Why Choose Moorlands Garden Furniture?

Choosing a Shepherd hut is about more than selecting a structure. It is about creating a considered space that feels right for your home, garden, business or plans.

Moorlands Garden Furniture is a UK-based manufacturer focused on handcrafted Shepherd huts, with care given to the details that shape the finished result. Each project is approached thoughtfully, rather than treated as a one-size-fits-all purchase.

1. Initial chassis build

The chassis establishes the base of the hut and provides the starting point for the build. Careful preparation at this stage helps set the direction for everything that follows. We offer what we believe to be the strongest chassis available, ensuring long-lasting support for your shepherd hut. Without an extremely strong foundation a Shepherd Hut is unlikely to achieve the finished result you have been dreaming of. Our self designed purpose fabricated chassis is designed to deliver an excellent foundation for our build to commence.

2. Torsion-box flooring

The torsion-box floor is built onto the chassis as a structured part of the hut. Its construction is considered alongside the intended layout and the finish planned for the interior. Below the torsion box floor is a damp proof membrane to stop rising moisture penetrating the finished structure, this step is often overlooked by many manufacturers. We then attach 11mm OSB3 sheets to the chassis with 3″ x 2″ timbers used for the torsion box creation before being insulated with 50mm PIR insulation. The final step of the sub floor is to clad the top in 18mm OSB3 Sheets creating a solid, sturdy sub floor for the build to sit upon.

3. Timber framework

The timber framework gives the hut its distinctive form and creates the structure for the walls, roof and internal spaces. This is where your Shepherd hut becomes clearly recognisable. The framework is built from 4″ x 2″ timbers externally then clad in an 11mm OSB3 the framework creates an unrivalled stability. The roof rafters are hand cut right here in our workshop from 75mm thick timbers. Beautifully finished with a stop chamfer and birds mouth to sit perfectly on the framework. This allows Moorlands to expose the rafters and ridge beam into the finished hut adding a real traditional feature to our huts, this simply cannot be replicated with readily available plywood frames. Each frame is handmade not a mass produced CNC kit, this allows customers to personalise the placement of openings. The OSB3 sheets are then wrapped with a breathable membrane to stop moisture ingress from the elements.

4. Insulation

Insulation is incorporated as part of the build, this is to ensure the finished hut is suitable for all year round use. Unlike many outdoor structures a Shepherd Hut whether used as an office, occasional guest accommodation, studio or full glamping experience must be insulated to ensure a comfortable environment. We believe in over engineering all of our products and this is why we opt to include as standard the following insulation:

• 50mm PIR insulation to the floor
• 70mm PIR insulation to all exterior walls
• 100mm flexible insulation to roof

Other additional insulation solutions are also available, this would form part of the design and specification process.

5. Fitting windows, doors and trims

Windows, doors and trims bring both function and personality to the exterior. Their position, style and finish can be discussed as part of the wider design. We offer a wide range of options for customers to choose from and are all available to discuss as part of the design process.

Choose from a wide range of colour options along with styles from our range of carefully selected suppliers. All huts are double glazed as standard to further enhance the energy efficiency of the unit.

Windows and doors are then trimmed with matching external cladding trims and sealed to ensure a watertight seal is achieved. Customers also have a wide range of choices when it comes to handles to complement their colour choices.

A hugely popular option in recent times have been French windows which incorporate a flying mullion.

6. Internal finishes

The interior is brought together through the chosen lining, surfaces, joinery and practical details. Each element is considered for the atmosphere and use you have in mind.

When designing internal layouts and finishes we believe that traditional styles with contemporary colours create a warm and welcoming environment.

Whatever your planned usage for your hut we can custom design and manufacture the cabinetry, internal partitions using selected materials.

Lighting and electrics play a huge part in the usability of your hut and we spend time to understand your uses and will recommend what has worked well for others to assist you in the decision making.

Heating solutions are fitted during the manufacturing process with a wide range of solutions on offer from Moorlands. Check out our suggestions here

7. Exterior finishes

The final exterior finishes complete the look of the hut and help it sit naturally in its intended setting. This is the stage where the overall design comes together.

Cladding options range from traditional timber, corrugated steel to a more modern composite offering. Moorlands always recommend clients to seriously consider maintenance when deciding upon their external cladding. Our suggestion is for Corrugated Steel in a plastisol finish in a colour of the customers choice or composite cladding adding the charm of timber without the endless maintenance.

Whatever external cladding is selected the cladding will be finished with matching trims for corners and reveals.