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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. Since 1979, we've supplied over 50,000 buildings across the UK, building 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). Diamond vs Sapphire vs Platinum Garden Sheds
Our Diamond, Sapphire and Platinum timber sheds offer different levels of specification, size and flexibility. Diamond is an excellent starting point for everyday storage and larger bespoke sheds, Sapphire adds pressure-treated construction and insulation options, while the Platinum Southampton and Fareham ranges are designed for customers wanting a larger, higher-specification building suitable for storage, hobbies or more regular use.
| Feature | Diamond | Sapphire | Platinum Southampton & Fareham |
| Best for | Everyday storage, gardening, DIY and larger bespoke sheds | Higher-specification storage, hobbies and customers wanting insulation options | Large storage, hobbies, workshop-style use and more regular use |
| Price position | £ – Best value | ££ – Mid-range | £££ – Premium specification |
| Typical size range | Selected models from approx. 4×3 up to 28×12 ft | Main ranges approx. 7×5 to 12×10 ft | Approx. 8×6 to 20×16 ft |
| Pressure-treated construction | Pressure-treated floor joists; specification varies by model | Yes – pressure-treated construction is a key feature | Yes – pressure-treated floor, cladding and framing |
| Insulation | Available on selected buildings, but not the main focus | Full insulation option available | Full lining and insulation options available |
| Bespoke flexibility | Excellent – broad choice of sizes and configurations | Good choice of layouts and options | Excellent – doors and windows can be configured to suit |
| Glazing | Toughened glass | Toughened glass | Toughened glass opening windows |
| Installation | Professional fitting included in applicable areas | Professional fitting included in applicable areas | Professional assembly included in applicable areas |
| Why choose it? | You want quality, flexibility and plenty of size choices at a competitive price | You want pressure-treated construction and insulation potential without moving to the largest Platinum buildings | You want a substantial, pressure-treated building suitable for storage and more intensive use |
Specifications and available options vary by individual model, size and configuration. Check the specifications of your chosen building before ordering.
Why Choose a Diamond Garden Shed?
Diamond is a strong choice if you want a quality timber shed with a particularly wide selection of sizes and bespoke options. The range covers compact garden storage through to much larger sheds, making it suitable for tools, lawn mowers, bicycles, garden furniture, DIY equipment, and general household storage.
Reasons to Choose Diamond
- You want excellent value for money.
- You mainly need practical garden storage.
- You want a particularly wide choice of sizes.
- You need a larger or bespoke shed.
- You want flexibility over doors and windows.
- You do not need full insulation as a priority.
Why Might Diamond Be Right for You?
Diamond could be right for you if your priority is getting the size, layout and storage space you need without paying for specifications you may not use. For everyday garden storage, DIY, and occasional hobby use, it offers an excellent balance of quality, flexibility, and price.
Why Choose a Sapphire Garden Shed?
Sapphire sits between Diamond and the larger Platinum Southampton and Fareham buildings. It is particularly attractive if you want a pressure-treated timber shed with a higher specification and the option to add insulation for hobbies or more frequent use.
Reasons to Choose Sapphire
- You want pressure-treated timber construction.
- You want a step up in specification from a conventional garden shed.
- You may want to add full insulation.
- You intend to use the shed for hobbies as well as storage.
- You want a painted finish option.
- You do not require the larger dimensions available from Platinum Southampton or Fareham.
Why Might Sapphire Be Right for You?
Sapphire could be the ideal middle ground if you want more than straightforward garden storage but do not need a large premium workshop-style building. Its pressure-treated construction and insulation options make it particularly useful for customers who expect to spend more time inside their shed.
Why Choose a Platinum Southampton or Fareham Shed?
The Platinum Southampton and Fareham ranges are substantial pressure-treated buildings designed for customers wanting more space and a higher overall specification. Pressure-treated floors, cladding and framing are combined with wide double doors and opening toughened-glass windows, while optional lining and insulation can make the building more suitable for regular hobby or workshop-style use.
