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Which? Gardening Magazine
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When picking the perfect shed for you, it pays to do your research. The worst sheds are inaccessible, damp and flimsy, so make sure you know the differences between the types on offer.
Below we compare wooden sheds, metal sheds and plastic sheds, and reveal how much you should expect to pay for a good one.
Keep scrolling for expert advice on shed features you should look out for, plus expert advice on how to build and maintain your garden shed so it lasts for years to come.
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Pros
Cons
As a popular option in the UK, there are plenty of different shapes and sizes of wooden sheds to choose from.
Wooden sheds are typically made from softwoods – usually pine (sometimes referred to as redwood or red deal) or spruce (white deal). Some are larch or Douglas fir and, in theory, these should be slightly more resistant to rot. Most rot-resistant of all are cedar sheds, but these are almost twice the price of pine ones.
To keep a wooden shed in good condition and free from rot, you’ll need to give it a treatment every year. Doing so can be pricey, so you might consider picking a shed that’s been pressure treated. If you’re handy, you could even build and personalise your wooden shed yourself.
If you think you'd benefit from storing your tools elsewhere, our experts have put together a guide on how to buy the best outdoor storage
Pros
Cons
Metal sheds are made from either steel or galvanised aluminium and can really vary in quality. Cheaper options made with thin panels can be extremely flimsy, while higher-quality metal sheds will be strong, less prone to rust and more secure.
Once they’ve been assembled, metal sheds won’t really need any maintenance, bar the odd bit of grease on the door hinges.
However, when it’s warm the inside temperature of the shed will quickly rise making them a poor choice for home offices or working sheds.
Expert advice through the seasons so you know what to do and when. £49 a year, cancel anytime.
Sign up nowPros
Cons
Made from vinyl, plastic sheds are typically very light. This is perfect if you’re moving the shed around the garden (or for lifting to assemble) but not so helpful in stormy weather. Opting for a shed with ground anchors should help keep it sturdy.
Plastic sheds are maintenance free, durable and easy to assemble – most panels will snap into place. They are becoming more popular, although note that they can be tricky to customise and you won't have loads of options on sizes and shapes.
All sheds will need to be sat on a sturdy, level surface otherwise the building will shift and misalign. If you want to position your shed on grass, it will need a shed base.
Shed bases typically come in metal or plastic. Or you’ll find sheds that have metal frames which can be filled with concrete or covered to create a floor and a base in one.
Choosing the right shed roofing material is important for protecting your shed and its contents from the elements. See below for some of the most popular types available.
Shed roofing felt is a popular option as it's affordable, waterproof, lightweight, and you can usually install it yourself.
However, it needs regular maintenance to keep it from cracking or losing it's UV resistance. It can also be prone to weather damage over time. You can buy roofing felt for sheds from most diy stores.
Another option is EPDM roofing - which stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer roofing. In simple terms, it's a type of rubber.
This type is weather and water resistant, and a low-maintenance option which requires less upkeep. It's suitable for various roof shapes, and is an eco-friendly option (as it's recyclable). Though, it typically has a higher installation cost than felt roofing.
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Corrugated metal shed roofs are best applied on a sloped roof to run water off quickly. They are long-lasting, strong against the elements, and resistant to pests.
One of the biggest drawbacks of metal roofs is the issue of rust and corrosion, especially if you live in an area with high rainfall.
You won't need to worry about rusting if your roof is made from aluminium, but it can still wear over time. A steel roof will begin to rust if the galvanised coating is damaged or worn off.
You can help prevent rust and corrosion by:
Usually sold in shingles, asphalt roofing is used in lots of roofing applications, from homes to sheds.
They are usually inexpensive, easy to install, and are available in lots of colours and styles. A significant benefit of them is that you can replace individual tiles if they become damaged, rather than having to repair the entire roof.
You may find that they aren't as durable as other options, as they can be vulnerable to strong winds lifting underneath the tile. They also aren't particularly insulative, and (as they're made from petroleum) are not the most eco-friendly.
Both general retailers and dedicated garden shops offer a wide range of sheds. To make sure you're buying a shed that's well built and safe to use, only shop with trusted sellers.
Ideally, you'd get to see the shed in-store before buying but, if this isn’t possible, find out as much information about it as possible before placing your order.
Popular online retailers that sell sheds include:
Find out which retailers are rated highly by Which? members with our expert guide on the best and worst shops.
Sheds come in a variety of sizes, with popular sizes including:
It’s important to remember that these are exterior measurements; therefore you will probably have slightly less usable floor space in the shed. You will also be able to find much smaller and bigger sheds if the above sizes don’t suit your needs.
Think about what you’ll be using your shed for, the tools you need to fit in and how much space there is in your garden. You should also make sure you can access the door easily.
Single shed doors range from about 3ft wide to just 2ft 2in. The wider the opening, the larger the items you’ll be able to bring inside. If a shed you like has poor access, check whether higher eaves (allowing extra headroom) and/or a wider or double door are available as optional extras.
For an electrician you can trust, visit Which? Trusted Traders and find a professional near you. You can also use our Trusted Trader search tool below.
Regular shed maintenance will prevent bigger repair jobs and lengthen its lifespan. Consider the following:
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Most sheds will get delivered in pieces that need to be installed. Before setting up your shed, you should have prepared your shed base.
See below for a basic step-by-step guide on how to build a wooden shed:
For metal and plastic sheds, the general process shouldn’t be much different.
Always check and follow the instruction manual. If you’re not keen on DIY, check if the manufacturer offers an installation service.
Are you sprucing up your outdoor area? See our guides on outdoor furniture, fire pits and hot tubs.
Outdoor temperatures can fluctuate greatly throughout the year, and it's important that the temperature in your shed stays relatively stable. Not only does this keep your shed free of mould and structurally sound for another year, but it'll ensure any tools - especially electrical items - are safely stored away without risk of water or pest damage.
You can typically make the adjustments yourself, and it usually won't be too expensive - but make sure you know whether or not you're invalidating any warranties before you begin work. Also, empty your shed and ensure it is watertight before starting. Wear safety gear including goggles, long sleeves, a dust mask, and gloves.
B&Q recommends using a high-quality insulating board if you can afford it. See a summary of the retailer's instructions below or head to the B&Q website.
B&Q says you can also insulate your shed using insulation rolls made from polyurethane and aluminium - this is a cheaper alternative to insulation board.
According to the retailer, insulating with rolls is as easy as measuring and cutting the amount you need, then using a staple gun to attach it to the studs of your shed walls, floor or ceiling.
Most small to medium-sized domestic sheds will not need planning permission. But whenever you’re doing any significant work to the interior or exterior of your property, it’s always worth double-checking.
Below, we've listed some factors that might mean you should seek planning permission:
If you’re still unsure, check the government’s planning permission advice.