Which Pressure Treated Shed Should I Choose?
Both our Sapphire and Platinum ranges provide quality pressure-treated timber buildings designed for long life and practical garden use. Sapphire is an excellent choice when you want a well-specified pressure-treated garden shed at a lower price point. At the same time, Platinum is worth considering when you need a larger, heavier-duty or more highly specified building.
| Feature | Sapphire | Platinum |
| Best for | Quality garden storage, hobbies and general-purpose use | Larger storage, hobbies, workshops and more intensive use |
| Price position | £ – Lower | ££ – Higher specification |
| Pressure treated | Yes – framing, cladding, floor and floor joists | Yes – framing, cladding, floor and floor joists on relevant models |
| Framing | Sturdy pressure treated 47mm × 38mm nominal framing | Heavier pressure treated framing on ranges such as Winchester |
| Cladding | Pressure treated shiplap, loglap or weatherboard options | Pressure-treated shiplap, loglap or weatherboard options on relevant ranges |
| Floor | Pressure treated tongue-and-groove timber floor with upgrade options | Heavier pressure treated tongue-and-groove floor on ranges such as Winchester, with upgrade options |
| Insulation | Full insulation option available on selected models | Full lining and insulation options available on selected models |
| Sizes | Ideal for small to medium garden sheds | Wider choice for medium and particularly large buildings |
| Installation | Professional fitting included in applicable delivery areas | Professional assembly included in applicable delivery areas |
| Why choose it? | You want the advantages of pressure-treated construction without moving into the higher Platinum price bracket | You want a larger or higher-specification pressure-treated building for more demanding use |
Specifications vary between individual models and sizes. Check the specification of your chosen shed before ordering.
Why Choose a Sapphire Pressure Treated Shed?
A Sapphire shed is a good starting point if you want the benefits of pressure-treated timber but do not necessarily need the heavier construction or larger sizes available in the Platinum range. The timber preservative treatment is applied to the framing, cladding and floor components, helping provide long-term protection with less reliance on frequent preservative treatment by the owner.
Sapphire buildings also offer a choice of pressure-treated shiplap, loglap or weatherboard cladding on appropriate models, together with timber floors, toughened glazing and optional paint finishes. Selected models can also be upgraded with insulation if you expect to spend more time inside the building.
Reasons to Choose Sapphire
- You want a pressure-treated timber shed for long-term garden storage.
- You want a quality shed without paying for a heavier Platinum specification you may not need.
- You need storage for tools, bicycles, lawnmowers or garden equipment.
- You want a choice of pressure-treated timber cladding.
- You want a timber floor rather than lower-cost sheet material.
- You want toughened glass and good natural light.
- You may want to add insulation for hobby use.
- You want professional installation included in applicable delivery areas.
Why Might Sapphire Be Right for You?
Sapphire is likely to be the better-value choice if your main requirement is a durable pressure-treated garden shed. If you need somewhere for tools, bicycles, a mower, gardening equipment or occasional hobbies, Sapphire provides many of the important construction features without requiring you to pay for the heavier specification of a larger Platinum building.
It is particularly suitable where you want to invest more than you would in an entry-level shed because durability and construction quality matter, but your requirements do not justify moving all the way up to Platinum.
Why Choose a Platinum Pressure Treated Shed?
Platinum is the range to consider when your requirements go beyond straightforward garden storage. Depending on the model selected, Platinum buildings provide heavier framing, substantial pressure-treated timber floors, larger sizes and greater flexibility over doors, windows, insulation and internal use.
The Platinum range also extends into much larger garden buildings. For example, selected Winchester models are available up to approximately 28×16 ft, making it possible to create a substantial storage building, hobby room, workshop or multi-purpose garden space.
Reasons to Choose Platinum
- You want a higher-specification pressure-treated timber building.
- You need a larger shed than the typical Sapphire sizes.
- You expect to store heavier or bulkier equipment.
- You want a building suitable for more intensive hobby or workshop use.
- You want heavier framing on appropriate models.
- You want a more substantial pressure-treated timber floor.
- You may want full lining and insulation.
- You want greater flexibility over doors and windows.
- You expect to spend longer periods inside the building.
- You are happy to invest more where the additional specification will be useful.
Why Might Platinum Be Right for You?
