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Potting Sheds
Swallow Potting Sheds combine a fully glazed front for growing with solid ThermoWood walls for insulated storage. Every model includes toughened safety glass, automatic roof vents, a solid timber floor, and full-length staging as standard. We stock the Jay (6ft wide, from £3,307) and Rook (8ft wide, from £3,485) in natural ThermoWood and painted finishes. Free UK delivery and professional installation are included in every price.
About Our Potting Sheds
We stock the Swallow potting shed range exclusively. Every model uses ThermoWood timber heated to 215°C, which prevents warping and rot without chemical treatment. Prices start from £3,307 for the Swallow Jay (6ft wide) and £3,485 for the Swallow Rook (8ft wide). Free UK delivery and professional installation are included in every price shown.
Each potting shed combines a glazed front for growing with solid timber walls for insulated storage. Standard features include toughened safety glass, automatic roof vents, a solid timber floor, and full-length slatted staging. Painted finishes are available on both ranges. For practical layout ideas, see our potting shed layout guide.
Why We Chose This Range
"We exclusively stock Swallow potting sheds for one simple reason: ThermoWood. Standard timber sheds shift and warp in the damp UK climate, causing glass to crack and doors to jam. Swallow heats their timber to 215°C, effectively 'cooking' the moisture and resin out. It means the frame stays dead straight, the locks always align, and you don't need to paint it every year."
— Matt, Founder of Greenhouse StoresSwallow Jay vs Rook: Which Potting Shed Size?
We stock two ranges to suit different garden widths. The Jay fits narrower spaces; the Rook gives workshop-level room.
| Feature | Swallow Jay (6ft Wide) | Swallow Rook (8ft Wide) |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 6ft 8" (2,035 mm) | 8ft 9" (2,660 mm) |
| Lengths Available | 6ft to 20ft | 6ft to 20ft |
| ThermoWood From | £3,307 | £3,485 |
| Painted From | £5,093 | £4,239 |
| Door | Single half-glass with mortise lock | Single or double doors on larger sizes |
| Staging | Full-length slatted bench (one side) | Full-length bench + wider aisle |
| Best For | Small to medium gardens, propagation | Larger gardens, workshop use |
| Matt's Pick | Swallow Jay 6x8 — the best balance of growing space and storage for most UK gardens. The 8ft length gives you a full potting bench plus room for overwintering plants. | |
Types of Potting Sheds We Offer
Swallow Jay ThermoWood
Our most popular range for urban gardens. 6ft 8" wide with lengths from 6ft to 20ft. Natural ThermoWood finish requires no painting. Includes toughened glass, auto-vents, slatted staging, and a solid timber floor. Single half-glass door with mortise lock. From £3,307 with free installation.
Swallow Jay Painted
Same build quality as the ThermoWood Jay with a factory-applied painted finish. Choose from a range of colours to match your garden scheme. The paint is applied before delivery, so it arrives ready to use. From £5,093 with free installation.
Swallow Rook ThermoWood
The wider 8ft 9" body gives workshop-level space. Wide aisles, room for a chair and heater, and generous storage on the non-glazed side. Double doors available on larger sizes. From £3,485 with free installation.
Swallow Rook Painted
The full-size Rook with a premium factory-applied painted finish. All the space of the ThermoWood Rook with a colour of your choice. Popular with customers who want the shed to complement a painted fence or garden room. From £4,239 with free installation.
Why Choose a Potting Shed Over a Greenhouse?
Tip: The decision comes down to insulation versus light. A greenhouse gives maximum light for summer crops like tomatoes. A potting shed uses a glazed front to capture sunlight but relies on solid timber walls to hold heat. This makes it better for early propagation, secure tool storage, and comfortable working in cooler months.
Matt's Installation Tip: The "Breathing Space"
These potting sheds include a solid timber floor. Never lay them directly onto grass or soil. The floor needs airflow underneath.
We recommend a base of concrete or paving slabs matching the shed's footprint exactly. Use pressure-treated timber bearers to lift the floor 50 mm off the slabs. This allows air to circulate underneath and prevents rising damp, adding years to the building's life.
All Swallow potting sheds are manufactured to order. Lead times are typically 4–8 weeks depending on season. You pay a 20% deposit at checkout and the remainder after installation. Our professional fitting team assembles the building on site, usually within a single day.
Every model includes automatic roof vents, toughened safety glass, and full-length staging. Browse our potting benches for additional workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do potting sheds cost?
Swallow Jay ThermoWood potting sheds start from £3,307. The Swallow Rook (8ft wide) starts from £3,485. Painted finishes add roughly 25–30% to the ThermoWood price. All prices include free UK mainland delivery and professional installation. You pay a 20% deposit at checkout and the balance after the build is complete.
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Do I need planning permission for a potting shed?
Most potting sheds do not need planning permission. Buildings under 2.5 m tall that cover less than 50% of your garden area are normally permitted development. Structures within 2 m of a boundary must stay below 2.5 m in height. Conservation areas and listed buildings have stricter rules. Check your local council's planning portal before ordering.
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What base do I need for a potting shed?
A firm, level concrete or paving slab base is required. The base must match your potting shed's footprint exactly. We recommend lifting the shed 50 mm off the base using pressure-treated timber bearers for airflow underneath. A poor base causes door alignment issues and can void your warranty. See our concrete base guide for step-by-step instructions.
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What is ThermoWood and why does it matter?
ThermoWood is timber heated to 215°C to remove moisture and resin. This changes the wood's cellular structure permanently. The result is a frame that will not warp, twist, or rot for 25–30 years. Unlike pressure-treated timber, ThermoWood needs no chemical retreatment. Apply optional wood oil every few years to maintain colour, but the structural integrity requires no ongoing treatment.
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Can I use a potting shed for general storage?
Yes, potting sheds are designed for dual use. The glazed front half provides growing space for seedlings and tender plants. The solid rear section has shelving for tools, pots, and garden equipment. The mortise lock on the door keeps everything secure. For a dedicated storage section alongside growing space, consider a combined greenhouse shed combi.
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How long does installation take?
Professional installation typically takes one day on site. Our fitting team handles assembly, glazing, and fitting the automatic vents. Delivery and installation happen 4–8 weeks after you confirm your base is ready. You do not need to lift a finger beyond preparing a level base.
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Should I choose a Jay or Rook potting shed?
Choose the Jay (6ft wide) for most gardens and the Rook (8ft wide) for larger spaces. The Jay fits comfortably in typical urban gardens and provides a full-depth potting bench on one side. The Rook gives wider aisles and extra storage, making it feel more like a garden workshop. If your garden is wider than 12 ft, the Rook is worth the step up.
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