Reasons to Choose Platinum Southampton or Fareham
- You need a larger garden building.
- You want pressure-treated floor, cladding and framing.
- You want wide double doors for easier access.
- You want opening windows for light and ventilation.
- You plan to use the building for hobbies, crafts or DIY as well as storage.
- You want full lining and insulation options.
- You are happy to invest more for a higher specification.
Why Might Platinum Be Right for You?
Southampton or Fareham could be right for you if your shed will be more than somewhere to store a lawnmower and garden tools. If you want a substantial building where you can comfortably spend time on hobbies, DIY or other projects, the additional specification and insulation options can make the extra investment worthwhile.
Which Garden Shed Range Should I Choose?
| Your Main Requirement | Start With |
| Everyday garden storage | Diamond |
| Best balance of price and flexibility | Diamond |
| Very large or bespoke shed | Diamond |
| Pressure-treated shed | Sapphire or Platinum |
| Insulated shed for hobbies | Sapphire |
| Good middle ground between storage shed and workshop | Sapphire |
| Large pressure-treated building | Platinum Southampton / Fareham |
| Regular hobby or workshop-style use | Platinum Southampton / Fareham |
| Wide double doors and opening windows | Platinum Southampton / Fareham |
| Highest specification of these three choices | Platinum Southampton / Fareham |
Diamond, Sapphire or Platinum: The Simple Answer
Choose Diamond if you primarily want excellent storage, plenty of size choices and bespoke flexibility at a competitive price.
Choose Sapphire if you want pressure-treated construction and insulation options and are looking for a useful middle ground between an everyday garden shed and a larger premium building.
Choose Platinum Southampton or Fareham if you want a larger, higher-specification pressure-treated building that can combine substantial storage with regular hobby, DIY or workshop-style use.
The best shed is not necessarily the most expensive one. It is the building whose size and specification best match what you intend to store and how much time you expect to spend inside it.
Compare our complete range of garden sheds to find the size, style and specification that best suits your garden.
Discover quality
garden sheds designed for more than simply storing tools. From compact wooden sheds for smaller gardens to substantial timber sheds, workshops and fully insulated buildings, our collection combines traditional craftsmanship, practical design and options to create a building that suits both your garden and the way you intend to use it.
As a family business with more than 45 years’ experience in garden buildings, we believe choosing a shed should be about finding the right quality, size and specification rather than simply the lowest price.
Our extensive range includes apex, pent, reverse apex, narrow and corner sheds, with sizes extending from compact garden storage buildings to exceptionally large sheds. Bespoke sheds, sizes and layouts are also available on selected ranges.
Most of our wooden garden sheds include professional assembly, subject to the applicable product and delivery area, so your new building can be installed correctly without the inconvenience of erecting it yourself. You can check current coverage on our delivery information page.
You can also visit our Surrey garden building show site to inspect a wide selection of buildings before deciding what is right for you.
Have a look through our garden sheds below and compare the different styles and specifications. If you’re not sure which shed will suit your garden best, get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.
Garden Sheds at a Glance
Styles available: Apex, pent, reverse apex, corner, narrow and specialist designs.
Sizes: From compact storage sheds to large garden buildings.
Timber: Quality timber construction across our wooden shed ranges.
Windows: Toughened glass on applicable Diamond, Sapphire and Platinum ranges.
Installation: Professional fitting included with many wooden sheds, subject to product and delivery area.
Customisation: Bespoke sizes and layouts available on selected ranges.
Optional upgrades: Painted finishes, insulation, alternative doors and other specification choices depending on model.
Bases: Base-building options are available.
See before you buy: Visit our Surrey garden building show site.
Experience: Family-run garden building specialist with more than 45 years’ experience.
How to Choose the Right Garden Shed
A good garden shed should fit your garden, accommodate what you need to put inside it and continue doing its job for years to come.
