QUESTIONS ABOUT MALVERN GREENHOUSES ONLY

Q: What size Malvern greenhouse do I need?

Q: Where should I locate my Malvern greenhouse?

Q: What type of base is suitable for my Malvern greenhouse?

Q: Can I insulate my Malvern greenhouse?

Q: How do I clean my Malvern greenhouse glass?

Q: How do I maintain my Malvern sliding doors?

Q: What is the choice of greenhouses available from Malvern?

QUESTIONS ABOUT MALVERN SHEDS, SUMMERHOUSES & OFFICES ONLY

Q: What size Malvern shed or summerhouse do I need?

Q: Where should I locate my Malvern shed or summerhouse?

Q: What type of base is suitable for my Malvern shed or summerhouse?

Q: Can I insulate my Malvern shed or summerhouse?

Q: What is the choice of summerhouses available from Malvern?

Q: What is the choice of garden sheds available from Malvern?

Q: What is the choice of garden offices available from Malvern?

QUESTIONS ABOUT MALVERN PLAYHOUSES ONLY

Q: How safe is my Malvern children's playhouse?

Q: What is the choice of playhouses available from Malvern?

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT ALL MALVERN GARDEN BUILDINGS

Q: How can I get rid of my old greenhouse or shed?

Q: What access is required to deliver my Malvern garden building?

Q: Is my Malvern garden building suitable for DIY assembly?

Q: Can I have electricity in my Malvern garden building?

Q: Is planning permission required for my Malvern garden building?

Q: Is building regulations approval required for my Malvern garden building?

Q: What is western red cedar?

Q: What is pressure treatment?

Q: What is shiplap cladding?

Q: What is loglap cladding?

Q: How should I maintain my Malvern garden building?

QUESTIONS ABOUT MALVERN GREENHOUSES ONLY

What size Malvern greenhouse do I need?

The space will always be used, so buy the biggest Malvern greenhouse you can afford provided that it fits comfortably in the space available. There are no precise guidelines regarding the size. Often the size of the greenhouse is dictated by the space available. At Summer Garden Buildings we offer a wide range of sizes to suit every space. If you are replacing an existing greenhouse, you should consider whether to have the same size again or perhaps larger. You should also consider what you will be growing. The most popular size for a small greenhouse is 8'x6'. Sizes for the more dedicated gardeners range from 8'x10' to 10' x 12' and larger.

Where should I locate my Malvern greenhouse?

Ideally your Malvern greenhouse should have a clear space at least 18" wide on all sides, if possible. This ensures easy access for both installation and future maintenance. In reality this is often not practical and at many sites it is not needed. A reduced clearance is often possible on one or two sides. You should cut back or remove any nearby shrubs and trees. Remember to allow for future growth. A greenhouse needs maximum sunlight so it should be sited in a sunny spot outside the shadow of nearby buildings and trees. We recommend a sheltered position which is not exposed. Ideally the ridge of a freestanding greenhouse should run from east to west. A lean to greenhouse should be sited against a south facing wall. Plants need plenty of water so your greenhouse should be close to a water supply and the site should be well drained.

What type of base is suitable for my Malvern greenhouse?

All greenhouses need a substantial base. The base should be solid, square, flat and level to ensure the stability of your greenhouse. Greenhouse bases can be laid on any hard flat surface including well compacted soil but paving slabs or concrete is best.

Can I insulate my Malvern Greenhouse?

Inexpensive bubble insulation can be easily fitted to the frame of your Malvern greenhouse. Heaters are also available. Selected Malvern greenhouses are available with internal partitions to provide for warm areas. Selected Malvern greenhouses are available with shading kits to protect plants from scorching.

How do I clean my Malvern greenhouse glass?

The outside of your Malvern greenhouse glass can be cleaned using a mild detergent in warm water. All surfaces should be cleaned using a soft cloth, a sponge or a natural bristle brush. Cleaning the inside of your greenhouse can only be done outside the main growing season, probably in late September or October. For the plants sake use a mild disinfectant cleaning fluid as this will kill off any pests which could harm the plants.

