Shed Buyer’s Guide
Have you decided that you need a new garden shed or garden building for your outdoor space? You probably thought that a simple Google search would lead you to your perfect garden building, but now you’re left with more questions than answers? Dont worry! We’re here to assist you every step of the way. Our comprehensive Shed Buyer’s Guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to consider before purchasing your new garden building.
Whether you’re looking for additional storage, a dedicated workshop, or a cozy retreat, investing in a garden shed or summerhouse is a significant decision that warrants careful planning and consideration. Our Shed Buyer’s Guide will help you to explore all the vital factors when selecting the ideal garden building that is tailored to your specific needs.
Before diving in, it’s crucial to identify the primary purpose of your new garden shed or summerhouse. Are you seeking extra storage for gardening tools, outdoor furniture, or seasonal decorations? Perhaps you envision a workshop for your DIY projects, or a tranquil, dedicated space to indulge in your hobbies? Whatever your requirements may be, we have a wide range of products to suit them all!
Let us help you find the perfect garden shed or summerhouse that not only meets your needs but adds value to your life, and property!
You should first gain a clear understanding of the main purpose of your new shed or garden building. The intended use of your shed will influence many of the decisions you need to make as you progress through your buying journey. A garden shed can be much more than just a simple storage solution; it can become a valuable extension of your home and lifestyle. As you consider the various options available, it’s essential; to understand how you can best utilize your available space to maximise potential. With the right planning it can serve multiple purposes, from a functional workshop to a serene retreat
Storage:
Looking for the perfect storage solution for your tools, gardening supplies, furniture, seasonal decorations, toys, or sports equipment? Consider the size of your items and how you’ll easily access them. Need room for bulkier items? Double doors might be the answer. And for added peace of mind for your valuable belongings, think about opting for sheds with security windows or go windowless for extra security measures.
Workspace or Leisure:
Are you searching for a space dedicated to DIY projects or crafting? Maybe you need plenty of natural light or ample wall space for shelving and hanging tools and equipment. A spacious workshop or shed could provide the perfect solution. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a place to indulge in hobbies and unwind with friends and family on a warm summer day, cabin sheds or summerhouses offer an attractive and practical option.
Future Proofing:
Think about how your needs might evolve over time. A shed can fulfill various functions, so it’s wise to consider how its use may shift in the future. Could it transform into a workshop, or be adapted for different activities such as a play area or a peaceful reading nook? Choosing a structure that can grow with you or be repurposed as your requirements change ensures that you’re making a valuable investment that you can cherish for years to come.
Budget Considerations:
When planning your garden shed, it’s essential to establish a budget that aligns with your intended use. Different purposes may necessitate specific features; for example, if you intend to create a workspace, you’ll likely need electrical outlets for tools, whereas storage may not require this. Additionally if you plan to use the shed as a leisure area or workshop, proper insulation will be important for maintaining a comfortable climate through the seasons.
The size of your shed plays a crucial role in determining its functionality and how well it integrates into your garden. Begin by assessing the dimensions of your outdoor space and the availabel area for the shed or summerhouse. It’s important to select a size that meets your needs, if it is too small you may find the building insufficient and too large will see you lose valuable garden space. Before comitting to a specific shed size, measure the area carefully – you can even mark it out with sting and spikes, or chalk paint. It’s important to remember that most shed dimensions are typically referred to in feet, so take meters and feet to ensure a proper fit!
Intended Use:
Determine how you plan to use the shed. Whether it’s for storage, a workshop, or a leisure space, understanding your primary purpose will help you gauge the necessary dimensions. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a shed size that meets your current needs and allows for future flexibility..
Available Space:
It is most important to assess the space you have available to you and where you would like to position your building. You should meausre the space out carefully making sure that the building has space all around it so that you can maintain it, and that it doesn’t obstruct any paths or overcrowd the garden.
Local Regulations
In the UK, it’s important to be aware of planning permission and building regulations that may apply to sheds or temporary structures (e.g you live in a Conservation Area or Listed Property). Typicallly sheds under 2.5 meters in height and not exceeding 15 square meters in area do not require planning permission, provided they are placed at least 2 meters from the boundary. Regulations do vary based on your local council, so it is advisable to check with them to ensure compliance.
