Ready for a Garden Shed? Read This Professional Advice First
A good shed can provide storage, become a focal point and make it easier to garden. Here’s how to get it right
Julie Butterworth
January 10, 2022
Houzz Contributor and homes, architecture and property journalist. I work on a range of homes websites and edit commercial and editorial digital content at the Royal Institute of British Architects Journal. I have managed subbing departments at magazines Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home and web content teams for Time Inc UK’s Homes Network.
Houzz Contributor and homes, architecture and property journalist. I work on a range... More
Before you add a new shed, it’s important to think carefully about what you want to use it for and where best to put it. We spoke with outbuilding experts on Houzz, who shared their insights on the design, materials, groundwork, maintenance and other issues you’ll want to consider as you move forward on your outdoor project.
Which Design Should I Choose for My Space?
Form should follow function, say our experts, so the first step is to consider what you need the shed for and make sure the design you choose has enough space for everything.
“Think about logistics, too — aspects such as head room, door width, and whether you want a wood floor or a window,” designer Peter Reader of Peter Reader Landscapes says. “Sheds can also be multifunctional; for example, a shed with large windows can act as a cold frame in which you can start seeds off.”
It can be worth investing in a custom shed, particularly if your desired dimensions differ from standard designs. “A good designer and builder of bespoke outbuildings will work with you to craft something that fits the [yard], reflects your preferred shape and finish and is robust,” says Jim Gabriel of Inside Out Oxford, which builds custom outbuildings that can incorporate shed functions.
Find a design-build firm near you
Form should follow function, say our experts, so the first step is to consider what you need the shed for and make sure the design you choose has enough space for everything.
“Think about logistics, too — aspects such as head room, door width, and whether you want a wood floor or a window,” designer Peter Reader of Peter Reader Landscapes says. “Sheds can also be multifunctional; for example, a shed with large windows can act as a cold frame in which you can start seeds off.”
It can be worth investing in a custom shed, particularly if your desired dimensions differ from standard designs. “A good designer and builder of bespoke outbuildings will work with you to craft something that fits the [yard], reflects your preferred shape and finish and is robust,” says Jim Gabriel of Inside Out Oxford, which builds custom outbuildings that can incorporate shed functions.
Find a design-build firm near you
Which Material Would You Recommend?
“Treated wooden sheds are widely available and are generally the cheapest option,” Reader says. “However, if security is a concern, consider metal options, which can be securely locked and often come with methods of securely fixing them to the ground.”
If you’re looking for longevity and low-maintenance, “then sheds made from composite materials [such as a mix of wood, reusable polypropylene and weatherproof resin] are a good option,” Reader adds.
Aaron Priestman of Brighton Bike Sheds offers six types of wood siding on his sheds, which are primarily designed for bicycle storage. “Durability of all the options is high,” he says, “especially if they’re treated biannually with a suitable preservative or oil. Often, the decision on cladding is aesthetic, so the choice is personal taste.”
“Treated wooden sheds are widely available and are generally the cheapest option,” Reader says. “However, if security is a concern, consider metal options, which can be securely locked and often come with methods of securely fixing them to the ground.”
If you’re looking for longevity and low-maintenance, “then sheds made from composite materials [such as a mix of wood, reusable polypropylene and weatherproof resin] are a good option,” Reader adds.
Aaron Priestman of Brighton Bike Sheds offers six types of wood siding on his sheds, which are primarily designed for bicycle storage. “Durability of all the options is high,” he says, “especially if they’re treated biannually with a suitable preservative or oil. Often, the decision on cladding is aesthetic, so the choice is personal taste.”
Where Should I Put the Shed?
An experienced landscape designer or shed installer will be able to guide your decision on where to locate your shed.
“Think about ease of access and how frequently the shed will be used,” Reader says. “There’s no point squeezing it into a tight corner if you can’t open the door properly or if you’ll struggle to take heavy or awkward-shaped items in and out. Nothing puts you off using an item more than having to move things in order to find it,” he says. He adds that having to trek across a soggy lawn to reach the shed can also dissuade use.
Reader adds that it’s important to think about shed access for maintenance-related needs. “Ideally, it’s nice to be able to get to all sides for this, but, in a small [yard], it’s usually not possible, so at least allow for some air circulation and the ability to put an arm around the back,” he says.
