Outdoor SunSpaces News

When it comes to personal space in the home, many men throughout the western world like nothing more than to retreat to the comfort of their man cave for solitude, sport and a sly beer.

Yes, the secluded sanctuary of the man-cave makes it the perfect venue for us blokes to disappear into a state of stereotypical bliss and enjoy some occasional alone time.

For some cave-dwellers, a PS4 and a gaming chair may be their idea of sequestered bliss. For others, a newspaper and a deck chair may suffice just as well. Luckily, the man-cave doesn’t discriminate.

Right, enough jibber-jabber. Let’s light a flaming torch and take a peek inside the inner workings of the Eighth Wonder of the World that is the man-cave.

Types of man-caves

Before we go any further and risk being labelled as misogynistic chauvinists, let’s make one thing clear: despite the name “man-cave”, that doesn’t mean ladies have to be excluded from the festivities either – this is the 21^st century, after all.

A man-cave can just as easily become a girly grotto, she-shed or lady lair with a few subtle tweaks or perhaps even no tweaks at all. The versatility of the man-cave goes beyond gender, age and nationality, making it perfectly adaptable to all tastes and personalities.

From carpentry workshops and art studios to garage gymnasiums and music rooms, the awesomeness of the man-cave knows no boundaries. You could even turn your personal space into your own make-shift bar!

Building a garden man-cave

While it’s easy to let your imagination run wild with the possibilities of what you could do with an extra room to manoeuvre, there is one notable catch - building a man-cave can be a mammoth task.

Before anything else, man-cave prep requires a lot of groundwork (literally), not to mention a colossal amount of construction. And all of that is before you’ve even thought about making your man-cave inhabitable with fixtures and furnishings.

If that sounds like a lot of work, it’s probably because it is. Overall, from start to finish, building your own man-cave from scratch is quite the undertaking, with enough labour to make Tommy Walsh cry uncle.

Luckily, for those without the time, patience or inclination to build their own, there is an easier way…

SunSpaces man-caves

Why not create the ultimate garden man-cave with the help of SunSpaces?

With a SunSpaces garden room, our team of expert outdoor aficionados can help bring the ultimate man-cave structure to your property, providing a professional finish that stuns and wows in equal measure.

Best of all, you won’t even need to lift a finger. Simply choose the structure you want, decide when you want it and, hey presto, you could be the proud owner of the coolest man-cave in town!

Garden man-cave options

If you do decide to go down the SunSpaces route, congratulations on an excellent decision! Next up is your second decision to make, this time regarding where your want your man-cave to sit in your garden.

There are two primary options to think about before anything else, which are as follows.

Attached Garden Room

The most common garden room option is the attached garden room that acts as an extension on to your house. Accessible immediately from your interior living space, the attached option allows you to roam freely from your home to your garden room without stepping out into the elements.

A great option for those looking to avoid the wind, rain and snow, an attached garden room provides you with an additional room without making it independent from your existing living space. While this can make it less private in terms of man-cave capacity, it does make it a lot easy as far as accessibility goes.

Free Standing / Detached

Independent from the rest of the house, our free-standing garden room option allows you to create a detached yet enclosed space that ticks all the boxes.

Private and separate from your main property, this option is much like a typical shed; however, it comes with a laundry list of perks that are night and day when compared with a simple shed.

Comfortable, bespoke and homely, this option is a great way to expand on your living space without extending on to your house.

Benefits of a SunSpaces man-cave

From remote-controlled blinds and UV protection shades to toasty heating and Bluetooth enabled sound systems, our SunSpaces man-caves can be as homely as you want them to be. Even after the sun goes down, our LED lighting options can keep your garden man-cave illuminated long into the evening hours.

With a variety of colours, styles and materials to choose from, we can make your man-cave specifically to fit your wants, needs and specifications. We have the ability to create and customise every SunSpace to ensure that it’s perfect for you and your individual needs.

