Choosing the right shed can be the difference between storing your tools and gardening supplies safely and securely and having a place for a cosy office. Irregularities, dampness, and flimsy surfaces will be the biggest complaints. Find out how to build and maintain your garden shed with our expert advice. You can also determine what features are most important to you when purchasing a garden shed.
Types of sheds
Typically, sheds are categorized by the material they are made of. Following is a comparison of three popular shed types:
Wood Sheds
Wooden sheds are a popular choice in the UK, and there are many shapes and sizes available. These are usually made from softwoods such as pine (sometimes known as redwood or red deal) or spruce (white deal). Several are made from larch or Douglas fir, which should be more resistant to rot. It is cedar sheds that are the most rot-resistant, but they are almost twice as expensive as pine sheds. The most cost-effective way to keep a wooden shed in good condition and free of rot is to treat it once a year, but you can also pick a pressure-treated shed. Furthermore, if you’re a handy person, you can even build and customize it yourself.
Metal Sheds
There are many differences in quality between metal sheds, whether they are made of steel or galvanised aluminium. Metal sheds, especially those made with thick metal sheets, will last longer, be less prone to rust, and be safer than those made with thin panels. Unless the door hinges need to be greased every once in a while, they practically need no maintenance once they are assembled. It’s a poor choice for home offices or working sheds in warm weather, as the shed’s interior temperature will quickly rise.
Plastic Sheds
Plastic sheds typically weigh very little since they are made of vinyl. When it’s raining, this is perfect for moving the shed around the garden or for lifting to assemble it, but not so helpful when it’s storming outside. When selecting a shed, choose one with anchors to the floor so that it will remain sturdy. Plastic sheds have become more popular due to their low maintenance, durability, and ease of assembly, however, they can be difficult to customize and they are available in fewer varieties and sizes.
Various types of sheds
- A potting shed has a large sloping window made of thin plastic or glass to allow light and heat to pass through.
- The lean-to shed is a structure that leans against a solid structure, such as a house. It is ideal for those with limited space.
- The corner shed is an outdoor building designed to fit into a corner of the garden.
- Greenhouse sheds are perfect for keen gardeners who want a single structure that can be used for both storage and growing vegetables.
Shed roofing types
- Pent sheds have one sloping roof with the highest point situated on the door side.
- Reverse pent sheds feature a single sloping roof with the highest point at the back.
- Appex sheds have two sloping sides that meet in the middle of the building. A shed with two sloped edges that meet in the middle along its entire length is called a reverse apex shed.
There are several types of shed bases
Sheds must be sat on a stable, level surface to prevent them from shifting and misaligning. It is necessary to build a shed base if you want to place your shed on grass. The most common types of shed bases are metal and plastic. Alternatively, you can find sheds with metal frames that can be either filled with concrete or covered so they act as a base and a floor.
What is the cost of a good shed?
It will cost you upwards of £150/£200 to get your hands on a quality, medium-sized shed. There will, however, be some variation in price based on the material, the size, and the extra features. The cost of a wooden shed is typically higher than that of a metal shed or plastic shed – a large wooden shed can cost more than £500, while small plastic storage sheds cost less than $100. Spend more on a strong roof, thicker frames and thicker wood, and you’ll also get better wood and stronger doors. However, if you’re just looking for somewhere to store the odd gardening tool, you’ll be perfectly fine with a cheap, plastic storage shed.
Making the right choice for your shed
The very first step to choosing the right kind of shed for your needs is to determine what it will be used for. It may be necessary to install more pathways, paving, and workspaces than you normally would if you plan to use your shed all the time. In the same way, consider locating your shed close to your home so that you can keep your essential tools close at hand. Garden sheds should be conveniently located near your garden or greenhouse if you intend to use them for gardening. In most cases, its size will be determined by the size of the work surface and the amount of storage it needs.
Hard surfacing and pathways leading to the rest of your garden will also be necessary if you want your shed to withstand frequent use. The shed might not be used very often if it is only intended as a storage area for tools, materials, and machines. During the spring, summer, and fall, you would only use your lawnmower once a week if you store it there. For example, if you store garden furniture or a barbecue in your shed over the winter, it won’t be visible to you until spring or summer. In case the barbeque is large and has wheels, you may want a path to roll it back into position after the winter temperatures subside.
