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4 tips to build a better garden shed
Katie Adema, May
2016
Who doesn’t love a good DIY weekend project? With most weekends still filled with sunshine, there’s no better time than the present to dig into a little outdoor construction activity.
And the most satisfying projects are those with a clear end purpose that you will get loads of use out of – enter stage right, the DIY garden shed.
Even if your role is just to point and yell directions at your partner (hey, someone has to be project manager), these tips will help you create a durable garden shed that can fit all your bits and bobs inside.
Make way, make way
The project is already game over before it’s begun if you don’t actually clear a proper space. This sounds very obvious, but its very important that you don’t just squeeze the shed into a space too small for it – without proper air circulation and exposure to light, your shed could end up rotting or damaged by damp. Allow two or three feet of space between the outer walls of the shed and surrounding trees, bushes, fences, and walls to make sure there light isn’t blocked completely from reaching the structure. This space also gives you room to paint, repair or reconstruct your shed at a later date if need be.
Do the foundation work
Even the most cleverly constructed garden shed isn’t going to last very long unless it has a solid base to sit on. You may need to construct a foundation for your shed in the form of solid concrete or timber blocks that are levelled and set into the ground. Make sure you set the foundation blocks close enough together to support the shed’s weight properly, and use solid blocks rather than hollow wall blocks that may crack under pressure. It is also important to note that for the sake of your foundation’s longevity, it isn’t advisable to build your shed in a low-lying area that is prone to run off.