Garden sheds, greenhouses and garden storage guide
Discover garden shed and storage essentials
Shed buying guide
Choosing a shed for your garden
Looking for an ideal garden storage solution? A garden shed is the way to go for bulky garden items like chairs, lawnmowers, and garden tools. They’re available in multiple sizes and materials, including wood, metal, or plastic - so there really is a shed to suit any outdoor space and style. Here are some quick tips to pick the right one:
- Measure your outdoor space and consider storage requirements before choosing the shed.
- Pick a material based on your budget, style, durability needs.
- Pick a style and colour to go with your garden decor. You can even use a shed paint to match your space.
- Check for ideal shed base suitable for the building.
- Lastly, check for installation requirements to prep for an easy setup.
Want to perk it up further? Add solar lighting or faux foliage, so they become more of a decorative focal point, than just garden storage.
Top garden sheds
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Wooden sheds
Why they're great:
- Beautiful natural finish.
- Stain and paint any shade you like.
Look out for:
- Vulnerable to rot and mould.
- Wood needs re-treating annually.
Metal sheds
Why they're great:
- Full weather and water protection.
- More secure with integral locking systems.
Look out for:
- Harder to decorate or customise.
- Condensation (check for ventilation).
Plastic sheds
Why they're great:
- Very low maintenance.
- Easy to assemble and disassemble.
Look out for:
- Could warp in sunlight (check for protection).
- Lightweight - needs a strong anchor.
Shop by shed size
From small sheds for garden hand tools to large sheds for lawnmowers and bikes - we've got sheds to suit all garden sizes and storage needs.
Other shed essentials
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Painting a shed
Most sheds need protecting against weather damage. For wooden sheds, use wood treatment for a natural look, or choose exterior paint for a splash of colour. You may need to treat your wooden sheds annually to maintain the protection and keep your warranty valid.
Shed security
If you plan to store expensive tools and garden equipment inside your shed, it's best to secure it with an appropriate lock. Some sheds come with integral locking systems for extra security, while others require the use of a padlock or similar locking device.
Summer house buying guide
Ideas for summer houses
Dreaming of a cosy retreat? Build one right in your garden with a summer house. Ideal for leisure, a summer house gives you a perfect spot for those sunny days. Hunker down with a book, host friends, or perhaps you'd like to set up a home office or a home gym.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when setting up your summer house:
- Think leisure first. Make sure there's enough space for cosy armchairs or a sofa to lounge on.
- Consider natural light to make the most of the sunny days.
- Add extra storage to keep your essentials handy.
- Make sure all material is weatherproof and easy to maintain.
- Add outdoor cushions, rugs, and other home furnishings to complete your garden retreat.
Choosing the best type of greenhouse for you
Four great greenhouse ideas for your garden
- Cold frames - You can use these simple, sloped greenhouses anywhere you have plants that need protection from frost and damp.
- Mini greenhouses - Small greenhouses are perfect if you're just getting into gardening. These are great value, easy to assemble and simple to look after.
- Walk-in greenhouses - Medium greenhouses are a great option if you're not ready to commit to a permanent greenhouse. They take up little space but offer lots of room for seedlings and plants to grow.
- Full-size greenhouses - Large greenhouses are for the dedicated gardener and they are available in a range of sizes. Pick either a classic wood greenhouse or durable metal model.
Different types of greenhouse materials
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Plastic greenhouse
A popular choice, polycarbonate greenhouses are easiest to install and come in a range of sizes.
Why they're great:- Cost-effective alternatives to glass greenhouses
- Lightweight and easy to install
- More durable than glass greenhouses
- Come in a wide range of sizes from small, medium to full-sizes
Wooden greenhouse
These offer a more rustic style. They are slower to heat up than other models but retain their heat for longer.
Why they're great:- Natural, traditional look
- Easy to customise
- Timber offers more insulation
Aluminium greenhouse
Greenhouses made of aluminium require little maintenance and last for many years.
Why they're great:- Lightweight for easier construction
- Sturdy enough for lasting use
- Low maintenance
More outdoor storage solutions
Looking to get a bit more creative with your outdoor storage solutions? Or perhaps you don’t have the space for a shed? No worries, there are lots of alternative (and creative) ways to tidy up.
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Garden shelving
If you do have a shed or storage box, easily pop in some free-standing shelves for extra space. Or look for weatherproof materials such as wood or metal, and make a feature outside of your decorative accessories.
