Small Gallery of Customer Garden Sheds We’ve Built
Explore our gallery of garden sheds supplied and installed for customers across the UK. From compact storage solutions and traditional timber sheds to spacious designs for gardening, DIY and hobbies, discover how the right garden shed can add practical, attractive space to your garden.
Customers Garden Sheds Supplied
**Sapphire Apex Garden Shed – Customer Installation** One of our Sapphire apex garden sheds, supplied to customer Margaret. She gave it five stars and said the process was “easy from start to finish,” praising both the customer service and the quality of the shed. Thank you for your lovely feedback, Margaret! 🙂
Optional extras may be shown.
**Sapphire 8ft x 6ft Painted Apex Garden Shed – Customer Installation** One of our Sapphire 8ft x 6ft painted apex sheds, supplied to customer Bob A. In his five-star review, Bob praised the helpful advice on foundations, efficient assembly and prompt resolution of a small issue. He described the finished shed as “very good quality” and said it “looks great.” Thank you for your feedback, Bob! 🙂 Optional extras may be shown.
Sapphire Swanwick 10ft x 6ft Pent Garden Shed – Customer Installation
One of our Sapphire Swanwick 10ft x 6ft pent garden sheds, supplied to customer Keith W. In his 4.5-star review, Keith praised the quality of the wood and finish, as well as the professional, efficient delivery and assembly. Thank you for your feedback, Keith! 🙂
Optional extras may be shown.
**Sapphire 10ft x 6ft Pent Garden Shed – Customer Installation** One of our Sapphire 8ft x 6ft double doors sheds, supplied to customer Iain R. In his five-star review, Iain praised the friendly, efficient ordering service and the prompt delivery and assembly. He was pleased with the quality of the finished shed, too. Thank you for your feedback, Iain! 🙂 Optional extras may be shown.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Optional extras may be shown. AI-enhanced background; garden shed unchanged.
Garden Shed Advice and Experience
Garden Sheds – My Advice After More Than 45 Years
I’m Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings. I have made, sold and advised on sheds since 1979. My starting point is always how you will use the building: storing tools requires a different specification from spending hours inside doing DIY.
Our range includes compact stores and large garden sheds for equipment, hobbies and workshop use. Browse garden sheds by size, then compare construction, access and what the price includes.
Why Does My Experience With Garden Sheds Matter?
Making and delivering sheds at Marina Sheds taught me how timber, framing, floors and doors perform in everyday use. My son Craig joined me in 1992 after studying carpentry, and we formed 1st Choice Leisure Buildings in 2000.
Craig now runs the business, supported by our team. Read more about my hands-on experience and our family business.
Choosing a Quality Garden Shed
How Do I Choose the Right Garden Shed?
Start with what needs to fit inside and how you will use the space. For storage, prioritise capacity and easy access. For hobbies or DIY, also consider headroom, daylight, ventilation and room around your workbench.
Check the clear door opening against your widest item, including mower handles or bicycle handlebars. Allow space outside to open the doors and manoeuvre equipment.
Browse sheds by size to shortlist suitable models. Our shed buying guide explains the checks in detail.
What Makes a Quality Garden Shed?
Compare measurable specifications rather than relying on labels such as “heavy duty”. For each shortlisted shed, check:
- Finished cladding thickness, timber treatment and framing dimensions.
- Floor and roof materials, plus the roof covering supplied.
- Door construction, clear opening, glazing and opening windows.
- Internal dimensions and headroom where you need to stand or work.
- Standard features, paid upgrades and installation conditions.
A higher specification is useful when it suits your intended use. Our guide explains when a premium shed may be worth the investment. Compare our wooden sheds by their individual product specifications.
Types of Garden Sheds
Which Type of Garden Shed Should I Choose?
Choose the roof and layout to suit your garden, access route and storage needs. The descriptions below explain where each type can help; available features vary by model.
Apex Garden Sheds
A traditional roof with two slopes meeting at a ridge. It provides greater headroom towards the centre, which can suit a central walkway with storage or benches along the sides.
Pent Garden Sheds
A single sloping roof gives a simple profile that can suit a position beside a fence or wall. Check which side is tallest and where rainwater drains. Browse our pent and lean-to options.
Reverse Apex Garden Sheds
A reverse apex layout usually places the entrance on the longer side, beneath the roof slope. It can give convenient access to different parts of the shed. Check the model’s door position and dimensions against your planned layout.
Small and Narrow Garden Sheds
Small and narrow sheds can suit compact gardens and side passages. Measure the space carefully, considering roof overhangs, door movement and access for maintenance.
