When choosing a timber building, you need to check the specifications to ensure it will have the strength to last. So always check out the thickness of the timber, whether it’s made from redwood or the cheap inferior whitewood, how thick the framing is etc. Are the doors and windows joinery made, meaning they will last a long time? Does it has toughened glass for safety or imperfect horticultural glass, plastic or perspex? All important questions.

On many of the buildings available on the web, you will find that they will deliver them to your house and leave them for you to build. You can save a little money this way, but you will have to build it yourself. That’s OK if you are a good DIYer, but it will still be hard work. The best option is to take advantage of 1st Choice’s FREE assembly option on the Diamond and Platinum buildings. They will do all the hard work – all you need to do is build a level base for it to go onto. And they can even arrange that for you as well if you wish. This way, you can be sure your new building will be built correctly, and all you need to do is enjoy it.

We have a large range of garden shed sizes for you to choose from and in several styles. However, we specialise in making buildings to suit your needs. Whether it needs to be taller, extra or fewer windows, the doors and windows moved, we can do that for you. Ensure you buy the building to suit you and your family with no compromises. Give us a call on (0333) 800 8880 or visit our showroom and discuss what you would like. We are happy to provide a quote to suit you with no pressure.

To make the most of your new building, it’s a good idea to have it lined and insulated to get the most use out of you all year round. Doing so will keep the building cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It’s possible to do this yourself if you feel confident. However, there is an option to do this for you on all the Platinum buildings. It can be seen as a luxury, but you will be glad you did on those hot summer days or cold winter days. Just contact us, and we will arrange a free quote for you.

We provide 28×78 sheds with a protective treatment but why not consider a building painted with Sadolin (Diamond Buildings) or Valtti (Platinum Buildings) paints. Both are available in a range of colours so you find a colour to suit you. You can find more details about painted sheds here. Or, just contact us, and we will arrange a free quote for you.

Before deciding on a new 8×28 shed for your garden, you should always do your homework (sorry!) as it’s very easy to be taken in with a flashy website leaflet or colour brochure. Try to find time and make a trip down to our showroom where you can examples on view. By doing so, you will then be able to decide what you may be buying. We have a large collection of wooden buildings that you are welcome to view. We will be delighted to show you the different buildings and answer any queries you may have. We can provide quotations as well. Another thing to do is to take a look at the feedback from previous customers which can be enlightening.

All of our timber sheds which we sell are not the 'cheap and cheerful' buildings you can buy online made from inferior materials and down to a price. After 40 years in the business we know what is important in making a quality garden shed - one that will last and will look good in your garden.

Don't risk buying a 'bad un'. Do your research and always, if possible, go and look at your intended purchase before signing on the 'dotted line'. Don't end up in the situation - if only! Visit one of our show sites and see for yourself how good our sheds are. You won't regret it.

The modern garden generally is used for pleasure with a lush green lawn with flowers, shrubs and trees and with maybe a large 28×8 shed for storing garden tools and equipment or a summer house for sitting out in the garden. Alternatively timber decking is also very popular in recent years and this can provide a pleasant area for you to relax in the garden.

However, it is possible, and is getting more common during this recession, for some of the garden to be turned over for food. This is because seeds are very cheap to buy and, for a little effort, can grow into lovely healthy food. This also helps with your general health as the exercise is good for you and will help, due to the relaxation of the mind, improve your mental state as well.

You will find that some of the easier items to grow in your garden are tomato plants and these tend to be very popular in most households. These can be grown from seeds or you can buy small plants in pots ready to be transplanted into the garden.

A shady place in the sun is good and this is where your shed or summerhouse can help. By planting the tomato plants close to the garden shed you will find that this will shade your plants from the wind and the walls of the shed will radiate warmth to the plants.

Besides tomatoes you can grow potatoes, cabbages, sweet corn, lettuce, strawberries and many other types of produce. You can use your potting shed to bring on the seeds but it is best if you put the seeds near the shed windows so they get a little warmth.

A lot of gardeners may use fertilisers to aid the growth of these plants. However, beside being expensive, and are potentially a hazard for children if left accessible to children, there are alternatives. If you use fertilisers ensure they are kept locked up. 1st Choice offers a range of 28ft x 8ft timber sheds for sale which would be suitable for this.

You may find horrible nettles growing in your garden and around your shed but these can be eaten as well (I don’t think so!). So before you get the weed killer out think about possible uses on the dinner table. You need to be a little careful when handling as they can give you a sting but the nettle can be used in a soup or in a salad, in place of spinach. It can be drank as a beer or even as a tea. You will find that the plant is full of calcium, magnesium and iron so is really healthy to eat.

The other benefits which nettle brings is that it helps to show where there is good soil in your garden as this is required for it to thrive. It can also be turned into plant feed and is also attractive to ladybirds.