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Gain extra space with a garden shed

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The Many Benefits of Adding a Garden Shed to Your Backyard

Having a garden in your backyard is a great way to create a private space for you and your family to relax and spend time together. Gardening is also a great hobby that can teach you more about nature and caring for a wide variety of plants. Even if you just have a small amount of space, you can create a beautiful garden that will prove to be a wonderful addition to your yard.

In order to properly care for your garden, there are several tools and supplies you will need. Most gardeners use shovels, rakes, tillers, watering cans, hoses and much more to constantly maintain their garden throughout the year. All of this equipment requires some type of storage. This need for outdoor storage for garden equipment led to the existence of the garden shed. You can purchase pre-built garden sheds from a variety of home improvement stores or you can find blueprints and build your own. Keep reading to learn the benefits of adding a garden shed to your backyard.

Increased Storage

The main benefit of having a garden shed is the increased amount of storage it provides. Gardeners who have lots of equipment, tools and other outdoor items can finally have a place to store these items. Garden sheds are able to protect your items from the weather and you can even store sensitive plants in the shed during the colder months. Many people who donít have a garden use garden sheds to store lawn care equipment, automotive tools or even excess items from inside the house like furniture and seasonal decorations.

Decorative Element

Many garden sheds are made from beautiful woods like cedar, cherry and oak. This adds a decorative element to your yard that can enhance the entire look of your garden. The shed can be painted to match your home and there are many accessories that you can add to enhance the shedís design. If you build your own shed, you can customize it to look any way that you want.

Wooden Shed

Easy to Build

Even though there are several companies out there that sell pre-built garden sheds, it is not difficult to build your own if you are handy. You can either purchase a garden shed kit or purchase the building materials and blueprint separately. You can even find free blueprints online or at your local library.

Relaxing Outdoor Space

In addition to storing gardening equipment and plants, you can also create an area for yourself inside the garden shed. A small nook or side room can provide you with a quiet, cozy area to relax outdoors amid the beauty of your garden. Some people even create workshops or offices inside their garden sheds. The only limit is your imagination.

Easy Housing for Animals

If you have small outdoor animals like geese, chickens, sheep, pigeons or large dogs, then you can use your garden shed like a miniature barn to keep your animals safe from the elements and any possible predators in the area. By enclosing the area around the shed, you can create a wonderful home for all kinds of small creatures.

Makeshift Greenhouse

Conventional greenhouses can be expensive. You can customize your garden shed to operate as a greenhouse where you grow seedlings and raise special plants that may not be suited to the climate outside. This can be a great bonus to your outdoor garden or serve as your primary garden space.

Garden sheds are a wonderful investment and can help you make the most of your gardening experience. They can be used for so much more than equipment storage.

Wooden Shed Maintenance

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So, you’ve got a new Sheds Direct wooden shed. Or, maybe you’ve got an old one. No matter it’s age, it is important that you take good care of it. The better you take care of it, the longer it will last. In fact, you should think of your shed as an investment…an investment that needs to be protected. Let’s take a close look at the things you can do to ensure the longevity of your wooden shed.

maintain your shed

Use Caulk

It’s never a bad idea to keep a caulk gun on-hand at any given time, especially if you own a wooden shed. It is important to keep in mind that wooden sheds are oftentimes unfinished, meaning before they are stained and/or painted, they need to be caulked so that no water will find its way in.

Prevent Wood Bleeding

Galvanized nails tend to bleed and leave a grayish stain. With this in mind, make sure all nail heads have been wood-puttied. Furthermore, to prevent knots from bleeding through the finish, it is important to seal them with either clear or white knot sealer.

Painting and/or Staining the Shed

After you have purchased a wood shed from sheds direct, within 60 days after it has been delivered, you then need to paint and/or stain it. When painting the floor, make sure you use acrylic latex floor paint. Never should you use any type of oil-based product. If you have an older timber shed, you’re not out of luck. You can still paint and/or stain it. Just do so carefully and make sure you paint/stain with a high-quality product.

