Buying guide to sheds
No matter what size your garden, a shed is the most practical of garden structures. It will protect your tools and other outdoor equipment from the weather whilst keeping them secure and tidy, it can be used for storing bikes and lawnmowers, as a workshop or potting shed. A garden shed can be a both practical and pretty addition to your garden.
Garden sheds come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and it’s sometimes hard to know where to start when choosing a new one. Here are some handy tips on everything you need to know when you’re shopping for a new Shed.
What size shed?
Think about what you’re going to store in your garden shed and what you want to use it for. Is it for storing and organising smaller items like tools and children’s toys, do you need something larger for lawn mowers and bikes, or do you need something that lets in light and that you can walk around inside, maybe you want to have a potting bench, storage racking or space for a workbench. Measure the space you’ve got available in your garden.
When shopping for a shed make sure you look at the specification details – you’ll need to know the footprint of the shed so you can get the base correct but make sure you take into account extra dimensions such as any roof overhangs. It’s also a good idea to check the ridge and eaves height of the sheds you’re looking at, as well as the height of the door. Some sheds are lower than others and it’s important that you get a practical building that you can use and stand up in. All DecKing sheds have extended door and eaves heights.
When shopping for sheds check the dimensions, the majority of sheds are quoted in Feet and sometimes figures can be rounded up so check the metric equivalent for the exact size of the Shed you’re interested in. Also make sure you’re clear on the width and the depth of your shed. Depending on where you shop terms can be interchangeable e.g. a 6’x4’ shed is generally a shed which is 4ft wide and 6ft deep but it’s always worth checking in the specification details. ​
What style of shed?
Apex, Reverse Apex, Pent?
Apex Shed
A Shed with an Apex roof means there is a ridge running along the length of the shed with the roof sections sloping upwards from either side of the eaves meeting at the ridge. This type of shed is a popular choice because of its versatility and practicality as well as its traditional and attractive appearance. Typically, this style of shed will be used for storing equipment at the back and sides whilst keeping an aisle clear in the middle. An 8’ x 6 ‘Apex shed is big enough to store a family’s bikes, have some storage shelving at the back and still have space left for tools.
Reverse Apex Shed
A Reverse Apex Shed is similar to an Apex shed, the main difference is that the door and any windows are situated on the wider side of the building, rather than at the end underneath the ridge. The highest point of the shed will run lengthways. This is an efficient layout particularly for smaller sheds where a smaller width makes it difficult to keep a centre aisle clear for access as well as using the sides and back for storage.​ ​​
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Pent Shed
A Pent shed has a single sloping roof section usually sloping down towards the back, allowing rain water to run off the building. This creates generous head room at the front of the shed. This style of shed lends itself well to being put up against a wall or fence and can be a good option if the main use of the shed is for storage. They can also be a good choice if you want to have a work bench or potting bench at the front, particularly if you choose a windowed option.
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What construction type of shed do I need?
Overlap, Shiplap, Tongue & Groove?
Overlap Sheds
This traditional rustic style shed is created with overlapping boards to allow rainwater to run off. A square cut overlap timber board construction allows flexibility and movement of the timber. As temperature and humidity levels change from season to season the boards will shrink and expand. Often the most cost-effective style of wooden shed, it is reliable and long-lasting. Overlap boards do not form a closed seal so they are more prone to moisture and draughts. This is not a problem if the shed is to be used for garden storage. DecKing's Overlap sheds are made with 7mm Boards. These sheds are the best 'cost effective' option.
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Shiplap Sheds
Designed to last and made of smooth-planed slow grown kiln dried timber. Shiplap sheds use interlocking Tongue & Groove boards that feature a scalloped profile at the top of each board which gives a distinctive and traditional aesthetic. The tongue and grooves slot into each other to create a reliable weatherproof joint, less likely to bend and warp. They are wind and water proof. DecKing's Shiplap sheds are made with 12mm thick boards. These sheds are the best Mid Range sheds.​
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Tongue & Groove Sheds
Designed to last, these premium sheds feature interlocking Tongue & Groove boards that have a flat profile for a contemporary look. The tight-fitting nature of the construction offers good protection from wind and rain penetration. This cladding is secure and durable and boards will often be thicker than other types of construction. DecKing's Tongue & Groove sheds use 12mm, smooth-planed slow grown kiln dried timber boards. These sheds are the best Premium option.
What Shed Treatment?
Dip Treated or Pressure Treated?
Dip Treated Sheds
The timber used in these shed constructions is usually finished with a factory applied treatment which provides some initial protection against fungal decay. This is often a dip treatment which means the timber has been immersed in the treatment solution – timber is dipped into a tank containing a preservative which is absorbed into its surface. The timber is removed and left to dry.
A shed with this type of finish will need to be re-treated every year to protect the timber from rotting. Dip treated products normally have a golden brown/amber appearance when new, but this will fade over time. These sheds usually come with a 10 year warranty.
DecKing do not sell any dip treated sheds.
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Pressure Treated Sheds
Pressure Treated sheds are maintenance free. These sheds have the anti-rot solution forced into the cellular structure of the timber at high pressure to give them greater resistance to rot. Timber is loaded into a tank and a vacuum empties it of air. The tank is then flooded under pressure with preservative, the preservative is drawn deep into the timber before it is left to dry.
Pressure Treated sheds have a more natural timber colouration and will blend into their surroundings.
All DecKing Sheds are Pressure Treated and come with a market leading 25 year warranty.
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Is a shed easy to assemble?
The majority of sheds require self-assembly and you’ll usually need at least two people to install it safely, ensuring you always follow the instructions provided with your shed. Assembly is relatively straightforward for someone with competent DIY skills though it is important to get everything aligned properly before screwing it together and screw holes should be pre-drilled to avoid splitting the timber. DecKing also offers an installation service for all Sheds in the range. Delivery & Installation within 14 days.
You’ll need a solid, level base before installing your shed. Concrete, paving slabs laid on sharp sand and hardcore, or timber foundations, can all be used. All of our sheds are available with timber foundations. If you add timber foundations (a base) and installation - we will build the base for you and site your new shed.​​​
Have an old shed? Need it taken down and removed.. we can do that as well (available at additional cost), please contact us when purchasing your new shed to arrange.
