A 3-Tier Workshop is ideal for a dedicated workspace. Maybe you’re a wood-turner? An upcycler? A model train enthusiast? Or a lab scientist! The point is, it’s serious. You use this space to hone your craft, and you need it to be 100% reliable against the Scottish weather. The 3-Tier Workshop features an innovative specification which is exclusively offered by G&M! This post is a comprehensive guide to our 3-Tier Workshop. By the time you’ve finished reading, you will know what the 3-Tier Workshop can offer and whether it’s the right building for you.
What is the 3-Tier Workshop specification?
Back in 2016, we made the very brave decision to choose quality over competing on market price. The 3-Tier specification was something we already used in our Building Control-compliant Garden Rooms. But now it was time to make it mainstream and insist that for Scotland, this specification was and is the only way. The special thing about this specification is that the 3-Tier Workshop is guaranteed to stay watertight. Here’s how it works:
Outer Layer
19mm Tanalised Scandinavian Redwood Weatherboard Cladding: this deals with any moisture from the outside of your Workshop. Timber is porous so moisture can move through this layer of the wall.
Middle Layer
22mm Batten Breather Cavity: any moisture from the outer cladding will not be able to travel across this gap, ensuring no moisture can penetrate the interior of the Workshop.
Breather Membrane: this is an extra precaution to protect your Workshop from moisture. If water does somehow get across the breather cavity, it can’t pass through this sheet of membrane.
9mm OSB: this is great to use as long as it doesn’t get wet, which it definitely won’t here. OSB is a very strong material so adds to the structural stability of your Workshop.
Inner Layer
70 x 45mm C24 Graded Pressure-Treated Framing: you will be able to see this framing from the inside of your Workshop. It is very strong so ensures the stability of the 3-Tier Workshop and it’s pressure-treated to prevent mould and rot.
The specially designed layered wall construction and air cavity ensure your 3-Tier Workshop will always be protected from moisture.
What floor does the 3-Tier Workshop have?
The 3-Tier Workshop features a 19mm tongue and groove redwood timber floor, providing a structurally sound surface. This floor is built to last, so you can use it as is. However, you can always add flooring on top for extra protection, or if you want a different look.
If you’re using your 3-Tier Workshop for a specific purpose – such as a home gym – you may want to add a suitable flooring option like rubber tiles. At G&M, we offer laminate flooring as an additional option, which our team can install for you. If you’d prefer a different flooring option, you will need to arrange for this to be installed after delivery.
What roof does the 3-Tier Workshop have?
There are two options available for the roof of your 3-Tier Workshop. You can choose an Apex roof or a Pent roof. Both of these roof shapes come with steel box profile roofing, which features a 20-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
An apex roof is a good choice if you want additional roof space for storage, whereas the pent roof is ideal if you want to place your Workshop along a boundary of your property. The sloping pent roof is permitted development-friendly, so great for placing along a shared wall or fence.
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What size does the 3-Tier Workshop come in?
Our 3-Tier Workshops come in ten standard sizes, from 10′ x 8′ all the way up to 20′ x 10′; however, custom sizes are available.
If you’d like a Workshop larger than 20’ x 10’, we’d recommend checking out our timber Garages, which go up to 6m x 5m.
What type of base does the 3-Tier Workshop need?
Our 3-Tier Workshops can be placed on a slabbed or concrete base, depending on the size of the building. A slabbed base is substantial enough for most workshop projects, but any workshop beyond 14′ x 10′ needs a concrete base to adequately support it.
Further reading: What kind of base do I need for a 3-Tier Workshop?
What window and door options are available?
Our Workshops come with a uPVC Fully Clad Door and a uPVC Horizontal Opening Window as standard. There’s also the option to upgrade to a uPVC Vertical Opening Window (Single, Double or Triple) to suit your needs. The uPVC choices offer increased security for your workshop, allowing you to store valuable items or machinery with ease.
How much does the 3-Tier Workshop cost?
A 3-Tier Workshop is more expensive than a standard shed due to its superior specification. Its layered construction requires extra materials and skilled labour time, which accounts for the higher cost. Additionally, upgrades such as uPVC windows and doors also raise the cost of your project. While the 3-Tier Workshop comes at a higher price, its performance, due to its watertight design, is second to none.
Our standard 3-Tier Workshops sizes start at £6,969 for a 10′ x 8′.
Further reading: How much does a small workshop cost?
How much maintenance is needed?
Our 3-Tier Workshops are made with tanalised weatherboard as standard, which protects your building from mould and rot. Furthermore, the layered construction of the Workshop means that you don’t need to rely on frequent repainting to keep the water out, as the building will always be watertight. All you need to worry about is protecting the cladding from UV.
The finish you choose for your Workshop, alongside how exposed your site is, will determine how often you need to repaint the building. For Workshops painted in a Sadolin colour, we recommend repainting every 5 -7 years to keep it looking like new. Whereas, for workshops coated in OSMO Oil, you’ll likely need to recoat every 3-5 years, depending on the amount of UV exposure.
Further reading: How much maintenance does a 3-Tier Workshop need?
Can I add guttering?
We recommend adding guttering to your 3-Tier Workshop to manage water runoff and protect your building. Guttering helps keep your Workshop’s cladding dry by preventing water from pooling around the base, which reduces the risk of water splashing back onto the panels.
Can I add electricity?
Yes. If you choose to have electricity added to your 3-Tier Workshop, we can introduce you to our accredited electricians RC Electrical, who carry out the majority of our electrical work. They will carry out a site visit to your property before providing you with a custom quote for your electrical work. The 3-Tier Workshop is not a lined and insulated building, which means you will be able to see the wiring for your electricity along the interior framing of your building.
The watertight construction of the Workshop allows you to safely add electricity to the space. The price of the electrical installation will vary depending on the distance the electricity supply needs to travel, and what kind of sockets, light fittings, and switches you choose. But typical costs for electricity in a workshop are between £400 – £900.
Further reading: Can I add electricity to a 3-Tier Workshop?
Is the 3-Tier Workshop right for you?
Now you know that the 3-Tier Workshop isn’t just any old shed – it’s a serious watertight space that you can always rely on. These Workshops are built to withstand Scotland’s unpredictable weather and offer great durability and security. If you’re looking for a work or storage space that you can count on the 3-Tier Workshop could be your perfect fit. If you’d like to discuss your 3-Tier Workshop with us, book a no-obligation Consultation. We can’t wait to help you create your ideal space.
