Sheds provide a secure, waterproof, and safe home for your gardening supplies. Some can even be made to make a cozy office, where you can focus on your work without distraction.
Investing in an outdoor shed from a reputable supplier such as abbeylawn.net can help increase your practical living space, and keep your garden neat, and your supplies safe. This is why it’s important to do your research when picking a shed for your home.
In this post, you will learn about the types of sheds available and what features you should look for to help pick the best shed.
Types of Sheds
Wooden Sheds
These are a popular choice, as there are many different sizes and shapes to choose from. Wooden sheds are usually made from softwood, and to keep them in good condition, you may need to give the shed a treatment every year. Doing this can be expensive, so you might want to consider choosing a shed that’s already pressure-treated.
Pros:
- A variety of choice
- Can be assembled at home
- Versatile
- Easy to customize and repair
- Provide great insulation
Cons:
- Might have to be treated regularly to stay in great shape
- Generally less secure
Metal Sheds
These are made from galvanized aluminum or steel and will vary in quality based on the material. Cheaper options are typically made with thin panels, which can make them extremely flimsy, while higher-quality sheds are strong, more secure, and less prone to rust. Plus, once they are assembled, the sheds don’t need much maintenance.
Pros:
- Largely maintenance free
- Affordable options
- Highly durable
Cons:
- Typically don’t feature floors
- Some metals are prone to rusting over time
- Less insulation (temperatures change with the weather
Plastic sheds
These are made from vinyl and tend to be very light. As such, plastic sheds are perfect if you need to move the shed around the garden, or for assembly. If you’re worried about the shed shifting in stormy weather, opting for an option will help keep it sturdy.
Plastic sheds are also maintenance-free, easy to assemble, and quite durable. They are becoming a popular option, due to their versatility. However, they can be tricky to customize and don’t leave a lot of options when it comes to shapes and sizes.
Now that you know the types of sheds available, the following are the considerations you need to make to help you reach an informed decision about the right shed for your home.
Purpose
What are you planning to use the shed for? An honest answer will be a major deciding factor in what kind of product to choose. For instance, if you just need a storage space for your seasonal furniture or garden supplies, you won’t necessarily need insulation or windows.
Budget
How much do you want to spend on a shed? Is this a long-term investment or do you want a stopgap to solve a temporary storage issue? If you want a quality shed that will last or one that will look better for longer with little maintenance, you might want to consider waiting until you’ve saved enough money for it. Go for features that will make the shed value for money.
Looks and Aesthetics
Most sheds will be placed in a visible spot in the garden. How your shed looks is an important point to consider. If you want a shed that looks striking in the garden, you need to take some time deciding about the material to go for and the paint colors. Based on the size of the shed, you might also want to think about the roof style and overhangs, window styles, and cladding types.
Security
Most sheds store items of great value, and security is a major concern. Heavy-duty locks can be very helpful in securing sheds. You might also want to consider specialist screws for door hinges and added protection for the windows.
Base and Flooring
Without a level, solid base, the lifespan of your shed can decrease significantly. An inadequate or uneven base could mean that the shed will settle into the foundation, which could lead to premature deterioration and a higher chance of leaks and cracks. Concrete is often the best material for bases as it can take a lot of weight. It also has a long lifespan, which is perfect if you want your shed to last long.
Uses
If the shed will sometimes be used as a hobby room or a workshop, you may want it to be suitable for such uses. As such, think of the features that you need to include in your design to make sure the shed is equipped for all your intended uses. For instance, insulation can give you the best results and keep you warm while working inside. Having electricity installed with plug sockets and lighting is also an important consideration.
Hopefully, this article has answered a few questions and concerns about what sheds to buy and how to choose the right shed for your home. Reach out if you need more information or help.