If you’re thinking about adding a garden room to your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to choose an insulated or non-insulated structure.

Both options come with their advantages, but understanding the differences between them will help you make the best choice for your bespoke garden room needs.

Here we’ll take a look at the key differences between insulated vs non-insulated garden rooms, including the pros and cons.

What is an insulated garden room?

An insulated garden room is designed to be usable all year round, regardless of weather conditions. Insulation can be built into all key areas, including the walls, floors and ceilings, to help regulate the temperature inside the room and make it more consistent. This means your garden room will feel warm in winter and cool in summer.

Insulated garden rooms usually come with a higher upfront cost than non-insulated garden rooms due to the additional materials and labour involved. However, they offer significant benefits and savings over time. See our article on garden room costs for more info.

It’s also worth saying that even a high end garden room is significantly cheaper than a house extension.

Benefits of an insulated garden room

Insulated garden rooms are highly efficient at maintaining a comfortable temperature. Just like a good insulated thermosflask, it helps to keep hot things hot and cool things cool. This makes them ideal for a variety of uses, including home offices, gyms or work studios.

The insulation can also helps to reduce garden room noise, providing a quiet environment to work or relax. Additionally, insulated garden rooms are less prone to issues such as condensation and damp, which can be problematic in non-insulated spaces.

Read up on more garden room benefits for your home here.

What is a non-insulated garden room?

A non-insulated garden room is a simpler, more budget-friendly structure. It lacks the thermal insulation found in insulated models, making it more suited to occasional or seasonal use.

For example, some basic summer houses and wooden sheds are non-insulated. These structures offer little protection against the elements.

In colder months, the space may become too cold to use comfortably without adding extra heating, which can increase energy costs significantly as non of the heat will be retained. Similarly, in hot weather, it may be difficult to keep cool. This can limit the functionality of a non-insulated garden room to warmer periods of the year.

The main appeal of a non-insulated garden room is its affordability. The upfront cost is lower than an insulated room.

Comparison of insulated and non-insulated garden rooms

Feature	Insulated Garden Room	Non-insulated Garden Room
Thermal Efficiency	Maintains a stable temperature all year round, keeping the room warm in winter and cool in summer.	Provides little to no thermal regulation, making it too cold in winter and too hot in summer.
Energy Efficiency	Lower energy costs due to reduced need for additional heating or cooling.	Higher energy costs if used year-round, as external heating/cooling will be needed.
Usability	Usable in all seasons, suitable for home offices, guest rooms, and other long-term uses.	Best suited for occasional or seasonal use during milder weather.
Comfort	Offers a comfortable and quiet environment for a variety of activities.	Limited comfort, especially in extreme temperatures, making it less functional year-round.
Noise Reduction	Provides better soundproofing, creating a peaceful workspace.	Offers minimal noise reduction, especially if thin materials are used.
Durability	More resistant to damp, condensation, and weather-related wear and tear.	More prone to condensation and potential damage due to temperature fluctuations.
Resale Value	Adds more value to the property, being a year-round usable feature.	Adds less value to the property, as its use is more limited to certain seasons.
Cost	Higher upfront costs but offers long-term savings on energy bills.	Lower upfront cost, but may require more heating/cooling, increasing running costs over time.

Here’s a little more detail to help you when deciding between an insulated and non-insulated garden room.

1. Thermal efficiency

Insulated garden rooms are far more thermally efficient. They retain heat during the winter months and keep the room cool in summer, thanks to the materials used to insulate the structure.

Non-insulated rooms, however, are prone to extreme temperature fluctuations, which makes them less comfortable year-round.

2. Energy efficiency

While non-insulated rooms may seem cheaper initially, the energy costs associated with heating or cooling them during extreme weather can add up.

Insulated garden rooms offer better energy efficiency, helping reduce long-term energy bills by maintaining a stable temperature with minimal need for excessive amounts of additional heating or cooling. Heating is usually supplied by electric radiators or infrared panels – check out our post on the best garden room heating options.

