Skip to content
Home » A Buyer’s Guide for Choosing a Garden Shed

A Buyer’s Guide for Choosing a Garden Shed

1. Size – How Large Should Your Shed’s Need to be?

Take a look at what you’re making use of your shed solely for storage, or as a space for your garden with furniture? What can you store in it and is this likely to change as you grow your family?

Remember that different companies will quote shed sizes in different ways. For instance an 8×6 size shed could refer to the dimensions on the outside or inside and might or may not contain the roof overhang. Be sure to verify the dimensions of a structure when you have space restrictions or want to store items in a specific dimension. The exact dimensions are usually located in the technical section.

If your home has an incline height of more than 2.5 meters and is within 2 metres of a boundary planning permission might be required. Always consult the local council if uncertain.

2. Base – How do I Prepare for My Shed?

All garden sheds should be set on a level and solid base that is of sufficient dimensions. The majority of retailers do not provide the base and this must be put installed prior to the shed’s being put up. The bases are generally made of concrete, paving slabs , or timber bearers. A well-constructed base can extend the lifespan of your garden construction.

In deciding the best location to build your base, remember to take the roof’s overhang into consideration – you don’t want to channel water into a garden that is adjacent when your shed is close to a fence. Additionally, think about a site that offers an easy access to your yard if you plan on moving large objects into from your storage shed. You should think about areas where you can make the most of sunlight and beautiful views. You may also consider close proximity to water or electricity services if you intend to wire or pipe your structure.

Make sure you check whether your shed is equipped with flooring, since this is not provided by all firms. The majority of sheds include pre-attached joists to the floor’s underside to elevate the structure off the ground, but this doesn’t make it unnecessary to build an additional base. If you’re thinking of making a base of timber and the bearers of the timber must be positioned parallel of the floor joists in the shed. Make sure to confirm this with the supplier of your shed and don’t be relying on pictures from online sources because this could be different in accordance with the dimensions of the building.

It is suggested to construct the base slightly bigger than the dimensions of the shed. But, if your yard is sloped and a large base could cause water to pool within the structure.

3. Access – Do Entry Points Provide easy access?

Take into consideration the dimensions of your garden as well as any walls or fences which are located near the place that you would like to build your cheapest shed. Walls and fences that are close to each other are a hindrance to being able to treat or paint your shed.

Some businesses can alter the opening of the shed, if needed Be certain to inquire when you want the door moved to allow for better access. Also, consider if you’d like your door to be hinged either to the left or right. Some shed dealers have doors that are pre-hung, and some offer the door in a separate package to be mounted on a slat.

Do you think there will be any items touching the shed, like branches that hang over the shed? Be sure to make sure no objects touch the shed because branches could cause damage to the roof felt.

Build: Sheds are made from the following types of materials: metal, wood and plastic.

1. Wooden sheds

Wood is the standard material used for garden sheds and is by far the most sought-after. A variety of sizes and styles for a timber sheds are available and they are easily painted in the desired shade. The natural beauty of wood and its robustness make it an excellent option for garden structures.

Wooden sheds should be maintained annually using a suitable wood preserver for the longest time. The majority of sheds are with a temporary preserver to safeguard it during storage and transportation. It is suggested to treat the floor prior to installation, because the bottom will not be accessible until the shed is put together. Because timber is an natural material it is common to find tiny splits, knots or sap areas that are characteristic of wood and won’t impact the strength of the structure.

Pressure-treated (often known as tanalised) sheds don’t require more maintenance than standard wooden sheds because of their treatment procedure. They are more costly, but tend to last for longer.

2. Metal sheds

Metal sheds are growing in popularity. They’re low-maintenance and offer the modern industrial style. Galvanised steel sheds are extremely robust and resist decay and rust. They don’t require any treatment and typically do never require painting apart from one or two patch jobs. Metal sheds are very safe and are typically offered in a range of colors. Metal sheds that are less expensive tend to lack a floor, however it is recommended to look before buying.

3. Plastic sheds

Plastic sheds are light and almost maintenance-free. They come in numerous styles that create the appearance of metal or wood. They don’t require treatment or painting and are typically totally immune to damage and wear. Plastic sheds aren’t like metal or wooden, but they are extremely durable and weatherproof. They’re also easy to be constructed.

Building: In the event that you’ve decided to build an outdoor wooden structure There are several alternatives to consider.

1. Cladding with shiplap or overlap?

Overlap is a less expensive design of cladding. It has rustic appearance due to rough cut boards and an the overlapping finish. Overlap boards are usually similar to fencing panels.

Shiplap cladding has interlocking groove and tongue boards with a slight incline to allow water run-off. Shiplap cladding tends to be much thicker and more durable than overlap.

Loglap cladding is made up of interlocking groove and tongue boards, and an angled finish. It gives the appearance of a traditional log cabin, but with the same design to shiplap. When it is thickest, loglap cladding tends to be larger than the normal shiplap.

2. Timber that is dip-treated or pressure-treated?

It is essential to take care of the appearance and the structural integrity of a shed made of wood.

The treated wood is submerged in an environment-friendly preservative prior to being allowed to dry. It is highly recommended to apply the treatment again before or soon after installation and every year thereafter, to prolong its longevity. The floor’s bottom should be treated prior to the installation. Preservatives can be transparent, tinted or paint-based. This allows you to alter the color of your structure while safeguarding it. Most structures are dip treated.

The timber treated with pressure is submerged in an emulsifier under pressure, which causes it to penetrate deep into the wood before it is dried. The cost of pressure-treated wood is higher but it is generally more durable.

The wood in dip-treated sheds are usually warranted to last for 10 years from decay, rot or insect infestation. pressure-treated sheds typically are covered up to 15 years. Make sure to verify whether there is a warranty and the conditions it comes with, since it could be invalidated in the event that the shed was not properly treated.

3. Framework?

The framing system is an essential aspect of a shed that you should consider because a more robust frames will lead to an even more sturdy structure. The framework offers durability, strength and support So, be sure to verify the size of the frame when comparing sheds. This will usually be listed in the technical area. There are often alternatives to increase the thickness of your frame e.g. from a standard 28mm x 44mm framework and then to a heavier duty frames of 58x44mm.