When it comes to creating man-cave fit for a king, SunSpaces is the premier choice. Find out more by calling 0800 085 8110 today or hit the button below to drop us a line now.

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A swimming pool can be the most relaxing and refreshing outdoor living features in your garden during the warm summer months, and while openly lounging by the pool is great - you might want to create a little bit more privacy and shade.

Why not complement your pool with a gorgeous and practical pool house from SunSpaces? Our garden rooms and verandas can be tailor-made to fulfil your pool house dreams, simply choose one of our garden structures and we'll help you alter and adapt the design to suit your exacting requirements. 

Side Panel and Roof Options

One thing that makes our SunSpace garden rooms and verandas perfect pool houses is the different side panels and roofing options we offer. The remote-controlled fabric side screens and our aluminium blade system available for our Horizon garden rooms give you the flexibility to create a private space to get changed in, but can also be adjusted to allow in plenty of sunshine when you're ready to dry off in the sun!

Having the flexibility to choose how your pool house is constructed really does allow you to transform it into whatever kind of space you desire. Whether you plan to spend summer relaxing in the shade with a good book or hosting bustling poolside parties, a SunSpace pool room offers endless possibilities.

Accessories

We want to make sure you can make the most of your pool house, night and day! That's why we offer a range of versatile accessories that will fit effortlessly into any of our garden rooms or verandas.

Heaters & Speakers

Our selection of heaters will not only help you dry off quickly after a swim, but they'll also allow you to make the most of your new pool house during cooler periods. What's more, our heaters can even help you eliminate the need for extension cables or portable speakers.

The heater you see above has Bluetooth speakers integrated into it! Connect your mobile device and create whatever poolside atmosphere your heart desires. With our versatile heater/sound systems, your pool party will be the hottest place in town!

Are you ready to improve your poolside? Get in touch with a member of our team to discuss your options and arrange a consultation - we can't wait to hear from you! Call 0800 085 8110 or email us at info@sunspaces.co.uk today.

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At SunSpaces, we know that every customer has different needs for their garden. So, we do our best to provide the perfect awning for every type of outdoor space. We offer a wide range of retractable garden awnings so you are guaranteed to find the ideal shelter to suit your outdoor space needs.

Our retractable awnings allow you to enjoy a perfect day in your garden. At a push of a button, you can enjoy the shade when you most need it or easily retract it to enjoy the sunshine.

Forget the awnings of yesteryear with manual pulleys for opening and closing, our advanced awnings incorporate features such as automatic sensors, outdoor heaters, LED lights and electronic remote controls. Therefore, your awning can be perfectly tailored to your taste and you can enjoy heat and lighting as and when you require it.

Compact Awnings

Our Compact awning is an entirely retractable awning that is controlled using an electronic remote. When not in use, you retract it quickly and quietly - perfect for every outdoor living space!

The awning frames are available in several different sizes with bespoke colours available upon request. They also incorporate integrated gutter systems and water outlets which prevents water from building up on rainy days. 

Our Compact Awnings are also wind resistant, so you can be sure they won't flutter or break even on the windiest days. Compact Awnings are made of durable materials and come with an incredible 5-year warranty.

Take a closer look at our Compact Awnings here:

Compact Awnings >

Lite Awnings

Our Lite Awnings have LED lights that can be dimmed during sunny days and adjusted to suit the mood when the sun goes down. You can create a customized look for your outdoor space by selecting the colour and pattern of the fabric, and the size that suits you.

Our Lite garden awnings are electronically retractable using a remote control or through an intelligent motor system that responds to weather changes. The motor can be controlled using an app installed on your phone, making this awning one of the most versatile that we offer!

To find out more about our Lite Awnings, click here:

Lite Awnings >

Elite Awnings

Our Elite Garden Awnings are available in a wide range of sizes and colours. They are wind resistant hence very durable. It comes with a 5-year guarantee thus gives you value for your money.

