Where to put a shed in a small garden?

One oft-overlooked consideration in shed placement is its relative proximity to the sun, in accordance with the seasons, and the time of day. If you're planning to keep plants or grow vegetables inside, you'll ideally want to position it in a place where it's going to get as much sun exposure as possible.

gardenbuildingsdirect.co.uk - Positioning Your Shed: The 7 Things You Need to Consider

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There’s a lot more to consider when putting a garden shed in your backyard. The location is among them. This covers the distance to your garden boundary as well as the level of exposure to hazards. Although the process may seem demanding at first, it can be straightforward with careful planning. Get your shed built in the ideal spot, and you’ll get the most out of it. Easy as that! But to ensure you’re well-guided, take note of these points below and get started.

Positioning Your Shed

Sheds offer the best storage solution for garden tools, but they can be more than that. There are tens, even hundreds of different uses for sheds. But if placed in an awkward area or distant location, your shed will not live up to its expectations. That’s most likely the case even if it has the perfect amount of storeroom or a convenient access points. That’s why it’s so important to be careful when positioning your shed. The placement can have as much of an impact on its functionality and how it’ll last. But keep in mind that this may need a consideration of legal requirements, such as planning permission. In such a case, go to your local planning authority and see if you have their approval. If it passes the building regulations and doesn’t need a permit, then you can proceed to the next step. Location, location, location. Here are a few things to consider when finding the optimal spot to place your shed:

1. The size of your garden

This has one of the biggest effects on the proper location of your shed. Your garden space must have room for an easy-to-use path to the entrance of your structure. You may also want to keep the room open around the perimeter for add-ons you might like to install in the future. If you don’t have a huge garden or only one spot where your shed could go, then it’s crucial to consider other factors even more highly to identify the best placement or orientation.

2. Proximity to boundaries

Placing your garden building against fences seems like no trouble, but a few issues may arise. Depending on who’s next door, it could get on your neighbour’s nerves. If your wall backs onto a neighbour’s house, then this is a no-go. Legally, A shed can’t be placed within two metres of a dwelling (house) boundary. Don’t make trouble for yourself by breaking this rule. If you are placing it against a fence or wall, consider how this might affect its structure of it.

3. Exposure to the elements

Protect your shed from the British weather by not placing it in an open space. Experts recommend placing it within the shadow of another building for protection. Positioning it in the middle of your garden, for instance, will expose it to rain. That also means potential water damage. But say it’s the only choice you have. Installing guttering will work as a partial safeguard, as it’ll collect rainwater away from the structure. A roof overhang also works, giving the windows and the bottom boards more protection. Thus, don’t leave your outbuilding unattended and totally exposed to wind. Otherwise, expect a solid decline to the point of structural damage in the long run. Consider the danger of overhanging trees, too, to prevent falling branches from damaging the shed. This also helps avoid sharing the floor with tree roots.

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4. Security

Make sure you have a safe and secure place for your garden shed. In essence, on top of concrete or paving stone and no overhanging branches nearby. This is also where a strong foundation comes into play. It’s important because it helps prevent the shed from sinking into soft ground when it rains or in winter.

5. Ground level

Keep the storeroom away from nearby shrubs and spots where water pools. Unless you want to walk through mud or tracking debris each time you gain access. A level foundation can help you prevent standing pools of water and debris. At the same time, it provides an ideal surface with a secure level base for positioning the shed. In short, avoid areas of the garden that you know to get the wettest – it’s a shed, not a ship! Also, check the ground around your property to see if the earth has any sloping, holes, or humps and bumps. If you have a sloped plot, this may demand a little more effort to create a solid understructure.

6. Proximity to the house

Locating your shed too close to bushes is a no-no. The same goes for whacking it up right next to the house. To begin with, it lessens your access points to at least one of the sides, affecting accessibility and your ability to perform repairs. Getting it so close to the house also means you can’t see the building in full view. This makes the shed a more suitable target for potential burglars. Also, consider how the landscape and surrounding foliage may change over time. This way, you’ll know if it can be accessible all year round or if it will create any obstacles along the way.

7. Exposure to the sun

Light exposure can influence how comfortable your shed interior will be and how much you use it. So take note of how much light reaches where you want to locate the outbuilding. If direct sunlight hits it for most of the day, the interior will be hot and the exterior paint and roof may age faster. And, if you plan to use your shed as a workshop, the sun beating down on it all day might make the interior unpleasantly warm after a while. Moreover, think of the items stored, whether they’re heat or light-sensitive. See if the sunlight will stream through the windows in each area of your yard. You’ll want a layout that’ll protect your heat-sensitive belongings from it as much as possible. If you don’t have other placement options, add UV ray inhibiting film to the east and west windows. On the contrary, a place in a shady location may only add to the shed being too cold in winter. Top tip: Install basic electric lights to maximise the use of your shed even in the wintertime.

8. Consider outdoor activities

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Place your shed within a reasonable distance from areas you spend most of your time. For instance, if you do lots of gardening, place it in a nearby spot so you can grab supplies quickly and conveniently. But if your shed is solely for storage, it may not be a bother to place it far from your favoured relaxation spots.

9. View and aesthetics

Give some thought to the view your shed will create from all angles. Will it block your view or will the neighbour get angry about this?

Do you want it to blend in with the surroundings or stand out more? Or would you rather it was tucked away in the corner of the backyard? A shed can increase the value of your home when planned for and installed correctly. If not, it could end up creating an eye sore and a heap of frustration for neighbours and future buyers.

10. Local ordinances

Check with your Local Planning Authority or County Council to determine if there are rules for positioning your shed. Generally, they’ll want to know the intended use for your shed. Some local councils mandate how close a shed can be to fences, trees, property lines and other buildings. Speaking of council requirements, below is an overview of exemptions for planning permission.

Shed Planning Permission

Your shed doesn’t need planning permission if it meets the following criteria:

It’s under 2.5m tall at the eaves

It doesn’t cover more than 50% of the garden

It isn’t located within 2 metres of a house or dwelling boundary

Intended for domestic use and contains no permanent sleeping accommodation

The floor area does not exceed 15 square metres

Has no veranda or balcony, and decking (if any) should be no higher than 30cm from ground level

Positioning Your Shed: Round-up

It’s a challenge to move a storage building after it has been installed. Prior to ordering a shed, dedicate time to determine the best position on your property for it. With this, you can avoid the hassle and make the best use of your new structure. Get it wrong, and your outbuilding may be more of a headache than a convenience. Lucky for you, that’s less likely to happen now that you already know what to do! And remember that you can customise your shed to better fit within the confines of your yard. Oh and, if you don’t already have a shed but want one of your own, then click the button below!