Try a bin store
Neatly and practically hide away your wheelie bins. Want an easy and mess free system? Choose bin stores with piston-assisted lids that open your bin as you lift the lid.
Bike sheds, covers and locks
A shed is a great option if you want to keep your bike protected from bad weather. For smaller spaces, stand your bike on its end with a bike rack and pop on a bike cover. Also, if you store your bike outside or in a shed, make sure it’s secure with a padlock or a combination lock.
Storage boxes and cupboards
Storage boxes are versatile storage solutions. Keep your logs dry or tuck away your cushions and outdoor furniture covers when not in use. Add a shelf and these are great for storing garden tools and barbecue accessories too.
Frequently asked questions about garden shed and storage
What are the rules on garden sheds?
In UK, garden sheds under the height of 2.5m (within 2m of boundary) or 3m-4m (outside 2m of boundary) do not need any planning permission.
Other rules to keep in mind are:
• The shed should not be built in front of the house.
• The height of apex roof sheds should not be over 4m.
• The shed should not cover more than 50% of the overall garden area.
• The shed should not be used for living or as pet houses.
For latest rules and detailed information, always check with your local planning authorities before you start building your shed.
What material is best for a garden shed?
The best material for a garden shed depends on an individual's choice and needs. For those looking to add some traditional aesthetics and personalisation, a wooden shed is the way to go. Metal sheds are sturdy and durable making a great choice for security and larger storage needs. Lastly, plastic or polycarbonate sheds are best if you're looking for low maintenance and easy installation.
What material is best for a garden storage box?
It is best to choose the material for garden storage box based on your storage needs.
• Plastic storage boxes are ideal protection against any weather damage. While being weatherproof, they are also lightweight, easy to move, and low maintenance - making them perfect for outdoor cushions or lighter equipment.
• Wooden storage boxes can add a dash of style and warmth to your garden decor. While they are sturdy, they need slightly more upkeeping.
• Metal storage boxes are the best choice when you need a high-security or heavy-duty storage solution. They are the most durable but require some maintenance to avoid rusting.
What tools are needed for a garden shed?
It depends on the installation process. You might require more advanced tools if you are installing the shed from scratch. Meanwhile, simply assembling a pre-built shed could take less tools.
Here's a quick checklist of general tools that might come handy when building a garden shed:
- Measuring tape and spirit level
- Lawn tools such as shovel and spade
- Screwdriver
- Spanner and a wrench
- Drill
- Hammer
- Ladder
- Sander or a sandpaper
- Shed pain and paint brush
- Safety gear
Do check the installation guidelines from on the product by the manufacturer for specific tools required.
Do all sheds need a base?
While not all sheds require a base, it is highly recommended to use one. The base provides the shed a stable and levelled anchor while protecting it from water damage. This can improve the durability and ultimately, the lifespan of the shed.
How do you secure a shed to the ground?
Based on the shed material, you can either use heavy-duty coach screws, anchor bolts, spiral auger anchors, or brackets to secure the shed to its base. While bolts, brackets and screws are required for wooden and metal sheds, auger anchors work well for lightweight plastic sheds.
Are sheds waterproof?
Not all sheds are waterproof and might require some treatment for protection against the weather. Plastic sheds are the most weather and waterproof sheds. While wooden and metal sheds might require regular checks to prevent dampness, rot and rust.
Is it better to have glass or polycarbonate in a greenhouse?
Neither one is better than the other. It is best recommended to choose a greenhouse depending on the plants you are growing and the weather in your region. While glass is best for regions with no extreme weather conditions, it works best for succulents and plants that require more light and heat. The polycarbonate provides more insulation, making it suitable for cold climates.
What to grow in a small greenhouse in UK?
Depending on the season and the right greenhouse, you can grow different kinds of crops all year round. For colder months, you can sow salads such as peppers, radish, onions, and lettuce. Spring and summers are ideal for sowing squash, tomatoes, and cucumbers. A small greenhouse is also ideal for all kinds of herbs which can be expected to thrive all year round.
How to maximize storage in a small shed?
Make the most of your small garden shed by adding wall shelves, stackable boxes, and hooks for storage for saving floor space. Use multi-purpose or folding furniture that can be tucked away when not in use.
Explore more DIY ideas on small garden shed here.
What are some creative ways to make a shed getaway on a budget?
Pick a theme or design your shed based on your favourite hobby. Use cushions, throws, and mood lighting to bring in some cosiness of a retreat. Adding a faux plant, wall art, and other home decor items can help you liven up the space too.
Read here to get more shed getaway decorating.
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