Bonus Tip

Remember, the exact way to prep and take care of your wooden shed will depend on the material that it is built of. For example, pine wood shed and cedar wood sheds will of course need different types of treatment. Make sure you read any instructions that come with your wooden shed, as these many times will inform you of the best way to take care of your shed. You can also go online and find a wide variety of effective wood shed maintenance tips.

Tips on Organising Your Garden Shed

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Gardening and using a Garden Shed is one of the most rewarding hobbies that almost anyone of any age, gender, or background can pick up. Tranquil and extremely satisfying, growing plants and flowers does not only make you feel good, but it can also make your surroundings look good while at the same time helping the environment.

garden shed

However, for most gardeners whose garden sheds are all but neat and tidy, gardening can truly be a chore. That is why it is crucial for gardeners to have their garden building organised, whether they are wooden sheds or steel sheds, an organized shed will certainly prove beneficial. But how does one go about tidying up a messy shed?

Organising your Garden Shed

To start things off, the first step that you should take is to determine which tools you are actually using from those that are just clutter. Make sure that you the essentials and the rest that you won’t be using can be donated or properly disposed of. It’s all right to have two of each gardening tool so that you have a back up but draw the line with having only two.  Metal shed should always be clutter-free so that you won’t have a hard time looking for what you need.

When you have everything that you need it’s time to organize them. Remember that wooden sheds have shelves for a reason. Arrange your tools according to its use: put the most used tool on a shelf closest to the door and on a level you are comfortable grabbing it from and so on.

Garden shed should also have storage containers – something sturdy like plastic or metal – so that you can segregate the tools and items. Garden shed can instantly turn into a gardener’s dream once everything is in its place.

Put what where in Garden Shed

But perhaps one of the best tricks you can do to your potting shed is to be creative when it comes to putting away the tools:

  • Hang hoses on hooks
  • Have large equipment handy on racks
  • Use magnet boards or bars to keep metallic tools away from harm’s way
  • Add a potting table to make potting and repotting much easier

Vertical Gardens

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Vertical Gardens On A FenceVertical Gardens are not something we thinks about when we think about gardening, as we would normally think about elderly men and women pottering around the garden, but this old-fashioned review on gardening is changing and with it a new breed of gardener is bringing with them a new energy, which is showing in the designs and trends that are developing.

Trendy Vertical Gardens

One of the recent trends is vertical gardening, vertical gardens are as you might think from the term gardens planted on any vertical surface such as a garden wall, the side of a house, on a wall, fence the side of a wooden garden shed. Just about any surface that you can get a fixing on will do. This is not say new idea as for many hundreds of years people have been using trellises to grow plants, Ivy, a climbing plant and honeysuckle thrive on these types of services as they seek the sunlight above.

These new vertical gardens are a more modern twist and a great way of giving the new dimension to your garden, when considering building a vertical garden there are many products on the market that make this form of growing fairly easy. Vertical Gardens are the perfect answer for people that have limited space or indeed at all, you can bring to life a small patio area with a wall of colour showing your creativity in a new dimension.

There are a number of benefits to starting your vertical garden, normal garden pests that can destroy normal ground gardens are not generally able to touch vertical gardens such as rabbits etc for obvious reasons will not be able to get to the young shoots.

Vertical Gardens are great for small gardens

Growing vertical gardens is natural for plants as they seek to grow upwards towards the sun it is important to select varieties there enjoy both the sunshine and the shade as they will not be in both all of the time and. growing vertically is ideal for first-time gardeners and those with disabilities that may prevent them from working on the ground they are also simple gardens to create as it does not need any particular skills other than being able to fix wall hangers or growing in panels which hold pockets of earth and each plant sits in the pocket.

It is essential to provide regular water to your vertical garden as the small amounts of soil from each plant will not be able to hold moisture for long periods of time.

 

Topic: Vertical Gardens

Ideas For Building Shed Bases

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Shed BasesIf you are considering erecting a new shed in your garden you should first consider what shed base to you will building the shed bases on, the only really two options you should consider and the first is building a base using paving slabs which is the favourite of the do it yourself enthusiasts as it is the cheapest option but has the problem of movement which can affect the sheds structural integrity.The second which is the far more professional way and that is to pour a concrete slab which is of course more expensive and more work.

