Article by Adam Kerr
Whether you are a keen gardener or you just want some outdoor space for a workshop area, a garden shed will give you the solution to your storage needs. Finding reasonably priced, quality designs for your garden storage shed is simple enough, which in turn will enable a smooth construction process.
To determine which garden storage shed design is right for you, here are some tips and guidelines to help you decide. The first decision to make is to choose whether you want to build the storage shed yourself, or save the hassle and buy a pre-fabricated one. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but building you own is much more fun.
The self-build or pre-fabricated method?
If you enjoy a challenge, as many do, you may prefer to self-build – with the complete satisfaction of undertaking a major project on your own. If you want the build to go smoothly, what you’ll need is a reliable set of plans so you can construct with confidence and accuracy. This method is for those who can wield a hammer and use a saw without harming themselves or anyone else, so the diy method is not for the feint-hearted.
The ready-made garden storage shed is very much more suited to those who can’t wait, don’t know how or don’t wish to build it themselves. By buying a pre-assembled unit, you will have to accept the nearest size available to what you might want. The overall character and looks of the storage shed may or may not exactly be to your liking. However, if you go this route, your storage shed will be up and functional in no time at all.
Storage shed purpose?
What will you be storing in the shed? If it is just for holding potting compost and pots, you’ll need very little extra apart from some shelves and a potting table. But, like most gardening areas you will want to store valuable tools and perhaps even machinery as well. It is always worthwhile to have adequate space in the shed for a work bench, as those tools must be cared for and maintained regularly.
If your storage shed is really only an all-purpose building, make sure you have plenty of space for what it is intended for, and don’t forget that plenty of windows will give lots of light, should that be a necessary requirement.
Design plans help
Good buildings come from good designs, which in turn come from thorough planning. Like anything done well, it all starts with a sensible approach to the entire project, followed by an intelligent interpretation and able construction. Don’t rush the building work as mistakes can be made and could be costly. Get your unique set of plans and adhere to them.
Nothing in the construction world proceeds without having a blueprint to work from, it is just the same with your garden shed project. How would you know where to start or how much timber is required? You must have a set of plans.
Good crafts-people use the best quality tools, so don’t scrimp and scrape with cheap saws or drills, as they will only let you down or fail to do the job properly. Better to pay a little more for something which is a lot better – and will last! When it comes to cutting wood, remember, a good carpenter always ‘measures twice and cuts once’ to minimise losses!
The doorway into your garden shed must be wide enough to easily allow large ride-on mowers or similar machines to enter. It is likely to be constructed as a double door, so one can be used much of the time with the second being opened when required. Another must is good ventilation, especially if you will be using garden herbicides or other strong-smelling substances such as gas or paraffin.
To avoid a dull looking finish to the exterior of the shed, there are ways to enhance the look. If the material is wood, then why not use a stain, these are available is many shades from pine through to dark oak. This will also protect the wood against rotting. Alternatively, select an exterior paint of any color you choose to give your garden shed it’s identity.
Whether you’re buying or building a garden storage shed, good research will yield handsome results, and very soon you’ll have the garden shed you’ve always longed for.
About the Author
Find out how to build the perfect storage shed the right way, and avoid making costly mistakes. Why not take a look at how-to-build-a-storage-shed.com where you will find loads of useful information.