That sounds straightforward, but two sheds described as the same nominal size can be very different buildings.
Timber quality, framing, floor and roof construction, door dimensions, glazing, internal height and manufacturing standards all affect how substantial a shed feels and how well suited it is to long-term use.
Before comparing prices, we recommend answering three questions: What will you use your shed for? How much space can you comfortably give it? What level of construction and specification do you want?
Once you know those answers, choosing between the different types of garden sheds becomes much easier.
Which Type of Garden Shed Should I Choose?
Apex Garden Sheds
An apex shed has the familiar traditional roof shape, with two roof slopes meeting along a central ridge.
It remains one of the most popular garden shed designs because it looks at home in almost any garden and provides useful internal height towards the centre of the building.
Apex sheds are an excellent all-round choice for garden storage, gardening equipment, bicycles, DIY equipment and general household items.
Best for: Traditional appearance, general storage and customers wanting useful central headroom.
Pent Garden Sheds
A pent shed has a single sloping roof, creating a cleaner and often more contemporary profile.
Pent sheds can work particularly well where the building is positioned alongside a wall, fence or boundary, although access, maintenance requirements and any relevant planning considerations should always be taken into account when deciding its final position.
Their simple roofline also makes pent sheds popular with customers looking for a less traditional garden building.
Best for: Modern gardens, positioning alongside existing features and customers who prefer a simple roofline.
Reverse Apex Sheds
A reverse apex shed uses an apex roof but positions the main elevation and entrance differently from a conventional apex design.
This can make a considerable difference in gardens where access dictates where the doors need to be.
Best for: Gardens where the position of the entrance is particularly important.
Narrow Garden Sheds
Limited garden depth does not necessarily mean you have to settle for an impractical storage box.
Our narrow sheds are designed to provide useful enclosed storage where space is restricted, making them particularly suitable for smaller gardens, side passages and areas where a conventional shed would project too far into the available space.
Best for: Narrow gardens, restricted spaces and compact storage.
Corner Garden Sheds
A corner shed can turn an underused corner of the garden into attractive and practical storage.
The design can also soften the visual impact of a garden building compared with placing a conventional rectangular shed across the same space.
Best for: Making use of garden corners and creating a more integrated appearance.
Insulated Garden Sheds
If you expect to spend extended periods inside your building rather than using it purely for storage, consider an insulated shed or garden building.
Insulation can make the internal environment more comfortable and is particularly worth considering when the building may be used for hobbies, projects or other activities requiring more than basic storage.
The complete specification matters, however. Insulation should be considered alongside the walls, floor, roof, windows, doors and intended use of the building.
Best for: Hobby spaces and uses requiring greater year-round comfort.
What Size Garden Shed Do I Need?
Choosing the right shed size is about more than measuring the lawn. You can also browse our complete sheds by size range if you already know the approximate footprint you require.
Think first about everything that needs to go inside. Garden furniture, lawnmowers, bicycles, barbecues and larger tools can consume floor space surprisingly quickly.
Then think about movement.
A shed packed completely from wall to wall may technically hold everything, but it can become frustrating if you have to remove five items every time you want the mower at the back.
Where space and budget permit, allowing some spare capacity usually makes a shed considerably more useful.
Small Garden Sheds
Small garden sheds are ideal when the objective is straightforward storage without allowing the building to dominate the garden.
Typical uses include hand tools, garden equipment, outdoor cushions and smaller machinery.
A 6 x 4 shed, for example, remains a popular compact size where garden space is at a premium.
Medium Garden Sheds
Moving to popular sizes such as 8 x 6, 10 x 6 or 10 x 8 provides significantly greater flexibility.
Depending on the layout and model, there may be space for larger equipment, bicycles, shelving and a small working area while retaining reasonable access.
For many households, this is where a shed starts becoming a genuinely versatile garden storage building rather than simply somewhere to put tools.
