How to Choose a Garden Shed

When you choose a garden shed there are a few things to take into account. In no particular order, these are:

• Appearance
• Price
• Durability
• Size
• Ease of construction or assembly

Self assembly sheds come in three main materials, timber, metal or plastic, and each of these has its advantages and drawbacks.

Timber sheds are more natural-looking and blend more easily into a garden environment. Good quality timber sheds can be expensive, while some cheaper ones can be flimsy. They need regular treatment with wood preservative. However, given this care they can last for decades.

Metal sheds are usually more durable, can be made more secure and generally bolt together more easily. They don’t need preservative treatment. They can look a bit ‘industrial’ in a rural garden, though. Cheaper models might not be as sturdy as you expect but they usually stay weatherproof if they’re put together properly.

Plastic sheds are often lighter, simple to assemble and usually cheapest to buy. They can be a good solution, especially for a small tool shed or shelter but they’re inevitably less secure. Plastics can become brittle and discoloured with exposure to sun and frost, but they’re usually made in neutral or attractive colours to blend in with your garden.

All 'self build' sheds can be dismantled and relocated when you move house or change the layout of your garden, at least in theory. Plastic is the most portable, steel the most durable. 

All types of sheds will last longer and be easier to rebuild if they’re built properly in the first place, without damaging any of the joints or panels. For best results you will need a firm and level base for your shed and we'll look at that next time.