Garden Shed Buyers Guide | DIY Megastore

Garden Shed Buying Guide

A new garden shed can add a wealth of benefits to your garden. Whether big or small, a shed can provide you with a place to store belongings, partake in hobbies, or simply serve as a space in which to take refuge should the unpredictable British weather put a stop to your garden plans. Sheds are also some of the most diverse of all garden features, coming in a wide array of shapes, styles, finishes, and varying in the features they provide.

With so many sheds to choose from, choosing the right one can be exceptionally difficult for the unprepared. Because of this, we’ve put together this guide answering some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from curious customers regarding all things related to buying a new shed. From the ideal size to the best features to look out for, we’ll take you through the factors – both the obvious and the less so – that you should be considering when looking for a new garden shed.

The Purpose of Your Shed

This really is the first question you need to be asking yourself and others in your household; just what is it you want from adding a shed to your garden? It is important to answer this question because it will influence the ideal shed for your needs. So, what do you plan on using your shed for?

Storage

The most popular use of a shed is simply to store belongings and possessions, many of which simply can't be kept in the house. Examples include gardening tools and safety equipment such as gloves, boots, and goggles. These items are usually built to last, but they can also be difficult to clean, making storage alongside your cleaner household belongings a headache. This is where a good storage shed comes in.

Even if not originally purchased for such a purpose, the vast majority of garden sheds end up becoming structures for storage; they are simply very convenient to use for such a purpose. The only limit to what you can store in a shed – and how much of it – is down to the size of the shed itself. If you are purchasing a shed purely for storage, the main factor you will need to consider is of course size. How much do you want to store in the shed? Is it a short term or long-term solution. The more you want to store, the larger and sturdier shed will need to be – it’s that simple.

Hobbies and Pastimes

We all know an avid shed-user, but sheds have evolved far beyond a structure used simply for tinkering and playing around with tools. Newer shed designs are not dissimilar to garden offices and even summerhouses, which means the possibilities open to you are greater than ever. You can be into gardening, sewing, or even videogames, and a shed can prove to be an appealing and unique solution to store and partake in your hobby.

The type of hobby will define the ideal shed, and we would consider upgrading to a summerhouse or garden office building the more complex your chosen passion tends to be. For example, a larger and more robust shed can be the ideal place to indulge in some weightlifting – easily housing some dumbbells, a rack, and a bench - but a larger building may be needed in order to kit the whole place out like your local gym.

We would also recommend opting for – or indeed avoiding – certain shed features depending on your hobby. For example, windows can be great for gardeners, letting sunlight in for their potted plants, and they can make your shed a pleasant place to sit down and read. However, without curtains or blinds they can leave the contents of your shed vulnerable to sun damage, and also serve as a convenient look-in for potential thieves.

Lounging and Relaxing

Sheds are ideal alternatives to conservatories and summerhouses for those looking to get that little bit closer to the outdoors without exposure to the elements. Sheds tend to be less expensive and more easily placed within your garden. However, a downside is that they can’t be as well equipped to deal with more extreme temperatures. While summerhouses and conservatories can be enjoyed at all times of year, sheds will need insultation for cold weather and windows to open during warmer seasons.

However, with these preparations in place, sheds can be fantastic places to relax. Insert a chair or beanbag, or even a sofa if it will fit. Then, sit back and relax; a shed can be your space to get away from it all, where you don’t have to do anything but unwind. Read a book, take a nap, or get some simple electrics installed and put in some lights for ambience. The choice is yours.

Shed Sizes

Sheds come in a range of sizes, and it is crucial that you keep an eye on dimensions as you browse particular models. This is because you might experience disappointment if you find a particular shed style you like, only to find that it isn’t produced in the ideal size for you. Take our range of plastic sheds as an example; these are some of the best solutions for storage sheds. However, they don’t tend to be produced in the larger sizes that our apex wooden sheds are. If you’re looking for a plastic shed to store a large number of garden tools and other such belongings, you may be disappointed.

The most popular shed sizes include 8x6ft, 6x4ft, 8x4ft, 10x4ft and 10x6ft. However, there is no 'standard size' an you'll need to choose dimensions that suit your needs and garden. When browsing sheds - particularly online - ensure you know how dimensions have been presented. This is as some will present the dimensions as width x depth whilst others may display them as depth x width. Misunderstanding this could result in you buying a unsuitable shed base or even not being able to fit your shed into your garden. If you're ever in doubt, be sure to pick up the phone.

