FAQs

Chiltern Garden Buildings is a well-established manufacturer of luxury garden thatched gazebos, summer houses, and timber buildings based in Oxfordshire.

Chiltern Garden Buildings offer a nationwide service for building supply and installation, re-thatching, cedar shingle roofing and gazebo maintenance.

Any Chiltern Garden Building can be tailored to your requirements. If you decide to use our bespoke services, the installation price and details will be provided after a consultation.

Installation usually takes a day.

Yes. Our re-thatching service covers garden gazebos from all manufacturers, including Julian Christian, Breeze House, Beach Hut Leisure, Crown Pavilions, The Lapa Company, Evolution Designs, M&M Timber, and Teak House, as well as bespoke and one-off structures. Whatever the origin of your gazebo, our team has the experience to assess the existing roof, recommend the right materials, and carry out a re-thatch that significantly extends the life of your structure. Just get in touch with the details and we will take it from there.

Building materials for the construction of your gazebo and the installation are included in the cost. For gazebo upgrades and accessories, there is an additional cost.

Your garden building roof thatch will last for approximately 5- 8 years. In some cases, the thatch will not need to be replaced after this amount of time. However, it is always worth checking after 5 years have passed. If you are unsure if your thatch needs replacing, please email images of your building and we will do our best to advise you.

Your building will last for many years to come, with minimum aftercare and maintenance.

Planning permission is not required for our garden buildings and gazebos, as they are free-standing and not classed as fixed structures. If you live in a conservation area you should check with your local planning office.

Rethatch work or building installation is included in the price.

We supply, fit, repair and maintain a range of products and accessories for all major gazebo brands, including Julian Christian, Breeze House, Beach Hut Leisure, Crown Pavilions, The Lapa Company, Evolution Designs, M&M Timber, Sunlight Forest, and Teak House.

In most cases, a professional re-thatch on a garden gazebo takes between one and three days, depending on the size of the structure and the condition of the existing roof. A straightforward re-thatch on a smaller gazebo with sound underlying timbers can often be completed in a single day. Larger structures, or those requiring preparatory work such as ridge removal, batten replacement, or timber repair, will naturally take longer. When you get in touch with our team, we will assess your structure and give you a clear timeline before any work begins.

Re-thatching costs vary according to the size of the gazebo, the roofing material specified, and the condition of the existing structure. As a general guide, prices for a professional re-thatch start from around £1,500 for a smaller gazebo, rising for larger or more complex structures where additional timber work is required. We are an experienced specialist and we will ensure the materials and scope of work are properly matched to your structure.

Yes. Chiltern Garden Buildings provides re-thatching and refurbishment services nationwide. Whether your gazebo is in the Home Counties, the West Country, the Midlands, or further north, our team travels throughout the UK to carry out re-thatching and refurbishment work. Get in touch and we will confirm availability for your location and talk you through the next steps.

A professionally thatched gazebo roof will typically last between 5 and 8 years, depending on the materials used, the pitch of the roof, and how exposed the structure is to the elements. Water reed is the most durable option, while combed wheat reed and long straw have shorter lifespans. The ridge will generally need attention before the main coat, so catching it early can delay the need for a full re-thatch. If your roof is showing signs of wear, contact our team and we will carry out an honest assessment of what is needed and when.

In most cases, no. A thatched garden gazebo falls under Permitted Development rights, provided it does not exceed 2.5 metres in height if positioned within 2 metres of your boundary, does not cover more than 50% of the surrounding garden land, and is not used as living accommodation. Homeowners in conservation areas, on designated land, or within the curtilage of a listed building should check with their local planning authority before proceeding. If you have any questions about how this applies to your specific structure or location, our team is happy to help point you in the right direction.