5 Mistakes You Want To Avoid When Installing A Garden Shed

A good shed can be just what any gardener needs to stay firmly in control, giving them the space and organised storage for their tools and garden supplies. However, as straightforward as installing a shed might be, it’s easy to end up with expensive repairs or a space that doesn’t really meet your needs if you spend enough time planning it out. Here, we’ll look at five of the most common mistakes made when installing a shed and how to avoid them.

Building On Uneven Ground

If your shed is on uneven or unstable ground, it can quickly result in problems arising. This can include doors and windows that start to stick, roof panels separating, and the whole structure becoming a lot more unstable over time. Before you install your shed, check that the area is level and the soil is thoroughly compacted. Leveling the site correctly can make sure that you have a safer, sturdier structure, preventing a lot of maintenance down the line.

Ignoring Your Drainage Needs

Poor drainage is a problem just about anywhere in the garden, and the same goes for your shed. If rainwater collects around the base, then it can easily wear away at materials, lead to wood rot, and cause damp to start building up inside. Avoid building your shed on low spots where water naturally collects and add some drainage, such as gravel or channels that direct water away from the structure. For a larger shed, you should consider installing a gutter or downspout. 

Building Without A Proper Shed Base

You might think that building a shed is as simple as preparing the ground, putting down some flooring, and erecting those four walls, but without a base, the whole building can be dangerously unstable. Quality shed bases support the weight of the structure and provide stability, as well as preventing it from sinking into the ground or shifting in bad weather. It also protects it from moisture and rot rising from beneath. 

Not Planning Your Tool Storage

The shed is, primarily, a practical storage place for your essential garden tools and supplies. However, if you don’t install proper storage places, it’s easy for it to become cluttered and impractical before long. Think about what storage features you can use to make your tools as accessible and secure as they need to be, whether that’s shelving, wall hooks, workbenches, overhead storage, or tool chests. Planning ahead also helps determine the best shed size for your needs, preventing overcrowding later on.

Not Choosing A Convenient Location

Your shed is a practical space, so you should make sure that it’s practical to access it as well. Placing it too far away from the home can make you unconsciously less likely to use it as often as you should. However, you also want to avoid placing it too close to any walls or fences as that can make it difficult to give it the maintenance and repairs it may need.

Don’t let the mistakes above undermine how useful your garden shed could be. Prepare thoroughly and ensure that your plans really meet your needs before building.