View More Garden Shed Images
Click on images below to see larger versions of garden sheds
Click on images below to see larger versions of garden sheds
Click on images below to see larger versions of garden sheds
Click on images below to see larger versions of garden sheds
Click on image below to see larger versions of painted-garden-sheds (Opens new page)
Garden Sheds For Sale
Shop our beautifully crafted sheds — strong, stylish, and designed to transform your outdoor space effortlessly and made to suit you.
FREE Installation *
Toughened Glass
Wooden Floor & Roof
Double Door Option
Shed Showroom
Bespoke Options
Base Building Option
Apex or Pent
Why Trust 1st Choice Leisure Buildings?
Choosing a garden building is an investment, so it's important to buy from a company you can rely on. At 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, we've been helping customers find the right garden sheds, summerhouses, log cabins, garden offices and workshops
since 1979 when
Robin Antill opened the doors. As a
family-run business, we believe in offering honest advice rather than a hard sell. We take the time to understand what you need and help you choose a building that suits your garden, your budget and the way you plan to use it.
Our approach is reflected in our
4.9 Trustpilot rating, where customers regularly mention our friendly, helpful service. We only work with manufacturers we trust, selecting buildings that offer good quality, durability and value for money. Most are made from
FSC®-certified timber and built to cope with the British weather. If you'd rather see a building before you buy, you're welcome to visit one of the
UK's largest garden building display sites. 1st Choice – Known For Quality – Loved For Design - Since 1979
Being able to compare different models and talk things through with our experienced team helps many customers make the right decision. With more than 47 years' experience and over 50,000 buildings supplied across the UK, we've built our reputation on quality products, straightforward advice and customer service you can depend on. We are always available to meet your needs or requirements so
contact us NOW if you would like help or advice.
We live quite far away; is it really worth visiting our show rooms? Absolutely!
We strongly urge anyone looking for a new building – whether it's a new garden shed, summerhouse, workshop, garage, or a full garden room – to
visit and inspect the quality in person before committing to any purchase.
Seeing the craftsmanship, materials and finishes for yourself is the best way to make a confident and informed decision.
Whilst we cannot display everything we offer, we have carefully selected around 80 different buildings that allow us to demonstrate almost every feature, design option, and construction detail in one form or another.
This allows you to compare styles, sizes and specifications, ask any questions you may have, and find the building that best suits your needs.
So, yes, it is absolutely worth visiting.
Click here to see what buildings on display. If you are unsure then
why not walk through our site virtually using our walk through tour below (or
click here to open in a new full screen window). Garden Shed Buying Guide
Buying a garden shed isn’t something you do every year, so it’s worth taking the time to choose one that’s built to last. While price is always important, the cheapest shed isn’t always the best value. A well-constructed wooden shed should provide decades of reliable storage, protect your tools from the British weather, and continue to look good in your garden for years to come.
At 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, we’ve been supplying quality garden buildings since 1979. Our Diamond, Sapphire and Platinum sheds are made in the UK by specialist manufacturers using quality materials, and every building includes free professional installation as standard.
What Makes a Quality Garden Shed?
When comparing sheds, don’t focus solely on the price tag. Look at the quality of the timber, the thickness of the framing, the strength of the floor, and the roofing materials. A well-built shed may cost a little more initially but is often far better value than replacing a budget shed after only a few years.
We use quality timber wherever possible rather than cheaper sheet materials, giving you a stronger, more attractive building that’s designed to withstand years of British weather. Our Diamond, Sapphire and Platinum ranges also feature toughened glass windows as standard, offering greater durability and improved safety compared with ordinary glass.
Choosing the Right Size
Selecting the correct size is just as important as choosing the right specification. A shed that’s too small can quickly become overcrowded, while paying for space you’ll never use isn’t the most cost-effective option. Consider not only what you need to store today but whether your storage requirements are likely to grow in the future.
How Much Does a Garden Shed Cost?
The average cost of a garden shed depends on its size, materials and specification. As a guide, a medium-sized 6ft x 8ft shed typically costs between £550 and £1,400 for supply only, while a larger 8ft x 10ft metal shed may cost around £650 to £700. Professional installation generally ranges from £150 to £450, depending on the size and complexity of the building.
