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You may have a garage or a tool shed
in your backyard, but you may not have thought
of installing a dedicated garden shed.
While you can store garden implements and
supplies in the garage or tool shed, a garden
shed is much more than just an everyday storage
area for miscellaneous items. It has a
personality and character all its own, and it
can serve many different purposes.
A garden shed can be the getaway you’ve been
wanting. You can use it as a place to plan your
garden or as a sanctuary for contemplation. An
attractive garden shed can add depth and
character to a garden, and it can even be
designed to complement the garden and be the
focal point. To the uninitiated, a garden shed
may look like just another shed. However, garden
sheds come in many different styles, each of
which can add their individual charm and
character to your garden.
Before running out to buy a garden shed, first
select and prepare the location where you want
to put it. How much room do you have for
installing a garden shed? You don’t want to buy
one that is too big. The location of the shed
will not only determine the maximum size you can
get, but also the style. Consider ease of access
and the surroundings. How will the shed look in
that spot? Will it complement your garden décor
and the style of your house? Is the location
secure? Is there plenty of space for the door
and for moving things in and out? How much
clearage do you need?
Now it’s time to prepare the location. You want
to be sure you have an even, firm foundation for
the shed. You don’t want to put it right on the
grass or dirt. A concrete slab is ideal, but you
can also use a layer of gravel. You can add
treated lumber to the gravel if you wish.
Whatever base you choose, it should be level. It
is important that a wooden shed not be in
contact with the ground to avoid rot. While a
vinyl shed won’t rot, it will retain humidity
that evaporates from the ground. Installing the
shed on a good base will keep the contents dry
and safe.
You can buy a plastic, metal, or wooden shed.
These are the three basic materials used in the
manufacture of sheds. The type of shed you
choose is important, depending on your
preferences. Wood provides a warm, classical
look, but is high maintenance. Plastic is
cheaper and metal is stronger than wood. If the
shed can be easily seen, wood might be
preferred. While high-quality, expensive vinyl
and metal sheds can be attractive, a cheap
plastic or metal shed can detract from the look
of a garden and home.
After deciding on location, size, and style of
shed, and the type of foundation, you’ll have to
decide whether to have professionals install the
shed or do it yourself. Although you can buy
shed kits for a substantial discount, it may
take a good bit of time and energy to put them
together. Compare kits and manufacturers before
you buy, as some kits will require you to cut
the wood to size before you can even start
building. If you’re realistic about your skills,
you’ll know whether it’s best to do it yourself
or not.
If your shed is made of wood, it’s a good idea
to add a protective coating as soon as it’s in
place, even if you have a good guarantee or
warranty. If you are putting it together from a
kit, paint each piece of the shed with a
protective coating before you assemble it. Some
parts are easier to paint before you put them
together. You can do a more thorough job, too,
and you won’t have to stand on a ladder.
Unless your shed is especially large or unusual
in shape or design, you probably won’t need
planning permission from your local government.
However, it wouldn’t hurt to make sure. What if
you’re supposed to be six feet from the property
line and find you’re only three? Imagine that
you discover this after putting your shed on a
concrete slab that fits it perfectly and filling
up your shed with garden tools, supplies, and a
table of potted seedlings. Now the building
inspector is telling you that you have to move
the whole thing over three feet! Don’t let this
happen to you. Put it in the right place the
first time.
Typical garden sheds are either apex or pent
styles. They come in many different sizes,
starting at 2 x 1 meters, or 5 x 3 feet, and up.
You can use the sloping roof of your garden shed
to collect water, which will save you money
during hot, dry periods.
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