An experienced landscape designer or shed installer will be able to guide your decision on where to locate your shed.
“Think about ease of access and how frequently the shed will be used,” Reader says. “There’s no point squeezing it into a tight corner if you can’t open the door properly or if you’ll struggle to take heavy or awkward-shaped items in and out. Nothing puts you off using an item more than having to move things in order to find it,” he says. He adds that having to trek across a soggy lawn to reach the shed can also dissuade use.
Reader adds that it’s important to think about shed access for maintenance-related needs. “Ideally, it’s nice to be able to get to all sides for this, but, in a small [yard], it’s usually not possible, so at least allow for some air circulation and the ability to put an arm around the back,” he says.
How Is the Ground Prepared?
It’s best to ask for the shed to be placed on a reinforced concrete base laid over a compacted aggregate, Reader recommends. “Depths for these vary depending on the soil you have, the weather [in your area] and the size of the shed,” he says.
Reader adds that it’s best to have the top surface of the concrete slab above ground level — even if it’s just an inch or so — so the shed won’t touch bare soil. “A shed laid on a bed of correct-depth concrete will not sink or shift, and the concrete will prevent animals such as foxes making a den underneath,” he says.
In the case of very small sheds, a compacted aggregate base may be enough on its own. “It’s best to take advice from the supplier of the shed, bearing in mind your local conditions,” he says.
It’s best to ask for the shed to be placed on a reinforced concrete base laid over a compacted aggregate, Reader recommends. “Depths for these vary depending on the soil you have, the weather [in your area] and the size of the shed,” he says.
Reader adds that it’s best to have the top surface of the concrete slab above ground level — even if it’s just an inch or so — so the shed won’t touch bare soil. “A shed laid on a bed of correct-depth concrete will not sink or shift, and the concrete will prevent animals such as foxes making a den underneath,” he says.
In the case of very small sheds, a compacted aggregate base may be enough on its own. “It’s best to take advice from the supplier of the shed, bearing in mind your local conditions,” he says.
Concrete isn’t the only base option, though. “You don’t have to use concrete,” Gabriel says. “We design our garden rooms and sheds on timber bases, damp-proofed and anchored to the ground with screws, which is a lot better for the environment.”
Paving slabs set into sharp sand are another option, according to Priestman, “or eco-base type products [i.e., those made from recycled plastic],” he says. In all cases, there should be a sublayer of compacted aggregate.
Whatever you choose, Gabriel adds, your installer needs to “consider rainwater runoff and the base of the shed not rotting due to standing in something damp.”
Paving slabs set into sharp sand are another option, according to Priestman, “or eco-base type products [i.e., those made from recycled plastic],” he says. In all cases, there should be a sublayer of compacted aggregate.
Whatever you choose, Gabriel adds, your installer needs to “consider rainwater runoff and the base of the shed not rotting due to standing in something damp.”
How Long Will It Take to Put Up a Shed?
The pros we spoke with said shed installation time can vary, depending on if you bought something off the shelf or had a structure custom-made. “Flatpack sheds can be put up in under an hour,” Gabriel says, “while a [custom] shed that’s built for you on-site can take a few days.”
The pros we spoke with said shed installation time can vary, depending on if you bought something off the shelf or had a structure custom-made. “Flatpack sheds can be put up in under an hour,” Gabriel says, “while a [custom] shed that’s built for you on-site can take a few days.”
What Are My Storage Options?
Storage options can include custom shelving, large plastic containers, work tables, hooks and hangers. “Many things can be stored in a shed,” Reader says, “but bear in mind that things will get damp due to condensation in the cold, and they’re likely to get lived in or on by insects, spiders and possibly rodents. Use storage materials that will not suffer in the damp, so avoid cardboard boxes, for example.”
“A [custom] shed can be built to carry great weight, whereas building shelves into a lightweight flatpack shed is not recommended if you’re planning to store anything heavy on them,” Gabriel says. A common solution is to use freestanding shelving systems instead.
Shop for gardening tools and products on Houzz
Storage options can include custom shelving, large plastic containers, work tables, hooks and hangers. “Many things can be stored in a shed,” Reader says, “but bear in mind that things will get damp due to condensation in the cold, and they’re likely to get lived in or on by insects, spiders and possibly rodents. Use storage materials that will not suffer in the damp, so avoid cardboard boxes, for example.”