How do I maintain my Malvern sliding doors?

Malvern sliding greenhouse doors have a nylon glide which runs in a channel which often gets blocked with grit and dirt. This will cause the doors to stick and wears out the nylon. The glides should be cleaned regularly to stop this happening.

What is the choice of greenhouses available from Malvern?

The Malvern collection of greenhouses includes the Malvern Greenhouse with an apex roof, the octagonal Malvern Suntop and the Malvern Lean to greenhouse. All malvern greenhouses are available in a range of sizes with many accessories available.

QUESTIONS ABOUT MALVERN SHEDS & SUMMERHOUSES ONLY

What size Malvern shed or summerhouse do I need?

The space will always be used, so buy the biggest building you can afford provided that it fits comfortably in the space available. There are no precise guidelines regarding the size. Often the size of the shed or summerhouse is dictated by the space available. At Summer Garden Buildings we offer a wide range of sizes to suit every space. If you are replacing an existing building, you should consider whether to have the same size again or perhaps larger. If you are buying a summerhouse you should consider how many people you might like to seat in your summerhouse. Also, could your summerhouse be used for dining? The smallest size is 6' x 6'. The most popular size for a small summerhouse is 6'x8' which provides ample space for 2 comfortable armchairs and a small table. An 8'x10' can seat 6 or even 8 in comfort around a suitably sized dining table. If you are buying a shed you should consider whether your shed will be used for storage only or for workshop use. If you need workshop space you may consider increased headroom or an opening window. A popular size for a small garden shed is 6'x4' and the most popular size for a storage shed is 8'x6'. Two popular workshop sizes are 8'x10' and 10' x 12'. If you are buying a garden office you should consider the size of the desk, seating, shelves and storage units. A simple sketch or floor plan for your new garden room may be helpful. In general garden offices are normally 8' x 10' or larger.

Where should I locate my Malvern shed or summerhouse?

Ideally your Malvern building should have a clear space at least 18" wide on all sides, if possible. This ensures easy access for both installation and future maintenance. In reality this is often not practical and at many sites it is not needed. A reduced clearance is often possible on one or two sides. If the space around your summerhouse is restricted remember to allow for any roof overhang. You should also cut back or remove any nearby shrubs and trees. Remember to allow for future growth. If possible a sheltered position is better.

What type of base is suitable for my Malvern shed or summerhouse?

All sheds and summerhouses and offices need a substantial base. The base should be solid, square, flat and level to ensure the stability of your building. Paving slabs or concrete are ideal. A solid concrete base is more permanent and normally more expensive but it provides an excellent base especially for a larger building. Paving slabs are more practical and cost effective, especially for a smaller shed or summerhouse at the far end of the garden. The base should be no smaller than the floor size of the new building and no more than a few inches larger.

Can I insulate my Malvern shed or summerhouse?

All Malvern sheds and summerhouses can be easily insulated. Inexpensive polystyrene or fibreglass insulation can be easily fitted between the framing members. The insulation is retained by cross battens which also support the lining boards. Wood effect veneered wallboard is a popular lining but plywood and tongued and grooved cladding are also suitable. The Malvern collection of garden offices are fully lined and insulated throughout as standard - double glazed doors and windows and insulation of the floor roof and walls is included in the price.

What is the choice of garden sheds available from Malvern?

Malvern apex sheds include the Malvern Heavy Duty Apex, the Malvern Ludlow and the Bewdley Apex. Malvern pent sheds include the Malvern Heavy Duty Pent and the Bewdley Pent. Malvern small storage sheds include the Malvern Toolstore and the Bunker. Other Malvern sheds include the Worcester corner shed, the Solar potting shed and the Garden Retreat (a combined shed / greenhouse).

What is the choice of summerhouses available from Malvern?

