What makes a good wooden shed?
While the specs may look good ("increased framing", "improved design"), the detail says different, and the experience can be pretty poor. So look for:
- Bracing on corners, roofing and adjoining panels. Without it, the structure of the shed will not be stable after a few years, leading to shed tilt and water leakage.
- Galvanised metal: cheap hinges and locks will rust quickly. Galvanised components withstand the weather much better, helping you keep your shed dry and secure for much, much longer.
- Backed roofing felt: the ceiling will move in the wind. Cheap felt does not stretch well and unless it is lined, is much more likely to split and fail.
- Quality wood: no amount of pressure treatment or preserver can make up for low quality wood. A cheap shed means cheap wood. Cheap wood means a poorly built shed that won't retain its structure over time.
- Tongue and groove 'shiplap' every time over overlap. Stronger, better weather proofing and more secure.
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Shatter-proof windows: only toughened glass for obvious reasons!
The Pros and Cons of (good) Wooden Sheds
Pros
- Traditional rural look
- Wood is a good insulator
- Easy to paint and personalise
- Many sizes and configurations available
- Very strong and solid construction
Cons
- Requires some maintenance
- Less secure than metal sheds
- More difficult to move once erect