Accessibilty and Foundations:
When planning the size of your garden shed, it’s essential to make sure you can get a solid foundation and sufficient space surrounding the new structure. Placing your shed too close to a hedge, wall or fence can hinder the installation process and may even prevent it from being installed. Additionally this proximity can lead to premature decay, as it creates damp areas and you wont’t have easy access for regular maintenance. You can read more about Bases and Installation here.
When it comes to choosing a garden shed, the design and style are just as important as functionality. A well-designed shed can enhance the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space while serving your practical needs. and also acting as a focal point in your outdoor space. As gardens evolve into extensions of our homes, integrating a shed that complements the landscape can enhance the overall aesthetic appearance and even improve the value of your property. Here’s what to consider when selecting the right design and style for your garden shed.
Complement Your Landscape:
The design of your shed should complement the existing features of your garen and home. Whether your ooutdoor space is modern, traditional or rustic, choosing a shed that aligns with your overall landscape will create a cohesive look. Consider materials and colours that blend seamlessly with your surroundings.
Size and Proportions:
The size of your shed should be proportional to your garden. A large shed can overpower a small garden, while a tiny shed may get lost in a spacious outdoor area. Consider the scale of your shed in relation to your property to maintain balance and harmony.
Customisation Options
In the UK, it’s important to be aware of planning permission and building regulations that may apply to sheds or temporary structures (e.g you live in a Conservation Area or Listed Property). Typicallly sheds under 2.5 meters in height and not exceeding 15 square meters in area do not require planning permission, provided they are placed at least 2 meters from the boundary. Regulations do vary based on your local council, so it is advisable to check with them to ensure compliance.
Functional Features
When planning the size of your garden shed, it’s essential to make sure you can get a solid foundation and sufficient space surrounding the new structure. Placing your shed too close to a hedge, wall or fence can hinder the installation process and may even prevent it from being installed. Additionally this proximity can lead to premature decay, as it creates damp areas and you wont’t have easy access for regular maintenance. You can read more about Bases and Installation here.
Apex Sheds
Apex Garden Sheds offer a classic, timeless appearance that complements various garden styles. Their elegant silhouette can add character to any outdoor space, making them both a functional storage feature and an attractive addition in your garden. The Apex Shed has a triangular sloped roof that allows rainwater to flow off each side of the roof; if you’re a keen gardener, you can even add guttering and a waterbutt to collect fresh water for the garden.
Many shed manufacturers will offer additional head height in an Apex Garden Shed, which is an added benefit, sometimes for an additional charge per inch. At Viking, our Superior Apex Garden Sheds include extra head height as standard for a roomy building, which is fully customisable for you. If you want even more head height, you can upgrade your building to a Workshop specification for a building with even more oomph!
Pent Sheds
Pent Garden Sheds are an increasingly popular option for people seeking a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor storage solution. Characterised by a single sloping roof, a Pent Garden Shed offers an understated, sleek design that seamlessly fits into a modern or traditional garden.
The roof of a Pent Shed typically slopes to the back which is it’s lowest point, this enables you to direct the rainflow to the back of the shed and away from paths or your garden which can be an advantage, if you need your roof to slope away from the boundary to improve the longevity of the building you can often find Reverse Pent Sheds, which allows you to have your doors and windows placed in the lower side of the building. Our range of Pent Sheds offers something for everyone, from the simple Classic range to our Superior and Workshop spec buildings, with or without a Reverse Pent roof – we have something to suit everyone here at Viking!
Potting Sheds
A Potting Shed is a dedicated storage space to support and enhance your gardening experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, a well-equipped and comfortable potting shed will significantly affect how you manage your plants and gardening tools. Great natural light is the key benefit of a potting shed with large glass windows, allowing the area to be flooded with natural light, which is excellent for starting seeds or nourishing other plants. Unlike greenhouses, the glass in some Potting Sheds is often stronger with rigid timber framing, meaning it is more difficult to break; they’re also easy to replace if accidents occur! We only use a 4mm toughened safety glass at Viking in our joiner-made Potting Shed windows.
Most Potting Sheds will also include a Potting Bench; it’s always worth checking if this is included in the purchase price or if it is available as an extra upgrade. It’s essential to carefully consider the placement of a Potting Shed in your garden to reap the benefit of where sunlight falls throughout the day. We have a team of experts at Viking who can help you decide what Potting Shed suits you best. Start the journey to elevate your gardening experience today by clicking here.
