A garden shed is extremely versatile. You can use it as a tool shed to protect equipment and tools, a pot shed to plant pots and grow seeds, or as an extra room for relaxation.
These garden sheds provide great storage space for bulky items such as garden furniture and bicycles, and can be your hobby hideaway when there’s no more space in the house.
But finding the right garden shed for your needs can seem complicated. Our guide is here to help you choose the best garden shed for you and your outdoor space.
1. Size – How big should the garden shed be?
Consider what you will be using the garden shed for – simply for storage or as a room with space for furniture, such as garden chair or a sofa and a table? What will you store in it and is this likely to change as the family grows?
2. The basics – How do I prepare my garden shed?
All garden sheds must stand on a firm and level base of suitable dimensions. Most retailers will not provide a base and this will need to be in place before the shed can be installed. Foundations are usually constructed from concrete, paving slabs or wooden supports, and a properly assembled foundation will extend the life of your construction.
When deciding where to build your base, make sure you take the height of the roof into account – you don’t want water running into a neighboring garden if the garden shed is too close to a boundary fence. Also consider a location that gives you an easy route through the garden if you plan to move heavy objects in and out of the garden shed. Consider spaces that take advantage of natural light, beautiful views, or proximity to electrical or water sources if you plan to run wiring or plumbing.
Make sure you check that the garden shed comes with a floor as not all companies offer this.
It is recommended to build a base that is slightly larger than the dimensions of the garden shed.
3. Access – Are entry points easily accessible?
Consider the size of your garden and any fences or walls that are close to the area where you want to install the garden shed. Nearby fences or walls will prevent you from being able to easily treat or paint the garden shed.
Materials for garden sheds:
1. Wooden garden houses
Wood is the traditional material for a garden shed and by far the most popular. There are many sizes and styles of wooden garden sheds available and they can easily be painted in the color of your choice. The natural beauty and relative durability of wood make it an excellent choice for garden construction.
Wooden sheds require annual treatment with a suitable wood preservative for maximum longevity.
2. Metal garden sheds
Metal garden sheds are becoming more and more popular. They require little maintenance and offer a modern, industrial look. Galvanized steel sheds are very durable and resistant to rust and rot. They do not require treatment and will usually not need to be painted except for occasional patching jobs. Metal garden sheds are particularly safe and usually come in a variety of colours. Cheaper metal sheds tend to come without a floor, but it’s a good idea to check before you buy.
3. Plastic garden sheds
Plastic garden sheds are lightweight and virtually maintenance-free, with many designs that give the appearance of wood or metal. They do not require treatment or painting and are usually completely wear-resistant. Plastic houses are not as common as wooden or metal ones, but they are very robust, weatherproof and easy to assemble.