Malvern offer a wide range of summerhouses. Apex roof summerhouses include the Malvern Scandinavian, the Malvern Pavilion, The Malvern Garden Studio, The Malvern Alpine and the Malvern Montana. Octagonal summerhouses include the Malvern Chadwick, the Malvern Gazebo and the pressure treated Gazebo. Hipped roof summerhouses include the Malvern Hopwood and the Malvern Tudor. Corner summerhouses include the Malvern Nordic and the Malvern Martley. The Malvern Mambe is a pent roof summerhouse. The Cottage range of summerhouses and high specification garden rooms includes the Clifton summerhouse, the Ashton summerhouse and the Hopton summerhouse.

What is the choice of garden offices available from Malvern?

The Malvern collection of fully lined and insulated double glazed garden offices includes the Hallow, the Hanley, the Corner Hanley, the Henwick with side verandah, the Henwick with gable end verandah and the Holt. These high quality garden rooms can be customized to suit your needs

QUESTIONS ABOUT MALVERN PLAYHOUSES ONLY

How safe is my children's playhouse?

Malvern childrens playhouses feature perspex safety glazing to all windows. Doors feature piano style continuous safety hinges, angled to leave a gap when shut to prevent fingers getting trapped. All stable type doors feature a gap between the doors to prevent fingers getting trapped. Other safety features include carefully constructed balustrades and hand rails. Even the lowest priced Malvern playhouses comply with BS5665 EN71 and include CE Safety Certification in accordance with European health, environmental and safety regulations.

What is the choice of playhouses available from Malvern?

The Malvern collection of playhouses includes the 2 storey Malvern Lodge, the 2 storey Malvern Playhouse, the Malvern Superden and Our Den in a range of sizes, the 6'x4' Malvern Hideaway and the 6'x4' Malvern Playden.

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT ALL MALVERN GARDEN BUILDINGS

How can I get rid of my old greenhouse or shed?

The easiest way to remove your existing greenhouse or shed is to sell it. There's a very healthy trade in old second hand greenhouses, sheds and other garden buildings. You probably won't earn much money from the sale, but you'll get rid of it for nothing! The usual arrangement is to sell the old greenhouse or shed for the buyer to dismantle at a time which is convenient for you. Ideally you should insist on full payment and immediate removal. If you settle for a deposit, perhaps with removal at a later date, make sure it's a significant deposit. You need to be confident that the buyer will return when agreed! You can normally place a classified advertisement in the local newspaper for a few pounds by phone or online, with payment by credit card. Typical draft advertisement: "Aluminium greenhouse 8' x 12' double doors, good condition, buyer to dismantle, £50 for quick sale. Phone 01234 567890"

What access is required to deliver my Malvern garden building?

All Malvern greenhouses, sheds, summerhouses and playhouses are delivered by prior appointment with you. Access through the house may be possible if there is a straight route. Malvern garden buildings are normally delivered in flat panels and a clear access route is required from the lorry to the storage area, with no access restrictions. Possible restrictions include archways, narrow passages, sharp corners and flights of steps. Access through the house may be possible if there is a straight route. Please advise us if there are any access restrictions at the site.

Is my Malvern garden building suitable for DIY assembly?

Malvern greenhouses, sheds, summerhouses and playhouses are all suitable for DIY assembly. Assembly is a straightforward and satisfying project for any DIY enthusiast. Even large Malvern buildings can be installed with only basic tools, such as a hammer, a screwdriver, a power drill, a spirit level, an adjustable spanner, a knife, a stepladder and safety goggles. Particular care is required when handling glass and good quality gloves should be worn at all times. You should not attempt to lift heavy sections without a helping pair of hands. Remember that extra time spent preparing a good base is normally repaid with time saved later on during the installation.

Is planning permission required for my Malvern garden building?

The majority of Malvern garden buildings do not require planning permission. However, permission is required for any building which covers over half the garden, which is not for domestic use or which is over 3 metres high with a pent roof or 4 metres high with an apex roof. Larger buildings which are within 2 metres of a boundary and over 2.5m high (8'2") require planning permission. Some larger Malvern buildings may be over 2.5m high. Planning permission may also be required for any greenhouse, shed or summerhouse which is nearer to a public highway than the original dwelling. For planning purposes a public highway includes any road or footpath with a public right of way. If you live in a Conservation Area or a Listed Building permission may be required for any greenhouse or summerhouse over 10 cubic metres in volume. This brief summary is not intended to be a comprehensive guide. Contact us for further advice or contact your local planning department. Please note that planning regulations apply to any building whether temporary or permanent including greenhouses, sheds and summerhouses.