Platinum could be the better investment if your shed is going to become more than somewhere to store the lawnmower. If you intend to use the building regularly for hobbies, DIY, equipment, a workshop or another practical purpose, the heavier construction and additional specification available across the Platinum ranges can become worthwhile.
Platinum is also the natural range to investigate when size is important. The larger options give you considerably more scope to combine storage with benches, shelving, machinery or a dedicated working area.
Sapphire or Platinum: Which Pressure Treated Shed Should I Choose?
| Your Main Requirement | Our Starting Recommendation |
| Everyday garden storage | Sapphire |
| Tools, mower and garden equipment | Sapphire |
| Pressure treated shed at the lower price point | Sapphire |
| Occasional hobby use | Sapphire |
| Larger pressure treated building | Platinum |
| Heavier-duty construction | Platinum |
| Regular workshop or hobby use | Platinum |
| Large amount of equipment or storage | Platinum |
| Insulated multi-purpose garden building | Consider Platinum |
Sapphire or Platinum: The Simple Answer
Choose Sapphire if you primarily want a durable, quality pressure-treated garden shed for storage, gardening or occasional hobbies and want to keep the overall investment lower.
Choose Platinum if you need more space, a heavier specification or a building that will be used more intensively for hobbies, DIY, equipment or workshop-style activities.
The best choice is not necessarily the most expensive one. If Sapphire provides the size and specification you need, there may be little advantage in paying for additional features. If you need a larger building or expect to spend considerable time inside it, however, moving up to an appropriate Platinum model can be a worthwhile investment.
Browse our pressure treated sheds or visit our Surrey garden building display site to compare different specifications before deciding.
Pressure Treated Sheds: A Garden Centre Owner’s Buying Guide
A pressure-treated shed is a timber garden building where preservative has been forced deep into the wood under controlled pressure. The treatment helps protect the timber against fungal decay, rot and wood-boring insects, making it an excellent choice when long-term durability and lower ongoing timber maintenance are priorities.
After decades of looking at garden buildings, the important point I would make is this: pressure treatment is valuable, but it should not be used to disguise a poorly made shed. Timber treatment, framing, cladding thickness, floor strength, roof construction, glazing, doors and the quality of the base all contribute to how well a building performs.
Our pressure-treated sheds are constructed from quality redwood deal rather than cheaper whitewood, with substantial timber framing. Depending on the model, there are different cladding, roof, size, door, window, paint and insulation options available. Many buildings can also be adapted to suit individual requirements.
What Is a Pressure Treated Shed?
Pressure treatment, sometimes called tanalising, is a method of preserving timber. The wood is placed in a treatment vessel where air is removed, and timber preservative is introduced under pressure. This allows preservative to penetrate considerably further into the timber than a simple surface-applied treatment.
The purpose is primarily to improve resistance to biological deterioration. It does not turn timber into plastic, make a shed completely waterproof or remove the need to look after the building. A correctly installed roof, sound floor, suitable base, good airflow and sensible maintenance remain important.
Pressure treated does not mean maintenance free
This is one of the most common misunderstandings we hear. Pressure treatment greatly improves the timber’s resistance to decay, but the building should still be inspected periodically. Keep vegetation away from the walls, clear leaves from around the base, check the roof covering and make sure rainwater can drain away rather than collecting underneath the shed.
Why can pressure treated timber look green?
Freshly treated timber can have a green, olive or slightly brown appearance. This is normal and is associated with the treatment process. The colour generally becomes less pronounced as the timber is exposed to daylight and weather. Natural variations between individual boards are also perfectly normal with real timber.
Who Should Choose a Pressure Treated Shed?
A pressure-treated timber shed is particularly worth considering if your building will be exposed to the British weather for many years, if you do not want to rely solely on regular surface treatment for timber protection, or if you are investing in a better-quality building that you intend to keep for the long term.
- Long-term garden storage: a strong choice for mowers, garden furniture, tools and general household storage.
- Regular garden use: useful where the building will remain in position year after year rather than being regarded as a temporary storage box.
- Work or hobby use: a robust treated building can provide the starting point for a more comprehensively specified workshop or hobby space.
- Exposed gardens: pressure-treated timber provides additional protection where the building will regularly experience damp British conditions.
