The garden shed
basil | 1/7/2006 | 2:22 pmThe Garden Shed in Worcester.
If you have a garden, large or small, it is useful to have a shed, it’s a place to keep the lawnmower and gardening tools, and somewhere to put those items you don’t use now but don’t want to throw away. It can be a good place to escape from the other half.
If you are thinking of buying a shed. First, where to position, should be carefully considered, most are located at the bottom of the garden, but if you erect nearer the house, it will be easier to provide a power supply, if required at a later date.
Next think about how large a shed will be suitable for your requirements. If you want to use your shed just to store tools, and the lawnmower, a smaller size will be sufficient. But if intending to become an enthusiastic gardener, or if requiring to use as a workshop, something larger may be needed.
After deciding where to site what size, and what it’s use will be, next think about construction materials.
Sheds can be made. In wood, metal or even concrete, but wood is probably the best choice.
Sheds come complete with floor, but if you want it to last, put it on a base, lay slabs or have a builder put down a base of concrete. Make sure the correct measurements have been provided. A good plan is to obtain floor bearers when ordering the shed, to be placed under the floor; these should keep it completely dry, prolonging its life.
The shed supplier should be able to deliver and erect, although putting up a shed is not a difficult job, it does require two able bodied people. The first option is best.
After you have your shed built, you can start to fit it out by putting up shelves and maybe make a workbench. Also put up racks for your gardening tools, to keep them tidy. A rack can easily be made out of a length of 4in x 2in with 1 inch dowels at 2 inch centres.
If a power supply is required, this can be done, by laying an underground cable from the house through an isolator switch connection, but if you are not competent yourself, you must get a qualified electrician to do this. A power point and a strip light can also be installed in your shed at this time.
A final job is to give your new acquisition a coat of good quality wood preserver, in the shade of your choice, and repeat annually.