Articles
Shed guides, sorted by the question you're asking
Pick a topic, or scroll the lot. Each guide is written for a first-time shed owner: what to do, what it costs, and where people usually go wrong.
Topic 01
Bases & foundations
A shed is only as good as what it sits on. A level, well-drained base keeps the floor dry and the doors closing for years.
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Start here
Step-by-step gravel shed foundation
Timber frame, landscape fabric and compacted stone: the best-value base for most sheds up to 10 × 12 ft.
Concrete slab or gravel? Choosing a shed base for your soil
Clay, sand, slopes and soggy corners: which base copes with each.
Building a shed base on a slope
Cut, fill or raise it on piers: three ways to deal with uneven ground.
Plastic grid bases: are they worth it?
Quick to lay and light to carry, but they need the right ground underneath.
Topic 02
Costs
Real totals, not just sticker prices. We list quantities so you can plug in what things cost where you live.
How much does a shed really cost?
Shed, base, delivery, assembly and finishing, added up for three common sizes.
Build vs buy: when doing it yourself actually saves money
Materials, tools and your time, compared honestly against a kit.
A good shed on a tight budget
Where to save, and the three things you should never skimp on.
The hidden costs of shed ownership
Re-felting, wood treatment, locks and the odd replacement panel.
Topic 03
Materials
Timber, metal or resin, and which bits of a shed's spec actually tell you whether it will last.
Wood vs metal vs resin: which lasts longest?
Rot, rust and UV fade, and the upkeep each one needs.
Shiplap, tongue-and-groove or overlap cladding?
How to read the cladding line in a shed listing, and why it matters.
Pressure-treated or dip-treated timber
What the treatment labels mean and how long each typically holds up.
Roofing felt, shingles or metal sheet
Choosing a shed roof covering you won't be replacing in three years.
Topic 04
Sizes
The most common regret is buying too small. Here's how to size a shed for what you own, plus what's coming.
What size shed do I need?
Measure your mower, bikes and tools, then add the walkway you'll forget about.
Sheds for small gardens
Lean-to, corner and tall-and-narrow designs that fit tight spaces.
How close to the fence can a shed go?
Access for maintenance, roof overhang and local rules to check first.
Headroom and door width: the measurements people miss
Why a wider door often matters more than extra floor space.
Topic 05
Storage ideas
Get things off the floor and on the walls. Simple layouts that make a small shed hold a surprising amount.
Shed shelving you can build in an afternoon
Sturdy shelves from standard lumber, sized for paint tins and storage boxes.
Wall storage for garden tools
Rails, hooks and pegboard layouts for rakes, spades and hoses.
Keeping a shed dry: ventilation and damp
Stop condensation before it gets into your tools and cardboard boxes.
Storing bikes in a shed
Wall mounts, floor racks and the door width you'll need to wheel them in.
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