‘garden sheds’ Tagged Posts

Picking the Right Garden Shed

When you are trying to choose the right kind of garden sheds for your home you will need to take a number of different things into consideration. So...

 

When you are trying to choose the right kind of garden sheds for your home you will need to take a number of different things into consideration. So you should therefore take your time and look at each shed carefully to ensure that it meets all of your requirements. In this article, we look at some of things that you need to be taking into consideration before you spend any money.

Because sheds are made from a number of different materials now, it is a good idea to select one that you feel is going to fit in with its surroundings. Also, you need to further consider the costs that are involved in helping to maintain the shed after it has been installed. You can choose from those that are made from wood, metal or PVC.

Wooden garden sheds are often great because they will blend perfectly into the garden surroundings, but these are often the most expensive ones to buy. Plus you will also need to spend money on them to ensure that they remain in a good condition. If you fail to varnish or apply a wood preservative to them over time, they begin to rot and warp and will fail to do what they are required to do (protect the items inside).

Because of what we have mentioned above more and more people are preferring to buy sheds that are made from either metal or PVC. Not only are they much easier and quicker to assemble, but in many cases they need little or no maintenance to ensure that they remain looking good after they have been installed.

As well as selecting what material the shed is going to be constructed from, you need to decide what its function in the garden is going to be. Why buy a large shed if all it will be used for is storing all your garden implements when they are not required.

Next, you need to decide what kind of shed assembly it is you want. You can either go for those that are pre-assembled and which are then just lifted straight on to the foundation or you can either go for partially assembled ones or ones that you build yourself. Both pre-assembled and ones that you build yourself can turn out to be quite expensive.

Most people today prefer to go for those that come in kit form, simply because not only are they cheaper to buy. But also, as you will discover for yourself they are very quick and easy to assemble once you have got them home.

However, before you do actually go out an buy any kinds of garden sheds for your home you need to clarify with the local building authority if you need approval to construct it. Plus it might be an idea to ask your neighbours if they have any objections as to where your shed is going to be located.

Hopefully the guide above has helped you a little in deciding which type of garden shed is best for your garden. If you are looking to buy online then there are a number of sellers of sheds out there. You can also find articles on the preservation of sheds which can help them last longer in bad weather as well.

Buying a Home Log Cabin – What you need to know

 

The actual price that you pay for having log cabins built will not only depend on its size, but also the logs used to build it. Some cabins will be constructed using handcrafted logs and can prove to be extremely expensive. Whilst if you are looking for a cheaper alternative then select one that is made using hand milled logs instead.

It is important therefore before you actually decide on getting such a cabin built you know the difference between milled and handcrafted logs. Generally, those that are milled have been prepared using either a sawmill, a lathe or a planer. This then ensures that each log will be cut to a specific profile or shape. As you will soon discover milled logs have a far more uniformed shape and size to them compared to handcrafted ones.

In addition, what you will often find that milled log cabins are ones where the wood has been either air or kiln dried. This enables the right amount of moisture to be extracted from the wood before they are used to build a home with.

As for the surface of these logs, they are generally smooth and flat and could even have been coped as well. Also in a large number of cases, they will have tongue and groove joints along the sides where they are to join. This not only makes the construction process easier but helps to provide a much stronger and stable outer shell to the cabin. But if you want, the outer side of the log can remain rough to provide a much more rustic look to your cabin.

Generally, the wood that is used for milled log cabins comes from trees such as cedars, pines or spruces as well as firs. The least expensive type of milled log cabin is one that has been made using either pine or spruce. Whereas if you are willing to pay more then the option is to go for one made from cedar.

As for handcrafted logs, these will have been prepared by being hand peeled using either a drawknife or through the use of water. The actual logs themselves when being prepared are green and will only have been cut and hauled a few days or weeks before. Unlike milled logs these are allowed to air dry only as kiln drying is a very expensive process, as these need to be dried whilst they are still their full lengths after cutting.

As well as pine and spruce being favorite trees for making handcrafted log cabins from other trees that are used are the Douglas fir, Oak, Juniper, Cyprus and Alpine Fir. The last tree mentioned is also known as a True Fir.

As mentioned the cost you pay for buying and having log cabins constructed will not only depend on the way in which the logs have been prepared. You also need to take into consideration the size of the cabin you are having built. The bigger the cabin then the more labour intensive and the more logs will be needed in order to build it. If you want to save money but would like a large cabin then you are better off going for milled rather than handcrafted logs.

As one of the largest manufacturers of wood garden buildings in the UK, Waltons supply a large range of garden sheds, log cabins, playhouses and summerhouses, as well as a selection of quality greenhouses made from different materials such as polycarb, aluminium and wood.

Garden Shed Plans – 5 Key Factors that are Critical to Picking your Plan

 

As there are a great deal of different types of garden shed plans to choose from, finding one that meets your particular requirements shouldn’t prove too difficult. However, you shouldn’t rush into buying the first garden shed designs you see, certain factors need to be taken into consideration beforehand.