Corner Garden Sheds
A corner shed can make use of an awkward garden corner. Check its internal layout and entrance position to ensure your equipment fits and remains easy to reach.
Insulated Garden Sheds
An insulated shed is worth considering for regular hobby or workshop use. Check whether the package covers the walls, roof, and floor, and what lining and glazing it includes. Insulation lowers heat loss; heating and ventilation also need consideration for colder-weather use.
Painted Garden Sheds
Our painted sheds offer colour options on selected ranges. Confirm whether painting is included in your chosen price and follow the care instructions for the supplied finish.
Potting Sheds
A potting shed combines extra glazing and gardening workspace with enclosed storage. Consider space for a bench, plants and tools, as well as ventilation. Our greenhouse, potting shed and combination guide helps you compare the alternatives.
See Garden Sheds in Surrey and Guildford
Garden Sheds Surrey – Can I See Them Before Buying?
Yes. Visit our Surrey display site at Sutton Green Garden Centre to inspect representative buildings. You can compare framing and floors, try the doors and judge usable space in person.
Contact us before travelling if you want to see a particular model, as the display selection may change and not every configuration is available to view.
Where Can I See Garden Sheds Near Guildford?
Find us at Sutton Green Garden Centre, Whitmoor Lane, Sutton Green, Guildford, GU4 7QA, between Guildford and Woking, near the A320.
Check our directions and opening information before visiting. Bring your garden measurements and a list of what you need to store so we can help you compare suitable sheds.
Garden Shed Installation and Bespoke Options
Do Your Garden Sheds Include Installation?
Professional fitting is included with many of our main wooden shed ranges in eligible delivery areas. Confirm the service for your chosen model and postcode, including access requirements and any additional charges.
The building needs a suitable prepared base. Base construction, removal of an old shed, electrical work and other services should be treated as separate costs unless expressly included in your quotation.
Tell us about narrow gates, steps, tight turns or access through a house before ordering. Photographs and measurements help us check whether the building sections can reach your site.
Can I Order a Bespoke Garden Shed?
Selected ranges offer bespoke sizes, door and window positions, and other alterations. Start with our standard shed sizes, then ask about changes if the available layouts do not suit your space.
Send your available width and depth, preferred entrance position and the dimensions of any large equipment. We can advise on suitable ranges and quote for the options you need.
Garden Shed Sizes and Bases
What Size Garden Shed Do I Need?
Measure your largest items, then allow for shelving, door clearance and a walkway. If you need a workbench, leave enough space to use it comfortably rather than filling the entire footprint with storage.
Check usable internal dimensions: advertised sizes may be nominal, and wall thickness and lining reduce the space inside. Mark out the proposed footprint in your garden and check the product’s overall dimensions, including roof overhangs.
Compare our sheds by size or browse larger sheds for combined storage and working space.
What Base Does a Garden Shed Need?
Your shed needs a firm, flat, level base that supports the building properly. The suitable base depends on the model, ground conditions and intended use.
Confirm the exact base dimensions and manufacturer’s requirements before starting work. Do not build solely from the advertised nominal shed size. If you need help preparing the site, ask what services are available for your postcode.
Planning Permission and Shed Materials
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garden Shed?
Planning requirements depend on your property, the shed’s height and position, and how it will be used. Check what applies before ordering, particularly where your property is subject to restrictions.
Read our shed planning permission guide as a starting point. Contact your local planning authority if you need confirmation for your project.
Are Wooden Garden Sheds Better Than Metal Sheds?
Timber can suit buyers who want a traditional appearance, bespoke layouts or a hobby workspace. It needs care appropriate to its treatment or paint system. Metal suits buyers who want practical storage with less routine exterior maintenance.
Compare the actual models for floor provision, ventilation, security features and assembly arrangements. Material alone does not establish quality. Browse our wooden sheds and metal sheds to find a specification that meets your needs.
Why Buy From 1st Choice and Final Advice
Why Buy a Garden Shed From 1st Choice Leisure Buildings?
We offer buildings from different manufacturers, a physical display site and advice on sizes, specifications and fitting arrangements. Our team can help you compare options and understand what your chosen price includes.
Learn more about 1st Choice Leisure Buildings and my background in shed manufacturing and sales.
My Final Advice Before Buying a Garden Shed
Shortlist sheds that fit your space and intended use, then compare the total cost of the same specification. Check the size behind each “from” price and allow for any upgrades, base preparation, delivery or fitting charges that apply.
For help choosing, tell Craig and the team your available space, largest item to store, intended use, postcode and approximate budget. Use the quote form below or visit our Surrey display site to discuss your options.
Robin Antill
Founder, 1st Choice Leisure Buildings
Working with sheds and garden buildings since 1979
From £1449