Shed Buyer's Guide

Think a shed is a simple purchase? Think again! This guide equips you with everything you require to find the ideal garden shed for your needs and budget.

Whether you're seeking a short-term solution or an heirloom-quality building, we'll navigate you through the complexities of shed shopping and towards a perfect purchase.

We've included a Shed Buyer's Checklist - to ensure you ask the crucial questions before you buy, regardless of the retailer.

Here's a breakdown of the key factors to consider:

• Understanding Your Needs:
   
  • Size: What will you store? Measure your belongings and factor in future needs. Consider extra space - sheds tend to fill up quickly!
   
  • Location: Measure your available space, accounting for door and window clearance, and proximity to trees or fences.
   
  • Functionality: Do you need a basic storage unit or a workshop with lighting and power outlets?
 
• Material Matters:
   
  • Wood: High initial cost. Classic and customisable, but requires regular ongoing maintenance.
   
  • Metal: Low-maintenance and durable, but can dent and get very hot/cold and condensation may form, causing corrosion. Will need to be firmly anchored in exposed areas.
   
  • Plastic: Lightweight (needs to be firmly anchored), weatherproof, and low-maintenance, but may not be as sturdy. Condensation may form.
 
• Additional Considerations:
   
  • Doors: Single or double? Consider the size of items you'll be storing.
   
  • Roof style: Apex provides more headroom, while pent roofs work well under low-hanging branches. Pent roofs are a better choice if against a wall, diverting water away from said wall.
   
  • Treatment (for wood sheds): Opt for a good quality spirit-based preservative for extended life. Think about colour choice.

These resources will ensure you ask the right questions before you buy, saving you time and frustration.

With careful planning and this guide, your perfect shed is just a few steps away!

Shed Buyer's Checklist: High Shed Score, Low Shoddy Score = Perfect Shed!

This checklist equips you to find a top-notched, avoiding potential pitfalls. Aim for a high "Shed Score" (good qualities) and a low "Shoddy Score" (red flags) for a stress-free purchase.

Shed Score Boosters (Look for these!)

• Scandinavian Redwood Timber (2 points): Known for its strength and durability.
• Tongue and Groove Cladding:     Creates a weatherproof seal, preventing leaks.
• Thick Cladding (At least Ex16mm):     Provides good insulation and resists warping.
• Sturdy Framing (At least 38mm x 50mm): Ensures the shed can withstand weight and wind, with uprights and     joists at a maximum of 500mm apart for strength
• Pre-treated with a spirit-based preservative: Protects against rot and wood-boring insects.
• Tongue & Groove Timber Roof:     Offers a classic aesthetic and good insulation and long term durability.
• EPDM covering for Pent roof sheds: EPDM creates a seamless, waterproof barrier, preventing leaks and     protecting your shed's contents and is known for its exceptional     durability.
• Tongue & Groove Timber Floor Boards: enhancing the overall structural integrity of the shed.
• Buying Direct from Manufacturer: Ensures quality control and potential cost savings.
• Expert Assembly: Saves time and guarantees proper construction.
• Clear Guarantee and Aftercare: Provides peace of mind in case of issues.

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Shoddy Score Busters (Avoid these!)

• Whitewood or Unspecified Timber (2 points): May be lower quality and less durable.
• Feather edge or Overlap Cladding: Less     weatherproof than tongue and groove.
• Thin Cladding (Under Ex16mm): More prone to damage and warping.
• OSB Roof: Can be weaker and less aesthetically pleasing than timber.
• OSB Floor: Can     be weaker and less aesthetically pleasing than timber
• Buying from a Middleman: May lead to higher costs and potential communication issues.
• Self-Assembly: Can be time-consuming and require DIY skills.
• Flimsy Framing (Less than 38mm x 50mm): May not be strong enough for long-term use.
• Uprights spaced more than 500mm apart do not adequately secure cladding: resulting in a less robust building and increased timber movement.

By focusing on the Shed Score boosters and avoiding the Shoddy Score busters, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect shed for your needs!

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