1st Choice - Known For Quality - Loved For Design - Since 1979 EARLYBIRD DISCOUNTS See our customer reviews on Trustpilot
1st Choice - Known For Quality - Loved For Design EARLYBIRD DISCOUNTS
1st Choice - Known For Quality DISCOUNTS

A Walk Through Time: How Garden Sheds Have Transformed Over the Years

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 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 90s gardens became smaller, putting constraints on the size of sheds which could be built and corner sheds became more popular. After the housing bubble burst houses tended to be built with tiny gardens so only the smallest ones would fit the bill.

Shed Understanding the Basics of a Shed

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 available designs. 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 are 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 on a 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.

Shed Materials Choosing the Right Option for Your Needs

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 the most popular due to the natural feel 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 normally last for around 15 years, so are very popular. Some sheds are made from galvanised steel with a long 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 types 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. Also, to some people, they can feel rather utilitarian.

1st Choice for All sort Of Sheds

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

Sheds are important to most homes so it’s important to buy one which will last and be an asset. The Diamond and Platinum range of wooden sheds which include potting sheds are made by family businesses with great quality values.

Made from long-lasting redwood with toughened glass, strong framing and doors, they will withstand everything the weather will throw at them. Free installation included. We also offer a base-building and insulation service.

If the standard sizes or styles don’t suit your needs we can make a bespoke shed for YOU. Don’t accept second best and have a garden shed to suit your home.

We always advise people to see what they are buying to ensure they get what they are expecting. So take a drive down to our Surrey showrooms and see the quality for yourself. You won’t find pushy salespeople only free buying advice and you will be very welcome.

If quality big, large, small & the best wooden sheds are on your shopping list, then our range of buildings should meet your needs. Made to suit your needs in size and design you don’t have to compromise.

And we have a large UK display site near to Woking and Guildford in Surrey, so you can view examples for yourself and see the quality, sizes and styles. Open seven days a week for your convenience at Guildford.

Most garden sheds include free delivery & assembly. Take the opportunity to browse our range of buildings online & then come down to see us, a family business started in 1979.

About Author:

Robin Antill is an established authority in the field of quality garden building manufacturing, boasting over four decades of experience. Having founded Titan Garden Buildings in 1979, he demonstrated a commitment to excellence from the outset by moving away from subpar materials and embarking on crafting buildings of superior quality.


His lineage of craftsmanship, traced back to his father and grandfather's business in Cleethorpes, underscores his dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Robin's son, Craig, who joined the business in 1990, brings additional expertise, having honed his skills at Guildford College in joinery.


Together, they elevated Titan Garden Buildings, which eventually evolved into 1st Choice Leisure Buildings. Their enduring focus on premium materials, top-notch manufacturing, and unparalleled customer service, along with Craig's digital acumen in creating the company's online presence, showcase their expertise and reliability in the industry.


Robin’s expertise was featured in Realtor.com, Homes&Gardens, The London Economic, and dozens other publications.


Woking Show Site
1st Choice Leisure Buildings
Woking Garden Buildings Show Site
Sutton Green Garden Centre,
Whitmoor Ln, Sutton Green,
Guildford,
GU4 7QA
Phone 01483 237550