Is building regulations approval required for my Malvern garden building?

The majority of greenhouses, sheds and summerhouses do not require approval under the building regulations. However, approval is required for any garden building with an internal floor area of more than 30 square metres. Standard Malvern greenhouses, sheds and summerhouses are less than this size. However, it is possible to exceed 30 square metres internal floor area if you add extensions to the standard Malvern greenhouses or sheds. Please note that the building regulations apply to any building in excess of 30 square metres whether temporary or permanent including greenhouses, sheds and summerhouses.

What is western red cedar?

Western Red Cedar is an attractive timber but it also has an unrivalled reputation for durability. It is ideal for use in the construction of wooden greenhouses and summerhouses. The superior qualities of Western Red Cedar are summed up in this extract from the grading rules published by The Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau:

"The largest and finest of the cedars produced anywhere in the world, the Western red cedar is famed for its extraordinary durability and resistance to decay. Western red cedar is a distinct species, possessing all the desirable qualities of the other cedars, and additional advantages besides. It can be finished to a smooth, silky finish; it is free from pitch, it takes and holds stains and paints excellently, and has superior glueing properties. Its colour is extremely attractive, varying from almost pure white of the narrow sapwood to the light straw shade of dark reddish-brown of the heartwood. The wood of Western red cedar has a vey low coefficient of expansion, so that it does not shrink, swell or warp excessively, even when subjected to changing degrees of temperature and moisture. It has prime insulating qualities and its pleasing aromatic odour is repellent to moths, insects and vermin. The wood is saturated to every fibre with a natural preservative oil which renders it virtually immune to decay and gives it extreme durability without artificial preservative treatment. It is not necessary to paint cedar to preserve its surface, as it does not deteriorate appreciably even under severe climatic changes."

What is pressure treatment?

Pressure treatment is a lifetime preservative treatment. Malvern offer pressure treated sheds, summerhouses and greenhouses. The preservative is forced into the timber under pressure and penetrates below the surface, whereas all other treatments apply a coat of stain to the surface of the timber only. Pressure treatment is almost colourless except for a slight green tint caused by the copper content in the preservative. No further treatment is ever needed but if you want a coloured finish you can paint over pressure treated timber with normal wood preservative in any colour.

What is shiplap cladding?

Shiplap is the traditional and ever popular cladding profile for use in most Malvern buildings. Shiplap features smooth planed and fully interlocking tongued and grooved boarding. The design ensures that rainwater drains quickly and the timber dries quickly. This helps to ensure a longer life for your shed. Malvern shiplap buildings feature properly tongued and grooved boarding which is stronger than the half lap shiplap or rebated shiplap used by many others.

What is loglap cladding?

Loglap is an increasingly popular cladding profile for use in Malvern garden buildings. Loglap features smooth planed and fully interlocking tongued and grooved boarding with a rounded external log effect profile. The design ensures that rainwater drains quickly and the timber dries quickly. This helps to ensure a longer life for your shed. Malvern loglap buildings feature properly tongued and grooved boarding which is stronger than the half lap loglap or rebated loglap used by many others.

How should I maintain my Malvern garden building?

Most Malvern buildings are made from cedar which will last a long time even without regular treatment. It is not necessary to treat cedar which is a naturally resilient timber and does not deteriorate appreciably even under severe climatic changes. If untreated cedar will gradually fade to a silvery grey. We also recommend that you regularly oil the door and window hinges as required to ensure continued smooth operation. Although not essential, if you treat the external timber with a good quality wood stain every year this will prolong the life of your Malvern building. All major wood stain manufacturers offer suitable products in a choice of colours, available from good hardware shops.

Summer Garden Buildings is a leading UK retailer of Malvern garden buildings, established in Norwich, Norfolk since 1981.