Britain’s love affair with the great outdoors is moving closer to home. Faced with rising house prices and the hassle of moving, more homeowners are choosing to transform their gardens into stylish extensions of their living space.

From chic garden rooms and alfresco kitchens to shaded pergolas and sun-soaked patios, the trend for outdoor living is booming.

It’s a wave of opportunity that landscapers, joiners, kitchen fitters and outdoor specialists are seizing, as demand for clever, beautifully designed outdoor spaces shows no sign of slowing.

 

Why Outdoor Living Means Big Business for the Trade

Recent research shows that most homeowners are staying put, with only 4–6% moving each year and are instead investing in home improvements, with applications for home offices up 250% and garden buildings up 45%.

At the same time, outdoor kitchens, covered seating areas and other garden upgrades are moving from luxury to mainstream, with a recent Houzz survey showing 33% of homeowners have expanded their living space outdoors and many adding outdoor cooking features.

Here's what's driving the boom: clients want turnkey projects. They don't want to source materials, coordinate trades and manage timelines. They want one reliable professional who can design, supply and install the complete solution.

This shift changes everything. You're not just selling timber or paving slabs, you're selling a lifestyle transformation. And customers are willing to pay for that level of service and peace of mind.

 

 

Assessing the Job - Space, Access and Budget

Every successful outdoor project starts with proper assessment. Site access is crucial - can you get materials delivered? Is there room for machinery? What about foundation work?

Consider garden orientation carefully. Sun direction affects positioning, while wind patterns influence shelter requirements. Drainage issues can make or break a project before you start.

Budget conversations matter too. Be upfront about project bands: £1k–£5k covers basic patios and simple structures, £5k–£15k gets you quality garden rooms and outdoor kitchens, while £15k+ opens up premium, fully-equipped outdoor living spaces.

 

Garden Rooms — Profitable, Practical, and Popular

Garden rooms are having a moment and for good reason. These timber-framed structures offer excellent margins with relatively predictable install times.

If utilities are required, plan them early. Power, water and heating requirements affect both timeline and costs significantly. Remember the 2.5m height rule and know when garden rooms trigger planning permission or building regulations, especially if they include sleeping accommodation or full kitchens.

Modular kits or pre-built units speed up installation but limit customisation. Bespoke builds take longer but command higher margins. MKM's timber, insulation and sheet materials range covers both approaches, giving you flexibility on every project.

 

 

Pergolas and Covered Structures: Quick Wins

Need faster turnarounds? Pergolas and covered structures deliver visual impact with manageable timescales. Pre-cut kits are perfect for standard jobs, while custom builds suit unique spaces and premium budgets.

Pay attention to structural fixings and wind loading, proper anchoring prevents costly callbacks. Treated timber remains popular, but metal options appeal to low-maintenance clients.

Common add-ons like lighting, decking and retractable roofs boost project values significantly. MKM's pergola kits, fixings and cladding options make cross-selling straightforward.

 

Outdoor Kitchens: Premium Projects, Premium Prices

Outdoor kitchens represent the top end of the market. Framework options include timber, blockwork and composite, each with distinct advantages for different budgets and styles.

Utility routing needs early planning. Gas, water and electrical services can run on surface or buried, discuss options with clients upfront. Remember that outdoor kitchens need solid hard landscaping to support heavy loads safely.

MKM stocks everything you need: paving slabs, drainage solutions, DPM, fixing kits and cement boards.

 

 

Hard Landscaping: The Foundation of Every Project

Patios and paths still anchor most outdoor living projects. They create the foundation that everything else builds on. Get the sub-base depth and drainage right from the start, shortcuts here cause expensive problems later.

Think in zones: living areas, cooking spaces and relaxation spots each have different requirements. Edging, walling and contrast materials add visual interest and professional polish.

 

Your Compliance Quick Guide

• Know when projects need planning permission and when they don't. Garden rooms under 2.5m height usually fall under permitted development, but adding sleeping accommodation or full kitchens often triggers building regulations.
• Consider drainage requirements and sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDs). Party wall issues affect boundary builds, so check positions carefully.
• Understanding compliance builds client confidence. They'll pay more when they know you've got the regulatory side covered.

 

MKM: Your Outdoor Living Partner

Local branches mean stock on the ground when you need it. Trade accounts and fast quotes keep projects moving smoothly. From DPC to decking, MKM covers the complete material spectrum.

Need expert advice? Branch teams understand outdoor projects and can provide guidance in-store or on-site. Delivery services and crane offload options handle the logistics, leaving you free to focus on installation and customer service.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Talk to your local MKM branch about your next outdoor project.