Shed Styles

With the purpose of your shed and ideal size chosen, now you'll need to consider the style of shed you're going to buy. Whilst you may assume that the style of shed is purely auesthetic, it actually has far reaching consequences. For example, some styles are more effective at disposing of rainwater whilst others are made for uniquely shaped gardens. So, which shed style is right for you?

Pent Sheds

Pent sheds are identifiable thanks to their unique roofs. While simple in appearance, pent shed roofs are perfectly adapted to the garden environment. Strong and sturdy with a slope that efficiently disposes of rainwater, they are superb in their simplicity. We’d recommend adding a basic guttering system to your pent shed to help aid in rainwater disposal.

Pent sheds can vary in size but tend to possess smaller dimensions than apex sheds and some other alternatives. They are designed to prioritise simplicity, and while larger models with features such as opening windows and potting facilities are available, they mainly serve as the go-to all-rounder option. A great choice for an avid gardener that is sure to prove a firm favourite due to its charm and appeal.

Shire Pent Shiplap Double Door Shed - 7 x 5Ft
£507.06

Delivery Time: 5-7 Days

Add to Wish List Add to Compare
More Options Available
Shire Garden Value Overlap Pent Shed
From £392.65

Delivery Time: 5-14 Days

Add to Wish List Add to Compare
Free Delivery

More Options Available
Forest Garden - Beckwood Pent Shed
From £418.25

Delivery Time: 1-2 Weeks

Add to Wish List Add to Compare
Free Delivery

More Options Available
Forest Garden - Timberdale Single Door Pent Shed
From £1,121.70

Delivery Time: 1-2 Weeks

Add to Wish List Add to Compare
More Options Available
Shire Sun Pent Shiplap Potting Shed
From £927.53

Delivery Time: 5-14 Days

Add to Wish List Add to Compare
More Options Available
Shire Security Pent Shiplap Shed
Delivery Time: 5-7 Days

Out of stock

Add to Wish List Add to Compare
More Options Available
Shire Pent Shiplap Shed
From £472.94

Delivery Time: 5-14 Days

Add to Wish List Add to Compare
Free Delivery

More Options Available
Forest Garden - 4Life Pressure Treated Overlap Pent Shed
From £356.90

Delivery Time: 1-2 Weeks

Add to Wish List Add to Compare

Apex Sheds

These sheds tend to be larger, and as such accommodate a more traditional apex roof design as seen on many residential homes. Our apex sheds vary greatly in size, with modest medium builds available alongside much more grandiose alternatives that may very well make a good office or workshop. Apex sheds are also some of the most diverse in the features they offer, including windows, stable doors, and even double doors.

From the simple and rustic to the complex and modern, there is an apex shed for every garden. Some are designed to fit into corners of your outdoor space as areas for storage or protection, while others are giant centrepieces with architecture and premium features to match their great size. Regardless of your preferences, an apex shed can be just the thing to help take your garden to the next level, both in terms of practicality and visual appearance.

Plastic Sheds

Plastic sheds are fantastic products that have unfortunately earned a bit of a negative – and indeed unwarranted – reputation in certain gardening spheres. It is true that plastic sheds can look out of place in certain gardens, particularly those that focus on more natural aesthetics, but they are also some of the easiest sheds to install and maintain. They are also lightweight and possess a range of features built-in.

Plastic sheds are often white in colour, but they can also adopt shades of blue, green, and brown, and these colours may well help the building to better blend in with more rural surroundings. The main thing to note about plastic sheds is temperature – these buildings can get much colder in winter and hotter in summer than wooden alternatives. While this isn’t usually a problem when the shed is used for storage, we wouldn’t recommend getting a plastic shed for a spot to relax or spend a great deal of time.

Potting Sheds

Potting sheds are perfect for avid gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. These sheds come with multiple large windows to allow in the sunlight, providing any plants inside with much-needed nutrients. Potting sheds are also warm, secure, and protect your smaller plants from potential pests including slugs, rabbits, and mice. Potting sheds are accessible, durable, and charming – adding one to your garden can really raise its aesthetical appeal.