Which is the option you decide upon you will need to take out an area which is equivalent to 4 inches wider than the propose shed and around about 12 inches longer than the shed this will allow small hard stand area outside the door of course if you want a larger area then that would be up to you.

Shed Bases made with Paving Slabs

To construct the paving stone slab you will need tape measure, shovel, rake and a long spirit level you also need the necessary amount of paving stones and dependent on the size of the shed you will also need a couple of bags of sharp sand.

Firstly, you will need to mark out the area of the base remembering the extra 4 inches on the width and what ever you decide on the length you will then need to dig out approximately 2 to 3 inches of topsoil using his spirit level to make sure you level both front to back and side to side. Once you’re happy the area is level rake a couple of bags of sharp sand out over the area you’re now ready to lay the paving slabs on the sand again ensuring it is level tapping down and he slabs to get a perfectly flat area. Your base is now ready for your new shed.

Shed Bases of Solid Concrete

If you decide to go for the solid concrete shed bases, the only extra tools required will be a float to smooth the concrete once poured and material wise you will need enough 6 inch deep shuttering to hold the concrete and enough ballast and cement to fill 4 inches deep slab and enough hard-core to fill 2 inches deep.

Once you have dug out 6 inches off soil you will need to spread the hard core and compact it down firmly with a sledge hammer, you will then be unable to mix your concrete at a ratio of five parts ballast one part cement, to get the best finish on the concrete push and pull the concrete with the pace of straight timber lying across the shuttering until the shots are in is full you can then “polish” the concrete with your float. Allow at least 24 hours for the concrete to go off and it is now ready to take the wooden shed.

 

Topic: Shed Bases

Choosing A Garden Shed

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metal garden shedWhen choosing a new garden shed the 1st thing you need to work out is exactly what you will be using the shed for, now that might seem an obvious thing to say but a storage shed is very different to a workshop or a workshop that is also a storage shed. Once you have established what you require from your garden shed then choosing one will be a lot simpler.

So now all you have worked out the ideal size, what about materials? Plastic or as some manufactures call it vinyl has the advantage of being virtually maintenance free although it does require cleaning regularly otherwise it will look dirty. Plastic garden shed may also look a little unsightly in a very traditional garden but in the modern town environment they can look perfectly good. Plastic sheds a very light and easy to erect take down and move.

Metal Garden Shed

Metal sheds have a more sturdy and possibly the most secure in their appearance and as long as the steel is galvanised it will not be prone to rusting. A metal shed will require very little maintenance unless it is knocked about chipping paint off it should last for many years.

Wooden Garden Shed

Wooden sheds are the most popular, there are also the cheapest and with that comes the maintenance issues. They require the most amounts of maintenance, but I also the most difficult to erect and require additional materials on the roof such as roofing felt. Timber sheds are probably the most appealing material for your shed as it will fit in with most garden styles.

There is a range of roof styles for all modern sheds, pent roofs and gabled roofs on the most popular. Pent roofs normally slope from front of the shed to the back giving the highest headroom at the doorway gable roofs are pitched from the centre down from left to right.

When it comes to door styles, most shed doors are single one-way opening. If you require larger doors to allow something like a lawn mower or ride on tractor you will need double opening doors.

The floor of the garden shed should be mounted on a concrete or concrete slab base, avoid laying any kind of flooring directly on the ground otherwise this would be prone to rot. Ensure there is a slight slope to the base to drain any water away. You can help keep the ground around your shed from getting excessively wet by fitting rainwater guttering to the shed sides this can also provide you with a good source of water for the garden. You

Consider all the above when you purchase your new garden shed and you should not have a problem.

 

Topic: Garden Shed

Guide To Wooden Garden Sheds

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Any gardener will tell you the importance of a garden shed. There are various types of garden sheds you may be able to incorporate in your home. The garden shed is important for storing all garden tools and equipment in an organised manner.  In this way, you really need to choose a shed that fits all your garden tools appropriately without having them squeezed up.  The garden sheds come in various shapes and styles that are very elegant. They also vary in price but it is always good to go for a quality garden shed regardless of the price.

