Your building, your way – A complete guide to your personalisation options

“We enjoyed the options available to customise the building to our needs and achieve the design we were after,” say Ryan and Ashley. “It was versatile, we were able to match it with what was existing there and it was so flexible in that we could do whatever we wanted.”

This is the Greenspan difference.

Many building companies – prefab or traditional – offer a set of pre-designed packages to select from. If customisation is available, it’s often limited to a couple of colour choices or minor tweaks. And door and window placements may still be non-negotiable.

This isn’t choice. It’s compromise.

At Greenspan, we believe your building should be as unique as you are, and whether it’s a petite potting shed, a generous garden room, or a beautiful big barn, we believe the end result should be unmistakably yours.

That’s why, with us, your building journey starts with one simple question: What do you want?

From there, every decision – cladding, colours, doors, windows, roofing, layout – is yours to make.

We’ll do this together, guiding you through the possibilities using 3D technology so you can see exactly how it all comes together. It doesn’t matter if your vision is modern minimalism, heritage character, coastal chic, or rustic charm; we have options that will bring your vision to life.

And to get you started, we’ve created a visual guide featuring our most popular cladding, window, door and roofing options.

So read on and let us help you create something truly and uniquely yours.

Board and batten cladding

Board and batten cladding is a traditional timber cladding choice that has been gracing buildings around the world for centuries. Made from smooth, multi-layered exterior-grade ply panels (boards) accented by vertical timber strips (battens), this timeless option offers lasting durability and a classic visual appeal.

Here’s what makes it a great pick for your garden room or rural building:

• Steeped in heritage: Board and batten brings a touch of history and character to your finished look.
• Material excellence: Constructed from high-quality, exterior-grade ply with a marine glue laminate and treated timber battens, it delivers exceptional strength and weather resistance.
• Versatility defined: Paint it in your choice of colour to perfectly complement your property and personal style.

Board and batten is the standard cladding inclusion on all of our buildings (with the exception of the eSpace design, which features vertical eco-hardwood cladding as standard).

It’s equally at home on a Melwood garden room as it is on a Cedarspan barn – adaptable, classic, and ready for your colour choice.

Cedar weatherboard cladding

Sourced from sustainably managed plantations, our cedar cladding features overlapping horizontal boards of premium Western Red Cedar. This beautiful material isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it boasts exceptional sound and thermal insulation properties, keeping your building cosy and quiet year-round.

Here’s why cedar cladding is a perfect fit, whether it’s a room in your backyard or a cabin in the country:

• Tranquil escape: Cedar’s natural insulation creates a peaceful haven, keeping your building quiet and comfortable through the seasons.
• Sustainable beauty: Enjoy the rich tones of cedar, knowing it comes from responsibly managed forests.
• Design flexibility: Embrace the natural wood look with a rough-sawn finish or opt for a more modern, smoother aesthetic. Then customise it with paint or stain to match your vision.

If you want to read more about the many benefits of this exceptional timber, you can do so here: 8 reasons to choose Western Red Cedar in your build

Horizontal cedar cladding is an upgrade option on all of our buildings, with the exception of the eSpace. For this design, tongue and groove vertical cedar cladding is an upgrade option. This meticulous application process creates a striking visual statement for those seeking a truly distinguished aesthetic for their garden room.

Pre-primed weatherboard cladding

This smooth, sleek weatherboard is a great alternative to cedar cladding and features a range of benefits. Pre-primed and ready to paint straight away, this eco-friendly option offers a quick and easy way to achieve a flawless finish.

Here are some of the reasons that make pre-primed weatherboard a great cladding option:

• Ready for your touch: Pre-primed and ready to prep and paint, this smooth cladding lets you immediately personalise your building with a flawless finish and one less coat!
• Sustainable style: A 100% renewable resource, pre-primed weatherboard is made from the trimmings of hardwood plantation timber. Furthermore, it boasts a negative carbon footprint, reducing the impact on our environment and contributing to a clean and better future.
• Built to last: Australian-made from high-quality Australian hardwood, this cladding is designed to withstand everything our harsh Aussie weather throws at it and remain cosy all year long.
• Timeless appeal: Achieve a unique yet traditional aesthetic, perfect for creating a chic coastal or Hamptons-inspired look.