Large Garden Sheds
Sizes such as 12 x 8, 14 x 8, 16 x 8 and larger provide opportunities for substantial storage and workshop-style use.
At this scale, consider not just external dimensions but door configuration, window position, internal layout, access and the strength of the building.
For particularly substantial requirements, explore our dedicated large garden sheds.
Shop Sheds by Size
If you already know approximately how much room you have available, browsing sheds by size is often the quickest way to narrow your options.
Popular sizes: 6 x 4 sheds • 8 x 5 sheds • 8 x 6 sheds • 8 x 8 sheds • 10 x 6 sheds • 10 x 8 sheds • 12 x 6 sheds • 12 x 8 sheds • 12 x 10 sheds • 14 x 8 sheds • 16 x 8 sheds • 18 x 8 sheds • 20 x 10 sheds • 20 x 12 sheds
Why Timber Quality Matters When Buying a Wooden Shed
A wooden shed is a relatively simple structure, but the details of its construction matter enormously.
When comparing wooden garden sheds for sale, don’t judge quality from the photograph alone. Look closely at what is actually being supplied.
Look Beyond the Cladding
Cladding is important, but it is only one part of the building.
The supporting framework behind it gives the shed much of its structural strength. Compare the dimensions and spacing of the framing rather than assuming all timber sheds are constructed in the same way.
Examine the Floor
The floor carries everything you put inside the building.
Ask what it is made from, how it is supported and whether the quoted price actually includes it.
A substantial timber floor can be particularly valuable when storing heavier equipment.
Examine the Roof
The same principle applies overhead.
Find out how the roof is constructed, what material is used and which roof covering is supplied.
Compare the Windows
Glazing affects appearance, natural light, security and durability.
Toughened glass is provided on applicable Diamond, Sapphire and Platinum ranges.
Look at the Complete Specification
When two sheds have very different prices, there is usually more worth comparing than their external dimensions.
Check the timber and cladding specification, framing, floor construction, roof construction, glazing, doors and hardware, building height, treatment or finish, delivery, assembly and customisation options.
Only then are you comparing like with like.
Why Choose a 1st Choice Garden Shed?
Buying a garden shed online is easy. Knowing exactly what quality will arrive in your garden can be considerably harder.
That is why we take a different approach.
More Than 45 Years of Garden Building Experience
1st Choice Leisure Buildings is a family business with more than four decades of experience helping customers choose garden buildings.
That experience matters because the right shed isn’t necessarily the largest, most expensive or most heavily advertised model.
Our role is to help you understand the differences and choose a building appropriate for your requirements.
See Garden Sheds Before You Buy
Photographs can show the style of a shed. They cannot fully communicate how solid the floor feels, how substantial the doors are, the quality of the timber or how different construction methods compare in person.
Our Surrey garden building show site allows you to inspect a wide selection of garden buildings before committing to your purchase.
You can walk around them, step inside and compare different styles, specifications and construction details for yourself.
If quality matters to you, we believe that opportunity is invaluable.
Professional Shed Installation
Many of our wooden garden sheds include FREE professional fitting, subject to the particular product and delivery location.
A shed is only as good as its installation and the base beneath it. Professional assembly removes one of the biggest inconveniences associated with buying a substantial timber shed. It means you do not have to spend your weekend trying to interpret an instruction sheet surrounded by timber panels.
Check the individual product page and our delivery information for the installation terms applying to your chosen model.
Bespoke Garden Sheds
Gardens do not come in standard sizes, and neither do people’s requirements.
Selected bespoke shed ranges can be customised, with individual dimensions and specification options available where applicable.
This can be particularly useful when your available space is an unusual size, doors need to be positioned differently, window positions need changing, you need additional or alternative doors, a standard design is almost right but not quite, or you want your building to perform a more specialised role.
Speak to us about your requirements and we can advise what is possible.
Painted Garden Sheds
A garden shed doesn’t have to look purely functional.