Combination Sheds
Combination Sheds are an innovative and practical choice for many customers looking to maximise outdoor space while fulfilling multiple storage and functional requirements. These versatile structures allow you to create two or more functional units.
Whether that’s a chillout room for the kids, a home office space or a gym with a separate space for storing garden equipment and household items, with many different styles and sizes, you can customise the layout to suit your needs best. At Viking, we even offer a combination Potting Shed, an excellent choice for keen gardeners who want to keep equipment and seasonal decorations out of their workspace but don’t have space for two dedicated buildings.
Combination Sheds are a brilliant and practical option for people looking to enhance their outdoor space while catering to various needs. You can view our extensive range of Combination Sheds here to find a building that maximises your space.
The size of your shed plays a crucial role in determining its functionality and how well it integrates into your garden. Begin by assessing the dimensions of your outdoor space and the availabel area for the shed or summerhouse. It’s important to select a size that meets your needs, if it is too small you may find the building insufficient and too large will see you lose valuable garden space. Before comitting to a specific shed size, measure the area carefully – you can even mark it out with sting and spikes, or chalk paint. It’s important to remember that most shed dimensions are typically referred to in feet, so take meters and feet to ensure a proper fit!
Metal Sheds
Metal sheds are an affordable and low-maintenance option. It could be perfect if you’re looking for a cheap or temporary solution. Remember that they don’t tend to last in good condition for very long periods. They are usually made from aluminium or steel, so the quality can vary drastically. As most metal sheds come from online retailers, it can be challenging to assess the quality of the product thoroughly before delivery.
Metal sheds usually come with no floor, which means you should have a flat-level concrete base for this to sit on. It is also worth considering that metal buildings are not breathable, and you will need to ensure adequate ventilation to prevent condensation buildup and reduce the severity and speed of rusting. Another thing to consider is our fantastic Great British weather; metal sheds can be very lightweight and become battered by the wind; they can also be quite noisy during heavy rainfall! In short, metal sheds are a quick and affordable solution, but typically don’t last for extended periods or include a floor, so this is worth considering before purchase.
Plastic Sheds
Plastic sheds can be another good, affordable, and lightweight option, typically offering a simple installation process – unless you’re in a windy spot! Plastic is a low-maintenance option, but it can become brittle or fade in the sunlight within a few years, making it challenging to retain its colour. Plastic sheds come in various styles and colours but often lack a wooden shed’s classic and timeless appearance.
The primary consideration with a plastic shed is the environmental implications; these products last relatively short periods and almost inevitably end up in landfills, making it crucial to be conscious of your choices. If you decide to purchase a plastic shed, there are some eco-friendly alternatives on the market, but these tend to retail at a much higher price than sheds made from other materials. Plus, they’re more challenging to customise or repair, meaning that every time your needs change, you end up with a product that no longer fits the purpose.
Composite Sheds
Composite garden sheds combine wood and plastic, making them an appealing choice for many people. Composite sheds are resistant to rot, which gives them longevity and reduced maintenance. They offer an aesthetic appearance of wood and are often made from recycled materials. Still, it’s worth considering that many recycling centres in the UK don’t currently accept composite materials for recycling, which can put off some eco-conscious customers.
While composite is a good choice for customers who want a maintenance-free shed, it’s important to remember that composite materials, a mixture of wood and plastic, are not as durable as wooden structures. You’ll need to ensure good ventilation to reduce mould and condensation. Composite buildings are an expensive alternative to traditional wooden sheds, and you can reap the same maintenance benefits with a wooden shed if you choose a good quality preservative.
Wooden Sheds
Lastly, we have the traditional wooden sheds. These are the most popular product types, but with a vast range available, it can be confusing when selecting the right one. Always look for a product made from high-grade, slow-grown timber where possible. Quality timber will significantly improve the longevity of your purchase. It’s also important to consider the ongoing maintenance of your new product; you should decide on the treatment type you prefer for your shed, as this can reduce the maintenance you need to perform.
Dip-treated sheds are a reasonably priced option but require retreating internally and externally every year to continue offering protection. Tanalised or pressure-treated sheds only need to be painted externally, and if you choose a high-quality oil-based preservative, you can retreat as little as every 3-4 years – you can read more about Tanalising here. Wooden sheds made from tongue and groove materials are notoriously strong and easy to repair and customise, and because wood is a natural material, they have excellent breathability, reducing condensation and mould problems.