We have utilised the latest garden awning technology to ensure that our Elite Awnings are perfect for your outdoor space. They are made from a UV-resistant fabric that offers protection from direct sunlight. They're also available in a wide range of fabric colour and you can customise your awning by including a heater or lights. Therefore, depending on your specific needs, we can provide the Elite garden awning that will meet your specifications.

This deluxe option is sure to help you make the most of your patio or deck all year round. To find out more, click here:

Elite Awnings >

If you have any questions about the different kinds of Awnings that we have to offer, don't hesitate to contact us by calling 0800 085 8110 or send us an email at info@sunspaces.co.uk.

Sheryl Crow had the right idea back in 2002 when she told the world she was going to “Soak Up the Sun”.

We took that statement to heart and you can too – all from the comfort of your own home – with a gorgeous veranda courtesy of SunSpaces!

The Heat Is On

While Britain is notorious for its wet weather and grey skies, it’s not unusual for us Brits to receive a heatwave from time to time.

In fact, according to the Met Office, 2018 saw the UK achieve the joint hottest summer on record and the hottest ever summer for England in particular.

The hottest day of the year saw the UK hit a peak temperature of 35.3 degrees – just a few degrees shy of the UK’s hottest temp ever of 38.5 from 2003!

Seasons in the Sun

Whether you believe in climate change or not, there’s no denying that the weather in the UK can be pretty unpredictable. From a random spot of springtime heat to a blistering belated “Indian summer”, the UK weather loves to keep us on our toes.

To make things even more unpredictable, these sunny spells can occur seemingly out of nowhere and a bout of “beer garden weather” can arrive without so much as a precursory red sky at night as a heads up.

With such an erratic climate, a sweltering Saturday can be a true surprise gift from the gods. Don’t be caught napping – be prepared for those impromptu summer nights with a handy veranda from SunSpaces.

Gimme Shelter

Okay, first things first, why get a veranda?

Quite literally bridging the gap between your house and garden, a veranda is a structural cover that shelters the area immediately outside your home’s interior. For most back gardens, this is typically a patio or section of decking.

A veranda can turn this open space into a sheltered terrace that essentially acts as another room to your house, providing ample protection from the elements while still allowing you to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.

If breakfast in the sun is your cup of tea, a veranda can provide. Meanwhile, a veranda can also make for the ultimate compliment to a backyard barbeque, creating the perfect setting to enjoy your outside space all evening long.

Stop. Planner Time!

Next up, do you need planning permission to get a veranda?

While not always the case, there is a chance you may need to get planning permission before you upgrade your home with a veranda.

The need for planning permission can depend on a number of varying factors, including:

• The height of the proposed structure
• The area the new addition will cover
• The status of the property (e.g. listed building, designated land, etc)

To avoid causing yourself summertime sadness, it’s wise to play it safe.

Take the “mission” out of “planning permission” by contacting your local planning department for advice specific to your property.

Drop It Like It’s Hot

If a permanent fixture isn’t quite your cup of tea, you’re not out of options just yet. Why not consider a more temporary solution?

Extendable and compact, our range of drop-down awnings offer all the shady benefits of a veranda with the advantage of also being retractable, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without permanently adjusting the look of your property.

Simply unveil this canopy when the mood strikes and retract at your leisure when you see fit. Slender yet sturdy, these extendable canvas shelters make for the perfect happy medium if you’re considering a veranda but don’t want to go all-in.

So, there you have it. Enjoy your outdoor living space year-round with our wide range of outdoor fixtures. What are you waiting for? Transform your property today with SunSpaces!

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For many office workers, most days are spent sitting in front of a computer monitor for several hours at a time. Even those not perched at a desk for eight hours a day can often find their evenings parked in front of a TV screen.

On top of that, many of us are also guilty of spending downtime, bedtime and even meal-times peering into a phone screen, endlessly scrolling through Facebook feeds and Twitter timelines. After all, those cat videos and dog memes aren’t going to “like” themselves, right?

