Choosing a Garden Shed

When buying a shed for the garden you may wish to consider the following points.

Appearance

Do you want a shed that will be an attractive feature in the garden or are you able to hide the shed away some where? If appearance is important then you may want to choose a wooden shed that can be stained . A stable door and windows can increase the appearance of the shed by making it look more like a summerhouse. The roof of the shed may be either an apex design or a pent design. Various form of cladding include featheredge, shiplap and loglap, however, the quality and thickness of the timber should also be considered. Metal sheds and plastic sheds, although less attractive than timber sheds are easier to maintain. Ensure that the metal fittings and nails on timber sheds are rustproof or ugly rust stains will soon appear.

Size

How much storage space do you need? If space is limited then you may find that a corner garden shed is an unusual but effective option. Alternatively you may want to choose a large plastic storage chest or metal garden storage box. Metal sheds are often fitted with sliding doors making them more space efficient.

Security issues

Metal sheds without windows are more secure than timber sheds. The sliding doors of metal sheds may easily be padlocked. Windows offer a relatively easy means of access to garden sheds as well as allowing thieves to view the contents. If security is an issue then you may also want to consider fitting an alarm to your garden shed. Metal sheds are resistant to fire and offer a good choice for caravan parks.

Life expectancy and durability

The wood used in timber sheds can vary greatly in its durability. Wooden sheds made from pressure treated redwood or cedar have a longer life span than those made of whitewood. Metal sheds may require more maintenance in coastal areas due to the effects of salt. Metal and plastic sheds offer a greater resistance to rodents than timber sheds.

Other uses

Some garden sheds are designed with a potting bench and window so that they may also function as a greenhouse. Choosing one with a stable door allows better ventilation during hot weather. Summer houses could be used as storage areas during the winter months.