Shed Buying Advice: A Comprehensive Shed Buying Guide

Selecting the perfect shed for your garden or workspace might seem overwhelming with the myriad of choices available. But fret not! We've compiled a comprehensive shed buying guide that simplifies the process. From determining the right size and selecting the best material to understanding the importance of treatment, cladding, and more, this guide covers it all. We'll even delve into delivery, installation, and how our dedicated Customer Service Team can assist you every step of the way. Let's embark on this journey to find a shed that's not just a structure but an extension of your living space.

This guide will cover the following key decisions you need to make to get the perfect shed for your space

1. Size
2. Material
3. Treatment
4. Cladding
5. Floor
6. Roof
7. Bases and Optional Extras
8. Install
9. Customer Service Team

1. Size

How much space do you have?

You might have limited space in your garden. So, you need a shed that fits well but still has enough room for your tools, lawn mower, and other things.

Don't forget to leave a little space around the shed – about 1-2ft – so you can look after it. Think about the space you'll need to open the door and windows. Also, consider the height of your shed. If there are low branches, a flat-top shed (pent roof) might be better. But if you have more space, a pointed roof (apex roof) gives you more room inside.

If you're thinking of placing the shed in a garden corner, a corner shed could be best. It'll make the most of that space.

Always measure the space in your garden before buying a shed. No guessing – use a tape measure!

What are you using the shed for?

Do you garden sometimes and have a few tools? Or are you a big gardening fan with lots of gear, like a big mower?

Want room in your shed to work, sit, or store tall items? Think about how tall you are too.

All these things will help you pick the right shed size

What's your budget?

The size of a shed often affects its price. Set a budget before you start shopping, so you know what size fits your pocket.

Plan for the future too. It's wise to pick a shed that leaves some extra space, so you're not squeezing in items and have room for new things later on

Make sure to check the exact measurements in the specification table

Not all shed sizes are exact to their listed measurements. These are often nominal figures serving as general references. Always review the specific details on the product page for accurate dimensions.

Be aware of features like extended roofs or other added elements. It's essential to know if these are part of the stated measurements. If you have any questions, our friendly UK-based team is ready to help.

Shop Our Most Popular Sizes
>>16x8<<
>>8x6<<
>>18x5<<
>>20x5<<

2. Material

Wood

Wooden sheds are classic garden sheds. They look natural in your garden. You can change where doors and windows go. Adding shelves, hooks, or insulation is simple. Remember, wooden sheds might need care every year based on the wood treatment.

Plastic

Metal

Metal sheds are very secure. They keep pests and thieves out, making them great for valuable items. They often have long guarantees. However, they might take more time to set up.

3. Treatment

What is Dip Treatment

Dip treated sheds are popular and have an orange look. They are treated fast and cheaply by dipping them in a protective coating. But they don't last as long as pressure-treated sheds and need yearly care. Most come with a 10-year guarantee if you keep treating them every year.

What is Pressure Treatment

Pressure-treated sheds have a special protective layer pushed deep into the wood. They can look light-colored, sometimes with green or blue spots, but this fades. This treatment makes the wood last longer and helps prevent rot. These sheds can last up to 25 years without needing extra treatments, which saves time and money.

Which treatment is right for you?

Dip-treated sheds are cheaper at first, but you'll spend money and time on yearly treatments. If you skip treatments, your shed might get damaged. Pressure-treated sheds cost more upfront, but they last longer without needing extra care.

4. Cladding

Overlap

Wooden boards are attached to the shed frame and they overlap. This design lets the wood adjust to weather changes and helps rain slide off. But, it doesn't seal tightly, so it might let in some moisture and air. It's fine for storing garden tools. If you plan to use your shed a lot, think about getting a tongue & groove or shiplap shed.

Shiplap

Boards fit closely together, making the structure strong and weatherproof. The tight fit keeps out rain and wind better. Thicker boards stay stable in changing weather. The special shape helps rainwater flow away, protecting the joints.

Tongue and Groove

Has the same good features as shiplap cladding. Instead of a curved shape, the boards are straight. This flat look is seen as more up-to-date. Many sheds start at 7mm thick while tongue & groove and more premium sheds can be 12-16mm thick. The thickness will contribute to the solidity and the insulation.

5. Floor

When picking a wooden shed, consider the material of the floor. OSB (oriented strand board) is common in more affordable sheds. However, timber boarded or tongue & groove floors are generally sturdier and last longer than OSB.

Always review the specifications to understand the materials used.

Keep in mind, not all sheds come with a floor. In such cases, a solid surface like concrete can serve as the base.

For plastic or metal sheds, check if a floor is part of the package. Some offer support kits for you to add your own wooden base, but you'd need to get the wood. Others might come with a metal or plastic base that's often anti-slip.

6. Roof

There are three main types of roof:

An apex roof has a high point in the middle, giving more headroom. The door is on the short side. It's a classic design.

A pent roof slopes to one side, making rain slide off. It looks modern and fits well under trees or next to walls.

A reverse apex roof is like the apex but has the door on the long side. This gives more wall space, great for work tables in workshop sheds.

7. Bases and Optional Accessories

The four types of bases are: Concrete, Slabs, Wooden or Plastic

Please see our comprehensive base guide if you need help making a decision on bases >>here<<

We also recommend adding stain, primer and perserver to your shed, shop our collection >>here<<

8. Installation

Our assembly team are manufacturer approved and certified installers, so you can sit back, relax and let our expert fitters take care of everything.

Once you have purchased our installation service, our helpful customer service team will send you all the necessary information on how to prepare your garden for the installation. Before we arrange the installation we must ensure you have a firm, level base with a minimum of 60 cm space surrounding, for our installers to assemble your garden building upon and ensure they leave you with a building fit for many years of service. Once confirmed we will arrange a date that best suits you.

Our friendly team will keep in contact and you'll be given a 2-hour delivery slot, meaning there is no need for you to wait in all day. Our expert fitters are fully trained and will work professionally, carefully and quickly to ensure that your new garden building is constructed safely and to the highest standard in your chosen location.

Once completed, our team will make sure to clean up afterwards, leaving you to unwind and enjoy your brand new garden building.

9. Customer Service Team

If you have any other questions please call our UK based customer service team that are available from 8am-8pm 7 days a week on 0800 133 7406