Nevertheless, all that screen glare isn’t good for the eyes. Luckily, there’s a simple workaround for this and regular breaks can be a wise move. Better still, switching off completely can have untold health perks, particularly when that time is spent outside.

Benefits of being outdoors

Spending more time outdoors can have a whole host of health benefits, with the potential to heal mind, body and soul. These can range from improved vision to increased mental performance, all from simply stepping outside and escaping the confines of your living room or workplace.

Now we’re not saying you need to spend your days wandering the Earth with nothing but a pop-up tent for nightly shelter, but a healthy dose of natural sunlight and fresh air can truly work wonders.

Don’t believe us? Take a look at these surprising health boosts you can gain by stepping away from the screen and out the front door.

Anti-fatigue

While it’s true that being exposed to heavy sun for prolonged periods of time can make you feel tired and drowsy, soaking up natural daylight can be great for energy levels, particularly in the wintertime when days are shorter.

According to NHS.uk, lack of sunlight causes your brain to produce melatonin which, in turn, can make you feel sleepy. Taking a break outside can not only help you feel energised in the day, but it can also give you a better night’s sleep later on when you do call it quits.

Improve mental wellbeing

Exposure to sunlight can also have a notable impact on your mental wellbeing while being cooped up indoors can have notable adverse effects. This particularly evident in the winter months when daylight hours are notably reduced.

Many people in the UK experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) when the clocks go back, bringing summer to a cold, wintry halt. The shorter days and extended nights that accompany it can make for a depressing combination.

Mental health charity, Mind, has found that being outside can help benefit your mood greatly and experiencing nature can profoundly affect your overall outlook. This has even been known to include mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.

Improve vision

Our increased daily reliance on computers, phones and tablets has meant a notable increase in myopia (or nearsightedness). Throw in a national love for TV and computer games in our spare time and it’s no wonder the UK’s eye-sight is taking a dip.

The New York Times has previously reported a strong correlation between eye health and a person’s overall exposure to sunlight. These facts were the result of a sizeable study done by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, King’s College London and several other respected institutions.

According to the study, those who had gotten the most sun during their younger years were about 25% less likely to develop myopia by middle age. Exposure to sunlight up to the age of 30 proved to have a protective benefit, notably benefitting eyesight in later life.

Enhance focus

Your eyes aren’t the only things that can lose focus – lack of daylight can also cause your brain to lose focus as well. Exposure to natural environments can be just the boost you need if your mind is wandering and your attention is waning.

According to AskTheScientists.com, breaking up the working day with time outdoors has been shown to enhance concentration and increase productivity. Meanwhile, creative problem solving and cognitive function has also been known to improve through outside activities, particularly when indulging in prolonged outdoor pursuits.

A healthier you

Perhaps the most telling and important finding of all is that being outside has been shown to contribute greatly to overall bodily health – particularly due to its association with Vitamin D.

According to medical experts, humans are said to get as much as 90% of their Vitamin D intake from natural sunlight. Vitamin D can be a vital component in helping to maintain healthy bones and teeth, as well as contributing to cardiovascular health, including healthy blood pressure.

Vitamin D has also been known to regulate insulin levels and can help aid and prevent diabetes, while it has also been found to strengthen the immune system. With such a profound list of great health benefits, is there any wonder they call Vitamin D “The Sunshine Vitamin”?

Spend more time outside

So, we’ve heard all about the health benefits of being outside and worldly goodness that can be gained from being out and about – now what?

Getting outside doesn’t mean you have to take up gardening or begin park running every morning. The outdoors can be a great place to simply relax and unwind and what better way to do that than in the comfort and privacy of your very own property?

SunSpaces offer a wide range of garden rooms, verandas and awnings for a variety of properties, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of being outside without having to leave your home.

Give us a call today on 029 2037 1575 or click below for more information. Alternatively, visit a showroom near you and get an in-depth look at outdoor living!

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