Prices naturally vary according to the quality of materials, construction methods and the supplier. Like many purchases, comparing sheds purely on price is like comparing a basic family car with a Ferrari. Whenever possible, it’s worth viewing a shed in person before making your decision.
Why Choose a Wooden Garden Shed?
Wooden sheds remain the most popular choice for UK gardens thanks to their traditional appearance, strength and versatility. Timber buildings blend naturally into most outdoor spaces and can easily be painted or stained to suit your garden.
They’re also simple to customise with shelving, workbenches, insulation or additional storage as your needs change. Like any timber product, wooden sheds do require occasional treatment, but with regular maintenance, a quality timber shed can provide decades of reliable service.
If you’d like to learn more, read our guide on the pros and cons of wooden garden sheds.
Customise Your Shed
Every garden is different, so many of our sheds can be adapted to suit your available space. If you need a different size, would like the doors or windows repositioned, or have more specific requirements, ask and we’ll do our best to help.
You can also choose from a range of paint finishes or add insulation if you’re planning to use your shed as a workshop, hobby room or garden office.
Finding an Affordable Garden Shed
It’s entirely possible to find a competitively priced garden shed without compromising on quality. The key is to compare construction standards rather than simply choosing the lowest price. Check the framing, flooring, roof covering, timber thickness and included features before making your decision.
For more practical advice, read our guide on how to find an affordable garden shed without compromising on quality.
See Before You Buy
If you’d like to inspect the quality for yourself, visit our show sites in Guildford and Woking. You can compare different ranges, discuss your requirements, and receive expert advice before placing your order.
A Family Business Since 1979
As a family-run business, we believe in honest advice, sensible prices and well-built garden buildings. We don’t rely on gimmicks or unrealistic guarantees—just quality products, realistic lead times and friendly, knowledgeable service.
If you’d like further advice on choosing the right shed, get in touch or visit our Surrey display site between Woking, Guildford and Ripley. We’ll be happy to help you find the ideal garden shed for your needs.
1st Choice Tip… Choose quality timber, strong framing and professional installation for a shed that delivers lasting value for decades.
Did you know? Our wooden sheds include free professional installation and toughened glass windows as standard.
Shed Assembly Knowledge Guide
Can You Build Your Own Shed?
Building your own shed is certainly possible, particularly with smaller models that are designed for straightforward assembly. Having another person to help move and position the panels will make the job much easier. The most important part of the installation is ensuring the roof and roofing felt are fitted correctly. Poor installation can allow water to enter the building, potentially damaging anything stored inside.
Many homeowners choose professional installation instead. At 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, free installation is included as standard, ensuring your shed is assembled correctly, saving you time and helping to maximise the lifespan of your garden building.
Is It Cheaper to Build Your Own Garden Shed?
Building a shed from scratch can be more affordable in some cases, especially if you source materials carefully. However, the overall cost depends on factors such as the shed’s size, the quality of materials, the tools required and the amount of time you are willing to invest.
While a DIY build gives you complete control over the design, many manufacturers, including 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, can create bespoke sheds to your exact requirements while also taking care of the installation. Before deciding, it is worth weighing the potential savings against the time, effort and equipment needed to complete the project.
Can You Put a Shed on Paving Slabs?
Yes, a shed can be installed on paving slabs, provided they create a solid, level and well-supported foundation. A good base is essential for preventing issues such as rot, movement and wind damage, all of which can shorten the life of your shed.
Paving slabs are one of several suitable foundation options alongside concrete bases, timber beams and timber subframes. If you are unsure which base is right for your garden, our guide to shed base ideas and construction explains the different options, how to build them, maintenance advice and when it may be worth hiring a professional.
How Much Space Should You Leave Between a Shed and a Fence?
In most parts of the UK, you can position a shed close to your property boundary, provided no part of the building extends into your neighbour’s land. If the shed is within 2 metres of the boundary, it generally must not exceed 2.5 metres in height under permitted development rules.
Although it is possible to build close to a fence, leaving around 500mm of space is recommended. This provides room for future maintenance, repairs and the application of wood treatment.