3. Comfort and usability

With insulation, your garden room remains comfortable and usable throughout the seasons. Whether you’re looking to use it as a home office or studio, an insulated space allows for year-round functionality. If you’re interested, read here on how garden offices can boost productivity and on the benefits of an insulated garden office.

On the other hand, non-insulated garden rooms are best suited for temporary or occasional use.

4. Maintenance requirements

Insulated garden rooms usually require less maintenance, as they are better protected against condensation, damp and temperature-related wear and tear.

Non-insulated rooms, particularly those exposed to frequent temperature changes, may need more upkeep to prevent dampness and structural damage.

5. Cost-effectiveness

Although non-insulated garden rooms have a lower upfront cost, they may prove less cost-effective ovner time due to higher energy bills, potential maintenance costs and less functionality.

Insulated garden rooms, though initially more expensive, offer better long-term value by reducing running costs and lasting longer.

Factors to consider when choosing between insulated vs non-insulated garden rooms

There are a few factors you need to consider when deciding which type of garden room is right for you. So, for insulated vs non insulated garden rooms, consider the following:

1. Intended use of the garden room

Think about how you plan to use the space. If you’re looking for a year-round home office or fitness space, insulation is essential.

However, if you only plan to use the garden room occasionally or during the warmer months, a non-insulated option may suffice.

If you’re not sure, you can find a load of garden room ideas here.

2. Budget constraints

While insulated garden rooms come with a higher initial cost, they offer long-term savings on energy and maintenance.

If your budget is tight, you might opt for a non-insulated room, but be prepared for potentially higher running costs and much less comfort if you plan to use it throughout the year.

3. Long-term benefits

Insulated garden rooms offer greater comfort, usability and energy efficiency, making them a better long-term investment. Consider the potential savings in heating and cooling, as well as the room’s functionality.

Have a read here on the benefits of adding a garden room to your home.

4. Future resale value

An insulated garden room can add significant value to your home, making it a more attractive feature to potential buyers. It’s thought an insulated garden room can add between 5-10% to your home’s value.

Non-insulated garden rooms may not offer the same level of appeal due to their limited functionality, especially in colder months.

Additional considerations for your garden room

1. Construction materials

The choice of materials for your garden room can significantly impact its performance and longevity. Insulated garden rooms often use high-quality, durable materials that contribute to their thermal efficiency and overall durability. These may include:

• Double-glazed windows for better insulation
• Composite or uPVC doors for improved thermal performance
• Timber frames with proper insulation, including SIP panels which Lux use in our garden room designs

Non-insulated garden rooms may use simpler materials, which can affect their durability and performance in varying weather conditions.

2. Electrical and plumbing considerations

If you’re planning to use your garden room as a fully functional working space, you’ll need to consider electrical and potentially plumbing installations.

Insulated garden rooms are better suited for these additions as they provide a more stable environment for wiring and pipes, reducing the risk of damage from temperature fluctuations.

3. Planning permission

In most cases, garden rooms fall under permitted development rights and don’t require planning permission. However, it depends on size and placement, so it’s always best to check with your local authority or use an appropriate builder who can do this for you. Read more on garden room planning permission.

Helping to make your decision

Choosing between an insulated and non-insulated garden room depends on your specific needs, budget and long-term plans. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

Choose an insulated garden room if:

• You need a year-round usable space
• You’re planning to use it as a home office, gym, mini spa, guest room, play room or entertainment space
• Energy efficiency and long-term cost savings are important to you
• You want to add value to your property

Choose a non-insulated garden room if:

• You only need the space for occasional or seasonal use
• Your budget is limited and you’re looking for a more affordable option
• You’re primarily using it for storage
• You don’t mind limited usability during colder months

Next step for your garden room

In the end, the decision comes down to how you plan to use the space and your budget. That said, it’s absolutely clear to us that insulated garden rooms are far superior if you want to use the space regularly and for hours at a time.

If you’re ready to explore your options, check out our range of garden room design options and garden room gallery for inspiration. You can also get in touch for a free quote.

Our team of experts can guide you through the process and help you make the best decision for your outdoor space.