debris. A solid foundation is essential to ensure stability and longevity. Concrete slabs or ground screws both provide strong, reliable bases that support the framework and prevent movement over time.
Step 2: Assemble the Frame
Follow your self-build kit instructions carefully, connecting panels and ensuring all joints are secure. If you’re building your own garden room from scratch, measure twice before cutting to maintain accuracy.
Step 3: Insulate and Line the Interior
Good insulation keeps your garden room comfortable through all seasons. Rigid foam boards or natural wool insulation both perform well. Add a vapour barrier before fixing internal cladding or plasterboard for a neat, durable finish.
Step 4: Fit the Roof
Install roof joists and waterproof sheeting before laying the final surface. If you’re incorporating a rooflight, make sure it’s correctly sealed. Here at Express, our rooflights are designed to maximise light while maintaining excellent weather resistance.
Step 5: Install Doors and Windows
Carefully position your chosen aluminium frames and secure them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A well-fitted set of bifold or sliding doors can completely transform how you use your garden room, opening the space to the outdoors and allowing you to enjoy garden views all year round. For guidance on accurate measuring, see our previous blog on preparing for a bifold door installation.
All our products come with a detailed fitting manual, making installation straightforward for skilled tradespeople. However, if your installer is unfamiliar with techniques such as “toe and heeling,” or lacks experience fitting doors and windows, we highly recommend our sister company, Express Bi-Folding Doors. They provide a full survey and professional installation service, ensuring every detail is completed to the highest standard.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Once everything is in position, seal edges, paint or oil the timber, and add flooring. Consider integrated lighting or underfloor heating for year-round comfort.
Managing Director Steve Bromberg shares his advice on building a garden room that lasts:
“The key to success lies in quality materials and attention to detail. A well-built garden room should look as good in ten years as it does on the day it’s finished. By using high-grade aluminium and precision manufacturing, we help our customers achieve that lasting result.”
Maintenance and Longevity
Once your new space is complete, ongoing care will keep it in perfect condition. Aluminium doors and windows require very little upkeep. Simply clean the frames with mild soapy water and check seals occasionally.
Regular maintenance of the exterior cladding and roof will protect against moisture and UV exposure. If your structure sits near trees, clear leaves and debris from gutters to prevent blockages.
Get Started Today With Express Direct
Knowing how to build a garden room gives you full control over expanding your living space in a way that feels natural and lasting. With the right preparation, high-quality materials, and careful installation, you can build your own garden room that adds genuine value and enjoyment to your home for years to come. To understand how pre-made aluminium bifold and French doors, as well as fixed & casement windows, fit into your vision, check out our range online or come down to the showroom for a chat with our expert team of advisors.