This cladding upgrade option is suitable for use in properties with a rating of up to BAL19. If your property has a higher BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating than this, our team will help guide you with the necessary upgrades.

Vertical eco-hardwood and cedar cladding

These two premium cladding options elevate your garden room or acreage building with a touch of artisan craftsmanship. Cedar offers the warmth and beauty of natural wood, ideal for those who prefer a stained finish to highlight this beautiful timber’s rich tones. For those who prefer a painted finish and the flexibility of colour, eco-hardwood provides a flawless canvas.

Either way, the result is a stunningly sleek and modern aesthetic that will turn heads.

What makes these cladding options so special?

• Natural beauty: Embrace the rich wood tones of cedar cladding with a stain that highlights every detail.
• Flawless finish: Pre-primed and ready to paint, eco-hardwood cladding is a versatile, economical and sustainable option and, just like pre-primed weatherboard, is ready to paint with a flawless finish.
• Unmatched style: Turn heads with a garden room that stands out from the crowd.

Vertical eco-hardwood is the standard cladding inclusion for our premium eSpace garden room design, with vertical cedar cladding available as an upgrade.

Vertical eco-hardwood cladding

Doors and sidelights

Doors and sidelights play a crucial role in both the aesthetics and functionality of your garden or rural building. Available in a range of styles, materials and colours, swinging or sliding, aluminium or timber.  

Here’s a breakdown of some of our most popular options to help you find the perfect fit:

Full glass doors

Our modern full glass doors are a popular choice for a reason. They invite the outdoors in, bathing your garden room with natural light and creating a spacious and airy feel. Yet privacy and shade can still be maintained when needed by the simple addition of a stylish blind.

10-Lite doors

Named for their 10 panes of glass, these classic doors are a beautiful way to flood your garden room in natural light. Their timeless design adds a touch of Hamptons or Colonial elegance, perfectly complementing a variety of aesthetics.  

Bi-fold doors

For the ultimate in flexibility and openness, bi-fold doors (sometimes known as cafe doors) are hard to beat. These multi-panel doors fold back concertina-style, creating a wide, unobstructed opening that dissolves the barrier between inside and outside.

Solid timber doors

Solid timber doors are a perfect choice if you desire a cosy and private space in your garden room. They effectively block out light and create a serene atmosphere ideal for activities requiring focus or relaxation.

They’re a great style choice for those who want to capture rustic all-timber charm or enhance a traditional and timeless aesthetic.

For the best of both worlds, a twin light door combines privacy and classic style with filtered light.

Barn doors

Our beautiful, handcrafted barn doors aren’t just a striking design element. They offer the same privacy and light control benefits as solid timber doors, with a distinctive look that turns heads. Although naturally popular for our acreage buildings, barn doors take on a whole new level of elegance when featured in our Melwood range of garden rooms, creating a design that is a true conversation starter!

Other considerations for your building’s doors

The type of door you choose significantly impacts both the functionality and aesthetics of your space. And the options don’t end in their style! Double or single? Timber or aluminium?

Here are some key factors to consider:

Double vs. single doors:

When choosing the doors for a garden room, it’s important to think about what you’re going to be storing or using inside the space. Large furniture items or equipment will be much easier to get into your garden room with double doors. However, if maximising storage or usable interior space is crucial, single doors might be a better option.

If providing a visual and physical connection with the world outside is a priority, double glass doors will maximise light coming in, whether they are shut or thrown open. A combination of double doors and sidelights (fixed glass panels to the side) will make your garden room feel as big, light, spacious and accessible as possible.