Some homeowners have turned our potting sheds into home offices, and its not hard to see why. The larger windows make for a sunny and relaxing space that can make pleasant and peaceful change from drab and dreary offices. We’d recommend making some preparations and adjustments to your shed if you do decide to try this out – it will need additional insulation and you’ll need to install a variety of electrical circuits safely and securely.

More Options Available
Shire Iceni Potting Shed
From £845.64

Delivery Time: 5-14 Days

Add to Wish List Add to Compare
More Options Available
Shire Sun Pent Shiplap Potting Shed
From £927.53

Delivery Time: 5-14 Days

Add to Wish List Add to Compare

Storage Sheds

Usually the smallest of sheds, storage sheds can be little more than a doorway into a small space just big enough to store your garden tools. However, others can be larger, with some of our designated storage sheds capable of storing everything from hosepipe reels to ride-on lawnmowers! We offer numerous sizes in between, with some sporting features such as windows and additional ventilation solutions.

Our storage sheds can be purchased in a number of appearances, but the majority adopt a simple yet appealing shiplap pattern along the lengths and width of the shed. Because dimensions can vary so greatly, it is important to keep an eye on them when browsing storage sheds – you don’t want to think you’ve found the ideal shed only to realise it is much too small or larger for your needs.

Corner Sheds

Corner sheds may sound simple in concept – they are sheds with triangular sides that come to a point at the back, designed to fit in the corner of your garden. However, they are incredibly versatile, and can crossover with any of the shed types mentioned above. A small storage shed can also be a corner shed, but we also stock much larger sheds that also adopt this layout.

Corner sheds can also sport a number of features including windows and a number of different door designs. They are ideal for angular gardens, but can look a little out of place if you don’t have a corner to place them in. Their unique appearance can appeal to homeowners regardless, and they can easily be incorporated into gardens that lack clear corner spaces.

Shed Wood Treatment

Having decided on the purpose, size, and style of your shed; it's time for the all important pick of treatment. It could be argued that this is the most important decission, with the way your shed's been treated having a big influence on both maintenance and longevity. So, which shed treatment is the right choice for you?

Dip Treated Wood

Dip treatment is carried out in the factory where your shed is made. It gives the wood more effective protection against fungal decay albeit not to the same extent as pressure treatment. Dip treatment is not a permanent solution, and additional wood treatments will need to be applied yearly to prevent rotting. You can expect your shed to take on an appealing golden brown/amber coating, though this will fade over time until you have recoated the wood. Keep in mind too that a dip treated shed should not come in direct contact with the ground and should also always be used with a gravel board.

Pressure Treated Wood

A pressure treated shed has had anti-rot formula forced into the timber at an incredibly high pressure. This gives the timber superior rot resistance, and as such makes it perfect for those who want a shed model that requires less overall maintenance. These excellent alternatives to dip treated timber do look different, and indeed there are those who prefer the more traditional dip treated timber. As you may expect, you will pay more for a pressure treated shed than you would a dip treated shed.

Shed Brands

Now that you know which shed is the right one for you, who do you buy it from? Of course, you should buy it from DIY Megastore but you'll have a few brands to choose from. Whilst all of our sheds have been hand-picked to provide unrivalled durability and functionality, there are a few differences to be aware of.

Shire Garden Buildings

Manufacturing in excess of 100,000 garden products every year, Shire Garden Buildings know what they're doing when it comes to sheds. Shire use slow grown Scandinavian timber within most of their products. This is then planned, and machined on site before being constrcted. This helps to ensure the quality of your new shed.

Forest Garden

Arguably one of the UK's most trusted manufacturers of garden sheds, Forest Garden have pride themselves on quality for over 50 years. What's more, Forest Garden use sustainable, British timber in the vast majority of their garden products. This timber is felled from managed forests across Scotland, minimising how far your new shed needs to travel. .

Ready to Buy Your Shed?

We hope you now have a clearer idea on what would make an ideal shed for your garden. From shapes and sizes to features and treatments, there is a lot to consider, but when know what to prioritise and are aware of the different options out there, decision making becomes a lot easier.

If you want to know more about garden sheds, or perhaps have a question about purchasing one of our products, don’t hesitate to contact our award-winning team. They will do their best to answer questions you may have, whether you’re in the planning stages of a future project or perhaps have run into a problem with your current one.