Painted garden sheds and colour-finish options are available on selected models, allowing the building to complement your home, fencing, planting or wider garden design.
Besides appearance, an appropriate finish also forms part of the ongoing protection and maintenance of a timber building.
The Shed Base: Get This Right First
Even an excellent shed needs an appropriate base.
A garden building should sit on a firm, flat and level foundation capable of supporting its weight and helping keep the structure correctly aligned.
An unsuitable base can create problems with doors, floors and the building structure, so base preparation should never be treated as an afterthought.
Depending on the building and site, suitable solutions can include a properly constructed concrete base, paving slabs or an appropriate purpose-designed base system.
We also offer garden building base options, making it possible to arrange suitable groundwork as part of your overall garden-building project where the service is available.
If you’re uncertain about the best base for your chosen shed, ask us before preparing the site. It is much easier to get the foundation right before installation than correct an unsuitable base afterwards.
Do Garden Sheds Need Planning Permission?
Many garden sheds in England can be installed without making a planning application because they can fall within permitted development rights.
However, this is not automatic in every situation.
Factors such as the building’s height, its position in relation to boundaries, how much of the land around the original house is covered by buildings, its intended use and whether the property or location has additional restrictions can all matter.
Particular care may be necessary with listed buildings, designated land and properties where permitted development rights have been restricted or removed.
For that reason, don’t choose a shed solely on the assumption that “ sheds don’t need planning permission”.
Check the rules applicable to your property and proposed building before ordering where planning status may be relevant. For more detail, read our garden shed planning permission guide.
Garden Shed Delivery and Installation
Delivery and assembly arrangements depend on the building you select and your location.
Many of our wooden garden sheds include professional installation within the applicable delivery area. Other buildings and locations may have different arrangements, so always check the individual product specification and our delivery information.
Before delivery, make sure there is suitable access from the delivery vehicle to the prepared site.
Consider gateways, passage widths, sharp corners, neighbouring property, steps, walls, overhead restrictions and any other obstacle that could affect moving large building components into the garden.
If access to your garden is a bit tricky, have a word with us before you order. It’s much easier to sort these things out beforehand than find we’ve got a problem when we turn up to install your building.
Choosing a Shed for Storage
If storage is the primary purpose, don’t think only about floor area.
Consider what you need to get through the door.
Bicycles, lawnmowers and larger garden machinery may benefit from wider or double doors. Smaller tools and garden supplies can make good use of shelving, leaving more floor area available.
Windows provide natural light but may not be essential for every storage building. Think about whether you value daylight, wall space or privacy most.
For valuable equipment, also consider the quality of the doors, hinges and locking arrangements and whether additional security measures would be appropriate.
A Garden Shed That Complements Your Garden
The best sheds don’t look as though they were dropped into the nearest available space.
Think about the building as part of the overall garden.
Roof style, timber finish, paint colour, window design and positioning can all influence how prominent the shed appears.
A traditional apex shed can sit naturally within a classic garden, while a pent design may better complement contemporary landscaping. Corner sheds can make intelligent use of difficult spaces, while painted finishes can help larger buildings harmonise with their surroundings.
Position matters too.
Consider the view of the shed from the house, access to the doors, natural light, surrounding trees and vegetation and the space required for future maintenance.
Making these decisions before ordering usually produces a much more satisfying result.
Visit Our Garden Shed Show Site in Surrey
For many customers, the best way to choose a garden shed is still to see one in person.
Our garden building show site near Guildford, Woking and Ripley in Surrey enables you to compare a wide selection of buildings and construction features before ordering.
Rather than trying to judge timber quality from photographs, you can inspect buildings for yourself and speak to people who work with garden buildings every day.
Even if the exact shed you’re considering isn’t displayed, seeing different ranges and specifications can help you understand the choices available.
If you’re making a significant investment in a building you expect to use for many years, a showroom visit can be time well spent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Sheds
What Is the Best Type of Garden Shed?
