Well, so you’ve decided it’s time to get a garden shed, right? That’s great, but it’s not as simple as that. You need to decide what size you need, what features you require, where to put it, your budget, and whether you’re going to install it yourself or not. So I’ve put together this guide for you on how to choose a garden shed that meets your needs.
We occasionally receive customers who make the wrong choice in the shed and have to go through the exchange process like Clinton had to do,
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“Hi, I made a purchase at the end of last year. One of the sheds we bought was a Slimline F26. We received the shed and a few new bikes at the same time, but after checking the bikes properly, it seems that the shed will be too narrow and we will have difficulty getting the bikes in and out. One bike has handlebars wider than the door opening. I now see that the best shed for us would be the Slimline F36.”
But we want to help you avoid that hassle.
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With all the things to consider, it can be quite overwhelming, so we created the following article to guide you step by step on what to think about before actually PURCHASING your garden shed.
STEP 1: Location and Size
Assess your garden and all its features and decide on the safest and most practical location for your shed. Can you access it easily? Will it take up too much space?
Deciding on what size you need goes hand in hand with the location.
What you store and the size of a shed you need will determine where your shed can go.
One way to decide on the size of the shed you need is to measure the item you need to store and choose a shed that will comfortably accommodate it.
If you have more than one item, combine their measurements, especially the width that will take up floor space, and work with that for your approximate size requirements.
Please note that you should keep about half a meter of space around the items in the shed, so you can easily get them in and out, so add that into the equation when you find it.
To help you, we have provided average measurements for commonly stored items;
Item
Measurement
Recommended Shed
Push & Handle Lawn Mower
L: 51 cm x H: 41 cm x W: 71 cm.
Economical Flat Roof 1.52 m x 2.26 m Zincalume Shed with single door
Ride-On Lawn Mower
L: 100 cm x H: 79.8 cm x 149.4 cm.
YardSaver G88 Gable Roof 2.8 m x 2.8 m
Adult Bicycles
L: 170 cm x H: 60 cm.
Factor 8×6 Resin Garden Shed 2.56 m x 1.82 m with free accessories
Ladder
Width: 20 cm x Height: 50 cm.
Slimline F36 Flat Roof 2.105 m x 1.07 m
Large Portable Barbecue
H: 113 cm x W: 85.7 cm x D: 70 cm
Slimline F63 Flat Roof 2.105 m x 1.07 m Double Door Color Shed
Wheelbarrow
L: 130 cm x D: 50 cm.
Birch Wood Shed 6×3 with sloped roof 1.93 m x 0.94 m x 1.94 m
Kayak
Width: 75 cm x Height: 320 cm.
Smartlocker 900 Color Roller Door Shed 3.6 m x 0.9 m
Quad Bike
L: 210 cm x W: 120 cm.
ECO Gable Roof 3 m x 2.26 m Double Door Color Shed
Desk
L: 110 cm x D: 54 cm x H: 140 cm.
YardPro Nova Portal Frame Gable Workshop 3.6 m x 3.4 m
Wheelie Bins (2)
L: 53.4 cm x D: 46.5 cm x 65.8 cm
Storemate 53 Storage Unit Color: 1.76 x 1.07 x 1.265 m
STEP 2: DIY or Hire a PRO
You essentially have 2 options for building the garden shed:
Are you going to hire a construction company to build a shed? They can provide you with designs and options for what they offer and come to your property to perform the service. This can be expensive, but if you need something very large or custom, you might choose this option.
The other option is to go for a DIY shed kit.
DIY garden kits are a popular and affordable choice in Australia right now. You can choose from a wide variety of pre-designed sheds, have them delivered, and set them up with family or friends (or ask a local handyman to do it). These sheds are designed for the DIY market and come with easy-to-follow instructions.
STEP 3: DESIGN
In today’s world, we have an abundance of choices for garden sheds. You can now buy them online and choose from a variety of steel, resin, or wooden sheds.
Materials
Steel. These garden sheds are the most popular due to their affordable prices and variety of choices. They come in different sizes, heights, and colors, so you can choose one that meets your needs almost exactly. (Browse steel sheds now>>)
Resin. These are sheds made from the most durable plastic in the world and are becoming increasingly fashionable. They are lightweight, do not rust, do not dent, and do not break, and due to their material, they have very attractive designs. (Browse resin sheds now>>)
Wood. Nothing beats the traditional wooden shed. They are more of a premium choice but are made from treated cedar, very attractive and durable. They are definitely the most beautiful sheds on the market. (Browse wooden sheds now>>)
STEP 4: Roof Type
Next, you need to choose which type of roof will suit you best. This makes a difference as each type of roof has its advantages and may be more suitable for the location and purpose:
Gable Roof. This offers extra storage space for larger items. Also great if you are going to spend some time in the shed when a bit of height will help with comfort. Finally, it also allows water to drain if you opted for a freestanding shed exposed to the elements.
Flat Roof. If you opt for a small shed against the house, this works very well for mounting under the eaves. It also provides an extra shelf on top of the shed if it is not exposed to the elements.
Skillion or Sloped Roof. They are perfect for sheds built against the wall of a house but can still be exposed to the elements. The slope provides water runoff away from the wall and, of course, it also provides extra height at the back for longer or awkward items that need to be stored (surfboards).
STEP 5: Color Zinc
Just like choosing the design of the shed, you also have a range of colors to choose from, especially when it comes to steel sheds.
Zinc Steel: this is the standard metallic color you often see. It is generally cheaper than colored steel, but it is exactly the same quality and durability. The only difference is the look and the price. It is the best choice for budget-conscious customers.
Colored Steel: choosing a color for your garden shed is always a bonus as you can match it to its environment or add a bit of color to your garden. If you have the extra budget to opt for a color, we recommend you do so.
STEP 6: Accessories and Upgrades
Finally, and something important that people forget to consider when buying a shed. It’s something they overlook before installing their shed.
And that is Accessories and Upgrades.
Sometimes, it’s a great idea to add a window or skylight to your garden shed, maybe even shelves or tool racks. You can sometimes increase the wall height or change the types of doors as well. So, it’s worth looking into.
Depending on the Garden Shed brand you have chosen, make sure to check the available accessories and upgrades for the product and consider if any of them will be important for you in the finished product.
STEP 7: Security
Most sheds come with some sort of latch to allow you to use a padlock to secure the shed. You may be required to purchase the padlock yourself, but it is essential to keep your outdoor shed securely closed when you are outside.
If your shed does not come with any lock, you can easily get one at your local hardware store to install it.
And that’s it! You should now have enough information to help you choose the right garden shed for your garden.
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