A garden shed can be a great way to add extra storage space to your home. If you are a DIY gardener, you can use the shed to store your gardening tool and protect them from the weather. A shed can also be the perfect place to store your outdoor furniture throughout the winter. Things you need but don’t want to keep in the house, like paint, tools, camping equipment, etc, can also find a place in the shed. When buying a gardening shed you need to make sure it is:
- Waterproof – to prevent dampness and rain from entering.
- Weatherproof – to not have the roof blowing off at the first sign of a gust of wind.
- Secure – some gardening equipment and tool can be very expensive.
- Appealing – you don’t want something that looks scruffy in your garden, even if it’s a functional thing.
When you think of a garden shed, probably the image that comes to your mind is the traditional wooden shed. Although these sheds still have their place on the market, the metal alternative is becoming increasingly popular as it ticks all of the above requirements and more. If you are looking for extra outdoor space and are wondering what the best type of shed is, here are the benefits a metal shed will offer for you.
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More Durable
Galvanised steel is naturally a more durable material than wood. Resistant to mould, rot, fire and pest damage, it’s the best material choice for an outdoor shed. These are common issues often encountered with wooden sheds and some of them are the reasons why wood sheds can be high-maintenance. If you don’t have the budget or time for a high-maintenance shed, choose a galvanised steel shed. As for how long does galvanised shed last, you can expect it to last for at least 10 years or longer.
More Cost-Effective
Many think that wood sheds are the most affordable option, but that is not always the case. Often, you can get a steel shed for less than the cost of a wooden shed of the same size. Not only wood sheds can cost more, but they tend to be more expensive in terms of transport and installation as well. Most suppliers offer galvanised sheds that are lightweight and flat-packed, making it easy and simple to get them to your garden. They also come with everything you need to build them – all you have to do is follow the instruction booklet.
Easy to Maintain
The galvanised coating underneath the steel helps protect the shed from the elements, preventing rust from forming. This protective layer also minimizes the impact of corrosion on steel sheds. To keep your galvanised steel shed looking in top condition and to improve its longevity you should consider repainting it every five years or so. Even if you don’t feel like doing that, a quick house down to keep it clean once in a while is enough to keep your shed in good condition.
Easy to Install
Due to their lighter weight per box, sheds made from steel are much easier to assemble than their wooden counterparts. You don’t need any specialized tool or a degree in engineering to put it all together. All you have to do is follow the instruction booklet. The tools you will need to put your shed together are generally included in the package.
No Foundations Needed
Another great benefit of galvanised steel sheds is that they don’t require foundations in the majority of cases. This is a great thing considering the fact that foundations are costly to build and get sorted, and also take a long time to be done. When it comes to what do you put under a metal shed, any flat surfaces can be used to build these sheds, making it a quick and simple process for even those who don’t have any skills with this kind of thing. It’s important to mention that some larger sheds can require foundations for support, as they need a strong, supportive base. Still, most small designs will not need them.
Much More Secure
Metal sheds are also much more secure than wooden sheds. No matter how strong the wooden shed can be, one may be able to break into it with a bit of force. A metal shed, however, is near impossible to break into it. The doors of metal sheds usually come with reinforced hinges and locks which further help prevent any ferocious individuals from getting in.
Less of a Fire Hazard
When choosing a shed is also important to consider the potential for a fire hazard to your home. This is another way a steel shed is better than a wooden shed. Steel is naturally fire-resistant and requires exceptionally high temperatures to melt. No matter what you store in the shed, you want to be confident it is safe at all times. Wooden sheds are more likely to burn if exposed to flames and plastic can also deform and even melt.
Now that you know that metal steel sheds are the best option, what else do you need to consider? Size is also an important factor. So, make sure to measure the space you have available to decide how big your shed could be without impacting the flow in your garden.
It can also be helpful to make a list of everything you want to put in there – garden tools, bikes, camping equipment, garden chairs, etc. The last thing you want is to discover that a shed that you ordered is not large enough to keep your essentials. It’s always smart to order to biggest size you can comfortably accommodate.