Gardeners World...

[haiax0]

Soon to be moving house with any luck and will not be fortunate enough to have a garage, although a fenced garden with space for a reasonably sized shed. I intend to store my motorbike and push bikes in it and be able to service them where possible. I have a small selection of tools (for the time being) and thats about all its expected to hold.

Can any one recommend minimum sizes required for the above based on passed experiences? I would preferably be looking for a middle entry doored shed as opposed to one end access. And thickness and security where possible of course is paramount.

pretty vague question but appreciate any basic guidance.

[Dave]

Regardless of your planning, preparation, advice given, when erected and filled with your stuff, the shed will be too small.

Now that basic fact is highlighted, some things to consider:
1. Manoeuvring bikes, inside and outside the shed, this can take a larger space envelope that you think. Remember to visualise where you will be positioning yourself when moving a bike.
2. Doors, again a space envelope thing, take account of where/how the door will open. Consider roller doors.
3. Timber needs maintenance. "shed" timber is thin, may split/crack, knots fall out, may be draughty.
4. Metal may be prone to condensation, especially the roof, dripping onto whatever is below. But I have a friend that has recently built a single metal garage which has a very robust design. Not sure about the look or maintenance requirements.
5. Plastic, I have seen some Costco plastic shed built, once bolted to a base they were more robust than my initial thoughts.
6. Roof, rolled felt will need replacing.
7. Make the ceiling as high as possible for storing stuff. Consider using pulleys to lift pushbike about head twating height.
8. Think about essential supplies/cables the shed needs: electrickery, satellite, internet, phone.
9. Security...DO NOT give your partner a key. If so then it is not "your" shed.
10. Any slope/gradient/steps...the slightest slope can make pushing a bike with limited elbow room a proper pain.
11. Two days after the shed is erected, you will realise shed is not be big enough.

[Gazza]

I would buy a steel security type of shed (unless your garden is extremely secure). Whatever type you have, I would line it with rigid insulation boards (such as Celotex). Very easy to install. Then a nice comfy carpet (complete with underlay) to kneel on when you're working in there. As you're moving house you'll probably be changing carpets so could well have some for free.

Take note of Dave's comments above ref size. A middle door would require a pretty big shed.

Lastly I would install power, a heater and a dehumidifier to prevent rust.

When I lived in the UK my garage was detailed exactly so. It was the perfect working environment and none of my vehicles or bikes ever rusted. My heater was set up to maintain a temperature above freezing at all times throughout the winter. Beware having a heater and no dehumidifier or rust will be a problem if you store wet bikes.

[haiax0]

Very good points! Thanks chaps.

I am bound by a fenced garden / boundary at the rear of the house which is currently slabbed. Half of the total usable space should comfortably allow a 10 x 8 shed. So it would be longer than it would be wide. The garden has a good sized gate entrance so wheeling in and out a bike would be easy enough. But the shed would need to have either a wider than normal middle mounted door or have a door offset to the extreme right.

Generally I would be looking for some thicker materials and if need be entertain a self build. The ones on the tinternet seem to be a touch flimsy. I would maybe employ the use of Marine Ply and double the standard thickness of a normal garden shed (where cost allows)

something like this was my vision: http://www.wayfair.co.uk/Empire-Sheds-L ... Gwod1Q0EiA

But not having full access to the space until the move I cannot confirm if this would work. I guess I really need to see one of these sheds for space and get a feel for it in the person.

Appreciate the feedback so far.
Thanks

[Dave]

10x8 metre shed is a nice size

[willian]

I'm looking at something from here to consolidate existing space I have (or lack of)
Lots of choice of shapes, sizes and build standard / materials.

http://redshed.co.uk/

[willian]

Or something local, couple of folk I've heard say they are decent.... will also build something to order if you have an off standard idea.

Not the best website......

http://www.carlessheds.co.uk/index.html

[RK6]

Sorry to reignite an old thread but I'm also looking into building a shed so have a few points to throw in...

If you're in or around Aberdeen, you're better off with a security style pent shed which will have small windows along the top to allow plenty natural light in but prevent prying eyes perving on your kit.

On top of that, if you're even remotely handy and can afford to spend a weekend doing it, I'd highly recommend building it yourself. I got a quote for the shed I wanted from a guy down south which blew me away so decided to design my own in Sketchup and then priced the materials at Ellon Timber.

If I exclude my time, it's going to work out at roughly half the cost. Better still, I've spec'd it with much more substantial timber so it might actually end up being better (I say 'might' as I've never actually built a shed before)

[haiax0]

Pent roofs tend to be harder keep and are less maintenance free so I hear.

I have phoned round everyone and have been hit with 2k upwards for a shed (no savings for self errection ... or collection)

So its going to have to be a self build.. just wish I didn't have to practise on expensive timber and go through the f*ck up process of it all...


Paint in the hoop!

[willian]

Make sure you go to builders merchant like Jewson and have an account as you get discount if you do.

Use treated timbers ..... Something like a 47x50 mm for the framework where you can as they wont rot and don't skimp on the roof truss/ rafters as good for hanging stuff from.

Also make sure a decent tongue and groove is used as using lapping boards will warp and open up letting in moisture and beasties.

Also make sure the base is square and level before erection ...... Finarr finarr.

[RK6]

Pent roofs tend to be harder keep and are less maintenance free so I hear.

I have phoned round everyone and have been hit with 2k upwards for a shed (no savings for self errection ... or collection)

So its going to have to be a self build.. just wish I didn't have to practise on expensive timber and go through the f*ck up process of it all...


Paint in the hoop!

Don't worry about it, wood is fairly forgiving...

If I can build the below then anyone can build anything!

[haiax0]

Tidy!

I will order one of those!!

[al]

You have a tallent when it comes to wood.

[aisgsimon]

You have a tallent when it comes to wood.

[Coully]

Costco have 10x8 keter shed for 700quid,... if I had the space , I'd get it, but I have a small store for keeping my vfr separate from everything else, pushbikes (x3) and mower etc

[RK6]

You have a tallent when it comes to wood.

Oh baby.

Tidy!

I will order one of those!!

I designed and made it for my mum to fit in an awkward corner as she couldn't afford the corner unit she found online (from memory, it was about £900 ).

I reckon the wood, fittings and galv tubing only came to about £140 so she's fairly chuffed with what she got.

I've still got the Sketchup design drawings if you want to give something like this a bash? It'd be good practice for building your shed.

[haiax0]

Fire them over! very snazzy! Will PM you.

[splattercash]

Stick to a budget our you end up getting carried away ...