An History Of Garden Sheds – From Caves To The Present Day

These buildings are a British institution and have been popular for many years. Even before the 2nd world war sheds in the garden were popular with the nation when we all gardeners ‘dug for victory’. Since then, they have played a large role in the hearts of the nation. There are now few gardens which don’t have a building of some sort whether it is a small garden hut or a large wooden shed.

Whether it’s small behind a modern house or in a large garden shed for a more affluent home – you will find these buildings are very well used. Generally, houses built between the 1930s and ’50s have substantial gardens. This is where larger garden sheds are to be found.As we got into the 90’s gardens became smaller, putting constraints on the size of the shed which could be built and corner sheds become more popular. After the housing bubble burst houses tended to be made with tiny gardens so only the smallest ones would fit the bill.To a certain degree, the rich have affected the attitude of what their ‘garden sheds’ are like. The amount of money spent on some of their ‘sheds’ is ludicrous – at least to most people with a more modest purse. Some of these buildings are on a very grand scale to match their huge houses and estates.There is even a name for some of these constructions, and that is the English folly, and one of the earliest was Wimpole’s Folly in Cambridgeshire. These buildings serve no purpose and are only built because that can be. Often a sign of showing off by these people with more money than sense.

To a certain degree, the rich have affected the attitude of what their ‘garden sheds’ are like. The amount of money spent on some of their ‘sheds’ is ludicrous – at least to most people with a more modest purse. Some of these buildings are on a very grand scale to match their huge houses and estates. There is even a name for some of these constructions, and that is the English folly, and one of the earliest was Wimpole’s Folly in Cambridgeshire. These buildings serve no purpose and are only built because that can be. Often a sign of showing off by these people with more money than sense.

In essence, storage sheds are normally single-storey buildings used in the garden more often, allotments. The size of the building varies depending on the use, needs and more importantly, the available space. In all instances, all these buildings play a useful role in the day to day life. The sheer versatility is helped by the many different designs which are available.

From very basic huts to high-end buildings suitable for a multitude of uses. Essentially, these garden sheds consist of an internal frame onto which cladding is secured. Many sheds waterproofed against the elements. The roof is normally either apex (gable or V’shaped) or pent (single or mono-pitched). Although some buildings, usually in the higher price bracket, can sometimes have a hip roof like that on the house. These are quite striking buildings, but the price can put a lot of people off. The reason for the price is the complexity of manufacture.

These buildings come in a variety of materials such as wood, timber, metal, steel, plastic or concrete. Often the choice of material used for these tends to be a personal choice, but different claddings have varying pros and cons. Timber sheds tend to be most popular due to the natural feel it the material gives. However, whilst they are strong, one of the downsides is they need to be treated to maintain their long life.Tanalised or pressure-treated ones won’t require as much maintenance. They usually last for around 15 years, so are very popular. Some sheds are made from galvanised steel with an extended guarantee against rust, so no treating of these sheds is required. Beware of metal buildings which are ‘electro-plated’ rather than ‘hot-dipped galvanised’. This treatment won’t last as long.

Sheds made from more durable materials won’t rust so are a viable proposition for the owner who does not want any maintenance issues. However, these type of units can look a little bland and industrial but do serve their purpose in the garden very well.

Concrete is the ‘bruiser’ of the shed world. Being made from solid concrete, they don’t need any maintenance to speak off. They can brush aside everything that the weather throws at them. One of the downsides of these is the limitation in sizes available and. Also, to some people, they can feel rather utilitarian.

These buildings has evolved during history to suit their surroundings. This is why corner garden sheds have been more common where people try to make the most of all of their gardens. Along with the standard pent or mono-pitch, apex or gable buildings these corner buildings are very popular, and it’s easy to understand why.