“A [custom] shed can be built to carry great weight, whereas building shelves into a lightweight flatpack shed is not recommended if you’re planning to store anything heavy on them,” Gabriel says. A common solution is to use freestanding shelving systems instead.
Shop for gardening tools and products on Houzz
What If I Want to Add Power and Lighting?
You should always use a qualified electrician when adding electricity to your shed. “Getting power to your shed might be an expensive exercise if there isn’t already a supply nearby,” Gabriel says.
Once you do have power in your shed, Priestman says an electrician “can route cables along the structural members and install charging points for e-bikes, alarms, security lights, motion sensor lights and so on.”
“Electricity outside can be very dangerous if not installed correctly,” Reader says. “Cables need to be armored and buried to protect them from mowers and shovels. Connections and plugs need to be designed for outside usage (including where they’re brought out of the house), and safety features such as circuit breakers are a good idea.”
You should always use a qualified electrician when adding electricity to your shed. “Getting power to your shed might be an expensive exercise if there isn’t already a supply nearby,” Gabriel says.
Once you do have power in your shed, Priestman says an electrician “can route cables along the structural members and install charging points for e-bikes, alarms, security lights, motion sensor lights and so on.”
“Electricity outside can be very dangerous if not installed correctly,” Reader says. “Cables need to be armored and buried to protect them from mowers and shovels. Connections and plugs need to be designed for outside usage (including where they’re brought out of the house), and safety features such as circuit breakers are a good idea.”
Can I Have a Rain Barrel Attached?
“We can install gutters and drainpipes to take the rainwater off the shed directly to the ground,” Priestman says. “You don’t want water dripping off the roof edge and running into the cladding on the walls, rotting the shed — especially at the base. [Rain barrels] can be fitted directly onto the rainwater pipe.”
“A [rain barrel] has many advantages,” Reader says. “Firstly, you can use the collected rainwater on the garden, saving on the water bill. Secondly, having the rain collected from the roof will reduce the risk of runoff causing local water pooling and saturation of the soil.”
Gabriel agrees. “It’s a good idea, provided any overflowing rainwater that doesn’t go into the [barrel] can find its way to a [drywell], a French drain [a trench filled with gravel or rock or containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface or groundwater] or equivalent.”
6 Reasons Why You Should Save Your Rainwater Now
“We can install gutters and drainpipes to take the rainwater off the shed directly to the ground,” Priestman says. “You don’t want water dripping off the roof edge and running into the cladding on the walls, rotting the shed — especially at the base. [Rain barrels] can be fitted directly onto the rainwater pipe.”
“A [rain barrel] has many advantages,” Reader says. “Firstly, you can use the collected rainwater on the garden, saving on the water bill. Secondly, having the rain collected from the roof will reduce the risk of runoff causing local water pooling and saturation of the soil.”
Gabriel agrees. “It’s a good idea, provided any overflowing rainwater that doesn’t go into the [barrel] can find its way to a [drywell], a French drain [a trench filled with gravel or rock or containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface or groundwater] or equivalent.”
6 Reasons Why You Should Save Your Rainwater Now
Is It Easy to Add a Green Roof?
“Green roofs are relatively easy to add, and there are a number of skilled fitters on the market,” Reader says. “They can make a shed look better, provide more biodiversity in the garden and slow water drainage into the soil.
Be sure your shed’s roof is strong enough to support a green roof. “Plants and wet soil are heavy,” Reader says. Even sedum roofs, which are often the lightest green roofs, can weigh 16 pounds per square foot, he says.
Gabriel advises adding a green roof to custom sheds only. “The extra strength required can then be built into the [structure] of the walls, and steel can be used in the roof,” he says.
“Green roofs are relatively easy to add, and there are a number of skilled fitters on the market,” Reader says. “They can make a shed look better, provide more biodiversity in the garden and slow water drainage into the soil.
Be sure your shed’s roof is strong enough to support a green roof. “Plants and wet soil are heavy,” Reader says. Even sedum roofs, which are often the lightest green roofs, can weigh 16 pounds per square foot, he says.
Gabriel advises adding a green roof to custom sheds only. “The extra strength required can then be built into the [structure] of the walls, and steel can be used in the roof,” he says.
How Do I Protect and Maintain My Shed?