Timber Sheds

A wooden shed is a good investment and a great addition to your garden. These sheds come in all sizes and styles that incorporate softwood or hardwood. The wooden garden sheds have elegant designs for doors and windows. This shed will last for a long time since wood is a strong material. They are coated with the right treatment to avoid rotting, mold or any fungus attack.  You can use any color of paint for your garden shed to make it more appealing. The wood shed requires a bit of maintenance every few months by applying a coat of paint for treatment.

Wooden ShedThe shed should also be checked the windows and doors so that they do not break. This means using oil on door and window hinges so that they remain flexible. The shed is then ready for nay makeover that suits your needs. You can have shelves installed, hooks or brackets to store your gardening tools. If the shed supports seedlings or young plants, it would be good to have some sort of insulation. This aerates the shed and keeps the place well organised. When need be, you can include other features such as leaving climbing plants to grow over the shed. A bird nest can also be designed on the wooden building to add flavor to your garden.

Timber Building Security

A timber shed is very durable and can last for many years without any damage. Just make sure you remove dead leaves around the shed since they can cause the wood to rot. You have to use a good security measure if any valuable tools are stored in the shed. Invest in a quality padlock to keep the tools and equipment organized. It is good to be vigilant of thieves since the shed is outside the house they can take advantage if you do not get good security.

It is possible to build your own garden shed as long as you get the materials required and have the necessary skills. You can always ask your friends or family to assist you to build the shed so that you can make the experience memorable. There is always the need to have a second opinion on things and this is a good time to have your family chip in in your project. It is good to ensure your tools and gardening equipment are safe from damage. Using a garden shed is the best solution for any gardener who likes to have peace of mind.

The Beauty of Garden Buildings

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Metal Plastic and wooden ShedsGarden buildings add colour and life to your garden. Many people spend time and money decorating the house interior and forget about the exterior. You will notice that garden structures play a great role in enhancing landscape more than many people seem to notice. Gardening is something that naturally makes a place look very refreshing. Therefore, gardening and structuring will help improve your home into a new level. All that is needed is proper planning to get a stunning and elegant landscape.

It is very easy to come up with a garage and make it look practical. There are many materials that can make such a building including wood, plastic or metal. Choose what make you feel great about your home. Wood has a natural look that has been around for a long time that it is still preferred by many people. The material should be strong and durable so that the items stored inside do not get damaged. The building gives extra storage room for any items and tools within the home. There is garden equipment, tools, car tyres, bicycles, large toys and sports kit among other things.

When you work at home you can consider a garden office where you can do your job in such a building. This will give you a quiet and safe environment within your garden to do your work without any problems. It is for this reason you will find that you do not pay rent to someone to work form their office, thus you save the money for bigger things. This is a brilliant idea for home workers as the level of disturbance is reduced. You will have the joy of having a garden structure within your own home and with your own terms. Garden buildings are popular today because of the many benefits that people get from having a safe place to relax.

A garden building can be in any style and colour will also vary with your taste. If you can use a color that blends with your main house, it will look more appealing and with great style. You can construct a building that has windows and doors that open from outside. Ensure that the house has enough light so that it is not dump from accumulation of moisture. If your home is under a homeowners association, it is recommended that you get legal permission to have landscape changes.

A garden shed or structure is very valuable to homeowners. This is a way for homeowners to increase the value of a house in the long run. The atmosphere in the home also changes to a cool fresh and quite place to chill. This project creates space but also brightens the home especially if you have children. You can have a garden she where seedlings are stored so that they are safe in winter or away from harsh conditions. The building will have the warmth needed to keep them well until they are mature enough to be planted outside. It is time you added a garden structure in your home and see how beautiful your house will feel.

