Every garden needs a shed. Sheds are such versatile buildings: providing extra outdoor storage space for tools, lawnmowers and garden furniture; creating impressive home-gyms or garden offices; as well as being a superb place to grow seedlings and complete other gardening-related activities.
But which garden shed should you choose? There is such a wide variety it can feel almost overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. Even after you’ve decided on a size, you still need to pick between metal sheds, plastic sheds and wooden garden sheds. So, here’s our lowdown on your options.
Wooden Sheds
The traditional option – wooden sheds beautifully blend into any garden thanks to their natural appearance. An added benefit of wooden sheds is that they can be painted so you can put a unique twist on your new garden building.
There are different types of wooden shed, though. Firstly, there are three different build structures: overlap, shiplap and tongue and groove. Overlap sheds are the best option for those on a budget, and are perfect for storing garden tools and equipment. However, if you’re looking for maximum security and durability then it is best to opt for a tongue and groove garden shed instead.
Furthermore, there is a big difference between dip-treated and pressure-treated sheds. The former is cheaper, but will require annual treatment to uphold the 10-year anti-rot guarantee, whilst the latter requires no further treatment, and is guaranteed for a superb 15 years against rot and fungal decay.
Metal Sheds
Metal sheds are the most ‘heavy-duty’ option, keeping all of your possessions safe and secure, protected against the elements and thieves alike. Furthermore, unlike wooden sheds and plastic sheds, metal sheds are fire-retardant, which is another reason they’re considered to be the safest outdoor storage option.
Many metal sheds also possess substantial anti-rust guarantees, so they’ll keep their new appearance for years to come. Perhaps the only issue to be wary of is condensation, so you’ll want to insulate your shed to prevent a build-up of moisture.
Plastic Sheds
Similar to metal sheds, plastic sheds look best in more modern gardens, thanks to their contemporary designs. Again, plastic sheds also share the benefit of remaining maintenance free, so there is no need for costly re-treatments, just a quick wipe down of the surfaces to ensure they look clean. Furthermore, plastic sheds are easy to assemble; the components simply clip together or slot into place so you don’t have to worry about nails and screws.
Of course, plastic sheds are extremely long-lasting and are not prone to rotting or rusting, unlike alternative outdoor storage options. They must, however, be anchored down to a solid level base due to their construction from lightweight materials, which makes them prone to damage in particularly strong winds.
So, which garden shed will you choose? Have a browse through our superb range – we’re confident you’ll find your perfect shed. If you feel there are any other major considerations when choosing a garden shed, please feel free to leave a comment with your advice below.