The garden room market keeps growing, but this month’s news sits on the supply side. Timber lead times are stretching and build costs are rising, both worth factoring into any quote you are weighing up.
Garden room market set to keep growing
Market analysts value the global garden rooms sector at about $4.8bn in 2026 and forecast it reaching $8.6bn by 2035, growth of roughly 6.7% a year. Demand is concentrated in the Home Counties around London, driven by hybrid working and the need for a proper year round home office rather than a summerhouse. More demand means more suppliers, so compare specifications closely rather than headline prices. Market report.
Timber supply delays are stretching lead times
The same analysis flags that Swedish and Baltic softwood, the backbone of most timber framed garden rooms, is facing customs bottlenecks at UK ports that can add six to ten weeks to lead times for pressure treated structural framing during the busy season. If you want a room finished this year, get your order in early and ask suppliers to confirm realistic delivery dates in writing. Details.
Build costs edging up with material prices
Government building material figures for June 2026 show prices up 5.4% over the year to May, with fabricated structural steel up 13.1%, while brick and tile output fell 8.4%. Garden room prices track these material costs, so expect quotes to reflect higher timber, steel and cladding, and treat very cheap fixed quotes with a little caution. Commentary.