Designing and installing a garden shed

A shed is a great addition to any garden, so find out how to choose, construct and customise your garden shed here

A shed is a great addition to any garden

If you’re finding the garden looks a bit cluttered and untidy or you simply need a practical work space away from the domestic indoor environment, a garden shed can be the perfect solution. Ideal for storing those large, obtrusive items such as lawnmowers and bikes that take up valuable leisure space, a shed is also just the thing for keeping more dangerous objects like pesticides or gasoline safely locked away out of a child or pet’s reach. Plus a shed is also a great place to get stuck into those green-fingered hobbies that are too grimy for lounge or dining areas. Whatever your outdoor needs, a shed might be just the product to fulfil those garden-based requirements.

Planning the size and location of your shed

Firstly, think about the size and shape of your garden, and what type of shed it would be most suited to. Is a corner shed your best option? Or is the perfect spot a little closer to the house? Depending on what you’ll be using it for think too about the size of the shed itself and how much storage or work space is required. If you find the garden might end up a little cramped, a second-storey shed with a loft-style addition is always a possibility. These do, however, generally require building regulation approval, so if you are looking for a quick and easy solution to that much needed garden getaway it’s best to see this type as a last resort. Consider too the position of the sun and make sure your shed won’t be blocking out those optimum afternoon rays for you or your neighbours. If you want to keep relations friendly it’s probably best to put yourselves in their shoes and make sure your new shed doesn’t look too imposing or unsightly from the other side of the fence.

Constructing your shed

Once you have located the perfect site for your garden shed it is important to start thinking about the more specific details of construction. To be sure of your shed’s stability a firm and level base is crucial - concrete is by far the more strong and secure option, although using treated timber bearers means it can be built straight onto the earth, saving much of that valuable preparation time. A shed will take time, effort and patience to install, so make certain you’re up for the challenge before you begin or hire a professional. You should probably take the time to also consider whether you prefer wood or plastic as your material – wood has a natural look that blends neatly into the garden environment and for those of you thinking green it also counts as a renewable building source. It will, however, require regular treatment to avoid rot or insect damage – much less of a problem if you opt for a uPVC or composite option!

Customising your shed

Now the practicalities are sorted why not add something special to lend your shed a more personal or homely touch? There are a number of decorative options to ponder over, ranging from flower beds and bird boxes to weather vanes and window shutters – whatever suits you best. Shelves and hooks make great indoor additions to maximise storage space and if you ’re thinking of using the shed to get some office work done why not add a couple of electrical outlets for lights, or the laptop? On the other hand, some cheap second hand furniture is just the thing to escape the noise and distractions of life indoors and turn your shed into that perfect relaxation spot you’ve been craving.