The factors that you are going to have to take into consideration before you purchase your garden shed designs is what it will be constructed from, what you will be using it for, what kind of foundations will be laid for it and how much you have available to spend. The amount of money in your budget is what will really determine the kind of shed that you can build.

In this article, we look closely at the factors mentioned above which will help you decide on the many garden shed plans available that will be the most suitable for you.

1. What Materials Is The Shed To Be Made From?

Most people prefer that their garden sheds are made from wood, however, you need to remember that once built they will need to be cared for properly. This means that each year you will need to inspect your shed thoroughly to ensure that there has been no damaged caused to not just the sides, but the roof as well. If any damage has been done then repairs must be made immediately otherwise they will become much worse and eventually the shed will need to be completely replaced.

If you are someone who doesn’t have time to carry out regular inspections of the shed to keep it in order then you would be better off going for one made using vinyl or metal. Both of these sheds require little or no maintenance, just generally washing them down to remove any dirt or dust build-up on them will suffice.

2. What Will Your Shed Be Used For?

It is what you will be using your shed for that will determine how big or small it should be. When a shed is to be used for storing gardening equipment then it needs to be of a size that not only provides ample space for everything to be stored, but also will allow you to get to everything easily. Most people only need a small 8ft by 6ft shed for this purpose. However, if you have very large pieces of garden equipment that you plan on storing then a large shed with double doors on it is what you probably need.

3. What Should The Foundation Of The Shed Being Made From?

For those where the budget is tight, making a base to set your shed on can be made from timber framework which should be more than adequate. However, if the budget can stretch to it, you should go for a concrete foundation. This will not only create a base that is even, but will also help stop moisture in the ground from seeping up into your shed.

4. How Much Can You Afford To Spend?

As mentioned above how much you can afford to spend on building your storage shed when looking at garden shed plans is vital. Remember, the bigger the shed then the more materials will be needed and so the costs of erecting it will increase.

5. Is Planning Permission Needed?

Finally, when it comes to determining which of the many garden shed plans available is right for you, make sure you receive proper planning permission for the shed size you are considering building. If the shed you wish to build is over 100 square feet then you may find it is subject to certain building regulations. If you fail to get permission then you could find yourself in double trouble, not only being fined for its erection, but also being asked to take it down.

Before you break ground, grab our highly recommended shed building guide which includes Garden Shed Plans, material lists, shed building manuals, and more. Go to PlansforShed.com for more info!

All About Sheds

 

You may think you know everything there is about sheds in order to make a good decision for your family. While that may be true, the reality is you don’t know everything there is to know. Buying the shed is easy but you better know a few things before you start your storage building search.

You have to know if you have the room to place the size shed you need and if you can legally do it in your town or neighborhood. That means you must have either enough level ground to build a simple foundation for the building or you will build or pour a foundation, if one doesn’t exist and you will check with your building code and neighborhood association to make sure you are within the law putting up an outdoor storage unit. Until this is done, don’t order anything!

Once you are clear and good to go, make a trip to the library or your favorite local hardware store and look through books and magazines that show you some wooden sheds you might like to build. You will have to make the assessments about this being within your skills set or not. If it is not, please don’t try it. You’ll be calling one of those TV rescue programs to help you get it finished. Just pass on this being a way to get the storage building of your dreams.

A lot of people like wooden sheds as they look really nice and come in many varieties and colors. They are also require the most maintenance so if you are up to painting every few years and making sure it is treated for termites, etc. go ahead with a wood shed. If you are looking for something that is more hands off, wood is not the way to go.

If you are like so many other people today and want a storage solution without a lot of maintenance or cost after your purchase, a vinyl shed might be the answer. These sheds can be bought as kits and they come by freight and are delivered to your home. Most people who can read plans and have basic do-it-yourself skills can put one of these together though you will need to have a foundation or level ground and buy the foundation kit and then purchase plywood to build the floor. Most handymen can also help you put this together though I know several women who have done it on their own or with other women friends. In other words don’t think you can’t put these together.

The most you should have to do from time to time is spray the shed off with a water hose. Since there is no need to treat for insects and water just runs off it, you have little to worry about as far as upkeep. They also list the snow load rating and the wind rating so you can make sure it will work in your area. Call your local codes department to find out what they recommend.

Another possibility is purchasing a metal shed. The best thing about the metal building is the price; they are normally the most inexpensive choices in sheds. However, there are times a metal shed is the perfect shed for other reasons. If you have level ground and don’t want to build a foundation, you can place a metal or tin shed directly on the ground without a problem. You will need to watch out for rust.

So to sum it up you will need to know you can have a storage building on your property, figure out the size, decide of the type based on cost, ease of maintenance and strength for snow and wind and make sure you have the ability to build or install it. Once you go through the list you should be good to go and ready to tackle that storage issue!

It’s easy to construct a shed by purchasing a kit. These plastic storage sheds come in a variety of sizes to fit almost any situation.

