Recently the garden room market has seen a large influx in product innovation and design ideas. One of those is the steel frame unit.
A steel frame garden room essentially replaces the timber frame used to make the base, walls and roof of a garden room with a bird cage style steel construction. Here we look at the pros and cons of this vs a traditional timber frame studio.
Cost of a steel frame vs a timber frame
Obvious early advantages are strength and durability as well as a dimensional stability offered. But the cost of the supply and fabrication of such a frame is always going to be far higher than its timber counterpart.
This is because the materials required are far more expensive to start with. Steel frame is a specialist item to not only manufacture but also install.
Transportation costs will also be higher due to the fact that the weight and dimensions require larger vehicles.
On average data suggests a steel frame garden room will add around 25% to the cost of the average garden studio.
Are steel frame garden rooms more energy efficient?
Steel is a great conductor and that means a steel frame will lose heat if it isnt insulated in a certain way. This kind of thermal bridging means the space will struggle to regulate its heat and temperatures. And cold spots can occur.
To stop these issues it’s likely the entire space would need to be insulated (probably externally) with a full envelope of PIR insulation which would again add costs and also lose internal space with the build up.
There is also a reasonable risk of condensation where moisture gets trapped between the layers. This can damage insulation and create mould, as well as creating a thermally inefficient space. It can even be detrimental to the steel.
The design and execution to make a steel frame build energy efficient with the correct ventilation and insulation is far more challenging, risking long term issues if installed incorrectly.
How customisable is a steel frame garden studio?
One of the greatest advantages of a bespoke timber garden studio is the customisation offered. Timber is easy to work with and adapt. Windows can be added on site and finite design details adapted along the way as required.
A steel frame studio would need to be pre designed perfectly off site meaning adaptation would be unlikely. Doors and windows will be calculated structurally meaning a design change or adaptation in years to come would be costly or even impossible.
Internally fixing things to walls like TVs for example would be far more challenging in a steel build.
Is a steel frame garden room environmentally friendly?
Essentially steel is a recyclable product meaning the frame itself can be recycled. However it does have more carbon heavy production stages as well as the previously mentioned heavy haulage costs that would cause short term factors to consider. A sustainably sourced timber build will offer better eco credentials.
Other factors to consider with a steel frame garden room.
Because a steel frame is heavy it would also mean there is more load on the foundations needed. This can again up the cost as any concrete would need to be thicker. Ground screws (preferred for timber build’s) may need to be longer or more frequent again adding to the installation costs.
The other thing to consider is whether it’s really needed or if it’s just huge overkill gimmick. Steel is great for dealing with large spans when required, but for every element of a garden room structure it may be an unnecessary addition.
The beauty of timber stands for itself and being in a hand crafted space made from these natural materials may have more appeal.
We believe in the beauty of not only timber frame studios but also timber cladding. A natural garden room belongs in a garden, it enhances nature and creates a space that feels at home in its setting.
A well designed timber garden room will have airflow below and around meaning the timber has no risk of rotting, creating a space that could and should last a life time.