- Customers wanting less ongoing timber treatment: pressure-treated timber gives the wood protection right through, so there’s less need for regular coats of preservative. It’s still worth checking the timber from time to time and keeping on top of general maintenance.
Pressure Treated Shed Comparison
The best shed is not simply the one with the most impressive description. Compare the construction specifications and decide what matters for the way you will actually use the building.
| Feature | Pressure Treated Timber Shed | Untreated or Basic Dip-Treated Timber | Metal Shed |
| Protection within the timber | Preservative is driven into the timber under pressure | Treatment is normally concentrated nearer the surface | Not applicable to the main steel structure |
| Traditional garden appearance | Excellent natural timber appearance | Excellent natural timber appearance | More functional or contemporary appearance |
| Customisation | Generally very flexible depending on model | Generally flexible | Usually more limited |
| Painting | Can normally be painted once suitable for the chosen coating | Usually suitable for painting or staining | Depends on the factory finish |
| Insulation potential | Good option when building specification allows | Possible depending on construction | Possible on specialist buildings but less straightforward |
| Condensation considerations | Ventilation remains important | Ventilation remains important | Condensation can require particular consideration |
| Ongoing checks | Roof, base, drainage and general condition should still be checked | Usually requires more attention to timber treatment | Check fixings, ventilation, roof and protective finish |
If you are deciding primarily between timber and steel construction, see our separate metal shed range. For the broader choice of timber buildings, see our wooden shed range.
What Should You Check Before Buying?
1. Check the actual timber specification
Do not stop reading when you see the words “pressure treated”. Ask what timber is being treated and how the building itself is constructed. We favour redwood deal because good-quality timber and good preservation should work together rather than one compensating for the other.
2. Compare the wall cladding
Cladding has a significant influence on rigidity, weather resistance and appearance. Pressure-treated shiplap, loglap, and weatherboard constructions can all be appropriate, but they have different profiles and visual characteristics. Compare the stated specification rather than judging a building from a photograph alone.
3. Look at the framing behind the cladding
Don’t just look at the outside of the shed. The framing underneath is what gives the building its strength. Look for decent-sized timber and sensible spacing between the uprights. Good, solid framing will help the shed stay square and sturdy over the years. We’d always take a well-built shed with proper framing over one that looks great in the photos but has been made down to a price underneath.
4. Check the floor as carefully as the walls
Think about what will be stored inside. A few hand tools place very different demands on a floor from a heavy mower, machinery, shelving or a workbench. Check the floor construction and, equally importantly, make sure the shed will stand on a suitable level base.
5. Check the roof construction and covering
A durable wall treatment cannot compensate for a leaking roof. Look at the roof boarding, covering, pitch and available upgrades. Regularly inspect the finished roof, particularly after severe weather.
6. Think about doors before choosing the size
Measure the largest item that must pass through the doorway. Lawnmowers, mobility equipment, workbenches and bulky garden furniture can make a wider single door or double doors much more useful than expected.
7. Think about windows and security together
Windows make a shed more pleasant to use and provide useful natural light, but their position should suit the contents of the building. Our timber buildings use toughened glass as standard. If security is particularly important, consider window position, door specification and how valuables will be secured inside the building.
Pressure Treated Shiplap, Loglap or Weatherboard?
There is no single cladding profile that is automatically right for every customer. The choice should be based on appearance, building specification, intended use and budget.
| Cladding | Typical Character | Worth Considering For |
| Shiplap | Neat interlocking profile with a relatively smooth traditional appearance | General garden storage, hobby sheds and customers wanting a smart timber finish |
| Loglap | Deeper rounded profile that gives a more substantial log-style appearance | Customers wanting a heavier visual appearance or a more decorative building |
| Weatherboard | Traditional overlapping board appearance | Customers who particularly like a classic rustic timber building |
Always compare the complete specification. The profile name alone does not tell you the cladding thickness, framing, floor or roof specification.
Choosing the Right Size
One of the lessons garden building retailers learn very quickly is that customers rarely complain that they bought slightly too much storage space. They frequently discover that a shed bought to fit today’s equipment becomes crowded after another mower, bicycle, pressure washer, barbecue or set of garden chairs is added.
Measure the space available in the garden, but also sketch the interior. Allow room to open the door, walk between stored items and reach equipment at the back. Shelving and wall storage can make a smaller footprint much more efficient.
