About Our Octagonal Garden Rooms
Octagonal Garden Rooms represent the pinnacle of garden design, offering a unique 360-degree perspective that transforms any outdoor space into a panoramic retreat. Unlike standard Log Cabins, the eight-sided design fits perfectly into central lawn spots or circular patio features, creating an airy, light-filled environment. Whether you are seeking a traditional Summerhouse aesthetic or a modern glass studio, our octagonal collection provides a sophisticated architectural alternative.
Our range is built from slow-grown Nordic Spruce, chosen for its tight grain and natural resistance to the UK's damp climate. Every model is supplied as a precision-engineered kit, featuring toughened safety glass and heavy-duty floor joists to ensure your garden room remains a stable and beautiful feature for decades to come.
Key Features of the Octagonal Range
- Panoramic Glazing: Strategic window placement provides views from every angle.
- Structural Rigidity: The 8-sided geometric shape is naturally superior at handling high wind loads.
- Premium Roofing: High-grade bitumen shingles are recommended to provide a leak-proof finish on the complex roof hips.
- Compact Footprint: Ideal for gardens where a square building would feel too imposing.
Why We Chose This Range
“We strictly select Palmako and Lichfield octagonal models because of their precision-cut 45-degree joints. In an 8-sided building, if the angles are off by even half a degree, the roof will never sit flat. Our range features CNC-machined interlocking logs that ensure a wind-tight seal at every corner. We also prioritize models that include Bitumen Shingles as standard; for an 8-sided roof, traditional felt is prone to leaking at the hips, whereas shingles provide a double-layered, waterproof finish that lasts 20+ years.”
— Matt, Founder of Greenhouse Stores🔧 Matt's Installation Tip: The "Circle" Foundation
Unlike square cabins, an octagonal base requires extreme precision. If your base is even 10mm out of level, the 8-sided roof sections will not meet at the peak. I recommend laying a circular or octagonal concrete pad that is exactly 50mm larger than the building footprint. Always use a laser level for these builds; the complexity of 8 intersecting walls means 'eyeballing it' with a spirit level usually results in doors that won't lock.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Octagonal Garden Rooms
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Is the octagonal roof hard to build?
It requires patience but is very achievable. Our kits include pre-cut roof rafters that meet at a central wooden hub. We recommend 3 people for the roof assembly stage—one to hold the central hub and two to slot the rafters in. Once the first three rafters are in, the structure becomes self-supporting.
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Do I need planning permission for an octagonal room?
Most octagonal garden rooms fall under "Permitted Development" if they are single-storey. However, because the roof is an apex style, the ridge height can often exceed 2.5m. If you are building within 2m of a boundary, the total height must be under 2.5m. Check the technical specifications for your chosen model carefully.
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What is the best roofing for an 8-sided building?
We strongly recommend Bitumen Shingles. Traditional rolls of felt are difficult to cut and seal on the many 'hips' (joins) of an octagonal roof. Shingles are applied in overlapping layers, creating a far more durable and attractive waterproof barrier.
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How do I measure the size of an octagonal building?
Octagonal buildings are usually measured by their diameter (the distance from one flat side to the opposite flat side). Note that the "point-to-point" measurement will be slightly larger. Always use the flat-to-flat dimension when planning your base size.