A shed might be the missing garden component that many homeowners and garden enthusiasts are looking for to complete their design. Sheds serve plenty of purposes — they can serve as a workspace and double as an extra storage space for all your gardening needs.
Whether you want a simple shed for storage or an elaborately styled garden shed where you can relax and escape the stress and reality of the world, you have to ensure that you are buying a suitable garden shed that will suit your needs and meet your expectations.
What to consider when buying a garden shed
A garden shed is an investment and valuable addition to your property. You must be mindful when purchasing your garden shed to ensure that it lasts for a long time and serves its primary purpose.
Here are some considerations that you need to factor in when buying garden shed:
1. Material
Consider available materials and the longevity of these materials based on your location's temperature, humidity, climate, and how they will fit in with your current aesthetics.
Three materials are often used in garden sheds: wood, metal and plastic. Wood sheds follow the same foundation and walls as a house. They are covered with plywood siding and wood roof frames.
Metal sheds follow a minimalistic and straightforward framework sheathed in vinyl-coated metal, while plastic sheds use PVC. Sheds made from metal and plastic are more convenient because there are pre-assembled kits available that you can take on as a DIY project.
Additionally, maintenance of metal sheds is not as tedious as that of wood sheds because you don't need to paint them. The only drawback of metal sheds is they are prone to corrosion if their protective coat is damaged or scratched.
2. Size
You must identify the size of the outdoor area where you intend to place the garden shed. Your space should accommodate the shed without compromising comfort and aesthetics. You should be able to move around, do some work and much more without feeling cramped and limited.
Taking measurements is the surest way to ensure that your shed will fit your area. Additionally, you need to consider the size of the garden shed. Will there be enough room inside for your tools and other intended activities? Will you be planning an expansion in a few years?
You must take into account both the interior and exterior layouts of your garden shed.
3. Roof coverings and style
You may not even consider the roof a deciding factor in buying a garden shed, but it should be. There are plenty of options now, like sloped roofs that can help control moisture buildup. The style can also be as practical or as elegant as you want it to be.
Remember that the roof should be made of quality materials, given that it takes the direct hit of natural elements like the sun and rain. A heavy-duty, torched-on felt is one of the best solutions today due to its durability.
You can also consider corrugated sheets, composite slate tiles and cedar shingle tiles. Metal sheets are also popular, but they tend to condense, which can lead to corrosion.
4. Ventilation
Ventilation is another factor to consider when building a shed. Are you going after a garden shed that resembles just a big box without any windows?
Although they might reduce some indoor space, windows can also provide a lot of natural light. Letting air in and out can help prevent the buildup of mildew, which is critical if you store gardening materials like soil and fertilizers in your garden shed.
5. Aesthetics
Garden sheds are usually visible in the garden, so you have to love how it looks — the colours, the design and the overall aesthetic of the mini-house. Are you after a rustic, traditional-looking shed or a modern structure?
Garden Shed FAQs
Can I install a garden shed on grass?
You can install your garden shed directly on grass, but it is not a smart decision to do so. Garden sheds shouldn't be installed directly on the lawn, bare ground and gravel, especially if the base of your garden shed is wood.
The wood panels can easily absorb the earth's moisture, leading to subsidence and warping. Additionally, you are subjecting your construction to rotting, rusting and even structural damage when you set it directly on grass.
Ideally, use a gravel foundation or raise the base off the ground. If a concrete foundation is possible, it is the best for your garden shed.
Are garden sheds easy to assemble?
Most readily available garden sheds are manageable when it comes to assembly. It is not easy, but with all the pre-assembled, pre-drilled, pre-cut panels and parts, it becomes less effortless and more doable.
Shop storage & garden sheds at Klika
It's time to shop for your garden sheds, and there's no better place to start than at Klika. Get that metal garden shed in the heart of your mini orchard today! Our garden sheds are available in a wide range of sizes, from compact tool storage models all the way up to 8 x 8ft sheds. Strong, sturdy and with built-in vents, these sheds are sure to last long in your garden or yard!
