About the Swallow Jay potting shed
The Jay is Swallow's 6ft 8"-wide potting shed, and it sits a clear step above a flat-pack timber shed. It is hand-made in heat-treated ThermoWood and glazed with toughened glass. We build it on site, not leave it in a crate. We fit these for gardeners who want a building that lasts decades, not seasons. For more width and a deeper store, look at its larger sibling the Swallow Rook at 8ft 9" wide. Want a quicker, lower-cost shed you assemble yourself? The Power apex, Power pent and Power combi ranges are the value choice.
The ThermoWood is what sells the Jay once people see it in the flesh. Heat-treated timber does not drink water the way standard softwood does, so it stays straight and shrugs off rot. Add the Bayliss autovents that open on a warm morning, plus a floor on plastic runners. You get a shed that looks after your plants and itself. We build it on your base, so it goes up right.
- Matt W, Greenhouse Stores
What you get with a Jay
Every Jay is the same 6ft 8" width, built to the length you choose. The front is part-glazed for growing; the rear is boarded for storage. The whole building is heat-treated ThermoWood on a floor clear of the damp. The spec below is fitted as standard, not added as extras.
| Feature | Swallow Jay potting shed |
|---|---|
| Width | 6ft 8" (2035mm) |
| Length range | 10ft to 20ft |
| Timber | Heat-treated ThermoWood |
| Floor | 12mm fitted floor on plastic runners |
| Glazing | 3mm toughened glass, silicone-sealed |
| Ventilation | Side window + Bayliss XL roof autovents |
| Security | Mortise-locking door |
| Finish | Natural, or spray-applied paint option |
| Warranty | 12-year timber warranty |
| Installation | Included in the price |
Matt's pick
The 6x10 Jay at £4,041 is the size we fit most. It has length for a full staging run and a store, without overwhelming a garden. Add the painted finish if you want the timber sealed and the colour matched to your other garden buildings.
How long a Jay do you need?
The width is fixed at 6ft 8", so length is your decision. A 10ft Jay gives a generous staging run plus a rear store for one keen grower. Step up through the 12ft, 14ft and longer builds for more bench and storage. The longest take a barrow inside. Lengths run to 20ft for a serious working shed.
Base and installation
Installation is included in the price. You prepare a firm, level base, confirm it is ready, and Swallow build the shed on it for you. A concrete pad or a level slab base works best for a building this size. The 8-12 week lead time runs from the date you confirm the base. Each Jay is hand-made to your length before fitting.
Matt's installation tip
Get the base dead level and fully square before you confirm it. A hand-made shed is built to exact sizes. A base that is out even a little makes the door and glazing harder to set. ThermoWood needs far less maintenance than softwood. A coat of finish on the cut ends keeps water out long term.
Budget and delivery
Swallow Jay potting sheds start at £3,307 and rise with length and the painted option. The price includes on-site installation and a 12-year timber warranty. Delivery and build run to 8-12 weeks from the date you confirm your base. Delivery is free to mainland UK. This is a long-term garden building, priced and fitted as one.
Frequently asked questions
What is ThermoWood?
It is heat-treated timber. The treatment makes it more stable and far more rot-resistant than standard softwood.
Is installation included?
Yes, on-site installation is included in the price. You prepare a level base and Swallow build the shed on it.
How long does delivery take?
Each Jay is hand-made to order. Delivery and build then run to 8-12 weeks from the date you confirm your base.
Can I have it painted?
Yes, a spray-applied painted finish is available as an option for an even, sealed coat.
Do the roof vents open on their own?
Yes, the roof vents are Bayliss XL autovents. They open automatically as the shed warms, with no power or wiring.