Choosing a garden shed

Are you in the process of choosing a garden shed? If so, here are some simple design tips to help you make that choice.

A shed is a great addition to any garden

What size shed do you need?

If you plan on filling your shed with unwanted items or gardening equipment then it may be a good idea to measure the size of your items beforehand. Sheds with larger dimensions may be more pricey but will offer you a lot more room in the long run. This doesn’t just mean considering the width of a shed, but also the height of it. The height of a shed can be altered depending on what kind of roof it has. In some cases, larger sheds can be fitted with garden loft installations so you can maximise the room in your shed, but you may need to consider hiring a professional builder to do this.

What sort of material will your garden shed be made out of?

Wooden sheds are predominantly more expensive than their counterparts, but offer a traditional look in any garden design. Metal sheds are more durable and generally cheaper but can look ugly in some garden landscapes. Even cheaper than metal sheds are plastic ones, which won't  last as long as wood or metal but are basically maintenance free.

Looking for a portable shed?

If you decide you need a portable shed that can easily be moved around your garden, then perhaps a metal shed is a no-go zone. Professionally built wood sheds could be considered if moved carefully. Ultimately, lightweight plastic sheds are the most viable solution if you need a portable shed.

How important is shed flooring?

Most sheds come with integrated flooring, which basically means that the shed and floor are one piece. Some are decked out in timber or other durable materials. Most major gardening retailers will happily add flooring to any shed for a small fee. Some people prefer to use concrete slabs in their shed as it is a cheaper option.

To build a shed or to buy a shed?

There are three viable choices when it comes to installing a shed. First, the easiest way is to buy a pre-assembled shed from a retailer. If you want to assemble it yourself then you can buy garden shed kits which give you the instructions and all the timber or metal needed to build a shed and are a lot cheaper. The final option is to buy just the garden shed instructions and to purchase the garden shed materials yourself, allowing you to build a shed according to your garden design.

Choosing a garden shed can take a lot of time, but will ultimately reward you for years to come.