Building a garden office is perfect if you work from home or need a workshop for hobbies, a gym, or any activity that requires a private space. To get ideas for how to build it, think about what you will be using your garden office for, the size you need, and your budgeet.
These are the 10 best small workshop ideas, home workshop ideas, and garden office ideas that you can either build yourself of hire a professional to build for you, right in your own backyard.
10 Best Outdoor Office And Backyard Workshop Ideas
These ideas are curated from some of the most reputable architects I have come across and we love these amazing designs.
Small Workshop Ideas
The Mini Garden Office
If you are considering whether or not to build a garden office but you don’t have enough space, then a mini garden office is a good option. It’s just large enough for a desk, chair, and a few odds and ends.
Stats
- Great for small backyards
- Accommodates 1 person
- Measures approx 1.96 x 2.62 yards
- Customizable up to 0.656 yards
The Linea
An extremely stylish garden office with Scandinavian design elements.
Stats
- Tough and durable latch wood cladding
- Fully insulated for hot and cold climates
- Double-glazed doors
- Heavy duty rubber lining
- Measures approx 3.2 x 2.7 yards and 8.12 feet high
Backyard Workshop Ideas
The Proline Garden Office
The Proline has a modern look with finishes in a vertical groove. This creates a tongue cladding effect. It is made from Tricoya which helps give the office it’s modern design.
Stats
- Highly durable for all types of weather conditions
- Lasts 50 years
- Doesn’t rot or warp and fungi resistant
- Insulated
- Customizable
- Measures approx 1.96 to 6.12 yards and 3.7 yards high
The Linea Duo
Similar to the Linea, only bigger and with a storage room. Plus, it still boasts the same modern Scandinavian design.
Stats
- Perfect if you need an office plus storage space
- Double-glazed window for energy efficiency
- Fully insulated for hot and cold temperatures
- Highly durable for all type of weather
- Measures approx 5.46 x 3.2 yards (main room) plus 3.2 x 3.8 yards (storeroom)
The Salcombe Summerhouse
A versatile type of garden room that forms a combination with a shed. Classic log cabin style design plus a storage area for equipment.
Stats
- Measures approx 3.2 x 6 yards
- Customizable
- Great for offices, workshops, guest houses, gym, and more
- Main room plus storage area
The Bussum Garden Studio
If you’ve ever fantasized about having a garden studio with an architectural outlook and 2000 red handpainted and hand sanded cedar shingles, then the Bussum Garden Studio office is the one you should consider checking out. It was designed by Serge Schoemaker Architects to be more of a little house than a regular shed.
Stats
- Angular design
- Lots of natural light
- Great for an office, gym, and guest house
- Space for equipment storage
- Custom built, not modular
The Hackney
This is an example of a low-budget garden office that was custom built by the Architectural firm Office Sian, to be a “functional and warm urban haven.”
Stats
- Floor to ceiling oak-framed doors
- Bookshelf for storage
- Skylights between the roof beams for ample natural light
- Custom built, not modular
The Garden Drawing Studio
This home workshop was designed by Christian Tonko specifically for drawing. The small studio itself acts as a visual device by framing its surroundings on both ends.
Stats
- Perfect for artists
- Glazed walls on both sides of the shed
- 2 levels with stairs
- Ample natural light
- Custom built, not modular
The Sunday Stuga
Designed by Liddicoat & Goldhill , it’s a great idea for a home workshop. It was built in such a way that it is surrounded by brick walls on three sides.
Stats
- Zig zag roofline
- Big front windows
- Wooden floor
- Great for office and entertainment
The Garden Studio
This garden studio was designed by Parsonson Architects and works as a great space for children and guests as well as a home office.
Stats
- Corrugated cladding
- Slanted roof pattern
- Loft bed
- Ample natural light
- Custom, not modular
Can A Shed Be A Workshop?
A shed can be fully customized to create a shop for any type of work needed. An artist may prefer a well lit workshop with ample natural light while a photographer may decide to convert the shed to a dark room without light. Sheds are workspaces that can be designed for any type of use.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Workshop In Your Backyard?
The cost to build a workshop in your backyard is $120 to $180 per square foot. Converting a 10 x 10 foot shed into a workshop costs $12,000 to $18,000. This includes insulation, electrical wiring with a certified electrician, flooring, walls, paint, a ceiling covering, lighting, AC and heater.
You can cut the cost of building a backyard workshop by using recycled or repurposed materials, doing most of the work yourself, and shopping around for deals on supplies.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own small workshop, home workshop, and garden office is a modern convenience that you’ll love.