How to Install a Garden Shed

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A garden shed is a great solution for storing all your equipment and can ideal place to relax on warm summer days.

But before you start building the garden shed, it's important to decide how big should it be and if there are any zoning or other regulations in your city that apply to sheds. Garden sheds must be strong to withstand strong winds and storm. Make sure not to make the three common mistakes below when installing your garden shed.

Too many windows

It is an attractive addition to almost any structure, but placing too many windows in a shed may result in excessive weight. Before adding new another one or skylight, take the time to consider the weight of each window and skylight placement.

Improper ventilation

Improper ventilation can cause a plethora of problems in your garden shed, such as nuisance pests, high humidity levels, and mould. If you have adequate space on one wall for the ventilation, be sure to leave at least 2 feet in between it and any exterior doors. This allows for airflow throughout the structure. Each window should be fastened by screws and also include a latch that automatically closes shutters when no longer needed.

Unused space

You may regret adding all those extra storage cabinets if you don't use them after construction. If you are adding a large number of cabinets and other storage units, make sure to leave enough space for people to walk through the structure. This will prevent accidents and increase overall ease of use. Here's how to organise inside a shed efficiently.

Do you need a foundation for a shed?

A shed is not the same as a house and it will not need the same foundation. What you do need is a flat and level surface to place your shed on. This may require some prep work such as levelling the base or installing concrete slabs or blocks for support. A concrete foundation for a shed is next-level and elevates your shed off the base. Consider adding a concrete foundation for your shed if it will be placed on uneven base or subject to moisture or flooding. If your shed is not going to get wet at all, and you aren't concerned about termites, ants or other wood-destroyers that can take up residence in the ground below your structure, then you can probably make do with just the floor of the shed. Ground cover around the base of the walls will help keep water out and away from any buried electrical wiring. A less permanent alternative would be some type of decking material such as pressure-treated lumber or composite boards. These materials are lightweight but sturdy enough to support most garden sheds while preventing excessive moisture from seeping into your wooden floor.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a garden shed?

It might be cheaper to buy an already built shed, but building one yourself can save you even more money in the long run. Ready made garden sheds save time and effort since all you need to do is perform an assembly by following the instructions. If you choose to buy a shed, you are going to have to pay for labour and shipping costs as well as the price of the shed. If you build your own, you can save by doing much of the work yourself.

Depending on how advanced your skills are with carpentry or home-improvement projects in general, an in-ground wood frame shed could cost anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000 for materials alone. Add the cost of additional products (if any). You also need to take into account excavation costs and garden products (optional) if your yard isn't already prepared for a shed foundation.

Tools you need include:

Spirit level.
Screws of different sizes.
Rakes.
Wall frames.

How do you set up a garden shed?

Using gravel as a base enables you to have a firm bed for your shed, and it will also help with drainage. It is essential that the base underneath is flat before you start building your shed, as the uneven surface may cause instability in your shed.

Make sure to add some additional storage space and areas. Sheds are meant fort the long-term, so consider using proper tools to work on the project. There are plenty of guides available, such as this one on how to install a shed door.