If you’ve got the room and plenty to store, it’s worth having a look at our larger sheds. Otherwise, you can browse our full range of garden sheds to find the size and style that suits your garden.
The Shed Base Matters More Than Many Buyers Expect
A good-quality timber building deserves a good-quality base. The base needs to be firm, level and suitable for the size and weight of the building. An inadequate base can lead to doors becoming difficult to operate, panels moving out of alignment and premature problems with the floor.
Drainage is also important. Avoid creating a situation where water regularly sits underneath or splashes against the lower walls. If you need assistance preparing the site, see our garden building services and base information.
Can a Pressure Treated Shed Be Painted?
Yes. Pressure treated timber can be given a decorative colour finish, providing the timber and chosen coating are suitable, and the coating manufacturer’s instructions are followed. Some customers prefer the natural appearance of treated timber while others want the shed to coordinate with fencing, landscaping or the house.
If the colour finish is an important part of your buying decision, you can also compare our dedicated painted shed range.
Can a Pressure Treated Shed Be Insulated?
Yes, selected pressure-treated buildings can be specified with insulation and internal lining options. Whether you actually need insulation depends on the intended use. It is much more relevant for prolonged hobby or workshop use than for a building used solely to store a lawnmower and garden tools.
Insulation is only part of creating a more comfortable building. Ventilation, glazing, roof construction, floor construction and how frequently the building will be occupied should also be considered. If year-round comfort is a priority, compare our insulated shed options.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Pressure Treated Shed
Buying on treatment alone
A weak shed does not become a heavy-duty shed simply because its timber has been pressure treated. Treatment protects the timber; it does not replace good framing, suitable cladding, a strong floor or a properly constructed roof.
Choosing the smallest shed that will hold everything
A shed packed from wall to wall is frustrating to use. Allow enough room to reach stored items and consider what you are likely to buy over the next few years, not merely what you own today.
Not checking door width
Always measure mowers, bikes, machinery and other bulky equipment before ordering. Internal capacity is no help if your largest item will not comfortably pass through the door.
Putting an expensive shed on a poor base
An uneven or unsuitable base can undermine the performance of an otherwise excellent building. Prepare the base before delivery and make sure access to the installation area is suitable.
Assuming pressure treatment makes timber waterproof
Pressure treatment is primarily a preservation process. Your shed still relies on its cladding, roof, drainage, ventilation and correct installation to deal effectively with the weather.
Ignoring access for delivery and installation
Before ordering, have a good look at how we’ll get everything from the delivery vehicle into your garden. Check side gates, narrow paths, arches, steps, walls and anything overhead that could get in the way. Timber panels and larger sections can be bulky and heavy, so we need enough room to carry them through safely.
Forgetting planning rules
Many domestic sheds can be installed under permitted development rights, but not every building or property automatically qualifies. Location, height, the amount of land covered and special property restrictions can all matter. Read our garden shed planning permission guide before ordering if you are uncertain.
When Another Type of Shed May Be Better
Pressure-treated timber is a strong all-round choice, but we would never tell a customer that one type of building is best for everybody. Start with what you need the building to do.
- If you’re planning to use the building regularly throughout the year, it’s well worth looking at our insulated sheds for a warmer, more comfortable space.
- If it’s plenty of room you’re after, have a look at our larger sheds, particularly if you’ve got a lot of tools, machinery or garden equipment to store.
- If bicycles are the main items being stored, look at the purpose-designed bike storage buildings.
- If you prefer a steel building, compare our metal storage buildings.
- If you need to use an awkward corner of the garden, consider the dedicated corner building range.
- If plants and propagation are the main purpose, compare our potting sheds.
- If the building is intended primarily as a leisure retreat rather than storage, our garden leisure buildings may be more appropriate.
Why Seeing a Shed Before Buying Is Worthwhile
Photographs are useful, but they cannot tell you everything about a garden building. Open the door. Look at the framing. Walk on the floor. Look underneath the roof. Inspect the cladding from inside as well as outside and compare different specifications side by side.
1st Choice Leisure Buildings has been supplying garden buildings since 1979, and our Surrey display site has a large selection of buildings available to inspect. If you can visit before ordering, we strongly recommend doing so. See our garden building display site information before travelling.
Pressure Treated Sheds: Quick Buying Checklist
- Confirm the timber species and treatment.
