Owning a shed…
Until you do, most people have no idea of the trials, tribulations and delights of owning a shed. Of course, the basic function of a shed is to provide a weatherproof space for storage and other activities about which we will say no more. Sheds come in many forms. Most are prefabricated whilst others are handmade by their owners. Excepting those Garden Office types that have insulation and double-glazing, most sheds are single-skin wooden structures that get cold in the winter and roast in the summer. They are certainly not airtight so the humidity varies with the weather and this presents certain challenges. Roofs are normally made of bitumen felt that will need replacing every seven years or so depending on the quality. Indeed, shed maintenance is something that most people don’t even consider when purchasing. The best quality (and most expensive) is cedar. Most ordinary sheds are made from treated softwood. If you can afford it, go for the thickest wood – normally labelled ‘heavy duty’. I say this because I found my first shed being eaten to really thin boards by wasps! To discourage wasps, and to prolong the life of any shed, I recommend using a wood stain or similar. This will need to be reapplied every three years or so I suggest that when positioning your shed, you always allow space to get around it. Having space behind a shed is also a really good place to hide stuff like the wheelbarrow or aluminium ladder.
So shed owners of the world, celebrate your shed and try to hang on to it for as long as you can. If you are a first-time shed buyer, invest in the best shed you can afford and maintain it regularly. Remember, sheds get really cold in winter and tools, tins of paint and other metal items will attract condensation. To minimise the trouble this causes wrap stuff tightly in plastic bags or use those clip-top storage boxes. Yes, another expensive outlay but worth it in the long run, I think. Good luck.
