1st Choice Garden Sheds Free Buying Advice

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GARDEN SHEDS buying ADVICE

Buying garden sheds has never been easier

Anyone interested in buying garden sheds - whether they want somewhere to store their leisure equipment or gardening supplies - will find a large range on offer at 1st Choice Leisure Buildings. There is a wide selection of garden sheds on offer for any garden or outdoor space, from potting sheds ideally suited for small backyards, to heavy duty workshops that can be used by professionals. As well as garden sheds and workshops, 1st Choice also sells greenhouses, summer houses, log cabins, garages and even wood-built home offices that can be set up in a garden.

Can I view the garden sheds before I buy?

Part of the appeal of buying products such as garden sheds online is the undeniable ease with which internet transactions can be completed. A few clicks are all it takes to have quality garden bases or garden sheds en route to your home or business. However, it can sometimes be difficult to know exactly what you're getting when buying things from the web. Most retailers offer no way to actually see the garden sheds before you place an order, but 1st Choice has set up a special display site at Sutton Green Garden Nursery in Guildford, Surrey, to overcome this problem.

Trentan, Diamond and Humber Garden Sheds

From this site, visitors will be able to spend time perusing the retailer's extensive catalogue of garden sheds, which includes Trentan pressure-treated garden sheds, as well as Diamond and Humber ranges. 1st Choice has been involved in the manufacture of garden sheds for more than THREE decades and follows an ethos that puts quality first; meaning that it only does business with manufacturers whose garden sheds and outdoor buildings it is proud to endorse. All of the products that are sold through the website, including its cheap and inexpensive garden sheds, are made from quality materials and are built to last. The Sutton Green display centre also shows off the company's selection of summer buildings, playhouses and heavy duty workshops.

Should I go for timber, plastic or metal garden sheds?

Another important consideration for buyers of garden sheds to consider is the material from which their outdoor buildings are made. There are timber garden sheds, plastic garden sheds and metal garden sheds on offer, all with their own advantages, and which one is right for you is dependent largely on your needs. For instance, anyone wishing to store high-value or dangerous equipment may benefit from the added security provided by an Asgard metal shed made from extra thick Galvatite steel.

Tips For Choosing Garden Sheds

Whether you are choosing a shed for storage, raising seedlings or some grander scheme, the choice available is huge. Whitewood, redwood, cedar, metal or PVC sheds are available in just about any size you like. You can even have one made to suit your available space, such as that long, thin passageway beside the house. Here are a few points to consider when choosing a shed:

- If your chosen site is within view of the house, the appearance of your shed will be important. Many people consider a timber shed the most attractive option but bear in mind that timber requires more maintenance than metal or PVC. With reasonable care a timber shed can last for many years and most manufacturers will guarantee them for 10 years providing they are placed on a dry base, treated yearly with a water-repellent preservative and the roofing felt is kept in good condition.

- Your available budget may force you to look for the cheapest option; in this case it is probably better to choose a metal shed rather than a low priced timber one since the compromises necessary to bring down the cost of a timber shed will mean a shorter life.

- For timber sheds check the thickness of framework, flooring joists, wall, floor and roof timbers. Many budget sheds have framework of 1" x 1" but your shed will last longer if you choose 2" x 2" framework. Look at the doors too. Diagonal bracing will prevent them from sagging, three hinges are better than two for long life and security. Consider whether you will need double doors to get your mower or other machinery through easily.

- For storage of garden tools and mower, security is important. A good mortise lock or padlocked bolt will put off most opportunistic thieves.

- Smaller sized sheds can be erected by two people easily enough but it is best to have larger ones put up by experienced contractors. Expect to pay £100 - £200 (although some suppliers offer free erection). A dry, level base is important for any type of shed. Concrete, paving slabs or the new "eco-bases" made from tough, recycled plastic modules are all suitable for timber sheds but metal and PVC sheds are usually supplied without a floor and will need to be fixed to a pre-prepared solid concrete or steel base.

- Check the window options, are they glass or Perspex? If you intend to work in your shed you will need opening windows for ventilation. For extra security consider choosing wired glass.

- Again, if you will be spending any amount of time working in your shed, head height will be important for your comfort so check if you can stand up straight inside. Some sheds have short doors which you may find problematic.

- If you are really short on space consider a small storage unit for your garden tools rather than a walk-in shed.

- If you earn money from home and have plenty of room why not consider a shed "home office"?

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