And when you’re ready to take the plunge into garden storage, there’s yet another set of criteria that you need to pay close attention to. Having a convenient shed you can use for your tools or as bike storage is a great way to look after your garden, but it can be overwhelming to make a decision with so many options on the market.

How Do You Choose a Shed for Your Garden?

Naturally, each garden shed will differ depending on the purpose it’s supposed to serve. But, there are a few fundamental factors that put every shed in a certain category and draw clear lines between them.

Size and Available Space

When it comes to garden storage, size matters. You’ll need something that doesn’t take up too much room in your yard but is large enough to store all your gardening tools and other items. Make sure to take precise measurements of the space you’re looking to convert into a shed and check if available models fit within it.

For smaller areas, a compact 3×3 meter shed is normally the most suitable option. It’s not overbearing or imposing, and it still offers plenty of room for your essentials and more. On the other hand, for more sizeable gardens and yards, a 6×6 meter shed is ideal as it provides plenty of storage space without taking up too much real estate.

Whether you decide to go for a 3×3 meter shed or something larger, make sure to leave a few metres of free space around it. This will not only make your gardening experience more enjoyable but also help with maintenance and improve ventilation within the shed itself.

Material and Finish

The material you choose will be one of the largest contributors to the overall look and feel of your unit. Wooden sheds are the traditional option as they blend in perfectly with the natural environment. Their golden colour and grain patterns also add an extra layer of charm to an already aesthetically pleasing design.

However, if you’re looking for something that can withstand harsher weather conditions and is easier to maintain, then a metal shed is probably the right choice. Most models are designed with galvanised steel and coated in powder paint to ensure protection from rust and deterioration.

Finally, a plastic model is a great middle-ground between the wooden and metal designs. It’s lightweight, waterproof and comes in multiple colour combinations to match your existing setup.

Cladding

Both 3×3 meter sheds and their larger counterparts come with different types of cladding. This refers to the outer layer of your unit which is responsible for providing protection from weather and other external factors.

Wooden models are generally covered in tongue and groove timber planks, which gives them an aesthetically pleasing finish. On the other hand, metal units are typically equipped with corrugated steel sheets to provide extra durability and corrosion resistance.

Overlap cladding is also available for both types of sheds and is a great choice for gardeners who don’t want to spend too much time on maintenance. It features individual panels that overlap each other, creating a dense barrier against the elements.

Roof and Floor Design

The way your shed is designed can drastically change its purpose and utility. Roofs and floors act as the framework for each model and need to be designed accordingly.

The roof in particular can have an apex, pent or reverse apex design depending on what you need. An apex roof allows for better ventilation, while a pent roof is more suitable for areas with high levels of precipitation.

When it comes to flooring, a plastic base is normally the most practical option as it’s easy to clean and resistant to weather damage. However, wooden floors provide more support and stability when storing heavier items.

Door and Window Configuration

The door is the main point of access to your shed, so it needs to be designed right. The more common models feature a single side-hinged unit with a handle and a lock for added security. For larger sheds, double-hinged doors are available in addition to the single option, with the added benefit of a wider opening.

Windows are also an important feature, as they allow for ventilation and natural light to enter the unit. Some sheds come with standard windows, while others have more sophisticated designs with adjustable panes.

Installation and Maintenance

The installation process for a shed will depend on its size, material, and complexity. Smaller models usually don’t require any special tools or knowledge and can be put together in a few hours. Larger units, on the other hand, might need the help of a professional and come with more detailed instructions.

Once the shed is up and running, it’s important to keep it clean and dry at all times. This will help avoid the deterioration of the material and make sure your items remain safe from external agents. Depending on the unit, you might need to perform some basic maintenance tasks on a regular basis, such as oiling hinges and screws or repainting wood.

The post Discover How to Choose a Shed for Your Garden appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

Adds aesthetic value

With a narrow shed, your garden will get elegant simplicity and beauty. A quality and well-designed small shed can stand out in the backyard as a simply beautiful and efficient unit. Large models usually look oversized and bulky, disturbing the harmony in your yard. Plus, the more space you have the more likely you are to fill your shed with unnecessary things that you should’ve just thrown away.

Promotes a minimalistic lifestyle

Even in home interior design, minimalism is adored. More and more people are starting to realize that having tons of things at home is not the key to happiness. Often times we buy things we don’t need, so if you need the shed just for storing basic stuff like gardening tools, there is no point in spending money on something that will take up a lot of garden space. A small shed encourages you to prioritize what is most important and resist the urge to buy more things.

Better organization

One of the problems is associating a narrow garden shed with chaos and disorganization. But, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The biggest factor that contributes to making a mess is clutter. So, the solution is not buying a bigger shed that you will fill with even more stuff and clutter. Just get rid of the extra gadgets and items you don’t even use and organize your space. Clutter adds to your stress levels and overloads your senses. A small shed will encourage you to clean out the clutter and organize your most essential items.

A narrow outdoor shed fits anywhere

One of the most obvious benefits of a narrow shed is that it doesn’t take up a lot of space and can fit anywhere in your garden. Metal units are lightweight so you can easily move them from one location to another. They are urban-friendly and can fit in small backyards contributing to your space instead of taking away from it.

Small sheds are very versatile. Aside from being perfect for storing your tools and other household items, they can be used for various other purposes. With more and more businesses today turning to the work-from-home concept, you can easily escape from the noise in your home and build your private home office where you can work in peace. After a hard day at work, you can leave your small shed and take your time to relax in your backyard. Also, a small shed can be turned into the perfect knitting room, if knitting is one of your hobbies. And since sewing requires creativity, patience and time, a small workspace will allow you for optimal productivity and focus.

Do you enjoy painting? Or maybe you have a little Picasso in your family that is making a mess all around the house? Using the shed as an art studio for you or your little painter is more than a good idea. Artists thrive on space to create, design and dream. The unit will provide enough space for your little painter’s imagination and his/her painting supplies and canvases. Furthermore, this unit can also be the perfect spot for book lovers where they can escape and dive in the world of their favourite books. Small storage can be a reader’s paradise that offers them a comfortable and cosy environment. It can also be the perfect workshop for men, where your DIY professional can realize his project and keep all his tools and supplies on hand and your home mess-free.

Wondering how to set up a garden shed? This all depends on the type you choose. Metal sheds are surprisingly easy to be installed. They come as a kit with all the items you will need for installation so all you need is to be a little bit handy to set up the unit. Does a garden shed need a concrete base? This is another good side of small, metal sheds. They don’t necessarily need a hard structure underneath them to be installed. This makes them not just easy to install but also an affordable choice. Made of sturdy metal, they will last for many years to come. Plus, they are a safe choice because they are fire and water-resistant and you can even paint them in any colour you want.

The post Is Smaller Better? Reasons to Buy a Narrow Shed for You Garden appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.