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Lifestyle18/09/2025 • 4 min read

Real Project: Building the Ultimate Garden Gym (No More Membership Fees!)

Real Project: Building the Ultimate Garden Gym (No More Membership Fees!)

Crowded locker rooms, waiting for equipment, and monthly fees that go up every year. It’s no wonder so many people are moving their workouts to the garden.

This impressive project (pictured above) is a dedicated Garden Gym. It was designed specifically to handle heavy equipment, loud music, and intense workouts without disturbing the household.

1. Built for Heavy Lifting

The first concern when building a gym is: "Will the floor hold my weights?" Standard sheds use thin plywood floors that would crack under a treadmill or a squat rack.

This cabin is different. It features:

  • Heavy-Duty Bearers: The timber sub-frame is pressure-treated and spaced closely together to support heavy loads.
  • Solid Timber Floorboards: We use 19mm or 28mm tongue-and-groove boards, not chipboard. This provides a rock-solid platform for lifting.

Expert Tip: If you plan to drop heavy deadlifts, we always recommend laying 20mm rubber gym mats over the timber floor. This protects the wood from dents and reduces noise vibration significantly.

2. Premium Metal Roof

Look closely at the roof in the photo. That isn't standard felt. The customer opted for a metal tile-effect roof.

  • Longevity: Unlike felt which needs replacing every 5-10 years, a metal roof can last 20+ years.
  • Aesthetics: It looks like traditional house tiles (in black/anthracite), giving the building a high-end, permanent feel.
  • Weather Proofing: It’s incredibly resistant to wind and heavy snow loads.

3. Light & Ventilation

Gyms get hot. Good airflow is non-negotiable. This design features two large double windows on the front facade, plus wide double doors.

  • Summer: Throw the doors and windows open to create a cooling cross-breeze.
  • Winter: The double glazing retains heat, so a small electric heater is all you need to keep it comfortable for an early morning session.

4. The "Commute"

The best part of this setup? The commute is about 10 seconds. Having a gym visible from your house removes the friction of "going to the gym." It makes consistency easy. Plus, with a building this wide, there is plenty of room for a cardio zone on one side and weights on the other.

Summary

This isn't just a shed; it's a lifestyle investment. By building a Garden Gym, you save money on memberships in the long run and gain the freedom to train whenever you want, however you want.

Planning a home gym? Tell us what equipment you have, and we will advise on the best floor thickness and size for your needs.