Before installing your shed, it is always sensible to check any local planning restrictions and your property’s deeds and, where appropriate, discuss your plans with your neighbour.
How to Dismantle a Shed Safely
Taking a shed apart is often more challenging than building one, especially if you plan to reuse or relocate it rather than demolish it. Careful planning, the right tools and a methodical approach will help you dismantle the structure safely without damaging reusable components.
Whether you are replacing an old shed, moving it to a new location or creating more garden space, following the correct process will make the job much easier. Read our expert guide on how to dismantle a shed for step-by-step advice and practical tips.
1st Choice Tip… Leave around 500mm behind your shed for easier maintenance, repairs and wood treatment.
Did you know? Most sheds don’t require planning permission if they meet height limits.
Choosing, Looking After & Getting the Most from Your Garden Shed
A good garden shed should last for many years, but choosing the right one in the first place makes all the difference. The cheapest option isn’t always the best value, especially if it’s built with lower-quality materials that won’t stand up to the British weather.
Whenever possible, see a shed before you buy it. Many companies only sell online, so you don’t get the chance to judge the quality until it arrives. At Leisure Buildings, our Diamond, Sapphire and Platinum sheds and workshops are on display in our showrooms, so you can inspect the construction, timber and finish for yourself. If a supplier can’t show you their buildings before you buy, it’s worth asking why.
If you’re comparing different manufacturers, our shed buying guide explains what to look for and the questions worth asking before you place an order.
How Long Should a Garden Shed Last?
A well-built timber shed should comfortably last 20 to 30 years, and often much longer if it’s looked after properly. The biggest factors are the quality of the timber, how it’s built and how well it’s maintained over the years.
Be cautious of sheds made using lower-grade sheet materials such as OSB (Oriented Strand Board). Once these boards absorb moisture, they can swell and break down, making them less suitable for an outdoor building that’s expected to cope with the British climate.
Looking After Your Shed
Like anything that’s left outside all year, a shed benefits from a little attention now and then. Checking the roof, keeping gutters and surrounding areas clear, treating the timber when needed and fixing small problems before they become bigger ones will help keep your building in excellent condition.
Most maintenance jobs only need doing once a year and don’t take long. Our guide to shed maintenance and repairs covers everything you need to know.
Should You Paint Your Shed?
Painting your shed isn’t just about appearance. A quality exterior wood treatment helps protect the timber from rain, UV rays and general weathering while giving your garden building a fresh new look.
Whether you prefer a traditional natural finish or a bold modern colour, a painted shed can become an attractive feature of the garden as well as a practical place to store tools, furniture and garden equipment.
If you’re thinking about giving your shed a new lease of life, our guide explains everything you need to know about painting and protecting your shed.
1st Choice Tip… Choose a well-built timber shed and maintain it annually for decades of reliable use and better long-term.
Did you know? OSB panels can swell after prolonged exposure to moisture.
Why It’s Worth Seeing a Shed Before You Buy
Nothing Beats Seeing It for Yourself
Photos on a website can only tell you so much. If you’re spending good money on a garden building, it’s well worth seeing one in the flesh before you make your mind up.
When you visit a showroom, you can check the quality of the timber, see how the doors and windows are made, make sure there’s enough headroom, and get a proper feel for the build quality. It’s much easier to compare buildings side by side and spot the difference between something that’s built to last and something that’s simply cheap.
Some online-only companies ask you to buy without ever seeing the product first. That’s a big ask. If a company won’t let you see what they’re selling, it’s worth asking why.
At 1st Choice, we’d much rather you came and had a proper look. Our showrooms near Woking, Ripley and Guildford are full of display buildings, so you can open the doors, step inside, ask questions and buy with confidence. We’ve always believed that the cheapest shed isn’t always the best buy.
1st Choice Tip… Visit a showroom before buying to compare quality, construction and size, so you choose a shed with confidence.
Did you know? Seeing a shed in person reveals quality details photos simply can’t show.
Garden Shed Insulation Guide: Why It’s Worth It
If you spend a lot of time in the garden, your shed soon becomes more than just somewhere to store the lawnmower. It’s where you keep your tools, pots, garden furniture, and all those bits you don’t want cluttering up the house.
