Shiplap Workshop Shed 20x10

It’s a sad fact, but the truth is when it comes to garden sheds people rarely put thought into the type. Indeed, many people don’t even consider different types –  if they know there are any at all. Rather, a shed is most often just thought of as a wooden structure for keeping tools and a lawnmower, with the only noticeable difference being the size.

The actual truth could not be further from that viewpoint, though. A shed is not only distinguished by its size, but mainly by its construction material and usage type.

Garden Sheds – 4 Types

There are four main types: basic, three in one, tool and large. A basic shed is the average type and is extremely easy to construct. More often than not they are made of wood and used for storing gardening tools and equipment. A three in one shed provides the option of having a gazebo and potting shed along wide a standard shed, too. The shed section can be used for general storage. A tool shed is particularly useful for the keen gardener; they provide space for storage and make it easier to keep tidy thanks to hooks for hanging tools, which makes them ideal for those with smaller gardens. Metal sheds often are popular choices for tool sheds. Finally, large garden sheds give ample space for tools and equipment, but of course these are best suited to larger gardens.

Vinyl and Metal Sheds

Metal Shed - Dark Grey

Although wooden sheds are extremely popular, you shouldn’t neglect the option of vinyl or metal. The main benefit to vinyl and metal is their durability; unlike their wooden counterparts, they do not need to be treated against the elements or varnished to stay looking new and fresh. You may also find that metal or vinyl offer better protection against garden wildlife like mice and spiders, as they will not warp like wood, which provides ample-sized holes for insects and small animals to crawl through and make their nest. Vinyl sheds in particular also tend to be light, which makes it easier to erect as wooden sheds can be very heavy, especially the larger ones.

Financing your shed

Of course the larger, higher quality sheds are more expensive. The temptation is to buy the smallest or cheapest option; the problem with this is that they may not be up to the task – ultimately a false economy: you may find yourself having to  replace your shed soon after your initial purchase.

In these instances, it is a good idea to start a savings account or ISA to save up for the perfect shed. There are a number of easy access accounts available to consumers so you can put some of your income aside to save up for the shed you need easily and quickly, and then access it whenever you need it.

Vinyl sheds and plastic sheds are fast becoming a popular alternative to the more traditional wooden shed or metal shed as they are far easier to assemble and offer superb secure outdoor storage. You will also find that these types of garden building are far cheaper.

If you are planning to buy a plastic shed or vinyl shed you may be wondering what the difference is. Essentially a vinyl shed is fire retardant meaning that it will not catch on fire and melt which is what would happen to a plastic shed if it caught on fire. A Vinyl shed also weathers better. During periods of extremely cold weather conditions a plastic shed can sometimes become brittle whilst a vinyl shed will remain strong.

To help you see what the main differences are between a plastic and vinyl shed we have listed the key features of each garden structure below.

Vinyl Sheds Key Features

• Fire retardant
• Weather resistant
• Easy to assemble
• Rot and rodent proof
• No maintenance required
• No cracking or warping
• Built around a metal frame which makes these garden sheds incredibly strong

Plastic Sheds Key Features

• Easy to assemble
• Maintenance free
• Easy to assemble
• Light weight
• Rot and rodent free
• Rust resistant
• Weather resistant unless exception cold conditions occur
• Prone to fading if positioned in direct sunlight over prolonged periods of time
• Not fireproof

Unlike wooden garden sheds the main benefit of choosing either a plastic or vinyl one is that no maintenance is required. A wooden shed will require regular treatment and staining each year, which can become quite tiresome over time. A vinyl or plastic shed is also far easier to disassemble and transport should you move house and wish to take it with you.

Visit Jacks Garden Store now and view our range of superb vinyl garden sheds at fantastic discounted prices. You can simply order online and receive free delivery to your home.

Good Luck

Gardener Jack!

Find out the advantages and disadvantages of a plastic shed, wooden shed and a metal shed.

