Landscaping5 min read

How to choose and site a storage shed

The right shed in the right place makes a garden far more practical. Here's what to consider before you buy.

Created by jflgardens.co.uk

A shed is more than a place to park the mower — chosen and sited well, it becomes a tidy, low-maintenance anchor for the whole garden. Get the position and base right and it'll stand square and useful for decades.

1

Choose the right size and materials

Buy the largest size your space and budget allow — most people wish they'd gone bigger for storing tools, bikes and garden furniture. Timber suits most gardens, while metal and resin options are quicker to install and lower maintenance.

2

Site it for sunlight and access

Aim for a level, sunny spot with easy, all-weather access through the door and enough clearance to open it fully. Keep it clear of fences where possible so you can paint or treat the back wall, and avoid low, waterlogged ground.

3

Get the base right — it's the most important step

A shed is only as good as its base. A square, level concrete slab, paving or a timber base with proper support keeps the frame square, the door working and the floor dry. Take time on this and everything else follows.

4

Make it work as part of the garden

Treat the shed as a garden feature, not an afterthought. Screen it with climbers or a willow panel, run a path to the door, and paint it to suit the boundary or house. A well-finished shed elevates the whole plot.

Need a hand with this in your own garden?

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