- Check the cladding profile and thickness.
- Check the framing specification.
- Check the floor construction for the intended load.
- Check the roof construction and covering.
- Measure the required doorway width.
- Decide whether windows are needed and where they should go.
- Allow spare storage capacity rather than buying to the exact minimum size.
- Prepare a firm and level base.
- Check delivery and installation access.
- Consider paint, insulation, shelving and other options before manufacture.
- Check whether planning restrictions apply to your property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pressure Treated Sheds
Are pressure treated sheds worth the extra cost?
If you’re planning on keeping your shed for a good number of years, we’d say pressure treatment is well worth considering. It gives the timber better, longer-lasting protection against rot and insect damage than a preservative applied to the surface. That said, pressure treatment won’t turn a poorly made shed into a good one, so the quality of the timber and the overall build still matter just as much.
What is the difference between pressure treated and tanalised sheds?
In everyday garden building terminology, “tanalised” is commonly used to describe pressure treated timber. Tanalith is associated with timber preservative treatment, while pressure treatment describes the process by which preservative is introduced into the wood.
How long will a pressure treated shed last?
There is no single responsible lifespan that applies to every shed. Timber specification, treatment, construction, base quality, roof maintenance, exposure, drainage and how the building is looked after all affect longevity. A well-made pressure-treated building on a suitable base should provide considerably better long-term protection against timber decay than an equivalent untreated building.
Do I need to treat a pressure treated shed every year?
Pressure treated timber does not normally depend on an annual preservative coating in the way basic untreated timber can, but that does not mean the entire building should be ignored. Inspect the roof, timber surfaces, base and drainage periodically and follow any maintenance instructions supplied with your particular building.
Can I paint a pressure treated shed?
Yes. Pressure treated timber can normally be painted when it is ready to accept the chosen coating. Follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions regarding timber moisture, preparation and primer requirements. Alternatively, selected buildings can be supplied with a professional colour finish.
Are pressure treated sheds waterproof?
No timber shed should be described as waterproof simply because its wood has been pressure treated. Pressure treatment protects against biological decay. Resistance to rain depends on the complete building, including cladding, roof covering, windows, doors, installation, drainage and ongoing maintenance.
Will pressure treated timber change colour?
Yes. Newly treated timber can have green, olive or brown tones and individual boards can vary. Exposure to weather and daylight gradually changes the appearance. This natural variation is not normally a defect.
Can pressure treated sheds be insulated?
Yes. Selected models can be supplied with insulation and internal lining options. Insulation is particularly useful where the building will be occupied for longer periods rather than used solely for basic storage.
Are pressure treated sheds good for storing tools?
Yes. A properly specified timber shed is well suited to storing garden tools, mowers and equipment. Consider shelving, floor strength, ventilation and security as well as the timber treatment itself.
Are pressure treated sheds suitable for bikes?
Yes, provided the shed has sufficient internal space, suitable door access and appropriate security. If bicycles are the principal reason for buying the building, it is also worth comparing purpose-designed bike sheds.
Do pressure-treated sheds need a base?
Yes. Pressure treatment does not remove the need for a firm, level and suitable base. Correct support helps the building remain square, allows doors to operate properly and protects the floor from unnecessary exposure to ground moisture.
Can I customise a pressure treated shed?
Many of our buildings can be adapted with choices such as size, doors, windows, roof style, paint finishes, shelving, workbenches and insulation, although available options vary by model. It is much easier to incorporate these requirements when ordering than to alter a finished building later.
Can I see pressure-treated sheds before ordering?
Yes. We actively encourage customers to inspect garden buildings before spending their money. Our Surrey display site between Guildford and Woking allows you to compare a wide selection of buildings, construction methods and options in person. See our display site details before visiting.
Do I need planning permission for a pressure-treated shed?
Pressure treatment itself does not affect planning requirements. Many domestic garden buildings fall within permitted development rights, but rules concerning position, height, land coverage and particular properties still apply. See our shed planning permission guide for further information.
Need Help Choosing?
The best pressure-treated shed is the one with the right construction, size and specification for its intended job. If you are unsure, make a list of what will be stored inside, measure the available garden space and note the largest item that must pass through the door. We can then help you compare suitable options without paying for features you do not need or overlooking ones that you will value later.
From £1449
