Whether you’re after a fully-functioning garden room or just somewhere to store the lawnmower, a shed can be a really useful addition to your garden. Here’s why, and what you need to think about.
1. Storage
The most obvious reason is that a shed will give you additional storage space, particularly for bulky items which it can be difficult to accommodate elsewhere. Wooden garden furniture is best stored indoors over the winter, and a shed provides ideal shelter. Larger garden equipment such as leaf blowers, mowers, brushes and shovels can all take up residence outside, leaving garages clutter-free.
If all you want is storage, then a simple, traditional timber shed is probably the cheapest option. These are usually durable, particularly if treated regularly with a suitable wood preservative. You can also paint them in bright colours, if you like a splash of colour. If you don’t plan to use the shed for anything else, then go for small windows for security and a sturdy door to which you can fit a padlock.
2. Gardening
If you’re a keen gardener, then the idea of a brew/potting shed/rain shelter probably seems attractive! If you’re planning to use your new acquisition for potting on plants, you’ll need large windows to let in plenty of light. Remember to leave enough space for a chair, small table, stack of gardening magazines and a Thermos flask! For most of us, it’s probably not practical to run electricity to a shed for heating but you could consider using additional insulation to keep the interior warm.
3. Parties
If you’re a big fan of alfresco entertaining, then a summerhouse type shed can be a gamechanger. There are lots of configurations available, ranging from enclosed rooms to open shelters with just a roof or a single wall.
These latter have the advantage of being relatively cheap to erect, and are fantastic for sheltering guests from rain, wind or sun. The obvious disadvantages are that they’re only usable in warm weather and they have to be a certain size to be any use, so less practical for smaller spaces.
4. Additional living space
OK, we’re probably pushing the definition of ‘shed’ now, as we’d happily live fulltime in some of the garden rooms we’ve seen! These all-singing, all-dancing structures boast everything from double glazing to heating, and are like mini-houses in your garden. They’re perfect for home offices, or extra accommodation for guests.
Depending on budget you can go as elaborate as you want, but in this type of structure electricity is almost a much. Running water is useful too, and makes the building more self contained.
5. A secret hideaway
For most of us, the thought of having a secret space to retreat to is very alluring! If this is your aim, we’d suggest making it as unnoticeable as possible rather than a garden feature. You can have a green roof of turf and even wild flowers fitting to your building which will help it blend in to its surroundings. (As these roofs are very heavy, they can’t be fitted to flatpack-type wooden sheds but will need sturdy walls to support them.)
Hide the door with large potted plants, and create access with discreet stepping stones rather than a path. Being able to retreat to a separate place without having to travel can be very relaxing. Stock up on your favourite novels, and may we suggest some chocolate biscuits?
Main image shows the Forest Retreat 8′ by 6′ Pent shed by Forest.