With an acreage building, consider its purpose. For a rural garage or workshop, sets of double barn doors may allow vehicle and machinery access while delivering essential ventilation. For accommodation, a single solid timber door might be the ideal pedestrian entry, while a set of bi-folds leading from indoor to outdoor living space connects you with your surroundings.

The choices and combinations are almost endless.

Aluminium or timber?

Aluminium doors offer a sleek and contemporary low maintenance, ready-to-go option in a choice of colours.

Timber doors provide a classic and timeless look, perfect for a variety of styles, and almost unlimited freedom in their finished look. However, they require painting or staining, exterior protection and ongoing maintenance.

Both aluminium and timber doors have their merits. If you prioritise aesthetics, versatility, and a classic look, timber might be the way to go. However, if you value low maintenance, aluminium doors are an excellent choice.

Choosing the right windows plays a crucial role in creating a light-filled and comfortable interior space. Here’s an overview of our most popular black or white aluminium window options:

Sliding Windows:

• 300 x 1200mm (ventilation windows): These slim windows are perfect for high placement on the back wall opposite the doors. They promote airflow and cross-ventilation within your garden room, keeping the space fresh and comfortable. Additionally, the high placement offers privacy and avoids drawing attention to any less desirable outside views.
• 1200 x 865mm: This popular size is perfect for positioning above a work desk or workbench, allowing natural light to brighten your workspace.

Panorama sliding windows:

• 2025 x 1200mm: This window is a perfect choice if you have a scenic view to showcase. It offers a wide opening for unobstructed views and natural light. The top section slides open for ventilation, while the fixed section at the bottom prioritises safety for children.

Double-hung (sash) windows:

• 2025 x 600mm: The tall, thin design of the double-hung window maximises light intake and views without sacrificing wall space. It opens from top down or bottom up, allowing for plenty of fresh air circulation.
• 1200 x 865mm: Opening from top down or bottom up, this is a versatile option that frames a view, lets in lots of fresh air, and brightens your interior with natural light. Handcrafted cedar is a popular option for enhancing country charm, while aluminium offers practical ease of maintenance.

Other windows:

We’ve showcased some of our most popular window options above, but there are plenty of others to choose from. The perfect window for your project is out there – chat with us about what you have in mind if it’s different to the above!

Roofing, gutters and downpipes

Your building’s roof, gutters, and downpipes are essential for protecting it from the elements – and be aware that not all building suppliers include these in their garden room ranges. We use Colorbond® steel roofing, known for its strength, weather resistance, and longevity. It comes in a variety of attractive colours to complement your garden room’s design. Our most popular and therefore standard being Woodland Grey, Surfmist, Monument and Nightsky, with other colours available for custom order.

Surfmist

A light and reflective colour, ideal for hot climates, as it helps regulate temperature. This breezy shade is popular for pool cabanas.

Woodland Grey

A versatile choice that blends well with most settings and minimises the appearance of dirt.

Monument and Nightsky

Bold and contemporary, these dark colours create a striking visual statement. However, keep in mind their heat absorption properties and, if in NSW, any BASIX requirements.

Your building, your way

With a variety of cladding, doors, windows, and roof colours to choose from, you can personalise your Melwood garden room or Cedarspan acreage building to perfectly suit your functional needs and design style.

It’s already a lot of choice. But this is just the start!

With so many options available, we could only include our most popular choices here. Beyond what you see in this guide, we offer additional options to suit specific needs. And if you have something truly unique in mind, we’ll help you make it happen. For example, bespoke windows or a specialty door? We can leave structural voids during PreCrafting for custom fitting post-installation.

This is what sets Greenspan apart. We don’t ask you to squeeze your vision into predetermined packages. We ask what you want, and then we figure out how to make it happen. From your first conversation with our team through to delivery day, we’re partners in bringing your vision to life.

Inspired to design your own space?

Download our Design Price Guide to find out how we can help you personalise your dream garden room or acreage building.