The Farm Shop

Garden Retreat Buildings are constructed using the following materials:

75mm x 38mm Planed (Eased Edged) framing. 
We use selected timber with a very high grade, which is subject to less twisting and warping, to provide a sound base to start from. Higher grade timber is slower grown to provide more strength.

FSC Timber
FSC is from certified Forest Stewardship Council forests, meaning that the timber is sustainable (usually from Scandinavian Forests).

Tanalised Shiplap Cladding (125mm x 16mm)
The majority of our buildings are constructed with the shiplap cladding. The cladding itself appears similar to tongue and groove, except that the internal part of the groove is missing from the profile. The basis behind shiplap is that it allows a certain amount of natural movement to take place throughout the change in seasons. In relation to this, we have developed our own profile of shiplap with a large overlap and tongue, which offers more protection to the building, thus increasing the lifespan. The cladding itself is tanalised (E-tanalith) to provide a rot resistant finish for over 20 years. 
One advantage of shiplap is that it has a planed finish, and it also provides a near flat finish. This helps when fitting items such as hinges and door furniture.

By tanalising the timber with E-Tanalith, we are protecting against rot & decay for 20+ years.

Plywood & Paper Lining
Initially we used to paper line the buildings with the bitumen vapour barrier, to ensure that the rainwater didn't soak into the building, however we found that the paper will crinkle during the summer once it is dry. We therefore provide an additional skin of plywood to line the outside of the framing. In addition to the improved appearance, it provides extra rigidity and insulation, which is ideal for classic cars & bikes.

Overhangs & Guttering
Not only do overhangs improve the appearance of the garden buildings, they are important as they offer protection to the sides of the buildings. Guttering is an optional extra to the Summer Rooms, Pavilions, and Studios, however it is included on the front of Orchard Rooms. Rear guttering to the Orchard Room is an optional extra.

Roofing
Standard roofing is heavy duty 38kg Green Mineral Felt onto 12mm plywood boarding. The boarding is fitted onto 50mm x 125mm planed joists (purlins), spaced at 2' centres. We can provide alternative roof coverings, with the most common being felt tiles. This offers an excellent appearance and a lifespan of 15 years. For the additional cost please refer to the price list.

Base requirements. 
The customer or Garden Retreat can provide and construct either a concrete base of 150mm compacted hardcore, and 100mm concrete, or heavy duty smooth paving slabs onto a sand and cement mix. Hardcore will be required under the paving slabs, with a membrane between the two.

If you intend to utilise an existing concrete or paving slab base, please ensure that it is flat and level, as an uneven base makes it very difficult to stop the floor bouncing. 

Should you require more information we can provide a spec sheet for the bases - please contact us for further details on  01202 885 663