Like anything left outdoors, a garden shed has to cope with the British weather. Cold nights, warm days and damp conditions can all take their toll, and one of the biggest problems we see is condensation. Left unchecked, it can lead to mould, rust and damaged belongings.
Adding insulation is one of the simplest ways to make your shed more comfortable and protect what’s inside. It helps keep temperatures steadier throughout the year, which means less moisture building up and a better environment for your tools and equipment.
How Insulation Helps Reduce Condensation
Condensation forms when warm, damp air hits a cold surface. It’s something we often see in sheds during autumn and winter, especially if they’re used for storage or as a workshop.
Insulation helps by reducing the difference between the temperature inside the shed and the outside. That means less moisture collecting on the walls and roof, helping to keep the building drier. Pair it with good ventilation, and you’ll have a shed that’s much easier to look after all year round.
5 Reasons to Insulate Your Garden Shed
We’ve all opened the shed after a spell of hot or cold weather to find rusty tools, damp cushions or boxes that have seen better days. A bit of insulation can make a real difference.
- Helps reduce condensation and damp.
- Protects tools, furniture and stored items from extreme temperatures.
- Keeps the shed cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Makes the space more comfortable if you use it as a workshop or hobby room.
- Helps your shed and everything inside it last longer.
If you’re investing in a quality garden building, it’s worth protecting it. An insulated shed is easier to use throughout the year and gives you peace of mind that your tools, equipment and other garden essentials are being looked after.
1st Choice Tip… Insulate your garden shed to reduce condensation, protect stored items, and enjoy a more comfortable space year-round.
Did you know? Insulation helps prevent condensation, reducing mould, rust, and moisture damage inside your shed.
Planning Permission for Garden Sheds: A Simple Guide
One of the first questions we’re asked is, “Do I need planning permission for a garden shed?” The answer is usually no, but it depends on where you live and the size and position of your shed. Getting it right from the start can save you a lot of hassle later on.
Will My Shed Need Planning Permission?
In most cases, a standard garden shed can be built under permitted development, which means you won’t need planning permission. There are a few rules to follow, though, especially if your shed is particularly large, close to a boundary, or your home is in a conservation area or listed.
Everything You Need to Know
We’ve put together this guide to explain the planning rules in plain English. Whether you’re buying a small storage shed or a larger garden building, you’ll find everything you need to know before you get started.
1st Choice Tip… Your shed’s height, position, and property type determine whether planning permission is needed.
Did you know? Most garden sheds are covered by permitted development, so planning permission usually isn’t required.
Garden Shed Knowledge Guide
Thinking about adding another shed, putting in electrics or turning your shed into a garden office? We’ve put together these handy guides to help you understand what’s involved before you get started.
How Many Sheds Can I Have in My Garden?
There’s no set legal limit on how many sheds you can have in your garden. The important thing is that your garden buildings follow UK planning rules.
You’ll need to consider the size and height of each shed, where it sits in the garden and how much of the land around your house is covered by outbuildings. These rules are there to keep garden buildings sensible for the size of the property and to prevent problems for neighbours.
Our guide explains whether you can have two or more sheds in your garden without having to apply for planning permission.
How to Wire a Garden Shed Safely
Adding electricity to a shed is much more common than it used to be. After all, plenty of people now use their garden buildings as workshops, hobby rooms, home offices or somewhere to relax, rather than simply storing tools and lawnmowers.
Our guide to shed electrics covers the main things you need to think about when adding power, lighting and sockets to a garden shed safely.
How to Convert a Shed into a Garden Room or Office
A good-quality shed can make a very practical garden office, hobby room or quiet space away from the house. With some insulation, suitable flooring, lighting and a bit of thought about the layout, it can become a comfortable room you’ll use throughout the year.
Our guide explains how to convert a shed into a garden office, with useful advice on making the space warmer, brighter and more pleasant to work in.
1st Choice Tip… Make the most of your garden shed with expert guides on planning rules, electrics and garden office conversions.
Did you know? There’s no legal limit on sheds if UK planning rules are followed.