Choosing a shed that’s right for you and your garden has never been easy as there is such a huge choice of different sizes and styles. Expert help is required and that’s why we have teamed up with leading online retailer GardenSite who have been selling sheds for over 60 years, and online since 1999. Their website guides offer comprehensive advice, so there is no better source of information for our own readers’ guide as to which shed you should choose and why.
Shed types and the different materials to choose from.
Timber sheds are still the most popular choice, they blend naturally into the landscape and wood that is dip or pressure treated to prevent rot will last for many years. Metal sheds built from modern coated galvanized steel are rot and rust resistant and can be very secure if you want to store valuable equipment. Plastic sheds are easy to assemble, maintenance free, very durable, UV resistant and do not require expensive paint or preservatives.
Understanding the styles of sheds
Apex roofs resemble a triangle. Hence there is lots of headroom in the centre running the length of the shed but restricted either side. Pent roofs just have one sloping surface all the headroom is therefore at the front of the shed and diminishes towards the rear. Overlap sheds are most common and cost effective option. Similar to feather edged fencing but horizontal, with a ‘rustic’ look. Tongue and Groove sheds feature interlocking boards where the ‘tongue’ on one side fitting into the ‘groove’ of an adjacent board. This is rigid and has a neat appearance. Shiplap sheds are very similar to tongue and groove but is shaped so that rain runs off more effectively. More expensive but offers the best rigidity and longevity. Loglap sheds are smoothly planed rounded timbers that interlock using tongue and groove. Popular due to its appearance rather than added strength. Dip treated sheds are the cheaper option to preserve timber and prevent rot on wooden models but an annual application of preservative is required. Pressure treated timber sheds are more expensive but very effective as the wood is placed in a tank with preservative which is drawn deep into the grain. Usually guaranteed for upto fifteen years.
Does size matter?
The best advice is always to buy the largest shed you can afford. Measure the space that is available and ensure there is sufficient access. Visit a garden centre where one is on show and plan where shelves, workbenches etc are to go, it’s surprising how quickly a shed can be filled to capacity.
Not just for the garden
Sheds do not have to be purely for gardening, and increased size means more options for hobby and DIY use, glazing would then become a consideration as well as an electricity supply for lighting and even plumbing. Many are designed for security with high windows or none at all, while cycle and motorbike stores will benefit from pad bolts and other anti-theft features.