There is no single best shed for every garden. An apex shed is an excellent traditional all-rounder, while a pent shed offers a simpler roofline and can suit particular positions. Narrow and corner sheds help make better use of restricted spaces, while insulated sheds are worth considering where the building will be used for more than basic storage. The best choice depends on your available space, intended use and preferred appearance.
What Size Garden Shed Should I Buy?
Measure the available site and then consider everything you want to store, including larger items such as lawnmowers and bicycles. Allow room to move around and access stored equipment. If your garden and budget permit, some spare capacity is usually worthwhile because storage requirements tend to grow over time. Our sheds by size section can help narrow the options.
Are Wooden Sheds Better Than Metal Sheds?
Neither material is automatically better for every customer. Wooden sheds offer a traditional appearance, can provide substantial construction and are often highly customisable. Metal sheds can require less routine timber maintenance and may suit straightforward storage requirements. Your priorities for appearance, construction, maintenance, condensation management, security and intended use should determine which is most suitable.
What Is the Difference Between an Apex and Pent Shed?
An apex shed has two roof slopes meeting at a central ridge. A pent shed has one roof slope running from a higher side to a lower side. Apex sheds provide a traditional appearance and useful central headroom, while pent sheds offer a simpler profile that can work particularly well in certain garden positions.
Do You Install Garden Sheds?
Professional fitting is included with many of our wooden sheds, subject to the particular range and delivery location. Check the individual product page and our delivery information, or ask our team to confirm the arrangements for the shed you’re considering.
Can You Make a Garden Shed to a Bespoke Size?
Bespoke shed dimensions and alterations are available on selected ranges. Depending on the model, it may also be possible to change elements such as door and window positions or choose additional specification options. Contact us with the dimensions and layout you require.
Can a Garden Shed Be Insulated?
Yes. Insulated garden sheds and insulation options are available on selected ranges. If you’re planning to spend significant time in the building, discuss the intended use with us so the complete specification — rather than insulation alone — can be considered.
Does a Shed Need a Base?
Yes. A suitable firm, flat and level foundation is essential. The correct base depends on the building, ground conditions and installation requirements. Base-building services are available in applicable areas.
Can a Shed Go on Paving Slabs?
A correctly constructed paving-slab base may be suitable for certain garden buildings, provided it meets the requirements of the shed being installed. The slabs need appropriate ground preparation and must provide a firm and level foundation. Always check the base requirements for your chosen building before construction.
How Long Should a Wooden Garden Shed Last?
There is no meaningful universal lifespan because longevity depends heavily on timber and construction quality, the foundation, exposure, treatment and ongoing maintenance. A well-made timber shed on a suitable base that is correctly maintained should provide many years of service. Rather than relying on a headline lifespan or warranty alone, compare the actual building specification and understand the maintenance required.
Do Garden Sheds Need Planning Permission?
Many domestic sheds in England can fall within permitted development rights, but restrictions and exceptions apply. Height, location, boundaries, land coverage, property status and intended use can all be relevant. Read our garden shed planning permission guide and check the current requirements for your property before ordering if there is any uncertainty.
Can I See Your Garden Sheds Before Buying?
Yes. You can visit our Surrey garden building show site near Guildford, Woking and Ripley to inspect and compare a wide selection of garden buildings and construction features before ordering.
Find Your Ideal Garden Shed
A shed is something you may look at and use almost every day for many years, so choosing well is worth the effort.
Start with the space available and what you want the building to do. Then compare construction, timber, floors, roofs, glazing, doors, installation and customisation — not just the headline price.
Explore our garden sheds for sale above, use the filters to narrow the collection by your requirements, or visit our Surrey show site to compare garden buildings in person.
If you’re unsure which shed, size or specification is right for you, contact 1st Choice Leisure Buildings for practical advice and a quotation tailored to your requirements.
From £1449
