Frequently Asked Questions

Different authorities have different requirements and we would recommend that you check with your local planning department; especially if erecting a large building or structure. However, as a general guide, planning permission or building regulation approval is not normally required provided that:

1. Sheds, workshops, summerhouses and greenhouses do not cover more than half of the area of the garden; excluding the area occupied by the house.
2. It does not contain sleeping accommodation.
3. The floor area does not exceed 15 square metres.
4. At no point is it less than one metre from a boundary.
5. It is not more than 3m high for a flat roof, or 4m with a ridged roof.
6. Overall height from ground level to ridge must not exceed more than 2.5m within a 2m range of any boundary. A building with overall height exceeding 2.5m in height and placed within 2m of any boundary will require planning permission.
7. No part of it projects beyond any wall of the house that faces a road.
8. The building is for use only by those who occupy the house.

Yes, Rowlinson Garden Products Ltd takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously, and to that end, the Company is independently accredited to FSC Chain of Custody Certification (Sustainable Forest Management System) incorporating verification of legal timber supply.

Pressure treated wood means that a liquid preservative is forced into it in order to protect against deterioration due to rot or insect attack.

In the treatment process finished timber is placed in a large container which is sealed and filled with the preservative solution. As the pressure in the container is increased, the preservative is forced into the timber; the excess preservative is drained from the container and recycled.

The preservative makes pressure treated wood suitable for long term outdoor uses where ordinary wood would soon deteriorate.

It is unlikely that this is mould and is more likely to be the salts from the pressure treatment rising to and settling on the surface. It is not detrimental to the product and will fade with time. However, pressure washing or the use of a wire brush may remove them if required.

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Yes, all products are supplied with full instructions and necessary fixings for assembly, including felt and glazing.

For Timber Buildings and Gazebos, we would recommend a hammer, screwdriver (preferably cordless with both a flat head and Philips bits), a drill with 2mm drill bits, Stanley knife, spirit level, a tape measure, and step ladders. On the larger buildings and cabins, a wood saw may be required.

For Metal Buildings and Greenhouses, we would recommend a Philips screwdriver, spirit level, a tape measure, and step ladders.

For Arbours and Arches, we would recommend a hammer, screwdriver (preferably cordless with a Philips bit), a drill with 2mm drill bits, spirit level, a tape measure, and step ladders.

The majority of our buildings are supplied with a factory base coat. The 'dip treatment' used is only for protection during storage and it is recommended that you treat the building with a high quality preservative during assembly and thereafter annually.

The floors of our wooden sheds are designed for general domestic use. However should you wish to use your building for the storage of extremely heavy items or machinery, it is recommended that you strengthen the floor.

This can be done by positioning additional bearers under the floor and covering the original floor surface with a solid sheet material such as OSB or plywood.

Under certain weather conditions, condensation can form on the inside of your garden building. This generally happens when there is warm moist air inside the building which then condenses on the cold metal panels.

The recommendations to prevent/reduce the chances of condensation are:

1. Erect your building on a raised timber floor or properly constructed concrete/slab base as described below*
2. After fixing down the shed, a mastic sealant should be applied to the inside of the shed base rails to prevent water seeping into the interior of the building.
3. Do not place anything in the shed that could collect and trap water i.e. carpets, matting, cardboard.
4. Ensure the plastic washers have been installed on all roof panel fasteners and that the adhesive aluminium weather seal tape is correctly applied across the entire centre join of the roof panels.
5. If your building has an air vent, make sure it is not obstructed so that fresh air can enter the building.

*Constructing a concrete base - The concrete base should be level with its edges slightly bevelled down so that rain water drains away from the build sides. A damp proof membrane should be used and should be positioned at least 2” higher than the surrounding soil running onto the base surface. The concrete should be allowed to cure for at least 7 days before assembling the building.

We would normally recommend two people for larger products. However, please see individual product pages for assembly information.