Photo: Thirdman

How long will a shed last?

A good quality shed can last upwards of fifteen years so it really is worth paying a bit more upfront for a shed that will last longer in order to get more value for your money.

barnardfencing.co.uk - Garden Shed FAQs - Barnard Fencing

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Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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If you’re considering buying and building a shed in your back garden, there are a few considerations you need to make before you take the plunge. To help you on the right path to choosing your own shed, the team here at Barnard Fencing have put together a rundown of some of the more frequently asked questions our team hear on a regular basis.

Do I need planning permission?

Generally speaking, no you won’t need planning permission for your shed as it is deemed an outbuilding. However, there are some limitations to the size and positioning of your shed; your shed must be no more than 4 metres high and take up no more than half of your garden space, and your shed must be placed at least 2.5 metres away from the house. If you’re considering a shed that exceeds these limitations, you will need to contact your local council planning office.

Where should I position my shed?

As stated above, your garden shed must be placed at least 2.5 metres away from your home, but there are other influences you should bear in mind when placing your shed. For example, we’d suggest that you place your shed far enough away from all walls, fences and buildings to allow access all the way around the shed to carry out maintenance and repairs, and to allow ventilation to the wood to prevent damp and mould from accumulating. A final factor you should bear in mind is the presence of trees. While placing your shed under a tree might look attractive in summer, when autumn arrives and the leaves begin to fall off the tree and land on your shed roof, you may begin to regret your decision. Fallen foliage will allow damp to set into your roof, causing structural damage to the shed.

What base should I use for my shed?

You will need a solid, level grounding for your shed’s base to protect the wood from moisture in the grass. There are many materials you can use to create your shed base including concrete, gravel, paving slabs and timber bearers. There are pros and cons to each base, and some are more suited to smaller structures than larger sheds. We’ve previously covered this topic in a blog post, so if you’d like to find out more, you can access the article here.

What cladding should I use?

There are three types of cladding you should consider: Overlap, tongue & groove and shiplap. Overlap sees boards overlapping one another to deflect rainwater and is the most affordable roof option, tongue & groove is more expensive than overlap but is stronger and more resilient, and finally shiplap is the most expensive option but also holds the most benefits. It is similar to tongue & groove but has a lip around the edge that prevents rain from penetrating the shed to reduce the likelihood of the wood swelling, warping or rotting. We’d always suggest that you opt for the most expensive cladding you can as it is a vital element to the structure and is crucial for the longevity of your shed.

Should I insure my shed?

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Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Your home insurance may cover your shed and its contents, so check your policy before you purchase separate cover. If not, however, then we would certainly recommend you get some insurance to protect not only your shed itself, but also the valuable belongings you store inside, from damage or theft.

How long will my shed last?

The longevity of your shed depends on the quality of the wood, the material you use for your base and the type of cladding you use, as well as the steps you take to care for your shed. A good quality shed can last upwards of fifteen years so it really is worth paying a bit more upfront for a shed that will last longer in order to get more value for your money.

How do I keep my shed in good condition?

You can keep your shed in good condition by carrying out regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning the shed, treating the wood with a preservative, carrying out any small repairs and keeping an eye out for signs of wood rot annually. For more details on the best way to maintain your wooden shed, take a look at our article on the matter, available here. Barnard Fencing have been supplying high quality fencing supplies and wooden sheds to Nottingham and the East Midlands for over 30 years, and in that time we’ve built up an esteemed reputation as a reliable and trustworthy supplier. All of our products are made from the highest standard of wood to ensure longevity and durability, and our installations are carried out by fully trained fitters. For more information on any of our services, get in contact today and we’ll be happy to discuss your enquiry.

barnardfencing.co.uk - Garden Shed FAQs - Barnard Fencing