Is it your dream to build the perfect shed? Do you aspire to have a little space in your garden you can retire to, so you can enjoy a space of your own? You may have a project or hobby that you want to expand and don’t have enough room in your house. Or you may want the challenge of creating something with your hands that you can be proud of. Whatever your reasons, let’s look at how you can get started and get those creative juices flowing to commence ‘project shed building’. 

Size 

Firstly, decide how much space you will need for your new shed. If you have a sizable garden, you’ll be able to dedicate a substantial area that will give you more options for your desired design. If your outside space is limited, you will need to opt for a more compact style, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be awesome and created to your specific taste.

You’ll need to decide where in your garden you want to position your shed. Consider the activities you will be using it for. If you intend to use it as a project space, you may want to locate it where it will get the most natural light for the longest time. If you will use the space for chilling with friends, reading, or other sedate pursuits, sunlight may not be so important. You may just want a shed for storing equipment such as garden tools or bikes, in that case, sunlight won’t matter. 

Design

Once you’ve decided where to put your shed, you can work on the best part; designing! You may have specific ideas about how you want it to look, and you could have a look at various shed designs to start the process, for example, the guys over at designersheds.com.au offer custom-made sheds according to your design requirements. Try sketching your ideas on paper to form a handy visual as a reference when searching. 

Designs are many and varied. Try looking at different websites for inspiration. Sheds can be made square, round, and even have two storeys. There are a plethora of unique ideas available to utilize or spark your imagination.

Materials

There are various materials used for shed construction.  The most common is wood, typically pine. Wood sheds are easy to assemble, and simple to personalize with paint or varnish. They do need to be treated regularly to maintain the quality and prevent the wood from rotting.  Wooden sheds are easy to blend into your garden and are aesthetically pleasing, but not the most durable. You do have the option to make wooden sheds into rooms, offices, or playhouses by adding windows, you can even add electricity, but you will need to hire an electrician for safety reasons.

Using plastic provides a low maintenance and durable option. Plastic is lightweight and easy to assemble and should last a very long time. Plastic sheds are also portable, so you can pack up your shed and take it with you if you move, or move it around the garden if you please. They do have limitations though.

You can’t put a window in a plastic shed, so if you are planning on using it for more than just functional reasons, plastic won’t be the best option (especially if you’re claustrophobic). Plastic sheds are also prone to condensation, so if you are going to keep expensive tools in it, you may need to invest in a humidifier to prevent tools from absorbing moisture.

Plastic is also not that pleasant to look at, and if your garden is a place of sanctuary,  it may be a bit of an eyesore. 

Metal sheds are the best for quality. They will last a long time and are not affected by weather, insects, mold, or condensation like their wooden and plastic counterparts. However, they are harder to put together and will need to stay in the same place and, of course, they will never be as attractive as a wooden shed. There are budget options available for metal sheds but be aware that lower quality metal will be prone to rust and corrosion, so consider whether it would be value for money. 

Investing in a new shed, or getting one custom made is an exciting project but has its challenges. But with the right research and a clear plan, I’m sure your dream shed will soon become a reality! Happy building.