The pros and cons of each garden shed material:

Plastic Garden Sheds

Pros
Maintenance free
Cheap
Light weight and easy to move around your garden
Quick and easy assembly
Wide opening front allowing for easy access

Cons
Not attractive
Not environmentally friendly
Limited range of sizes

Metal Sheds

Pros
Maintenance free
Extremely durable
Ultimate security
Choice of colours
Available in wood grain effect
Easy assembly

Cons
Condensation problems inside if incorrect foundations are laid
Unsuitable for keeping pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs due to the cold conditions inside.
Rust problems sometimes occur
Noisy opening and closing doors
Not always attractive

Wooden sheds

Pros
Attractive shed
Available in a wide range of sizes
Economical
FSC Certified wooden sheds are environmentally friendly
Warm material so good for storing pets
Paint to the colour of your choice

Cons
Maintenance and re-staining required
Cheap versions are flimsy and will not last
Difficult to relocate once in position.

For further information on what to consider when buying a garden shed please visit our blog now. At Jacks garden Store we also offer a fantastic range of garden sheds all with free delivery.

Are you planning to buy a new wooden garden shed to store your tools, lawn mower, barbecue and garden furniture in?

If so here are a few tops tips on what to consider before you buy a garden shed.

What size shed?

The most popular size shed is definitely the 8×6 shed, however you will find that you can choose from a small potting shed to a huge double door workshop or shed depending on your requirements and the size of your garden.

If you have a family and are buying a garden shed never go below a 6×5 shed as it will quickly become overcrowded with only a few tools and garden toys. Your best bet is to buy an 8×6 wooden shed or one of similar size as this will give you plenty of storage space. Do make sure that you have enough room in your garden for a garden shed of this size. An 8×6 garden shed will give you room for four bikes, your garden tools, a lawn mower plus any outdoor toys your children have.

To prolong the life of your garden furniture, store garden tables, chairs and parasols in your wooden garden shed as well.

Pitched or Flat Roof?

Garden Sheds are available with either a pitched roof known as an apex shed or with a flat roof that is slanted know as a pent roof shed.

An Apex garden shed is extremely useful when it comes to storing parasols or other equipment overhead as this type of garden shed provides great additional storage space in the space above your head which is not available in a pent roofed shed.

Pent roofed sheds on the other hand are a good choice if you are planning to position your new garden shed against your neighbours fence as the overall height of the wooden shed is generally lower than an apex shed.

A little information on wooden shed materials……..

Cheap wooden sheds are made from strips of preservative treated pine. The featheredge boards can warp and let in moisture and draughts.

If you are looking to buy a long lasting quality garden shed that you can spend time in I would recommend investing in a tongue and groove or shiplap cladding shed. These types of wooden garden sheds have interlocking wood panels that keep out the draughts. For a great range of quality wooden garden sheds check out our range now.

The roof of a good quality shed has thick felt shingles that should last for at least 10 years whilst cheaper sheds only use a simple felt.

For more information on garden sheds check out my blog and if you are looking to buy a great wooden garden shed visit Jacks Garden Store now where all of our sheds are offered with free delivery.

Good Luck

Gardener Jack!

Garden sharing schemes have been arising all over the UK. The aim of garden sharing projects is to pair up people who can no longer cope with their gardens with local green fingered neighbours who are desperate to get stuck in but have no or little green space of their own.

In Edinburgh the garden sharing scheme is funded by climate challenge fund, local residents have already began to feel the benefits. Keen local gardeners are helping to reduce the burden felt by some residents from having a large garden that they can no longer cope with.

Previously allotments were the perfect alternative for those of us looking for a plot of land to work on but in some areas today you have as much chance winning the lottery as you getting an allotment. In towns such as Bath the waiting list is 5 years for an allotment and in some areas of London this is far longer!!

Fresh Veg
The garden sharing scheme is encouraging people to grow their own fruit and vegetables which reduces food miles and allows the members of the scheme to enjoy organic vegetables all year round.

One of the co-ordinators in Edinburgh of the garden sharing scheme Tony Brash hopes that “through growing more food locally we’ll reduce carbon emissions.” Food will not be travelling the same distance as supermarket bought produce and it will not have anywhere near the same level of packaging.

Social Contact

Garden Sharing schemes encourage social communication within a local community as well as bringing different generations together. In todays society you are less likely than ever before to know or speak to your neighbours. Garden Sharing schemes help bring people together with shared interests.

In Edinburgh there are now 60 garden owners hoping to matched up with keen gardeners and there are about 40 volunteers on the list. If there pairing is successful derelict areas of the city and overgrown gardens could become a thing of the past.

For more great gardening news and information check out my blog. At  Jacks Garden Store we provide a fantastic range of garden buildings such as wooden sheds, summerhouses, log cabins and greenhouses.