It can be difficult to pick out the perfect shed for your garden. It is a good idea to ask a few questions and work through a quick checklist when picking out a new garden shed.
Firstly, consider how the shed will be used. A potting shed will need to be different to a shed that is intended to hold gardening tools and expensive or easily damaged accessories. A shed that must hold paint pots or general DIY gear must be spacious and dry.
Depending on the planned use of your shed, you may need shelving to hold supplies, and a separate area for pesticides and other items that must be cared for carefully. If you need to store large items such as lawn mowers or strimmers then you will need plenty of horizontal and vertical space for that.
Metal Sheds vs Wood Sheds
A galvanized steel shed is one of the most secure forms of shed on the market today. A metal shed can be expensive, but it is worthwhile because it is difficult for thieves to break in to, and it also offers much more protection against the elements, which can be important if you live in a coastal area.
A galvanized shed with no windows, naturally, offers the best security, and is less likely to attract the attention of thieves because they will not be able to tell whether you have anything of value in there. Windowless sheds also offer more potential storage space because you can mount shelving wherever you wish.
If you are interested in buying a metal shed, choose one with a rust resistant coating and a long warranty. Guarantees of up to 20 years are not uncommon.
Wooden sheds tend to be far more affordable than metal sheds, and they are incredibly popular because they look good in most environments, and fit well with period properties and in conservation areas.
Some companies offer shed installation services, but even DIY sheds are usually fairly easy to assemble. When buying a wooden shed your priority should be to find one that is made of pressure-treated timber, so that it will not rot. Good sheds have a 15 year guarantee.
A Modern Alternative – Plastic Sheds
A third option is the plastic built shed. These sheds are light-weight and easy to install and maintain. You can simply wash these sheds down using standard household cleaning products. The main downside to lightweight plastic sheds is that they can easily be damaged by high winds or extreme weather. Another problem with plastic sheds is that they are often forbidden in conservation areas because the unnatural colour of the plastic stands out.
Tips For Installing a Shed
Every form of shed – metal, wood or plastic, needs a sturdy base. Ideally, you should place your shed on flat, even ground. A paved or concrete area is the best option. If you do not have a specific place in mind for your shed, consider how you will be using it before you construct it. If you know that you will be accessing the shed frequently, try to mount it somewhere that has a path leading up to it – or install a path or some stepping stones when you erect the shed.
If you need to hide your shed, and are not able to do so by placing it behind existing trees, use a trellis to support climbing plants. Varieties such as jasmine, honeysuckle and ivy can turn a plain shed into an attractive garden feature, and can make even a modern plastic shed have a rustic feel.
Citations:
- Projects to keep you busy in the garden.
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Amy Rice writes about garden sheds, when not writing she enjoys gardening, plays adventure golf and walks in the countryside.