Delivery late, poor materials, missing parts, and a protracted refund process.
“Worst company I've ever dealt with”
Reviews for Garden Buildings Direct show a split picture. Many customers report good timber quality, well‑fitting components and straightforward assembly when deliveries arrive complete and on time. However, a substantial number of reviews describe long lead times, missing or damaged parts and slow or unhelpful customer support. Several reviewers note they needed to pay carpenters or buy replacement parts, while a minority report refunds or dispute resolution via PayPal or credit‑card Section 75. If considering a purchase, check current lead times, request a full parts list before delivery and consider secure payment methods to protect your purchase.
Examples from available reviews (Nov 2021 – Feb 2026).
Delivery late, poor materials, missing parts, and a protracted refund process.
“Worst company I've ever dealt with”
Log cabin timber was excellent and delivery was on time.
“The timber quality is excellent”
Shed timber quality was poor and customer service failed to resolve.
“The quality of the timbers used are very poor”
Delivery delays forced cancellation but refund was provided promptly.
“I ordered the shed in mid-June with a 5-6 week lead time.”
Mixed delivery and fulfilment experiences: some deliveries arrive on time with helpful drivers, but many reviews report long delays, missed dates and poor fulfilment.
Customers diverge on price: a few say price was fair or good value, while several report paying for poor materials or extra contractor costs.
Ordering, assembly and use vary: some buyers describe easy ordering and simple assembly; others report missing parts, unclear instructions and extended delays.
Product quality reports split: many reviewers praise timber fit and solid builds, while a notable group describe warped, damaged or flimsy components on arrival.
Communication is a frequent complaint: reviewers report slow or no responses, unfulfilled promises to call back and inconsistent progress updates.
Overall impressions are polarised: roughly equal numbers of positive and negative accounts, from satisfied installations to protracted disputes and refunds.
For each review, the core experience based on original source reviews.
Sources: Trustpilot (40) · Reviews (20) · Sitejabber (20) · Reviews (1) · Quotes shortened · As of: February 2026
Greenhouse workmanship was poor with split wood and mismeasured parts.
“The wood was poor quality - more knots than anything.”
Delivery exceeded estimated time and the company couldn't provide a date.
“ask them for a delivery date and they can't give one”
Incorrect untreated components sent, long dispute and refund not received.
“I have not received a refund.”
Good communication and delivery; product looks sturdy and good value.
“Good communication throughout the process of ordering and delivery”
Long delay and multiple damaged or incorrect parts caused major problems.
“Delayed arrival and took 22 weeks to come.”
Initial delivery took months and many parts were missing or incorrect.
“First deliery took 3 months, not 5 weeks, and many parts were missing.”
Prompt telephone service, easy ordering and timely delivery.
“quick telephone answering phone easy to order and prompt delivery”
Product never dispatched and no refund; customer service nonexistent.
“Ordered product was never dispatched and no refund arrived.”
Poor build quality caused extra repair costs and the company refused refund.
“Billy o shed quality was shockingly poor.”
Shed not delivered, poor phone support, and refund delayed after threats.
“Failed to deliver the shed.”
Shed not delivered and refund delayed until after threats and persistence.
“Failed to deliver the shed. No idea of when a delivery date would come available after weeks of waiting.”
Poor quality wood and roofing caused leaks and warped doors after installation.
“Poor quality wood which came with splits in the batons.”
Multiple incorrect or poor-quality parts caused leaks and structural weakness.
“The wood was warped &poor quality, rain comes through the walls and the joins in the walls.”
Upgraded cabin is well manufactured and a solid workshop despite delayed delivery.
“it is brilliant quality.”
Summerhouse leaked, timber warped and floor rotted after some years.
“after a few years it now leaks all the wood has warped despite being treated”
Faulty product, long collection delays and missing refund; legal action considered.
“This company is probably the worst company I have ever dealt with in my entire life.”
Well constructed summer house; building was effortful but worthwhile.
“Well constructed summer house”
Promised 2-3 week delivery not met; customer cancelled and refunded.
“Very disappointed, do not quote 2-3 weeks if you cannot deliver”
Shed ordered in November not received by mid-January.
“Ordered She'd November 25, not received by mid Jan 26.”
Order cancelled after delivery delays and refund remained unpaid for months.
“we are still waiting on our refund”
Poor quality and many incorrect parts required customer to replace materials.
“The only good thing I can say about this summer house was the delivery driver who delivered it.”
Delivery late and poor-quality wood required significant additional expenses.
“The wood was of poor quality; warped, chipped, broken, weak.”
Poor instructions and build led to flooding and mould; no resolution offered.
“it’s flooded the entire base of the shed.”
Product was flimsy and low quality after a long wait.
“Low quality and a waste of money.”
Delivered structure did not match order and suffered water ingress.
“The structure delivered did not match what was ordered”
Very poor parts quality and awful customer service; avoid the company.
“Absolutely appalling!! Rubbish Quality parts and rubbish customer service!!!”
Shed timber quality was poor and customer service failed to resolve.
“The quality of the timbers used are very poor”
Shed looks amazing in my garden and is top notch.
“Looks amazing in my garden.”
Delivery was delayed and damaged parts with unresponsive customer service.
“Delivered after ringing them and saying I would cancel the order.”
Beautiful summerhouse provides a comfortable, well-made garden retreat.
“Beautiful summerhouse creates perfect garden retreat.”
Wooden garage feels secure, sized well and durable in bad weather.
“I keep my car safe in a wooden garage and it feels secure.”
Ordered a log cabin from an ad; it looks wonderful and sturdy.
“It looks wonderful and strong.”
Log cabin timber was excellent and delivery was on time.
“The timber quality is excellent”
Children love the playhouse; it's safe, spacious and easy to assemble.
“My children love their new playhouse from Garden Buildings Direct.”
Greenhouse build is solid and keeps plants healthy and safe.
“I ordered a greenhouse from Garden Buildings Direct and I am very happy.”
Delivery was delayed, communication poor, and the greenhouse had missing parts and leaks.
“Communication is dreadful - they couldn't update us on the progress of our order.”
Shed converted into a secure, spacious chicken coop with daily eggs.
“Bought this shed and converted it into a luxury chicken coop.”
Delivery far delayed beyond promised date; customer requested refund.
“The delivery was stated as 2 to 4 weeks.”
Kids love the playhouse and play outside for hours happily.
“Kids playhouse looks cute and they play outside for hours happily”
Delivery late, poor materials, missing parts, and a protracted refund process.
“Worst company I've ever dealt with”
This page combines submitted experiences with public reviews from platforms such as Google, Trustpilot, etc. Recurring points are summarised without changing the content of reviews.
Garden Buildings Direct is a UK online retailer offering a range of timber garden buildings including sheds, summerhouses, log cabins, garages, greenhouses and playhouses. The company lists sizes, materials and prices on its website and ships to UK addresses. Consumers researching the brand typically look for product specifications, lead times, delivery options and after‑sales support information.