Buying Guide for Garden Sheds

 

Today when it comes to purchasing a shed for the garden you need to determine which of the basic constructions you want. There are several different ways in which sheds can be constructed but the most popular seem to be the overlap or tongue and groove style. Below we look at some of the reasons why you should consider selecting tongue and groove garden sheds over the overlap varieties.

The main problem with overlap garden sheds although they are inexpensive to purchase they will often be made from cheap materials. Along with the material from which they are made and which normally resemble garden fence style panels being poor quality these tend to not be very strong.

Another thing with the affordable overlap garden sheds is that the roof and base will again be constructed from relatively cheap materials such as waferboard, sterling board (similar to chipboard) or OSB (oriented strand board). All these have some water proof properties but not enough to ensure that the shed lasts for years to come. In fact these tend to deteriorate quite quickly and in most cases you should only expect an overlap garden shed to last for 2 to 3 years and then it will need replacing.

If you are looking for a garden shed that is far more durable and is robustly constructed then you should seriously be looking at purchasing ones made using tongue and groove construction. However, these types of sheds tend to cost more but this is because they are constructed from better quality materials which is the reason why they tend to last a lot longer. What you will find is in many cases these types of sheds won’t need to be replaced within 2 to 3 years of them being constructed.

When purchasing these kinds of sheds look for ones that are constructed from thick pieces of wood. The tongue and groove planks for the sides should be no less than 16mm thick, whilst the framework should measure 50mm x 25mm. Also it is important to avoid purchasing ones that use OSB in them. Although this does have some water proof properties they are not enough to ensure that the shed remains intact for several years to come.

Although a tongue and groove garden shed constructed from the thickness of wood mentioned above is good going for ones constructed that are much thicker and heavier is an option as well. What you need to remember the thicker and heavier the wood the longer the shed will actually last.

Tongue and groove garden sheds as well as being durable and robust there are many other reasons why people are choosing to build one of these in their garden instead of the overlap variety. These sheds look far neater because of the way the wood from which they are constructed joins together. It is because of the way the wood joins it offers these sheds more stability so that no matter how often they are used there is little or no movement taking place.

But with any garden shed including tongue and groove garden sheds to ensure that they remain in the same condition as when they were constructed they need to be taken care of properly. Therefore you should spend time each year inspecting yours and carrying out any necessary maintenance to it. Plus it is also a good idea to spend time regularly applying a coating to the exterior of your shed to protect it from the elements.

So as you can imagine there are a number of points you need to think about when looking to buy garden sheds online. There are a number of online stores where you can buy sheds such as Walton Garden Buildings who are one of the largest manufacturers of wooden garden buildings in the United Kingdom.

Buying Guide for Overlap Garden Sheds

 

There are several reasons why people choose to install a shed in their gardens these days. For some people they will use theirs to free up space in their garage. Whilst others will use their overlap garden sheds as an area to work in, whether it be on the garden or as a home office. But whatever their reason is for installing a shed in their garden they need to take a number of things into consideration. Below are some of the things that you should be taking into consideration before you build your own overlap garden shed.

Consideration 1 ” Why Do You Want To Build A Shed?

By deciding on what you will be using your shed for you can then choose the size and style of shed to be built along with where in the garden it will be placed. If for example the overlap garden shed is to be used as a home office you need one that will easily provide space for you and your equipment and also has enough windows in it to allow plenty of natural light into the room.

Consideration 2 ” How Much Space Have You Available?

Before purchasing any garden sheds including the overlap types look how much space you have in your garden for it. Why purchase large overlap garden sheds with double doors or a front porch if you only have a small garden. To determine the size of the shed that is suitable factor in that you need to have space clear around all sides of it so that they can easily be accessed for maintenance to be carried out on them.

Consideration 3 ” Where Should You Situate It?

Once you know how much space you have available and decided which garden shed is right for you now have to decide where you want to put it. If you will be using yours as a place to store garden equipment in and also for doing work for the garden when the weather is bad make sure that you locate it in a position that allows you easy access to the garden. However, if you are going to use yours as a home office then it is far better if you build it in a position where you can then run the necessary utilities (power etc) to it.

Consideration 4 ” Do You Want To Build It Yourself?

You can build overlap garden sheds yourself but it could take you some time even though you will find that there are instructions contained within the kit explaining the steps to construct it. But should you have never undertaken a project like this before you may not build it properly and could fall apart relatively quickly. So although it does cost more sometimes it is worthwhile actually employing a professional to build the shed for you instead. Not only will they have the necessary skills but also the tools to construct your shed for you in a lot less time and ensure that it will last for many years to come.

Consideration 5 ” How Much Can You Afford To Spend?

There are many different styles of garden sheds one can purchase today, however the main reason for people going for overlap garden sheds is the cost. These tend to be made from relatively inexpensive materials which helps to keep the costs down and are manufactured in such a way that building one is very simple indeed. Generally what you find that the walls of each side of the shed is attached to part of the frame and to build it you just need to join each part of the wall, roof and floors to the others as explained in the instructions provided.

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