Choosing A Shed – part 1

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Your common Shed generally comes in three materials Wood, Plastic and Metal however the most popular is the wooden shed which is available in every shape and size combination you can think of and probably some you had not! So when considering getting a new garden shed it is important to consider the options so that you get it right as it will be a bit late once it is up!

Sizes Of Sheds

So you have agreed that you need a new Garden shed so there a few few things to think about before clicking away online for your . Will the shed be purely for storage if so then what items will need to be put in the shed remembering that lawn mowers take up a fair amount of floor space and you will need to get in and out of the shed for other items.Will it be just for storage, or do you also need work space?  If your requirement is for storage and workshop space how big will the bench if any is needed and you will need to consider the ceiling at height at the bench will you be able to stand ok?

If you are using the shed as a workshop then you might wish to have some natural light to work by so windows are a must but then there is a security issue if your shed with the window say facing the house to add to the security.

Shapes of Sheds

Sheds in general are rectangular  with either a apex roof of a pent roof, apex roofs a house like with a ridge normally front to back and the pent shed style has the roof slopping down from front to back

Shed Location

When locating an area to erect your shed you should consider several things.  If you are intend to store general household maintenance tools and such like then you will need to erect the shed within easy reach of the house which will also be easier to supply services to the Shed such as electricity or maybe water.

You also need to think about damage to the shed from trees or children’s balls if there are windows, it is also as well to consider good shed maintenance and preventative measures to ensure your shed last s as long as possible

Shed finishes

When considering the type of wooden shed you will purchase the choice is Overlap or Shiplap. Overlap shed have sawn timbers nailed to the frame which lay on top of each other or overlapping  each other which allows the water run down the side and not allow it to lay anywhere to create a problem with rot giving a rustic look art a cheaper price. Shiplap or tongue and grove as it is also known is machined planks that fit together like some flooring again nailed to the frame creating a more expensive looking finish at what does amount to a more expensive shed

 

Maintaining Your Garden Shed For A Longer Life

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Maintenance that will help your wooden shed last

When we talk about shed maintenance we need to look at the biggest shed killer  – Water if your shed is  not protected properly water is the biggest threat to your wooden shed and will shorten it useful life considerably as once rots sets in the wooden shed will deteriorate quickly.

1.Inspect the roof regularly and do not delay maintenance which will stop water getting in from up top.
2.Stand your shed on a damp proof coarse – DPC
3.Regularly treat the side wall with a good quality paint or staining product

Maintaining the roof 

A regular inspection from the outside looking for ripped  or torn felt by the wind. Cut back any tree branches that my catch the felt or rub a hole in the wind and make repairs as soon as possible to avoid water ingress.  When it rains take a look inside the shed and see if there are any visible signs of  leaks through the shed roof if it has rained recently look for signs of staining and again if spotted get it sorted.

Typically felt roofs on sheds or any other garden building for that matter have a life expectancy of about 5 years so if you know the shed roof is 4 years or older you could save yourself the cost of a new shed by renewing the felt and getting another 5 years from the garden shed.

With the current drought and hose pipe bans an additional way to help preserve your shed is to fit guttering, this allows you to divert the rain away from the sides and base of your shed and hook the guttering up to the water butt and you will be surprised how much water can be saved from even just a regular shower.

DPC or Damp proof coarse.

The floor of a shed is also and area that if not dealt with correctly will soon rot away, when erecting a new wooden shed the best base is concrete but this is not always practical and can be quite costly even for a small shed so at the every minimum the floor should stand on something solid like paving slabs and even then you should place some heavy duty plastic between the slabs and the wooden timber having first treated them with a preservative like creosote.

Giving a base for your shed as described will prolong the life of the shed and give you a firm base to walk in your shed.

Cheese a quality stain or paint

Always use a quality stain or paint for the sides of wooden sheds, most modern products will repel the water whilst allowing the wood to breath so your shed will not only look good but will be water proof as well. When you fist treat the timbers of your shed make a note of how often the instruction say you should treat the shed and make sure you do so in good time.

As with most maintenance situations prevention is better than a cure and this is even more so with your typical garden shed as the cure is normally replacement of the whole thing!

 

 

 

 

 

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