About Our Combined Greenhouse Sheds
A Combined Greenhouse Shed—also known as a greenhouse shed combo—solves one of the biggest challenges in garden planning: finding space for both growing and storage. These clever 2-in-1 buildings, sometimes called a half shed half greenhouse, give you a dedicated growing area with toughened glass and proper ventilation, plus secure storage for tools, pots, and equipment. You'll find two main construction types in our collection: premium Swallow Kingfisher Combi Greenhouses and Swallow Raven Combi Greenhouses built from Thermowood greenhouse shed with toughened safety glass, and budget-friendly Power 4ft Wide Combi Potting Sheds and Power 6ft Wide Apex Combi Potting Sheds with shiplap construction.
The ThermoWood models from Swallow feature heat-treated Scandinavian timber that's naturally resistant to rot and warping, with a 12-year warranty and free installation greenhouse shed included. These arrive fully installed within 8-12 weeks of your base being ready. The Power range offers excellent value with 10-year warranties, dip-treated panels, and full-length 2-tier staging—perfect if you're comfortable with DIY assembly. Both types include automatic roof vents, locking doors with mortise locks, and full-length staging benches.
These greenhouse and storage solution buildings typically measure 8ft 3" wide (Swallow) or 3ft 10" to 7ft 9" wide (Power), with shed sections from 4ft to 10ft and greenhouse sections from 4ft to 20ft. This flexibility means you can prioritise growing space or storage. Browse all of our Swallow Wooden Greenhouses or explore our complete Shed range for comparison.
Choosing Combined Greenhouse Sheds: Quick Guide
Start by assessing your space and priorities. A 6ft x 4ft greenhouse with a 4ft shed (total 8ft) suits a small garden greenhouse shed and light growers, while serious gardeners often choose 6ft x 10ft+ greenhouse sections with 6ft sheds. The Swallow models work beautifully in traditional gardens where aesthetics matter—the oiled ThermoWood develops a rich silver-grey patina, or choose from 10 painted finishes including Vert de Terre, Lulworth Blue, and classic Black. Power combi greenhouse models suit modern gardens or allotments where budget and function take priority.
| Price Range | Model | Size Range |
|---|---|---|
| £800–£1,200 | Power Combi Sheds | Entry-level, shiplap timber |
| £1,800–£3,500 | Swallow Mid-range Models | 4ft–6ft greenhouse sections |
| £4,000+ | Premium Swallow ThermoWood | 10ft+ greenhouse sections |
The ThermoWood investment pays off through lower maintenance—you'll oil it once on arrival, then every 2–3 years versus annual treatment for standard timber combi greenhouse models.
Base preparation is non-negotiable. You'll need a firm, level foundation using concrete, paving slabs, or a timber frame. The base must be perfectly level (within 5mm over the entire area) and extend the full footprint of your greenhouse shed combination building. Check our guides on how to build a concrete base for a greenhouse or how to build a paving slab base for a wooden greenhouse. Professional installation is available—our Shed Installation Service UK covers the Midlands and surrounding areas.
Planning permission rarely applies to garden buildings under 2.5m high occupying less than 50% of your garden, but always verify with your local council. For lean-to options that attach to existing walls, consider the Janssens Arcadia Mur Plus Lean-to Greenhouse as a space-saving greenhouse alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do combined greenhouse sheds cost?
Combined greenhouse sheds range from £800–£1,200 for Power shiplap models to £1,800–£3,500 for mid-range Swallow ThermoWood combinations. Larger Swallow models with 10ft+ greenhouse sections typically cost £4,000+. Swallow prices include free UK mainland delivery and professional installation within 8–12 weeks.
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What's the difference between a combi greenhouse and a potting shed?
A greenhouse shed combo prioritises growing space with full glass glazing and integrated storage, while potting sheds focus on workspace with partial glazing and more sheltered area. Combi greenhouses like the Swallow Kingfisher Combi Greenhouses feature 50–75% toughened glass coverage and are ideal for year-round growing. Potting sheds like the Power 8ft Wide Apex Combi Pent Potting Sheds have 25–40% glazing and excel at propagation and potting tasks.
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Do I need to treat the wood on my combined greenhouse shed?
Swallow ThermoWood combined greenhouse sheds arrive with a natural finish or can be upgraded to oiled (£557–£636) or painted (£1,164–£1,359) finishes applied in Swallow's spray booth. ThermoWood requires oiling every 2–3 years versus annual treatment for standard timber. Power combi sheds arrive dip-treated and need wood preservative treatment immediately after assembly, then annually.
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Can I reverse the shed and greenhouse sections?
Most greenhouse shed combination buildings can be configured with the shed on either end during installation. The Swallow models allow you to specify your preferred layout when ordering. Power combis feature flexible door positioning on either gable end, giving you complete control over orientation.
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What base do I need for a combined greenhouse shed?
Combined greenhouse sheds require a firm, level base made from concrete, paving slabs, or a pressure-treated timber frame. The base must be perfectly level (within 5mm tolerance) and extend the full footprint of your building. Concrete bases offer the best longevity (50+ years), paving slabs provide good drainage, and timber frames suit uneven ground.
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Do combined greenhouse sheds need planning permission?
Combined greenhouse sheds under 2.5m high covering less than 50% of your garden typically don't require planning permission in England and Wales. However, restrictions apply if your property is listed or in a conservation area. Always consult your local planning authority before purchasing.
Technical Specifications: Greenhouse Shed Combo Models
| Feature | Swallow ThermoWood Combis | Power Shiplap Combis |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 6ft 8" (2035mm) or 8ft 3" | 3ft 10" to 7ft 9" |
| Construction | ThermoWood (heat-treated) | Scandinavian Softwood |
| Glazing | 3mm Toughened Safety Glass | 3mm Toughened Glass |
| Roof Vents | Automatic (Bayliss XL) | Manual or none |
| Warranty | 12 Years | 10 Years |
| Installation | FREE Professional Install | DIY (kerbside delivery) |
| Delivery Time | 8–12 weeks | 5–7 working days |
| Maintenance | Oil every 2–3 years | Treat annually |
| Base Required | Concrete, slabs, or timber | Concrete, slabs, or timber |
| Price Range | £1,800–£4,000+ | £800–£1,200 |
Need Help Choosing? Call our team on 0800 098 8877 or email sales@greenhousestores.co.uk for expert advice. With 15 years of experience selling and installing Swallow Greenhouses, we'll help you find the best greenhouse shed combo for your garden.