Most wooden sheds will come with some form of finish to protect them, but the products used vary in the amount and length of protection they provide. “If your shed has been constructed with good, solid, relatively thick protected timber, it should go on for years without any real maintenance or protection, providing it can dry out after a rainstorm,” Gabriel says.
“Metal and composite sheds require much less maintenance,” he says, “although it’s worth checking how effectively a metal shed is protected from water and rust.”
Most wooden sheds will come with some form of finish to protect them, but the products used vary in the amount and length of protection they provide. “If your shed has been constructed with good, solid, relatively thick protected timber, it should go on for years without any real maintenance or protection, providing it can dry out after a rainstorm,” Gabriel says.
“Metal and composite sheds require much less maintenance,” he says, “although it’s worth checking how effectively a metal shed is protected from water and rust.”
“Timber cladding requires a biannual check, and a wood preservative or wood oil can improve long-term durability,” Priestman says. “We recommend a clear product, because the colored or tinted versions can look patchy or faded in places quite quickly. On our cedar sheds, we prefer a wood oil,” he says.
Don’t forget to also check gutters for leaves and debris. “Clear anything piling up around the base of the shed. The cladding must be kept free to breathe,” Priestman says. “Locks and hinges may require oiling periodically, and a green roof requires some watering in dry spells and a bit of light weeding as and when wind-blown weeds self-seed.”
More on Houzz
Read more stories about garden sheds
Browse photos of sheds
Hire local design and remodeling pros
Shop for a ready-made shed
Don’t forget to also check gutters for leaves and debris. “Clear anything piling up around the base of the shed. The cladding must be kept free to breathe,” Priestman says. “Locks and hinges may require oiling periodically, and a green roof requires some watering in dry spells and a bit of light weeding as and when wind-blown weeds self-seed.”
More on Houzz
Read more stories about garden sheds
Browse photos of sheds
Hire local design and remodeling pros
Shop for a ready-made shed
Related Stories
Farmhouses
See a Guesthouse Built by Grandpa for Summertime Fun
By Becky Harris
Lucky grandchildren get a camp all to themselves, thanks to tents and a bathhouse with beds in their grandparents’ backyard
Full Story
Home Offices
Studio Solution: A Kit Greenhouse Becomes a Creative Private Office
See how an inventive work-from-home designer made an office from a greenhouse, for some inspired thinking in the backyard
Full Story
Home Offices
Is It a Shed? An Office? Neither — It’s a ‘Shoffice’!
By Fred Albert
This sinuous structure in a London backyard supports gardening and writing in a most unusual fashion
Full Story
Landscape Design
Family Gatherings in Argentina Inspire a Pavilion and Guesthouse
By Becky Harris
A new yard adds room for hosting, swimming and bringing part of one homeowner’s culture to her family’s Seattle home
Full Story
Small Homes
Thoughtful ADU Expands a Small Lot’s Potential
By Becky Harris
An architect makes the most of local ordinances allowing two homes and owners on one property in Princeton, New Jersey
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Birdhouse-Like ADU Built Around a Tree
In Austin, Texas, a playful 900-square-foot accessory dwelling unit maximizes a small budget and footprint
Full Story
Small Homes
ADUs That Turned Out So Well the Homeowners Moved In
By Becky Harris
These backyard buildings were so enticing they inspired homeowners to embrace a dramatic downsizing
Full Story
Garage Conversions
Before and After: 3 Garages Transformed Into Living Spaces
See how pros turned homeowners’ detached garages into finished spaces outfitted for living, working and playing
Full Story
Guesthouses
New ADU for Indoor-Outdoor Entertaining and Overnight Guests
By Becky Harris
A design-build firm creates a backyard hideaway with a full kitchen, a pass-through bar window and a patio
Full Story
Pool Houses
Beautiful Poolside Pavilion and Guesthouse for Open-Air Living
By Becky Harris
A design-build firm helps a family make the most of its Illinois property and prepare for future lifestyle changes
Full Story
Nowadays, you can put insulation and aerators installed in shipping containers as they could be customised for living and storage.
Slatwalls or peg boards and lots of hooks (large and small) are a must for the inside.
Keep things neat and off the floor and can even clip on a shelf for battery chargers.
Regularly treat for insects also is highly recommended.
What brand of wood oil is recommended for cedar sheds? Thank you!