About the Swallow Rook potting shed
The Rook is the 8ft 9"-wide member of the Swallow range. It is built for two people working at the staging at once. Like the Jay, it is hand-made in heat-treated ThermoWood, glazed with toughened glass and fitted on site. The extra two feet of width over the Jay turn a one-grower shed into a proper working potting room. If a 6ft 8" width suits your space and budget better, the Swallow Jay is the narrower sibling. For a lower-cost dip-treated shed you build yourself, see the Power apex, Power pent and Power combi ranges.
The Rook is the one to choose if you actually work in your shed. At 8ft 9" wide there is room for staging down one side. A person can work at the bench without backing into the door. Same ThermoWood build, same Bayliss autovents and toughened glass as the Jay, just more of it. We fit it on your base, and it is a building that will still be standing in twenty years.
- Matt W, Greenhouse Stores
What you get with a Rook
Every Rook is the same 8ft 9" 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.
| Feature | Swallow Rook potting shed |
|---|---|
| Width | 8ft 9" (2660mm) |
| 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 8x10 Rook at £5,185 is the natural starting point. Full width for two to work, with a 10ft length for most gardens. Add length if you want more bench and store, or the painted finish to seal and colour-match the timber.
How long a Rook do you need?
The width is fixed at 8ft 9", so length is your decision. A 10ft Rook gives a wide staging run plus a real store for a working gardener. The 12ft, 14ft and longer builds add bench and storage for a serious grower. The longest bring a barrow inside. Lengths run to 20ft for a full working potting room.
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 suits a building this wide. The 8-12 week lead time runs from the date you confirm the base. Each Rook is hand-made to your length before fitting.
Matt's installation tip
Plan the door approach for the full 8ft 9" width. A shed this size wants a clear, level path for delivery and for wheeling a barrow in and out. Get the base square and level before you confirm it. Seal the cut timber ends so water never sits in them.
Budget and delivery
Swallow Rook potting sheds start at £3,485 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 is ready, free to mainland UK. This is a long-term garden building, priced and fitted as one.
Frequently asked questions
How wide is the Swallow Rook?
The Rook is 8ft 9" (2660mm) wide. That is two feet wider than the Jay, with room for two to work.
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 Rook is hand-made to order. Delivery and build then run to 8-12 weeks from the date you confirm your base.
What makes ThermoWood different?
ThermoWood is heat-treated for stability and rot resistance. That is why Swallow back the timber for 12 years.
Can I have it painted?
Yes, a spray-applied painted finish is available as an option for an even, sealed coat.