Alternatives to thatching for a summerhouse roof

ceh209

We've got a thatched summerhouse at the end of our garden. It's in poor condition, both the thatch and the wooden walls. It's not used much but I don't want to completely get rid of it, I currently use it for a bit of storage and as a potting shed for my attempts at vegetable gardening.

The thatch is definitely leaking and looks mouldy in places, I've been in there today and half the floor is wet. We've had a quote of over £2,000 to re-thatch, and we don't want to spend that much on what's essentially a glorified shed, which will probably need replacing in a few years time anyway. Has anyone got any ideas on what we could do to repair/replace the roof at a cheaper cost? It's approx 10ft diameter, with the roof rising to a point in the middle.

FreeBear

10ft diameter suggests a round structure. I'd suggest looking at cedar shingles or if are only looking for a short term & low cost alternative, felt shingles - Not as pretty, but is something you could possibly fit yourself.

Silvertabby

At that cost, I'd bite the bullet and replace the whole thing.  It needn't be an (expensive) summerhouse - sounds like you'd get more benefit out of a potting shed or a greenhouse.

Ajmason42

As free bear  shingles probably a good solution or just replace with new if walls and floors are poor amazing what deals are out there  especially if you go to a local shed builder and not the chains a timber yard near us was doing a better quality 10x8 shed for the cost  of 6x4 from the large orange shed 

Apodemus

Or you could buy a couple of big bales of wheat straw and have a bash at DIY thatching!