Buying a Shed Guide - Bricks & Mortar News

A shed is a vital element of every garden. It’s not only a valuable outdoor storage space for furniture and gardening equipment it can also be an excellent garden workshop for DIY or other projects.

Since a garden shed is an expensive investment that should last for a long time without having for replacement. Therefore, it’s vital to know the steps you have to follow when selecting the right shed.

We are one of leading UK providers of sheds and garden structures, we have a wealth of knowledge in choosing the ideal shed. This guide covers everything you need to know about.

Find the ideal spot where the building can be placed. Be aware of how it blocks views from the house or any sitting areas within the backyard.

Take measurements and draw the area. Make sure you leave at least a foot from the outside of the shed to allow for maintenance and treatment especially if you purchase an wooden shed.

Take note of what is stored in the shed today and also in the potential needs in the future. A small-sized shed is the perfect home for the most basic of gardening tools. If you want to use a bicycle or ride-on mower, a bigger space is needed. A shed of 10×6 is generally the minimum required for a spacious workshop.

Calculate your budget. Take into consideration the costs that the structure will cost, its installation and the materials for the base.

When you have considered the location, the use along with budgetary considerations, dimensions of the shed needed should be more clear.

Be sure to verify the specifications for the shed, and check if they include the overhanging of roofs or log stores,, or other options. Be sure to leave enough space for windows and doors to be opened.

You are now ready to decide which materials are ideal in your backyard.

Browse on Popular Shed Sizes

Step Two: Selecting the material

Sheds can be found in 3 types of materials: metal, wood and plastic.

Wooden Sheds

A traditional wooden shed’s appearance can be a great complement to the natural features of the garden. Wooden garden sheds Atherton are also most flexible to customize with hooks, shelves and insulation. The only disadvantage is that they need to be maintained. A dip-treated wood shed needs treatment with wood preservative every year while a model treated with pressure can last up to 25 years with any risk of rot.

Metal Sheds

Metal sheds are recognized for their durability and strength. They usually have long-term warranties. They’re also known for their security and durability and are an excellent option for storage of essential equipment and tools. They are available in a variety of designs and colours There’s a shed made of metal that will suit any type of gardens. Take note that they’re generally more difficult to put together than plastic or wooden alternatives.

Plastic Sheds

Today, there are extremely high-quality plastic sheds available that are available. They are durable, long-lasting and require minimal maintenance. They are available in a variety of styles and colours certain plastic sheds are made to look similar to other materials. They are supported by sturdy metal frames. Most are UV-protected for their appealing appearance.

Step Three Understanding Shed Treatment only applicable to wooden sheds

There are two kinds of treatment that can be applied to a wood shed that are Pressure treatment and dip treatment.

Dip Treatment

Dip-treatment occurs when an individual manufacturer apply a layer of preservative on the surface of the wood in order to shield it from fungal and rot decay. Even though this will provide a good amount security, the structure may require retreating every year as well as sometimes after installation too. The sheds that are dip-treated can be recognized by their bright orange shade. They can be less costly than pressure-treated sheds, but they typically come with high-quality guarantees for up to 10 years with the aid of a retreatment every year.

Pressure Treatment

Pressure treatment is the process of putting the preservative being pushed deep into the wood to provide the highest level of protection from rot and fungal decay. In the majority of cases it means the building won’t require retreating for as long as 25 years, which saves time and cost. Pressure-treated sheds appear lighter in color than those treated with dip. They’re usually more expensive, however the warranty of 25 years and lower maintenance are well worth the price increase.

Step Four: Selecting the Cladding Only applicable to sheds made of wood

Overlap Cladding

Overlap cladding is the most efficient method of building a shedand is also the least expensive. The boards are secured to the frame of the shed by overlapping them which allows the wood to expand and contract naturally throughout the year. Overlap sheds are typically constructed of smaller boards which means they are more vulnerable to damp and drafts. This is not a problem in the case of a shed used to store garden items.

Shiplap Tongue and Groove Cladding

The tongue-and-groove cladding is an interlocking system that is tight to provide significantly better weather resistance in comparison to over-cladding. It results in less damp and draughts. The boards join together via the tongue and groove to create a more durable construction. Shiplap means the length of the boards on the top of the boards.

A Tongue and Groove Clad

The tongue and groove standard shares the same interlocking structure as shiplap. In this instance the front on the surface is smooth to give a more sleek, contemporary look.

The thickness of the cladding can be measured using millimetres. The most common shed cladding is 8-12mm thick.

Step Five The Roof and Floor Information

Roofs and floors made of solid wood like tongue and groove, provide superior insulation and durability over OSB alternatives. Similar to wall cladding, the more solid the more durable.

If you are considering purchasing a metal and plastic shed, be sure to verify whether it is equipped with flooring. Some models include floor support kits. These are frames that allow the user to install their own floor made of wood.

Roof Design

The design that the roofing is an individual choice. The three main roof styles are pent, apex, and reverse Apex.

Apex Roof

The traditional apex roof features an elevated peak that runs from one end of the gable across the second. This gives more headroom across the middle. The doors will be located at one of the Gable ends.

Pent Roof

A pent roof doesn’t have a peak, and it slopes from front to the back. This makes it simpler to place it in the shade of trees or next to the fence. The clean lines are fashionable in contemporary gardens. A lean-to roofing refers to a pent roof that is sloping away from an adjacent fence or wall.

Reverse Apex

Reverse apex roofing is the highest point of an Apex roof. The doors, however, are set on the longer sides, and not at the Gable end. This could be a better fit for some interior layouts like workshops.

Roof Covering

The roof of a shed is typically made of felt. The most cost-effective choice is black sand which typically has a lifespan duration of 5 years. The most durable option is polyester-backed felt, which has an extra fiber support and a greater lifespan between 15 and 25 years.

EPDM is the most ideal roofing option for sheds. It is made of a sturdy, durable and weatherproof rubber. Although it promises the minimum life span that is 25 years it’s capable of last at least twice as long.

Certain luxury sheds can be equipped with roofing made of shingles. They last for a long time, are very appealing and don’t require EPDM or felt cover.