It’s important before you buy a new garden shed that you do a little legwork to ensure that it will suit you and your needs. … more
It’s vitally important to have the opportunity to view any potential building before buying and by doing so YOU can decide whether the price you are paying reflects your expectation of what you feel you will be getting. … more
The grade of timber used on many shed and timber buildings accounts for a large amount of the cost, however, this cost is well worth paying if you can buy a building which will stand the test of time. … more
Click on images below to see larger versions of garden sheds
Essentially most sheds and are made from softwood timber, either redwood or whitewood deal. You will find that decent garden buildings are made using redwood deal and the reason for this is that it is slower growing. … more
You will find on most of the cheap sheds that the floors and roofs are made using OSB (oriental strand board), wafer board, chipboard or cheap plywood and this is totally to do with cost. … more
You will find that most garden building companies offer a range of set sizes and styles and, whilst, you may find one which ‘will do’ surely it’s better to have a building to suit YOUR needs and your location. … more
It can be quite hard work erecting a garden greenhouse shed and it’s not everybody’s ‘cup of tea. And you will find that the cheap building companies claim that it’s easy to build it yourself. But it’s not. … more
Crucial to the strength of your new garden building is the size of the timber framing so you need to ensure it’s of a good size. In an ideal world, you should go for at least 2in x 2in (47mm x 47mm) internal vertical frame size. … more
Before buying always check the height of any building you are interested in and check whether they are INTERNAL or EXTERNAL SIZES, which can vary by up to 6in (150mm) as some companies are a little misleading about this. … more
Click on images below to see larger versions of garden sheds
Normally with garden sheds or garden workshops, there will be a standard warranty of at least 12 months, however, you will find some web companies offering 10-year warranties, which sound great. Peace of mind included – that’s got to be good. But like most things ‘if it sounds too good to be true then it usually is’. … more
When wooden building are made in the UK for each customer the quality can be controlled but if they are shipped in from abroad or stockpiled in open yards then they could be damaged when being moved about. … more
It can be quite exciting to buy a new garden shed to share with your family or a timber workshop for your hobby, however, it’s important to ask questions beforehand. By using this guide you can ask the right questions and, by doing so, are likely to be happy with your new building when it is assembled in St Albans (free of charge) and not to be regretting it and thinking – why did I not check. … more
If you have a specific vision for your shed, we’re here to bring that to life. For example, we have a wide range of colour finishes available, from more traditional shades of brown to more adventurous blues. Either way, a specialist coating prevents fading and ensures your shed always looks great.
At 1st Choice, we put YOU first, and our customers’ feedback shows this. This means that you’ll be in charge at every stage of the process. From your initial enquiry, our team will guide you through designing your new shed, helping you explore our bespoke designs and customisation options. Once you approve the design, we schedule the installation at your convenience, ensuring that the entire process is seamless and tailored to your needs.
So, whether you are ready to get started right away or would like to visit our Surrey showroom to explore your options in more detail, please do not hesitate to get in touch today. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Are there any limits on customisation?
If you are looking for a shed slightly different from the standard, then we can help. You need to chat with us about your needs, and we will then let you know the costings. If you want a slightly different size, extra or no windows, a different door, or extra height, that will not be a problem. You can even add a room inside, making your shed a combination shed.
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Can you put a shed straight onto paving slabs?
Garden sheds are a must-have feature for every typical British garden. These sanctuaries allow you to appreciate the seasons’ glory while also giving shelter from the sun, wind, and rain.
To ensure your shed stands the test of time, mastering the art of a solid foundation is essential. Without it, your shed could slowly rot, tip over, or be swept away by a strong gust. You can choose from paving slabs, a concrete base, sturdy timber beams, or a timber subframe.
Fortunately, you will not have to learn how to build a garden shed on your own. This
guide is here to help. It discusses the various types of bases for garden buildings, how to construct them, who to hire for base construction, and how to repair and maintain your installation. Everything you need is in one location.
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How do I determine the right shed size for my garden space?
To determine the right shed size for your garden, you will need to measure the available space and consider where the door and windows need to go. You need to allow about 12 inches all around the shed so you can treat the shed afterwards.
You do not want your shed to take over the garden, so bear that in mind when deciding. A 7ft x 5ft or 8ft x 6ft shed is a useful 'all rounder' for most gardens. If you have a larger-than-standard garden, then make sure you don't go too big.
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How long does installation take, and do I need to prepare anything?
If your foundation is prepared before we arrive, most buildings can be assembled in just one day, depending on the project's scale. Our team designs, organises, and transports all necessary materials the same day to ensure an efficient process.
This approach allows us to erect your building quickly and with minimal disruption. If you require assistance constructing a shed base, we can help - visit our services page for further information and support.
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What factors should I consider when choosing a shed size?
When considering what size shed to buy, the first thing to think about is how you will use the shed. How much garden equipment do you have, for instance?
Are you likely to need any future storage needs? It is always a good idea to opt for a larger shed, as this will provide more flexibility for the future. You will be glad that you did.
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What is the life expectancy of a shed?
The lifespan of a garden shed can vary depending on several factors, such as the materials used, the quality of construction, the climate, and maintenance. However, according to various sources, the average lifespan of a garden shed is between 20 and 30 years.
The quality of materials really matters. Be careful with sheds made from man-made boards like OSB, or oriental strand board. These can fall apart if they get wet, which is not ideal for something kept outdoors.
If you choose proper timber for your new shed and treat it on a regular basis, there is no reason for it to deteriorate in the short term.
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What shed size is best for my gardening needs?
When deciding on the right size of shed, you need to consider what you will use it for. If you want just a small one to store your garden tools and a few bits, then a 6ft x 4ft shed would be OK.
If you would like to use it as a workshop, then look at buildings 10x8 and over. If you have mighty plans for the future and wish to share the space with family members, then any size from 12x8 to 20x10 might be the right choice.
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