Many homeowners aren’t particularly proud of their garden sheds. This is because, more often than not, their shed is full of empty pots and unused garden tools. However, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Garden sheds are constantly evolving, with some homeowners now turning their sheds into relaxing dens or outdoor offices. It’s because of these trends that sheds have become stronger and bigger, and now have much-improved designs.
If you want to design a garden shed on your own, here’s a five-step guide to creating the perfect shed that you can use for a number of different purposes.
Build a Strong Foundation
Although how you design the interior and exterior will impact the overall look and feel of your shed, nothing is more important than the quality of the structure. You need to make sure you have a well-made, robust shed that can withstand the elements, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.
That’s why many homeowners are moving away from traditional materials like wood, and towards more hardy materials (like metal) that are less likely to be damaged by wet and cold weather.
Screwfix’s list of metal sheds demonstrates how these models are made to last, with many coming with a 12-year guarantee. When it comes to creating the perfect shed, it’s certainly important to consider how durable you want the shed to be!
Pick a Timeless Design
Building a shed can cost a lot of money, so you want a design that that will look good throughout the years. Popular choices range from traditional wooden models to designs that resemble old-fashioned schoolhouses.
When considering a particular design, think about what you want the shed to do. Is it being designed to service the garden, or will you be converting it to serve another purpose?
Prepare the Interior for Your Climate
The ideal shed should be used year-round, and if you’re going to use the shed for a purpose outside of gardening, such as for personal office space or even a home gym, the interior needs to suit the climate.
If you live in a cold climate, you should insulate the roof and walls to retain heat. You also need to be aware that a heated shed will accumulate high levels of moisture, which means you’ll need ventilators to exhaust the damp air. If you live in a hotter climate, your shed should have lots of windows that can let fresh air in.
Make Room for Storage Space
Your garden shed can be as multi-purpose as you want or need it to be. If you’re going to use it to store your garden tools, make sure you have enough storage space, so the tools won’t get in the way of the other things you use it for.
For space-saving purposes, walls can be filled with hooks and shelves to keep tools and pots off the shed floor, and if your shed is quite small, you can visit Sneaky Storage Solutions for Smaller Spaces for some more tips. It’s also a good idea to make sure you keep frequently used items in easily accessible places.
Add Reliable Security Measures
Since sheds are mainly used for storage, you’ll need to make sure your shed is secure. Some sheds now come with hidden hinges that can stop intruders from unscrewing the doors or windows from the outside. It also pays to invest in a sturdy lock. If you’re storing valuable items, such as bikes or expensive gardening equipment, it may even be worthwhile to add security cameras to the shed.
Need More Information?
If you’re still not sure how to begin building your garden shed, you can check out our guide on Green Home Gnome. It includes everything you’ll need to know, including a list of materials you’ll need to build the base, the frame and other integral parts. The great part about building your own shed is that you can design it specifically to meet your own needs!
Image credit: Sebastian Huxley
